November 22, 2022
Despite Rise in Sector Resurgence Student Mental Wellbeing is a Concern
A According to the latest edition of IDP Connect's Emerging Futures research, which was released during last month's Australian International Education Conference, Australia has seen a resurgence as an international education destination, rising to be the second most preferred destination after Canada.
However, there are still some concerns. While the study found that Australia is now a close second in student preference, with 49% versus 52% for Canada, student mental health and wellbeing remains a major concern. 77% of the 11,000 respondents reported being affected by depression, sadness, and anxiety.
"There is still a lot of uncertainty following Covid; it has kind of turned the world upside down," Jane Li, IDP's Australasia area director, told the media. Despite facing “increasing competition” from competitors, it is “very pleasing to see that Australia has climbed two spots”, she added.
…senior leaders must also focus on engaging and creating meaningful value with all stakeholders along the way - students, faculty, employers, partners, donors, community organisations, research bodies, and our broader society…
Australia has risen from fourth to second place in IDP's August edition, based on student surveys, in terms of being the second most preferred destination for international students, in just five months.
"Improved perceptions" reflect Australia's welcoming nature, the availability of part-time and post-study work opportunities, and changes to skilled migration policy.
According to a source, the date on students' mental health and wellbeing is a key finding that is "very concerning." Universities are currently doing a lot, but there is "huge room for improvement, in terms of truly understanding individual students and tailoring the support provided to them," according to the report.
Wellbeing and safety company Sonder's 'Agents of change' guide, which focuses on best practise frameworks to reshape institutional wellbeing, is evidence of concern about student mental health in Australia.
Rodney Davis, Sonder's head of Strategic Markets, stated on the document's release that "international ranking is not the only north star."
"Senior leaders must also focus on engaging and creating meaningful value with all stakeholders along the way - students, faculty, employers, partners, donors, community organisations, research bodies, and our broader society."
Posted in News and tagged News, IDP Connect's Emerging Futures Research, Australian International Education Conference, International Education, Australia, Canada
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