1. ^aDepartment of Management, Building 11E, Monash University, Clayton, Vic 3800, Australia. E-mails: Helen.Forbes-Mewett@buseco.monash.edu.au; Chris.Nyland@buseco.monash.edu.au
2. ^bCentre for the Study of Higher Education (CSHE), Building 161, Monash Road, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. E-mails: s.marginson@unimelb.edu.au; esawir@unimelb.edu.au
3. ^cDepartment of Management, Building N, Monash University, Caulfield, Vic, Australia. E-mail: Gaby.Ramia@buseco.monash.edu.au

Abstract

The omission of international students from the Australian Vice-Chancellor's Committee (AVCC) 2007 national study on student finances is indicative of a pattern of exclusion. The exclusion is unacceptable from a humane perspective and feeds the belief that Australians perceive international students primarily as 'cash cows'. This study partially compensates by drawing on information derived from indepth interviews with 200 international students across nine Australian universities. The data cast light on the sources and adequacy of international student income and how these students cope with the financial risks of living and studying in a foreign land. It is revealed that significant numbers of international students experience serious financial difficulties. Thus, we argue that government regulators and university managers should put into practice their affirmed belief that Australian university students should be treated in a consistent and caring manner. Further, we suggest the AVCC should immediately commission a study to examine the financial circumstances of Australian university international students.