Subsidised Counselling for Overseas Students

Supporting Your Mental Health Journey While Studying in Australia

Moving to a new country for education is an incredible milestone—but it also comes with challenges that are often hard to put into words. Between academic pressure, homesickness, financial worries, and cultural adjustment, it’s easy to feel alone while trying to stay strong.

At Mindkshetra, we understand what it’s like to start over in a new culture—to miss home, to carry family expectations, and to manage everything on your own. That’s why we created the Subsidised Counselling for Overseas Students program: a safe, affordable, and culturally attuned service to help you take care of your mental wellbeing while studying in Australia.

What

Is the Subsidised Student Counselling Program?

This initiative provides low-cost, confidential counselling for international students studying anywhere in Australia. Whether you’re feeling anxious, lonely, confused, or simply need someone to talk to, our qualified counsellors are here to listen and support you—without judgement.

Eligibility:

You’re eligible if you are currently enrolled as an international student in a university, college or TAFE in Australia.

Flexible Access:

Online counselling available Australia-wide
In-person sessions at our welcoming space in Sydney
No referral or Medicare required—just proof of student status.

This program supports both individual students and, where relevant, provides additional guidance around academic or career stress.

Why

We Offer This Service

As a South Asian–led social enterprise, we know many cultures don’t openly speak about mental health. You may be the first in your family to seek counselling—that takes strength. Our goal is to create a culturally safe environment where you feel heard without judgement.

Students often tell us they feel like:

They’re struggling but still trying to “push through”
They miss home yet feel pressure to succeed academically
They’re dealing with stress, anxiety or emotional burnout
They don’t know how to express their feelings
They worry seeking help could affect studies or visa status

You don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable. Support is available before it reaches crisis point.

What

You Can Expect

During your sessions, you’ll find:

A therapist who understands cultural transitions and listens without judgement
A safe space to explore your emotions and identity
Practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, homesickness, or overwhelm
Support to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging
Optional art therapy or creative expression, for those who process emotions visually or symbolically

Our counsellors use Narrative Therapy and Person-Centred Therapy, helping you reframe difficult self-stories and create emotional clarity—particularly when living between cultures.

This is true counselling for international students, designed to meet your unique needs.

A Social Enterprise

with Purpose

At Mindkshetra, we believe mental health care should be accessible to everyone. That’s why funds from our other services and partnerships help subsidise this program for international students.

You bring knowledge, creativity, and cultural richness to this country—and we want you to thrive here, not just survive. Supporting your wellbeing is our way of saying: you belong here.