Personal safety

Tips for staying safe in Australia as an international student.

International students from India and Nepal, walking past the biology building on campus at Monash University, Victoria.

Staying safe

Australia is a safe country with a stable political system and a low crime rate. But you can still take some steps to keep yourself safe when on campus, going out or online.

Download Safety Apps  

Safety apps are very helpful if you are in an emergency or dangerous situation.  Here are some we recommend:

  • Emergency+ uses GPS data to communicate your exact location to the correct emergency service in your area.   
  • Sonder contains safety advice and communication tools for students, including GPS tracking of your route, alerts for fires or automobile crashes and a “check on me” function.   
  • St John Ambulance First Aid contains step-by-step instructions on how to treat a patient in medical emergency scenarios, including how to perform CPR and manage allergic reactions, choking or diabetic episodes.   

On campus 

Australian education providers are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful community for all students and staff. 

Under Australian regulations, education providers must ensure that student support services and contacts are available, and that all possible actions are taken to ensure a safe environment. 

All education and training providers offering programs to international students are also required by Australian law (under the ESOS Act 2000 and National Code of Practice) to offer support services information to international students, including those related to emergency, health and welfare services.

It's important to know the education provider support and safety services that are available to you. Do this when you arrive in Australia, so that you already what they are in case you find yourself in a dangerous situation on campus.

There are standard safety services offered by Australian universities, such as:   

  • On-campus security staff at all times. 
  • Security staff escorts, to take you to your car if you’re leaving campus at night.
  • Shuttle bus services.    

Going out 

When you go out with friends, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe.

Keep these tips in mind, especially when drinking alcohol:   

  • Keep your bag and belongings close to your body and where you can always see them, and don't carry large amounts of money. 
  • Make sure you have enough money to get home. 
  • Try to travel home with a friend or in a group. 
  • Do not walk home alone at nighttime.  
  • Never hitchhike.  
  • Use pedestrian walkways and cross the street at pedestrian crossings or lights where available. 

Online 

When using the internet, like anywhere in the world, you should protect yourself against online scams like 'phishing', online bullying and identity theft.

There are many government resources to help you protect yourself online and report abuse, including: 

  • Don't Be A Mule Factsheet: The Department of Education has put together some translated fact sheets about an online scam that can affect students. 
  • Stay Smart Online: The Australian Government's online safety and security website. 
  • ATO scam advice: Information on recognising and avoiding tax scams and fraud.  
  • ReportCyber: An online system to securely report cybercrime. 
  • Attorney-General's Department: Advice on protecting your identity and recovering from identity crime.
  • eSafety Commissioner: Information on how to protect your personal information to prevent it from being misused.  

In Australia, racism is illegal

The Racial Hatred Act is a national law that makes racial vilification unlawful. It means that people in Australia can complain to the Australian Human Rights Commission about racially offensive or abusive behaviour.

What is racially offensive or abusive behaviour?

In Australia, it is unlawful to do or say something in public that is reasonably likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate a person or group because of their race, colour, or national or ethnic origin.

Examples could include:

  • Racially offensive material in print or on the internet, such as:
    • displaying racist posters
    • posting racially offensive cartoons, ‘memes’ or other images.
  • Racially offensive behaviour or language in a public place, like a workplace or a shop, such as:
    • calling people racist names
    • making racially offensive comments, jokes or gestures
    • any racially motivated abuse or violence.

What to do if you experience racism

If you have experienced racial abuse or feel unsafe, please contact the police on the details below.  

How to report a crime

International students have the same rights to laws and police protection as all other people in Australia. This includes reporting a crime and receiving assistance if you are a victim.  

Ways to report a crime

  • For life-threatening or dangerous situations: Call the national emergency number, triple zero (000).  Find out more about what to do in different emergency situations.
  • For non-urgent issues: Call the national Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
  • For minor incidents: Make a report through the police's online community portal for incidents like lost property.
  • For anonymous tips: Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000  about criminal activity.
  • To make a report in person: Visit your local police station.

Getting help to make a report

If you're not satisfied with the police's internal handling of your report, you can make a formal complaint through your state or territory’s police department. If the matter still isn’t resolved, you can escalate it to your state or territory ombudsman: 

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