A damning interim report by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has exposed the pervasive racism faced by international students at Australian universities. The findings reveal a troubling pattern of exclusion, discrimination, and a lack of social support, with many international students fearing that speaking out could jeopardise their visas.
The Respect At Uni study, commissioned by the Australian Government in May, aims to examine and address racism in the tertiary education sector.
Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman noted that racism remains entrenched across universities, impacting students and staff in both overt and systemic ways.
The report highlights how international students, often viewed as “cash cows” by institutions, struggle to feel welcome on campuses.
Experiences of exclusion and limited access to adequate guidance or support were commonly reported. Many students expressed reluctance to report incidents of racism or discrimination, worried it could lead to visa complications or deportation.
The interim findings also describe how other groups, including Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, Arab, African, Asian, and First Nations students, face unique and significant challenges. These range from antisemitism and Islamophobia to structural racism that undermines academic and professional achievements.
The AHRC acknowledged the dissatisfaction among students and staff with current university complaints systems and policies, noting a significant gap between institutional commitments to diversity and the lived experiences of those on campus.
The next phase of the study, set to begin in January 2025, will include national surveys and focus groups to expand on these findings. Advocates are calling for universities to address the concerns of international students urgently, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and valued within Australia’s higher education system.
The final report, with recommendations for reform, is expected in June 2025. For now, the interim findings serve as a stark reminder of the need for systemic change to combat racism and foster respect across Australian universities.
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