Although studying in Malaysia is not as costly as studying in other western countries such as Australia and the UK, some international students face some financial struggles while living far from their homes. The purpose of this survey is to identify the financial challenges faced by international students, explore the impact of part-time employment on student well-being and academic performance.

We expect to find that the high costs of tuition, living expenses, and limited access to financial support in a foreign country could be some of the causes. These financial pressures may lead international students to experience increased stress and difficulty focusing on their academic studies.

Respondents may be confronted with financial stress and challenges related to employment in Kuching. We target to understand how international students manage their finances and seek job opportunities in Kuching,Sarawak. Furthermore, we hope to learn from the survey results how they handle issues such as budgeting, part-time job, and the impact of financial pressure on themselves.

There are 21 international students from 6 countries. According to the survey results, most international students with 38.1% come from China. 19% international students come from Korea same as Indonesia and 4.8% international students come from Singapore same with Thailand. 9.5% of international students come from Burmese.According to the survey results, almost half with 47.6% international students under 20 years old studying in Kuching. 42.9% international students 20 between 24 years old studying in Kuching and 9.5% international students 25 between 29 years old.To sum up , this particular number is based on the demographics of the respondents。

According to the results of our study, firstly we recommend international students make a management of budgeting and money. They can create a realistic monthly budget for their tuition, rent and daily expenses. Try to avoid unnecessary spending such as reducing frequent eating outside, subscriptions or other things that no need to spend. Now there are many shops that have discounts for the students, like KopiLab Sarawak , Tonng Restaurant and others. The international students can go to the shop to enjoy the student discount. It is a way for international students to save their money. Next, international students can apply to university - specific scholarships or grants to reduce their financial stress. If the international students want to apply for the scholarship, they need to maintain their studies on the standard level in every semester. They also can try to find external grants like foundations to apply the grants to cover their tuition. When the international students finish their studies and start to work , they can back the money back to the external grants. Then, international students can go to find part-time work at their places or their school to reduce their financial stress or have extra money. They also can apply for on-campus jobs inside their school like library, cafeteria or research assistants roles, making it convenient for international students to balance their studies and their work. It also can train the international students’ stress tolerance and independent ability. Some international students are already doing the steps above the content , but most international students still need to have a plan to reduce their financial stress and solve their employment problems.

One of the most prominent issues reported was the high tuition fees that international students are required to pay. Unlike local students, international students pay significantly higher rates, often placing a substantial financial burden on their families. Many students rely heavily on parental support or personal savings, which can be unstable due to currency fluctuations or changes in family income. The inability to cover tuition without stress can lead to anxiety and affect students’ academic concentration. According to Johari et al. (2023), international students in Malaysia often face long-term financial pressure due to limited access to scholarships or education loans. This ongoing stress can lead to decreased academic performance and limited engagement in university life.

Beyond tuition, the daily cost of living in Kuching—such as rent, food, utilities, and internet—adds another layer of financial strain. Students often rent private apartments or shared housing, with monthly expenses ranging from RM800 to RM1,500 depending on location. Many respondents reported struggling to manage essentials like groceries, mobile data plans, and basic supplies. Some have had to sacrifice leisure activities or reduce meal quality to stay within budget. This aligns with findings from Abdullah et al. (2021), who highlighted the lack of financial literacy among students and the need for better money management skills. Without proper budgeting knowledge, students often experience overspending and subsequent stress.

Although all international students are covered by mandatory health insurance, many reported difficulties in navigating the Malaysian healthcare system. There is often confusion around what medical services are covered, how to make claims, and where to find approved clinics. The RM25 co-payment per outpatient visit, while seemingly small, can still deter students from seeking help when finances are tight. Moreover, not all health concerns are covered by insurance, such as dental care or mental health therapy. Tang et al. (2018) noted that younger international students often lack experience with foreign medical systems, leading to underutilization of healthcare services and worsening untreated conditions.

Transportation was also identified as a recurring issue. While ride-hailing services like Grab are commonly used, they can be expensive for daily commuting. Public transportation in Kuching is limited in terms of route coverage and frequency, making it unreliable for students with fixed class schedules. Students without personal vehicles find it difficult to travel to campus or part-time jobs. Although Swinburne Sarawak provides a shuttle service, availability and timing are often not suitable for everyone. These mobility limitations restrict access to employment, social interaction, and essential services, further intensifying the sense of financial and emotional pressure.

These findings highlight the urgent need for institutional and policy-level interventions to support international students more effectively. Swinburne Sarawak should consider expanding its financial aid offerings, providing budgeting workshops, and improving communication around medical insurance usage. Additionally, partnerships with local employers and advocacy for more flexible part-time work policies could enhance employment opportunities for international students. Improved shuttle coverage and subsidized transport options could also ease mobility challenges and reduce daily expenses.

•Abdullah, M., Ismail, R., & Cheah, S. (2021). Financial Literacy Among Youths in Higher Education. Malaysian Journal of Consumer and Family Economics.

•Tang, T., Li, M., & Wong, Y. (2018). Barriers to Healthcare Utilization among International Students. Journal of International Education.

•Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak. (2024). International Student Services and Insurance Information. Retrieved from www.swinburne.edu.my