Iran’s deepening economic crisis and ongoing social unrest are now having a direct impact on thousands of Iranians living and studying abroad, with particularly severe consequences for students in Australia.
The sharp devaluation of Iran’s national currency, combined with international sanctions, has drastically reduced the financial support many students can receive from their families back home.
The latest wave of mass protests in Iran, which erupted in late December, has been fuelled by soaring inflation, unemployment and widespread public frustration with the country’s political leadership. At the same time, the value of the Iranian rial has fallen to historic lows, with the US dollar now trading at levels that until recently were considered unthinkable. Where one dollar was once worth tens of thousands of rials, it now costs several hundred thousand.
For Iranian students in Australia, this collapse has translated into growing difficulty covering basic living costs, including rent, food and university tuition fees. Many have been forced to take on multiple casual jobs, often unrelated to their qualifications or field of study, simply to remain financially afloat.
One Iranian graduate living in Australia explains that despite holding a university degree, she now works in hospitality to meet daily expenses. She notes that rising living costs have further intensified the pressure, forcing her to closely monitor even the most basic purchases.
International banking sanctions have compounded the problem, making it extremely difficult to transfer funds out of Iran. Many students were unable to convert or move their savings when they first arrived in Australia, leaving them dependent on low-paid work and limited local income.
Beyond the financial strain, students are also grappling with deep anxiety over the safety of family members and friends in Iran. Communication disruptions, mass arrests and violent crackdowns have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. Some students recount traumatic experiences from previous protests, explaining that they left the country primarily for personal safety and mental health reasons.
There are growing calls for Australian universities to show greater understanding, including temporary fee deferrals or more flexible payment arrangements for students directly affected by the economic collapse. Students argue that they are facing one of the most difficult periods of their lives, both financially and emotionally.
Human rights organisations report that the recent unrest in Iran ranks among the deadliest in decades, with thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests recorded so far. Independent observers believe the true figures may be significantly higher.
