The cost of living is hurting international students

The cost of living is hurting international students

The cost of living is hurting international students

Living costs in Australia are soaring, and international students are feeling the pinch. Some are being forced to rely on food vouchers and charity to get by.

The cost of living in Australia has been rising steadily over the past few years, and international students are feeling the pinch more than most. With tuition fees and other costs already putting a strain on their finances, the rising cost of living is pushing many over the edge.

Rising rent prices, fuel prices, and the high cost of food are among the biggest financial burdens for students. In some cases, these costs have resulted in students going hungry or skipping meals. This is having a serious impact on their studies and their health, and it is something that needs to be addressed urgently.

The situation is especially dire for those studying in metropolitan cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, where the cost of living is among the highest in the country. Students there are finding it increasingly difficult to afford basic necessities, let alone save any money for their future.

Charity organisations like Foodbank Australia are seeing an increase in the number of international students seeking assistance. In the past year, Foodbank has provided more than 20,000 meals to international students in need.

The situation has led to calls for action from the Australian government. Some politicians have suggested that the government should provide financial assistance to international students.
The high cost of living is just one of the challenges faced by international students in Australia.

Despite the difficulties, most international students say they are happy with their decision to study in Australia. They believe the experience is worth the challenges they face.
Do you think the Australian government should do more to support international students? Let us know in the comments below.

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Sukh Sandhu

Executive Director

Sukh has been working in the VET and Higher Education Industry for over 25 years. In this time, he has held several roles with RTO's and Higher Education Providers (HEP) including CEO roles for International Colleges and National Compliance and Quality Assurance Manager roles for several RTO's, TAFE's and Universities. Sukh has also worked for the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a Business Systems Project Official. Sukh is a Canadian permanent resident and Australian citizen.

Sukh has had extensive project management experience in risk management, compliance, administration and as a training consultant. He has extensive knowledge in government compliance standards and has participated in nearly one hundred audits across Australia and provided consultancy advice regarding ASQA/VRQA, TEQSA, ACPET, DET-HESG, VQF/Higher Education, ELICOS, NEAS, ANMAC, AHPRA, CRICOS, ESOS and ISO.

Sukh is a member of several independent professional organisations and government bodies including, ACPET, VELG, ACS, AITD, MARA, MIA, ISANA, APEX, IEEE, The Internet Society (Global Member), AISIP, IAMOT, ACM, OISV, APACALL, IWA, Eta Kappa Nu, EDSIG and several others.

Sukh's qualifications include two MBAs, three masters in IT and systems, a Graduate diploma of management learning, Diploma in training design and development, Diploma in vocational education training, Diploma of work, health and safety, Diploma of Quality Auditing, Advanced diploma of management, Advanced diploma in marketing, human resources, information technology, and a number of other courses and qualifications. He has been working as a lecturer and as a trainer and assessor since 1998, Sukh has been a vocal advocate of audit reforms and system centred auditing practices rather than auditor centred auditing practices for many years.