ISSU / Individual Counselling

Individual Counselling

The ISSU provides free, confidential counselling to International students and their families. This support service can assist you to work through personal or academic concerns which may arise during your time at the University of Sydney.

The ISSU has qualified counsellors who:

  • Are experienced in dealing with particular cross-cultural issues
  • Have a broad knowledge of the academic system
  • Understand the social and emotional issues that you may go through
  • Can provide information about community and government services and facilities

In this section you will find information about:

If you would like to know more about our counsellors, please click here. Individual Counselling is available on Main campus and Cumberland campus.

We also understand that you may have questions or concerns about counselling and whether it is useful to you. Please go to the [[Frequently Asked Questions page for more information. You can also contact us if you have specific questions or concerns.

What types of issues do students see us about?

Some of the issues that International students or their families seek assistance with include:

  • Culture shock
  • Loneliness or difficulty making friends
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Concern about events in your home country
  • Academic difficulties such as different expectations or learning styles to your home country
  • Stress
  • Alcohol or drug problems
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Eating and body image concerns

How we can assist you

ISSU counsellors can:

  • Provide confidential counselling to discuss the concerns or issues affecting you
  • Liaise with academic and administrative staff
  • Refer you to specialist services if necessary
  • Refer you to other services or sources of information which may be useful to you

How do you make an appointment?

There are two types of appointments available:

Booked appointment (main campus and Cumberland campus) - scheduled 50 minute counselling sessions, available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Walk-in appointment (main campus) – for students who have urgent issues which cannot wait for a booked appointment. These appointments are available Monday to Friday from 2pm to 3pm and last around 20 minutes. You do not need to make an appointment as they are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Main campus: To make an appointment please phone 86278437 or email:

Cumberland campus: To make an appointment please phone 9351 9638 or email:

If you are unsure whether the issue you are concerned about is important enough to see a counsellor, please contact us to speak with one of our counsellors.

We also have a number of online information sheets which may be useful to you. Please go to the Information Pages section.