The law and your rights
As a student studying in Australia, you have certain rights and responsibilities. You will find legal aid and advice at your education provider and through a range of government services.
Australia has legal protection for overseas students studying in Australia. The Commonwealth Government's Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 governs all education providers' responsibilities to overseas students studying in Australia.
If you have a question about your rights and responsibilities as an international student, first discuss with the international student office in your institution (listed below).
If you need further information, you can contact the Australian Government's Tertiary Education Department who can answer your questions or refer you to the correct agency for help.
- General enquiries phone: 02 6213 6000
- International: +61 2 6213 6000
- Fax: +61 2 6213 6000
- Website: www.innovation.gov.au
- Email: online@innovation.gov.au
- Interpreter Service on 131 450 and ask the TIS to phone 1300 363 079
Human rights
The human rights of all people living in Victoria are valued and protected by the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.
Other rights
You are also entitled to:
Student support
Many international student support offices provide a legal advice service or can advise you where to find legal help.
- Australian Catholic University
- Deakin University
- La Trobe University
- Monash University
- RMIT University
- Swinburne University
- The University of Melbourne
- University of Ballarat
- Victoria University
- MCD University of Divinity
- Bendigo TAFE
- Box Hill TAFE
- Central Gippsland Institute of TAFE
- Chisholm Institute of TAFE
- Gordon Institute of TAFE
- Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
- Kangan Institute of TAFE
- Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE
- South West Institute of TAFE
- Sunraysia Institute of TAFE
- William Angliss Institute of TAFE
- Wodonga Institute of TAFE