1 hr ago
Indian Students in Australia Face Rent, Jobs and Migration Pressures
Many Indian students go to Australia hoping to study, work part-time and build a career.
But living costs, especially rent, have become very high.
Students also say part-time jobs are harder to find than before.
One student applied for about 300 jobs and heard back from only two or three employers.
Student visas usually limit work to 48 hours every two weeks during study periods.
Australia is also making the path from studying to staying and working more competitive.
Some politicians want fewer international students and migrants.
Universities say international students help support education, jobs and the skilled workforce.
Students are therefore trying to finish their studies while managing rent, work and uncertainty about their futures.
Indian students in Melbourne report high rents, limited housing options and difficulty finding part-time work.
One student said she applied for about 300 jobs but received only two or three callbacks.
International students can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods.
India represented 16% of Australia’s international students through June 2026, second only to China.
One Nation wants to reduce international student and graduate migration numbers, while universities warn of economic and workforce consequences.
- Who
- Indian international students in Australia, especially students in Melbourne, along with universities, politicians and education organisations.
- What
- International students are facing high housing costs, scarce part-time jobs and increased uncertainty over migration pathways.
- Where
- Australia, particularly Melbourne.
- When
- The article discusses conditions in 2026, including student numbers through June 2026, the minimum wage from July 1, 2026, and a One Nation proposal announced September 14.
- Why
- Rising living costs, limited housing, competition for jobs and tighter student and migration policies are making the study-to-work pathway more difficult.
Reduce international student migration
Maintain international education
Student and graduate numbers
Reduce international student migration
One Nation has announced plans for a major reduction in international student numbers and graduate migration.
Maintain international education
Universities Australia argues that international education is important to universities, jobs, economic activity and the skilled workforce.
Public policy priorities
Reduce international student migration
Supporters of tighter settings are increasing scrutiny of student pathways and whether applicants are genuine students with clear study intentions.
Maintain international education
Universities and education organisations say Australia needs skilled workers, including nurses, engineers, teachers and technology workers, and that international education helps build this workforce.
University funding
Reduce international student migration
Reducing student numbers is presented as a response to concerns surrounding migration levels and the student pathway.
Maintain international education
Universities Australia warns that cuts could create questions about how institutions would replace lost revenue and fund teaching, research and infrastructure.
Key facts
- International students in Australia
- 687,810 studied in Australia in the year to June 2026, down 7% from the same period in 2025.
- India’s share
- India accounted for 16% of international students, compared with China’s 23%.
- Minimum wage
- Australia’s national minimum wage was A$26.44 per hour from July 1, 2026.
- Student work limit
- Standard student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official breaks.
- Housing cost
- A student interviewed said accommodation costing about A$1,000 a month was considered relatively affordable in Melbourne.
- Job search
- The student said she applied for around 300 jobs and received only two or three callbacks.
- Policy debate
- One Nation proposed major reductions in international student numbers and graduate migration, while Universities Australia opposed the proposal.
Quotes
Shiny
A 23-year-old Indian student from New Delhi studying social sciences in Melbourne.
“Applying for around 300 jobs and receiving only two or three callbacks is discouraging. I tried cold-emailing employers, but of no use. You will find many international students approaching shops directly and distributing resumes—at one point handing out about 50 resumes while looking for retail work.”
indianexpress.com
“People expect a life of comfort, but you have to work yourself to the bone.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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