The Persistent Challenge of Student Stress in Australian Higher Education
The latest findings from the YouthInsight Student Wellbeing Survey, conducted as part of Studiosity’s annual research, highlight ongoing pressures facing university students across Australia. Among 1,137 participants from Australian and New Zealand institutions, 72 percent reported feeling stressed by their studies on a weekly or more frequent basis. This figure aligns closely with previous years, underscoring that work-study balance remains a critical issue for the sector.
Work-Study Pressures and Employment Trends
Balancing academic demands with paid employment has become the norm for most Australian university students. The survey reveals that 86 percent of Australian respondents work while studying, an increase from 78 percent in 2021. For many, this combination is essential to cover living costs, tuition, and other expenses amid rising economic pressures. The primary source of stress, cited by 66 percent of students, is the challenge of balancing study time with other responsibilities, including employment, social commitments, and extracurricular activities.
Full-time study paired with part-time or even full-time work creates a demanding schedule. Students often report difficulty finding time for assignments, lectures, and self-care. Women in the survey were significantly more likely to describe feeling stressed constantly, at nearly double the rate of men (20 percent versus 11 percent). These patterns reflect broader trends in Australian higher education where financial necessity drives employment alongside studies.
Impacts on Wellbeing and Academic Performance
Chronic stress from work-study conflicts affects multiple aspects of student life. Participants noted impacts on motivation, mood, sleep quality, and relationships. High stress levels correlate with reduced academic performance and higher risks of considering course withdrawal. Financial concerns compound these issues, with many students working extended hours that leave little room for recovery or focused study.
Broader research from ReachOut Australia indicates that study stress influences mental health for nearly half of young people, leading to lack of motivation and mood changes. In the university context, these pressures can hinder engagement and retention, particularly for those managing additional responsibilities such as family care or commuting.
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Institutional Responses and Support Frameworks
Australian universities and sector bodies have developed targeted initiatives to address student mental health and wellbeing. Universities Australia promotes the Real Talk mental health framework, developed in partnership with headspace, which trains staff to recognise and respond to signs of distress. Complementary resources include toolkits for responding to suicide concerns, created with headspace and Everymind.
The Orygen University Mental Health Framework provides guidance for institutions to collaborate with mental health services. Many universities offer academic skills support, counselling, and flexible study options to help students manage competing demands. Career services assist with time management and job placement that accommodates academic schedules.
Student Perspectives and Lived Experiences
Survey respondents and related studies describe the daily reality of juggling shifts, deadlines, and personal needs. International students face additional layers, including visa work-hour considerations and cultural adjustment. Domestic students from regional or low-socioeconomic backgrounds often cite transport, housing, and family obligations as extra stressors.
Many appreciate university counselling and peer support programs but note that awareness and accessibility can vary. Flexible assessment policies and workload adjustments during peak work periods help some students maintain progress without burnout.
Broader Sector Data and Comparisons
Complementary surveys, such as the Uni Student Wellbeing Survey, reinforce these findings. Financial situations emerge as a major stressor for over 60 percent of respondents, while significant portions work 20 or more hours weekly. Psychological distress levels remain elevated compared to the general population, prompting calls for enhanced institutional strategies.
ReachOut data shows study stress as a top concern for young Australians, second only to worries about the future. These consistent signals across multiple sources point to systemic challenges in higher education that extend beyond individual resilience.
Strategies for Better Balance
Effective approaches include developing strong time-management skills, selecting flexible employment aligned with study commitments, and maintaining open communication with employers and lecturers. Universities encourage use of academic support services, including writing centres, tutoring, and workshops on prioritisation.
Students benefit from campus resources such as counselling, peer mentoring, and wellbeing apps. Building routines that incorporate rest, physical activity, and social connection helps mitigate the cumulative effects of stress. Institutions can further assist by reviewing assessment schedules and expanding mental health staffing.
Future Outlook and Sector Implications
As cost-of-living pressures persist, work-study balance will remain central to student success and retention in Australian universities. Sector leaders advocate for policy reviews around student visas, funding models, and integrated support services. Enhanced data collection and targeted interventions could improve outcomes for diverse student cohorts.
Continued collaboration between universities, government bodies like the Department of Education, and organisations such as headspace and Orygen offers pathways to sustainable improvements. Addressing these issues supports not only individual wellbeing but also the overall quality and accessibility of higher education in Australia.
