The founding team of Student Life Australia

Our Story

Student Life Australia began in 2015 when three international students from different countries—Canada, Malaysia, and India—found themselves struggling with similar challenges while studying at the University of Melbourne. Despite excellent academic programs, they discovered a significant gap in accessible, comprehensive information about navigating campus life, finding suitable accommodation, and integrating into Australian culture.

Frustrated by fragmented resources and outdated information, they created a simple blog to share their experiences and practical advice. What started as a passion project quickly gained traction as students from universities across Australia began contributing their insights and requesting guidance on various aspects of student life.

By 2017, the blog had evolved into a full-fledged platform with dedicated sections for academic resources, housing options, entertainment guides, and cultural integration tips. The founding team expanded to include Australian students and education professionals who recognized the value of creating a bridge between international expectations and local realities.

Today, Student Life Australia has grown into the country's most comprehensive resource for both domestic and international students, with a team of advisors, writers, and campus ambassadors across 15 universities. Our commitment remains unchanged: to make Australian education more accessible and enjoyable by providing honest, practical guidance for every aspect of student life.

Our Mission & Values

Our Mission

At Student Life Australia, we are dedicated to empowering students with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to make the most of their Australian education journey. We bridge the gap between institutional information and real student experiences, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that guides students through every aspect of university life—from application to graduation and beyond.

Authenticity

We prioritize genuine, unfiltered student perspectives over polished marketing narratives. Our content reflects the diverse realities of student experiences, acknowledging both challenges and opportunities with honesty and transparency.

Inclusivity

We recognize and celebrate the diversity of Australia's student population. Our resources are designed to serve students of all backgrounds, nationalities, financial situations, and learning styles, ensuring no one feels excluded from the information they need.

Practicality

We focus on actionable advice and implementable solutions rather than theoretical ideals. Every resource we create is designed with real student needs in mind, prioritizing practical utility over abstract concepts.

Community

We believe that education thrives in collaborative environments. Beyond providing information, we actively foster connections between students, creating networks of peer support that enhance the learning experience and build lasting relationships.

Meet Our Leadership Team

The passionate individuals guiding Student Life Australia's mission

Priya Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO

Priya Sharma

Co-Founder & CEO

Originally from New Delhi, Priya's experience as an international student at the University of Melbourne inspired her to create resources that would help others navigate similar challenges. With a background in Education Policy and a Master's in Digital Communications, she leads the company's strategic vision and partnerships with educational institutions.

Daniel Chen, Co-Founder & COO

Daniel Chen

Co-Founder & COO

Daniel's journey from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney for his undergraduate studies revealed the significant knowledge gap for international students. With his experience in Business Operations and Technology, he oversees the platform's development, content strategy, and day-to-day operations, ensuring our resources remain relevant and accessible.

Emma Wilson, Director of Student Engagement

Emma Wilson

Director of Student Engagement

Born and raised in Brisbane, Emma joined the team in 2018 after completing her Psychology degree at the University of Queensland. She leads our network of campus ambassadors across Australia, developing programs that connect domestic and international students while gathering insights about evolving campus cultures and student needs.

Liam Jackson, Head of Content & Research

Liam Jackson

Head of Content & Research

With a background in journalism and education research, Liam oversees our content creation and quality standards. After moving from Toronto to pursue his PhD at the Australian National University, he became passionate about creating evidence-based resources that address the real challenges students face. He leads our research partnerships with universities across Australia.

Our Achievements

Milestones that mark our journey of student support and innovation

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500,000+

Students supported across Australia since our founding

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15

University partnerships across all Australian states

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2,000+

Resource articles and guides published for students

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120

Student orientation events organized nationwide

Awards & Recognition

  • 2022 - Excellence in International Student Support Award, Australian Education Awards
  • 2021 - Best Digital Resource for Students, EduTech Australia
  • 2020 - Community Impact Award, International Education Association of Australia
  • 2019 - Innovation in Student Services, Universities Australia Conference

What Students Say About Us

Hear from students who have benefited from our resources

"

As a first-generation university student from rural Tasmania, I felt completely overwhelmed by the prospect of moving to Melbourne for university. Student Life Australia's guides on everything from budgeting to building social connections were like having a wise older sibling guiding me through the process. Three years later, I'm now a campus ambassador helping other rural students make the transition.

Jessica Thompson

Jessica Thompson

Bachelor of Science, University of Melbourne

"

Moving from Nigeria to study in Australia was the biggest challenge I've ever faced. When I found Student Life Australia, it transformed my experience. Their detailed guides about navigating cultural differences, finding community, and managing homesickness addressed exactly what I was feeling. The accommodation database helped me find affordable housing with other international students who have become my closest friends.

Oluwaseun Adebayo

Oluwaseun Adebayo

Master of Engineering, University of Queensland

"

Student Life Australia's scholarship database and application guides were instrumental in my journey. As a student from a low-income background, their resources helped me identify and successfully apply for financial support I didn't even know existed. Beyond just listing opportunities, they provided detailed strategies for application essays and interviews that made all the difference. I'm now completing my degree without the financial stress I feared.

Min-Jun Park

Min-Jun Park

Bachelor of Commerce, UNSW Sydney

Ready to Connect With Us?

Whether you're a student seeking guidance, a university interested in partnership, or an organization looking to collaborate on student initiatives, we'd love to hear from you.