To

whom it may concern,

Since the release of the University’s decision to position returning international students as the
lowest place for a place at University-managed accommodation, we have become increasingly
concerned for the welfare of international medical students. Due to the length of leases in a majority
of student accommodation options, in addition to the importance of the holiday season, many are
unable to be present to ensure that international student concerns are heard. As of current, stress is
being imposed on all those not currently in Hobart, due to a necessity to return to begin searching
for suitable replacement accommodation.

This effort will very likely be futile in the current rental climate, with vacancy rates being below 1%.
If this policy goes unamended, up to 1100 returning students will enter the rental market
simultaneously, exacerbating the supply-demand disparity for property in Hobart. This may result in
many being unable to continue their course. Of particular concern are international medical
students returning to commence the third, fourth, and fifth years of their degree, as teaching in
these years begins three weeks or more before the rest of the University. This makes international
students particularly vulnerable to stressors. Mental health is a salient issue to the College of Health
and Medicine, and additional stressors may contribute to the development of illnesses such as
depression and anxiety. Please consider the uniqueness of international students in this regard too,
as all are separated from their usual support networks.

Sadly, many are currently in a state of panic in their home countries, and are looking to other
universities to accept credit for their years of study in Tasmania. We fear that Tasmania will lose
access to individuals developing crucial skills, the implications of which will be felt across Tasmanian
health services. It is important to remember that the University has a commitment to Tasmania –
not just in the upskilling of Tasmanians, but with the provision of Tasmania with a skilled workforce,
regardless of country or state of origin. Failing to house and therefore risking the loss of these
students represents a failure to act in the interest of the University’s espoused goals in this regard.

International medical students are highly invested in their studies, both professionally and
financially. In a professional respect, medical students are placed in Tasmanian hospitals and
community practices throughout their undergraduate education – generating a genuine connection
with Tasmanian people and cultures. Approximately 20-25 international medical students graduate
as doctors in Tasmania each year, comprising around 15% of Tasmanian interns. In a financial
respect, international students disproportionately represent students as stakeholders, especially
those studying the MBBS degree, as it entails Band 3 payment. This is roughly equivalent to
AU$70,000 per year. In the wake of this policy change, it is felt that the university undervalues the
importance of international students to the development of what we consider to be our state.
Tasmania is developing a reputation as unaccommodating and insular; a state unwilling to accept
those from other cultures into their workforce and education system. Throughout current cohorts, it
is understood that it is not an option to seek employment in a state that considers diverse
individuals expendable. As it stands, many international students have grown very passionate about
health in Tasmania during their time studying at the University of Tasmania and wish to continue
study and eventually practise here. While it is possible to sympathise with the position of University
executives, with the absence of adequate accommodation there is nowhere to go. This will force
current and prospective international students to pursue their degrees elsewhere, and Tasmania’s
health services will lose a vital asset.

Thus, we believe this matter will be of particular concern to yourself and others who work for the
betterment of Tasmania. We encourage you to provide these students, which constitute a small yet
significant number of individuals who need housing in Hobart, with accommodation, so they can
return and, one day, provide Tasmania with high-level healthcare. Losing medical students from this
state is simply not an option.

For a full list of Tasmanian medical students who agree to this letter, please see here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1j3cM0Hk1fc7OQZoEOUVwcQZpN9v1JNJ4vCLKC0M0LFs/edit
?usp=sharing


Regards,

Concerned Tasmanian medical students