1. University Counselling Services (Immediate & On-Campus)

Almost every Australian university provides free, confidential professional counselling for its enrolled students.

• The Benefit: Counsellors are experienced in “Student-Specific” issues like exam anxiety, visa stress, and cultural adjustment.
• How to access: Visit your university’s “Student Wellbeing” or “Health & Counselling” webpage. Many now offer 24/7 crisis lines specifically for their own students.

2. headspace (For Students Aged 12–25)

headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, offering a “no wrong door” policy for young people.

• Free Support: You can access free or low-cost support through over 160 centres across Australia, as well as online via eheadspace.
• Specialized for You: In 2026, the headspace University Support Program specifically trains staff to help international students navigate cumulative stress and resilience.

3. Lifeline (13 11 14) – 24/7 Crisis Support

If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to immediately, Lifeline is Australia’s leading suicide prevention and crisis support service.

• Service: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, text (0477 13 11 14), or online chat.
• Language Support: If English is not your first language, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to connect you to Lifeline.

4. Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636)

Beyond Blue provides information and support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.

• Free Coaching: Their NewAccess program offers six sessions with a mental health coach (no GP referral needed) to help with everyday life stressors like work or study pressure.
• Peer Support: Their online forums allow you to connect with a community of people who understand exactly what you are going through.

5. Embrace Multicultural Mental Health

For students who prefer support that is culturally and linguistically diverse, Embrace is the go-to resource.

• Multilingual Resources: They provide mental health information in over 30 languages.
• Culturally Safe Care: They focus on bridging the gap between different cultural backgrounds and the Australian healthcare system.

Bonus: Your OSHC “Secret” Support Line

In 2026, most OSHC providers (like Medibank and Bupa) include a 24/7 Student Health and Support Line.

• Medibank/ahm: 1800 887 283
• Allianz Care: 1800 814 312 These lines provide free stress and trauma counselling over the phone in up to 160 languages.