Research: Mind the Gap: Strengthening Mental Health Support in Tertiary Education

Forty-seven university representatives from across Australia and New Zealand came together online on Tuesday 28 July for the latest UniSport Healthy Campus Community of Practice, which explored practical ways to advance mental health and wellbeing through the FISU Healthy Campus program.  The session focused on FISU Healthy Campus Criteria 82–89, with presenters sharing practical implementation strategies, whole-of-university approaches and initiatives designed to support the wellbeing of students and staff.  The session […]

University students face growing demand for accessible mental health support, but questions remain about whether digital services can deliver meaningful outcomes in routine care. Macquarie University evaluated an internet‑delivered cognitive behavioural therapy program offered through the university’s counselling service for students experiencing anxiety and depression. Over five years, the study found significant reductions in both […]

Despite growing investment in university mental health initiatives, evidence on their effectiveness remains limited. Researchers from Deakin University evaluated the impact of the university’s Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy by comparing student survey data collected before (2019) and after (2022) its implementation. While overall mental health outcomes showed little improvement, the researchers noted that […]