Australia has a great lifestyle for international students, and part of the reason for this are the protective laws, freedom from corruption, and legal support for everyone in the country.

From on-campus legal services to state/ territory government resources, this article can help to guide you while finding free legal advice and support. Everything from your work rights as an international student through to tuition protection, you can make educated and informed choices that will make your stay in Australia a happy and productive one.

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On-Campus Legal Resources

The first stop if you encounter any problems should be your university support services. Check out your:

  • international student support page or

  • student representative council

They can provide you with advice and a caseworker who can give you free legal advice and representation. They deal with things like an academic appeal, employment problems, tenancy matters, discrimination and harassment. They are also ideally placed to refer you elsewhere if you have an issue they can’t help with.

State and Territory Government Support

Each territory or state have their own legal aid organisations. They can help with visas, work issues, and anything within the justice system. They can usually offer one free consultation and may be able to direct you to where to seek more help.

There are also organisations for more specific issues such as tenancy advice and services in:

Plus:

Each state also has their own student information organisations:

Tuition Protection for International Students (TPS)

What are Tuition Protection Services (TPS)?

If your institution unexpectedly closes, fails to start the course you were going to do, or is unable to complete the course, this is called a default. If your education provider defaults, there are certain legal obligations they must meet. They must arrange for you to complete your studies with another institution or refund your unspent tuition fees. If your alternative course is not suitable, you can request the refund instead. If you are still unhappy with the outcome, you can contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman for more assistance, or Tuition Protection Services.

How can Tuition Protection Services help international students?

TPS is a government service which is there to assist international students if their provider cannot deliver the enrolled course. Contact them, and they will get you to create an account. Once you register with them and provide proof of identity, they can find another provider or can arrange a refund of unspent fees if there are no suitable courses.

Work Rights as an International Student in Australia

As an international student, you have the same workplace protections and rights as any Australian citizen or resident. However, because you’re an international student, you’re only allowed to work 48 hours every fortnight during term time, and unlimited hours on holidays. Your employer must:

  • Pay you at least the minimum wage

  • Provide a payslip

  • Pay tax on your income

  • Not ask for you to pay for visa sponsorship or cashback schemes

  • Meet minimum conditions about breaks, hours worked

If you are being exploited, or think you may be treated unfairly, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Need Help? Contact IDP Australia

Want to speak to someone about a legal problem? Connect with your local IDP office and talk through your questions and concerns about studying and living in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free legal help as an international student in Australia?

There are a range of resources for international students in Australia. Your university/ provider will have student legal support services in the first instance. If that’s not enough, there are free state legal advice services. There are also specific services for:

How to address concerns or file a complaint about your education or training provider?

If you’ve tried addressing your concerns internally, or don’t feel safe doing so, you can approach the Commonwealth Ombudsman. They can investigate complaints about course fees, enrolment cancelling, incorrect advice, refusal of admission to a course, and a range of other problems.

What happens if your education provider can’t deliver your course?

The provider should find you an appropriate replacement course with another provider or refund the unused fee. If this isn’t done or the outcome is not satisfactory, Tuition Protection Services is a government agency who can find an appropriate course or arrange fee refund.

What are my rights and entitlements as an international student working part-time while studying?

As an international student in Australia, you have the same rights as any citizen or resident. This includes fair pay of at least the minimum wage, a payslip, and your employer paying taxes on your behalf. If these requirements aren’t being met or you are being exploited, contact the Australian Fair Work Ombudsman.