The present study investigated both perceived academic and non- academic demands of a group of Australians from non-English speaking backgrounds (ANESB) during their first semester of postgraduate studies at a university in Queensland, Australia. Their literacy- related and other non-academic demands are reported here and reflect the researchers' view that these demands are interactive and can affect the quality of student learning and ultimately, success with studies. From the outset it is worth emphasising that the investigation examined students' perceptions of their difficulties and in this way sought to make available insider perspectives.