Demand for mental health services is growing in our universities.

Official figures show at least 11 university students have died by suspected suicide in New Zealand since 2015.

Universities New Zealand chief executive Chris Whelan told Kate Hawkesby there's a combination of factors contributing to higher numbers of students with anxiety and depression.

"Many young people, it's their first time away from home. It's an unfamiliar study environment. Sometimes they are getting used to flatting for the first time. They are often taking work for the first time and taking on debt for the first time."

LISTEN TO CHRIS WHELAN TALK WITH KATE HAWKESBY