Suicide figures prompt Coroner to call for better support for international students

There are calls for more support to be provided to international students, in the wake of the Victorian coroners' finding into the death of a Chinese student in 2016.

International students at Melbourne University Source: (AAP Image/Julian Smith)

A Victorian Coroner has found there is a reluctance by international students to seek support for mental health issues.

It follows an investigation into the death of a 24 year old Chinese student Zhikai Lui who took his own life in 2016.

In her findings coroner Audrey Jamieson said his sister had stated he had trouble with his studies and the English language, and consequently his mental state deteriorated; and she encouraged him to seek assistance from a counsellor, but he did not do so.

The report found there were at least 27 deaths in six years by suicide by international students, but that number could be higher, with many reluctant to seek support for mental health issues.