Improving The International Student Experience

Quantitative Survey With Students

Client Problem

A leading Australian university union wanted a clearer understanding of the needs, behaviours and wellbeing of its international students. With limited insight into how students accessed support, engaged on campus and experienced connection and belonging, there was a risk that key services and communications were missing the mark.

The Solution

We delivered a large-scale quantitative study with international students across undergraduate and postgraduate cohorts.

The research explored four key areas:

• Communication

• Support services

• Student life

• Wellbeing

A validated loneliness measure was also included to ensure emotional wellbeing was captured with rigour.

Outcome

The study revealed critical gaps in awareness of support services, strong demand for career and employment guidance, and a significant drop in social engagement compared to life in students’ home countries. Social Media Platforms emerged as the most effective communication channels, while loneliness and disconnection surfaced as key challenges.

The insights directly informed improved student communications, service visibility and new initiatives focused on connection, wellbeing and belonging.

Collaborators:

Student Edge, Dr Anna Denejkina