Many people consider Australia a great destination for further studies. The country is a promising educational hub with multicultural experiences and diverse career paths. The chance to study in Australia for international students often represents a crucial leap toward fulfilling personal and career goals.
But the thrilling journey filled with exciting opportunities comes with a few challenges. Hearing about them feels daunting. But these obstacles pave the way for building resilience and learning invaluable life lessons. This article discusses some of the pivotal challenges encountered by foreign students in Australia and how going through all these shapes their overall experience.
Challenges Faced by International Students on Student Visa Australia
Starting a fresh chapter in Australia sounds exhilarating for those in life with academics. But there’s a harsh reality behind the rosy opportunities of career progression. Adapting to an unknown place comes with heavy baggage. Check out a few of the key challenges that you might face as an international student in Australia to prepare yourself for the journey:
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Documentation
Submitting all the right documents to obtain a student visa Australia can be extremely tedious. Some requirements include:
- Proof of admissions
- English proficiency scores
- Health insurance documents
The smallest mistakes in the application or failing to submit any one of the required documents can lead to visa rejection or unnecessary delays. It’s also crucial to submit the documents in the right format and with proper legal attestations to ensure compliance. First-time student visa applicants might find the process extremely overwhelming. The ever-changing visa regulations and immigration rules make things more complex.
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Fulfilling Admission Requirements
Every Australian educational institution has some specific requirements for admission, like submitting transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements. Keeping up with all these can be highly challenging. International students often have limited resources or guidance regarding navigating these requirements.
The academic programs are also highly competitive. So, educational institutions constantly expect students to perform exceptionally. This academic pressure can increase stress and make students feel inadequate. The differences in educational systems and policies make the already difficult courses harder.
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Language Barriers
Language barriers are a major challenge for Australia international students of non-English speaking backgrounds. It’s true that all visa applicants undergo English proficiency tests and only obtain their visas after receiving the required scores. But non-native English speakers still face difficulties in understanding lectures, initiating conversations, or participating in social discussions.
Linguistic barriers can also create misunderstandings related to workplace communications, medical consultations, and more. This creates more stress and often makes international students feel left out of group activities. They often fail to express themselves using the right words and experience hindrances in personal and academic growth.
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Cultural Differences
Another challenge is coping with the culture of Australia. The customs and habits of Australians are not the same as those of foreign students in their home countries. Cultural differences can result in misunderstandings and isolation.
Students feel caught between their own traditions and those of their host country. Creating new relationships in a foreign social environment also takes time and energy. Simple acts of saying hello can also be difficult, and students may feel out of place.
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Managing Finances
It is highly expensive to study in Australia. Foreign students have to bear the cost of living and pay the fees of their academic institutions. Accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses can be higher than that of their home countries. The fluctuating exchange rates make things more complicated.
Students have to budget for unexpected expenditures like health emergencies. Limited financial support through scholarships and other forms of aid heighten this issue. The stress of finances often distracts students from focusing on their academic performance.
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Work-Life Balance
All Australia international students are allowed to work for 48 hours during their academic term. This is a great way to reduce financial troubles. But juggling work and academic life can be exhausting. Students often experience burnout trying to meet academic and financial demands.
Performing well academically while having a job can take up all the time with no room for relaxation. Long working hours can make it challenging to find time to study. It also makes it difficult to go out and interact with others. This prevents them from forming stable connections and relationships. So, it’s not uncommon for international students to feel all alone in a foreign land.
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Homesickness
Staying away from one’s home can be emotionally devastating. International students often miss their family, lifestyle, and the overall sense of familiarity. Homesickness makes them feel lonely and triggers mental health problems, particularly during the first few months in Australia.
Staying in touch with dear ones can be challenging because of time zone differences. Festival times or celebrating important milestones can be difficult with no family around. All these can make it challenging to focus on their studies, and some individuals also start withdrawing socially.
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Racism and Discrimination
Some international students become a victim of racism and discrimination. It might be verbal abuse or facing exclusion in certain social scenarios. All these experiences can be heartbreaking.
Discriminatory behaviour from others can discourage international students from interacting in academic or social settings. Some might even hesitate to seek help, thinking that they don’t have any support system.
Awareness programs and sessions for international students are crucial for fostering inclusivity. Some students find solace in communities of fellow international peers with similar experiences.
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Health Issues
Those who go to study in Australia also have to adjust to a new climate and lifestyle. This transition often leads to health issues in international students. The stress of starting a new life can worsen everything.
The Overseas Student Health Cover is mandatory for all immigrants and offer adequate protection. But getting a grasp of insurance claims and the overall healthcare system can be complicated. Seeking medical treatment at affordable rates and taking care of one’s health all alone can be troublesome.
Apart from physical health issues, students might also notice their mental and emotional problems. Failure to seek timely help due to stigma or absence of awareness about the resources available might worsen their condition.
More detalis:- Australia Student Visa 500: Everything You Need to Know!
Student Visa Australia Processing Time
A student visa Australia processing time varies based on the application time. Submitting the paperwork before the deadline with all documents attached can bring it down. Find out about the typical processing times of some common vidas below:
| Visa Type | 75% of Applications | 90% of Applications |
| Foreign Affairs or Defence Sector | 12 days | 24 days |
| Postgraduate Research Sector | 63 days | 5 months |
| Non-Award Sector | 4 days | 13 days |
| Schools Sector | 61 days | 4 months |
| Independent ELICOS Sector | 27 days | 42 days |
| Vocational Education and Training Sector | 45 days | 73 days |
| Higher Education Sector | 40 days | 54 days |
Double-check the application and be mindful of the deadline to avoid unnecessary delays in processing.
Read More:- Student Visa 500 Processing Time: 2024 Definitive Guide
Conclusion
Pursuing your education in Australia opens doors to lucrative opportunities. But individuals have to navigate myriad challenges. It ranges from coping with cultural differences to handling financial strain. Having a positive mindset helps international students overcome obstacles and fulfil their academic dreams. Seeking assistance from a registered migration agent Perth can also make the transition of leaving one’s home country and settling down in Australia smoother.
