Research has found that mental health strategies designed for international students are few and far between in Australian public universities, highlighting the need for better support. The study, led by researchers from the University of Sydney and Deakin University, reviewed 37 public universities and found that only three universities had publicly available mental health strategies that had substantial references to international students.
Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia also said that often, students will find themselves struggling with relationships or sexual identities they have been unable to express in their home country. "They see coming to a country like Australia where this is more accepted as both a great relief for them but also a constant worry that the social media posts or something will reveal that exploration.