Legal Rights and Protections

Laws protect your rights as an international student in Australia.


Australian laws support a positive international student experience

These laws help ensure that you have access to:


high quality courses

that can help you achieve your goals


protections

when working and studying part-time on a student visa


fair treatment

when buying any goods or services.

Education rights 

Quality-assured education 

The Australian Government requires every education provider in Australia to: 

  • meet registration requirements 
  • be formally accredited  
  • pass strict quality control checks.  

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. 

Making a complaint about your education or training provider 

Higher Education students:  

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. 

ELICOS (English language courses) and VET (vocational education and training) students:  

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:  

Education provider closures 

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. 

Product or service rights 

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: 

  • information about your consumer rights 
  • advice for a product or service you’re buying or have purchased already 
  • details about operations of a business and their behaviour under the law 
  • guidance on how to make a complaint about a business. 

Workplace rights  

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.  

Personal rights and protections 

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.