Celebrating International Students Day

International Students Day is a chance to celebrate students who cross borders, cultures and languages in pursuit of education, acknowledge their contributions, recognise the challenges they face and consider how we can create more inclusive and supportive environments.

International Student Landscape: Global and Australian Context

Over the past two decades, international education has become a rapidly growing sector, with more countries competing to attract tertiary-level students. While the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada remain top destinations, other countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America are joining the mix. Understanding the scale and impact of this movement helps frame why community, belonging and wellbeing matter.

Worldwide, nearly 6.9 million students studied outside their home country in 2022, marking a 228% increase since 2000, when there were just 2.1 million international students.

In Australia, the international student presence is significant and growing. As of January to August 2025, there were 804,555 international students studying in Australia on student visas.

These numbers highlight not only the scale but the cultural diversity of Australia’s international student community, creating a vibrant blend of different stories, backgrounds and experiences.

The History of International Students Day

International Students’ Day traces its origins to 17 November 1939, during the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. The day honours the courage of students from Charles University in Prague who stood up against fascism and totalitarianism.

On 28 October 1939, Czech students organised a peaceful demonstration to mark the anniversary of Czechoslovakia’s independence. The protest was violently suppressed, and one student, Jan Opletal, was shot and later died from his injuries. His funeral became a rallying point, sparking another large protest against Nazi rule.

In retaliation, on 17 November 1939, the Nazis stormed universities, executed nine student leaders and sent more than 1,200 students to concentration camps, while shutting down universities across the country.

To honour their bravery and commitment to education and freedom, the International Union of Students declared 17 November as International Students’ Day in 1941. Since then, the day has grown into a global observance celebrating student activism, unity and the ongoing pursuit of educational opportunity and justice.

Jan Opletal (1 January 1915 – 11 November 1939) was a student of the Medical Faculty of the Charles University in Prague, who was shot at a Czechoslovak Independence Day rally on 28 October 1939.

Why International Students Matter

International students bring diverse perspectives, cultural richness and fresh ideas to campuses, cities and communities. Beyond academics, they contribute to local economies, volunteer initiatives and community programs. Their experiences shape more empathetic, globally aware societies and enrich the communities they join.

International Students Day is important not only for remembering the sacrifices of Czech students in 1939 but also for recognising the value of education and student rights worldwide. Students embody progress, change and the drive toward justice and equality.

The day serves as a reminder that education is a human right, not a privilege. It encourages nations to invest in youth, improve access to quality education and empower students to raise their voices on issues that matter. It also symbolizes international solidarity – a call for peace, tolerance and understanding among young people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds.

Through this observance, we acknowledge the importance of protecting academic freedom, supporting student welfare and celebrating the diversity of the international student community. International Students Day is a celebration of the courage, resilience and global impact of students everywhere.

Challenges Faced by International Students

While the benefits of studying abroad are clear, international students often navigate unique challenges:

  • Cultural adaptation: Adjusting to a new culture and education system can be overwhelming.

  • Social isolation: Being away from family and familiar support networks can impact wellbeing.

  • Financial pressures: Tuition fees, living costs and limited work opportunities create added stress.

  • Language barriers: Studying in a non-native language requires additional effort and resilience.

Recognising these challenges is the first step toward creating inclusive communities where all students can thrive.

How We Can Support International Students

Supporting international students is not just the responsibility of universities – it’s a shared effort among communities, businesses, accommodation providers and governments. Some ways to help include:

  • Creating inclusive social events that encourage cultural exchange and connection.

  • Offering accessible wellbeing services tailored to international students’ needs.

  • Promoting opportunities for engagement in local communities and networks.

  • Providing mentorship programs to guide students through academics and daily life

Celebrating Achievements

International Students Day is also about celebrating achievement. From academic excellence to community leadership, international students demonstrate resilience, adaptability and innovation. Their contributions enrich every community they join.

Looking Ahead

The growth of global education makes it vital to continue supporting international students. By fostering connection, inclusivity and understanding, we ensure that students from around the world not only succeed academically but also thrive socially, personally and professionally.

On this International Students Day, let’s take a moment to celebrate their journeys, acknowledge their challenges and commit to building communities where every student can flourish.

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