The study also found international students increased their gambling when they come to Australia.

Of the nationalities most at risk were Chinese or those from English-speaking western nations.

The results have led to calls for universities to provide more education to international students on the risks of gambling before it becomes a problem.

Gambling Research Australia commissioned the report which sampled 1600 students from Deakin, Swinburne and Bond universities.

Lead researcher Dr Anna Thomas said many international students lacked knowledge about the risks of gambling or the support services available.

Dr Thomas said universities needed to provide more education about gambling risks.

Gamblers Help Northern community educator Kate Little said international students were using their services.

Gambler's Help Northern, Eastern and Southern have run an education program for international students on gambling for the past three years.

Ms Little said due to a lack of trust with counselling services international students were less likely to report the problem.

"We feel that the problem could be quite under reported, as many students who get into financial difficulty will go home without finishing their studies," she said.

Australian Federation of International Students founder Wesa Chau said international students were often isolated with access to large sums of cash. She said services that pick up problem gambling symptoms were needed.

Ms Chau said it was considered shameful in many cultures to seek help for gambling.

To seek help for problem gambling contact Gambler's Help on 1800 858 858.