‘300 applications, 2-3 callbacks’: Indian students in Australia face high rent, cost and housing crisis

Indian students studying in Australia are facing a housing and cost crisis, with high rents and limited job opportunities to support their expenses. The once-simple formula of studying, working part-time and securing a career abroad is now more complicated due to tightened visa rules and migration pathways. Shiny, a 23-year-old Delhi University graduate studying social sciences in Melbourne, describes the city as too expensive and the pressure to earn while studying as part of daily life.

Many international students struggle to find enough paid work within their visa restrictions, with some turning to gig-worker jobs or directly approaching employers for retail positions. Despite Australia's relatively high minimum wage, students must navigate visa limitations to make the wage financially meaningful. The post-graduation migration system is also becoming more competitive, with factors such as qualifications, work experience and English-language ability influencing future pathways.

Additionally, Australia's international education system is facing growing political pressure, with the One Nation party proposing a major reduction in international student numbers and graduate migration. Universities Australia, representing top universities in the country, has criticized the proposal, arguing that cutting international students would negatively impact universities, jobs, the economy and the supply of skilled workers.