Almost one in four international students are struggling to cope, according to a new report by Medibank and Nous Group that identifies three priorities to help students thrive in Australia.

From surviving to thriving: Building the conditions for international student success brings together the voices of more than 2,400 international students and university staff, healthcare claims data, and other sector evidence to examine the pressures affecting students’ health, sense of connection, and capacity to succeed.

Despite strong overall satisfaction, the report finds that 24 per cent of international students are experiencing poorer physical and mental health, greater stress, loneliness, and difficulty coping. Twenty-six per cent say their mental health has worsened since arriving in Australia.

The findings highlight the relationship between wellbeing and academic success. Students with poorer wellbeing are less confident of completing their course, while health challenges can affect concentration, academic performance and assessment completion.

Medibank Executive Becky Hyde said that understanding students' experiences is critical to ensuring support is reaching those who need it most.  

"International students make an enormous contribution to our communities, campuses and economy, but their experiences and wellbeing needs are often different to those of domestic students," she said.  

"What we've heard is that for many students, health and wellbeing challenges don't start with a crisis. Feelings of loneliness, isolation and disconnection can be early warning signs that someone may be struggling, and the findings reinforce the importance of fostering genuine connection and belonging on campus and beyond.”  

The report identifies three areas for action: identifying difficulty earlier, making connection a core part of the student experience, and making support easier to navigate.

"Most international students report a positive experience, but that headline hides a sizeable group facing pressures across their study, daily lives and social connections at the same time,” said Nous Group Principal and Global Head of Higher Education Zac Ashkanasy. “Loneliness is an early warning sign of deeper risk, and social connection is not an add-on to the student experience."  

"Universities are not starting from zero. Many already provide lots of great services, but not enough of the students at greatest risk are using them. The opportunity is a more connected, timely, and navigable system, designed around what students need rather than how universities are organised." 

The report frames international student success as a shared responsibility for universities, OSHC providers, student organisations and policymakers. It calls for support designed around the realities of student life, moving beyond crisis responses to create the conditions for students to stay connected, capable and engaged.