International postgraduate nursing students' challenges and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic period in Australia
Keywords:
International student, postgraduate student, nursing student, COVID-19, challenge, copingAbstract
Background: Australia attracted over 1.1 million international student enrolments in 2025. While offering valuable opportunities, studying abroad presents adaptation challenges that were amplified during COVID-19 restrictions.
Objective: This study explored the experiences, challenges, impacts, and coping strategies of international postgraduate nursing students in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design: A qualitative narrative inquiry design was used.
Settings: Data were collected across three universities in New South Wales, Australia.
Participants: 12 international postgraduate nursing students were recruited using purposive sampling; all participants were enrolled in either coursework-based or research-based nursing programs at one of three universities in NSW, Australia.
Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in the period between June 2023 and March 2024. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping.
Results: Three overarching themes were identified: (1) disrupted connections, services, and academic continuity; (2) enduring fear, stress, and diminished motivation; and (3) finding ways to cope and move forward. Participants described separation from support networks, difficulties accessing healthcare, employment, and financial assistance, disrupted academic progression, emotional distress, and diminished motivation. To navigate these challenges, participants employed both emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies, fostering resilience and personal growth.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic created interconnected social, academic, financial, and psychological challenges for international postgraduate nursing students in Australia. Findings highlight the importance of coordinated institutional and policy-level support to promote international nursing students’ academic success and psychosocial wellbeing during future global crises.
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