These laws help ensure that you have access to:
that can help you achieve your goals
when working and studying part-time on a student visa
when buying any goods or services.
The Australian Government requires every education provider in Australia to:
Students studying in Australia on a student visa can only study government-registered courses that meet national quality standards. Visit Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses Overseas Students (CRICOS) for a list of these courses.
The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 require all CRICOS registered education providers to follow strict rules about student support, information and processes, including access to the Tuition Protection Scheme (TPS) - see below.
The National Student Ombudsman (NSO) is an independent service that helps students with complaints about their higher education provider. If you’ve raised a complaint with your university but it hasn’t been resolved or you don’t feel safe speaking up, the NSO can help.
Even if you're unsure whether you're ready to make a complaint, you can call the NSO on 1300 395 775 or visit nso.gov.au to learn more.
The Australian Government appoints an independent advocate called an Overseas Student Ombudsman. They can help you with any issues or complaints about private schools, colleges and technical and further education (TAFE) institutes in Australia. Contact the Ombudsmen in your state or territory to make a complaint:
If you have paid for your course, but your university, TAFE, RTO or school can’t deliver your course or part of the course, the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) can help! The TPS can help you with tuition fee refunds and find you a different education provider to finish your studies.
Australia has consumer protection laws to protect the rights of Australian consumers, including international students.
If you have a problem with a product or service you bought or want to buy, you can contact your local state and territory consumer protection agency for consumer help.
They can provide:
There are laws in place so that you can report workplace exploitation without risking your visa status.
Find out more about your work rights and entitlements as an international student working part-time whilst studying.
As an international student, you are protected by the law in regard to personal safety. Australia's police and emergency services are available to you 24/7. Find out more about safety and reporting a crime.