Mental health and wellbeing
Queensland strives to provide a positive and supportive student experience that brings people together and builds a sense of community. Our state provides a range of mental health services and resources to support all students. Many of these services are available in different languages and are tailored to meet your needs.
Study Queensland also has dedicated international student hubs on the Gold Coast and in Cairns to support students in both their study and lifestyle needs.
Your educational institution also provides dedicated student support services that can assist with any mental health concerns. If your overseas student healthcare provider or institution are unable to help, you can seek help from the following resources:
- 1800QSTUDY (1800 778 839) is a 24/7 hotline for international students
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
- MensLine – 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
- Headspace – 1800 650 890
- Embrace Multicultural Mental Health – 0262853100
- Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
- Gambling Help – 1800 858 858
Coping with isolation and loneliness
Studying abroad is an amazing experience, but it also comes with its challenges. Culture shock and homesickness are common feelings amongst international students, but the good news is that there are effective ways to manage this. Here are some suggestions:
- Stay in touch with friends and family through weekly phone or video calls to maintain those important connections.
- Reach out to support services and explore online communities and clubs offered by your education provider.
- Talk to other international students in your classes and attend regular international student events.
- Devote time to self-care!
Discrimination
All Australians, including Queenslanders, are expected to treat each other with dignity and respect regardless of their race, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, heritage, culture, politics, wealth or religion.
Discrimination based on race or religion is not tolerated and is against the law. If you encounter or witness unacceptable behaviour, you can report it to the Queensland Human Rights Commission here.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
If you're an international student on a temporary student visa in Queensland, it’s a visa requirement to maintain adequate health insurance throughout your stay. This means you need to purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and keep your policy current as long as you hold this visa.
For international students without sufficient insurance coverage, Queensland hospitals will not charge for medical treatment if you need care for coronavirus symptoms. This includes waiving payment and debt recovery for ambulance transfers to Queensland hospitals for assessment of suspected coronavirus cases.
It covers any doctor’s appointments, hospital treatments or prescription medications that you may require while living in Queensland.
Your insurance provider may be one of the following: