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Australia is renowned for its high-quality education system, attracting students from around the globe. Alongside academic excellence, the country strongly emphasizes providing comprehensive support services to ensure the students’ wellbeing and success throughout their educational journey. These student support services for international students in Australia encompass various areas, including mental health support, career guidance, accommodation assistance, and cultural integration programs. With these robust support systems, Australian institutions strive to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that fosters personal growth and academic achievement for all students. This article will explore Australia’s various student support services and highlight their significance in promoting student welfare and maximizing learning outcomes.

 

Student support service providers in Australia

 Educational institutions in Australia provide a wide range of support services to make the study experience easy and stress-free for international students. The student services are mainly provided by education providers, Australian Government (including state, local, territory and federal government), and student associations to support students.

Australia is a safe, welcoming, and multicultural country. Whether you’re already studying in Australia or want to study with us in the future, the Australian Government, state and territory governments, educational institutions, and the community are there to support you.

Starting a new course in a country with a different academic environment, language, and culture can be challenging. However, there is plenty of help and support available from different providers to help you adjust to your studies in Australia.

 

Education Providers

 Australian education providers provide support services to create a welcoming and friendly environment for overseas students and to support their study experience. They offer a range of services to help you adjust to life and study in Australia and to make your study smooth. The support services include:

• Language and academic support
• Designated international student advisers
• On-arrival reception and orientation programs
• Childcare support
• Mental Health, well-being, and counseling
• Student accommodation
• Employment services
• Prayer and worship rooms
• Banking, shopping, and food outlets
• Clubs, societies, and sports and fitness facilities.

 

Along with the services mentioned above, other facilities like sports clubs, gyms, fitness centers, social clubs, and community service centers are also available to help you fit in. You can check the website of your education provider to know the details of all activities and the type of support services they offer.

 

State and Territory Partners

Study Australia is state offered service which works within all the states and territories and provide support in different areas. They aim to improve your experience in Australia and offer local support to facilitate non-natives. Study Australia partners and work with local businesses and community services to deliver essential services. The local support services include the following. You can visit their website for related details.

• Study Adelaide
• Study Queensland
• Study NSW
• Study Canberra
• Study Melbourne
• Study NT
• Study Perth
• Study Tasmania

 

Student Associations

Student associations are working across the country to assist and represent the interests and needs of students. Student associations are crucial in helping students with their issues and needs. National associations in Australia include:

 

• Council of International Students Australia (CISA): It is the national body for overseas students studying in Australia in any of the programs mentioned here: undergraduate, postgraduate, TAFE, private college, English language intensive courses for overseas students (ELICOS), and foundation courses
• Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS): this organization helps students make the most of their experience of living and studying in Australia.

 

Student associations are a part of most educational institutes in Australia. You can visit their website for more information.

 

Types of Student Support Services

 By law, all schools that accept students must offer support services for foreign students to help them study and get used to their new homes. Many schools have a support group for foreign students that can answer your questions and guide you to the services you need. Check out the institution profiles on their official website for specific and detailed information about the help services that Australian education providers offer.

 

International Student Hotline

The Australian Government is committed to providing the highest quality education and to ensure that they take measures to support the international students during their studies. If you face any problem with your safety, study, work, or accommodation you can call this number 1300 363 079. This helpline is operated by the federal Department of Education and is available from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. You can even call them without sharing your personal details.

 

Pre-departure and arrival Information and Advice

 International student support units also provide information related to the process of moving to Australia. You can get:

 

• Advice on travel arrangements, student visas, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and banking
• Information about airport pick-up
• Help with organizing accommodation
• Information about the institution, nearby tourist attractions, and life in Australia.

 

Orientation programs

 All the institutes run an orientation program for newly arrived students to make them familiar with their schedule. Orientation programs are usually held a few weeks before the start of semester to allow students to settle in before classes begin.

 

Typical orientation programs offer:

 

• Information sessions
• Guided campus tours
• Library tours
• Faculty-specific orientation
• Introduction to services and facilities
• Introduction to social activities
• Opportunities to meet academic staff and student representatives.

 

Mentors and help from other students

 

Many institutes have student groups that facilitate the meetups of students, so that they get to know each other. These student groups arrange social gatherings on a regular basis and organize activities like trips, meals, and sightseeing to help students make friends, settle into their new environment, and have fun!

Students can also look up to their senior student mentor for advice and support as they adjust to their studies in Australia.

 

Counseling services

Most institutions have qualified and experienced counselors to help students advance in their studies and careers. They offer international students free and confidential advice on academic, personal, and social matters, such as:

• Culture shock
• Depression, stress, and anxiety
• Relationship/family problems
• Accommodation problems
• Academic difficulties.

 

English language skills assistance

Many institutions offer academic and English language support services for students who are not fluent in the native language. They organize individual tutoring sessions and workshops, to help overseas students to get fluent in English language and adjust to their studies and life in Australia. English language conversation groups are created to encourage local and international students to practice their language skills and to get familiar with other cultures. Even the most skilled English speakers may find it difficult to understand people because of their distinct accents.

 

Health and well being

Staying healthy is the most important component for effectively continuing and completing your studies. Educators provide information regarding the services you need to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. If you face any problem regarding your physical and mental health, you can always visit a doctor. Seeking advice and medical help will not have any impact on your enrolment or visa.

Emergency Services (Helplines)

Several services and resources are available (including resources in many different languages) that have a tailored approach to supporting international students.

• Beyond Blue is one of Australia’s most trusted mental health support services. You can talk or chat online with a counselor. It supports mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and suicide around the clock. You can also access this service at their website named BeyondBlue. Their number to call is 1300 22 4636.
• Lifeline offers online and phone support. A free interpreting service for people who do not speak English is available. It offers 24-hour suicide prevention and crisis support services.

• Suicide Call Back Service is a nationwide service providing telephone and online counseling to people affected by suicidal thoughts.

• Headspace has many services available, including support for work and study. It also has an “about” page translated into 21 languages.

• Head to Health supports culturally and linguistically diverse people.

• Sexual Assault Counselling Service: This service is free for all who have experienced sexual assault. You can call anonymously to any state-based sexual assault counselling service to get support.

• Poison Information Centre: This support center guides the use and treatment of poisonous products, including non-prescription pharmaceuticals, industrial and household chemicals, and animal and plant venom. You can get immediate support by calling 131 126.

 For more information on support services and mental well-being, check their website.

 

Visit your Doctor/ GP

 Your doctor can help you with health issues and concerns about your mental well-being. They can help you create a mental health plan that may or may not include medication.

Legal rights and protections

 Australia has many protections in place to protect the rights of international students throughout their studies. These laws and services ensure you receive a high-quality education and are treated fairly while buying goods and services.

 

Protecting students

 Australian law protects international students, and every higher education provider in the country must be registered to offer and deliver accredited courses and programs. The Australian Government accredits every course offered to international students through the CRICOS register to ensure a consistent standard across all education providers in Australia.

 

Overseas Students Ombudsman

 The Overseas Students Ombudsman looks into complaints against Australian private education and training institutes. The Ombudsman’s services are free, unbiased and independent. You can contact the Ombudsman in your relevant state or territory to complain while studying at a public university, school, or TAFE.

 Contact the relevant Ombudsman website for your area (state or territory) and discover the issues they investigate. This is the list of Ombudsman websites.

 

• Australian Capital Territory Ombudsman
• Northern Territory Ombudsman
• New South Wales Ombudsman
• Office of the Training Advocate
• Queensland Ombudsman
• Tasmanian Ombudsman
• Western Australian Ombudsman
• Victorian Ombudsman.

 

Consumer Protection Laws

 Australian consumers’ rights, particularly those of international students, are safeguarded by consumer protection laws. An international law that protects your rights when purchasing goods and services is part of the Australian Consumer Law.

 It would be best if you got in touch with the state or territory’s appropriate government trade and consumer agency,

• If you are interested in learning more about your legal rights as a consumer,
• Have a complaint to make about a business,
• Have a problem with a good or service you’ve purchased or are considering purchasing, or you want to know how a company should act legally.

 You can visit the official website of Australian Government australia.gov.au to find the relevant government agency regarding consumer law.

 

Tuition Protection Service

 The Australian Government set up the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) to assist you if your institution cannot deliver your course fully. The TPS may also help if you did not start the course or have stopped studying and deserve a refund of tuition fees and the institute has not paid your dues.

 The TPS will help you to either:

• Receive a refund of your tuition fees
• Complete your studies in another course or another institution.

 

Disability support

 Australia has laws preventing discrimination against non-disabled and disabled people in many facets of public life. A person with a disability has just as much right to study as a non-disabled student. It means educational institutes cannot:

• Reject admission to a student with a disability.
• Ask a student with a disability to comply with conditions that do not apply to non-disabled students (e.g., pay higher fees)
• Deny entry or limit access to a student with a disability (e.g., not allowing them to go on excursions or having student rooms or lecture facilities).

 Many education providers offer services for students who need assistance with their studies because of a chronic medical condition or disability. The assistance could include

• Voice-recognition software,
• Hearing aids,
• Note-taking services.

If you have any special requirements, get in touch with your education provider well before your arrival to make the necessary arrangements.

 Education providers must try to accommodate a differently abled student. However, they are not bound by the law to make modifications in their study patterns or schedules if the changes involved are significantly difficult or unreasonably high cost. To decline admission to such a student, the education provider must prove that desired changes are unjustified. But before taking the decision, they must discuss it with the student and consult an expert to seek advice.

 If you experience a problem with your education provider, talk to the staff there first. You can lodge a formal complaint if informal discussions do not resolve the problem. Education providers must have a system to register complaints. If the complaint is not attended and recognized by your education provider, you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission and can make a confidential inquiry over the phone.

 

Accommodation and Housing

 If you are concerned about your accommodation contract or agreement, the Australian Government provides a range of support measures to protect international students against eviction from rental accommodation. You can get specific state and territory information by following the links given below:

 

• New South Wales: Fair Trading – http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
• Western Australia: Western Australia Consumer Protection – http://www.dmirs.wa.gov.au
• Queensland: Residential Tenancies Authority – http://www.rta.qld.gov.au
• Victoria: Consumer Affairs Victoria – http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au
• South Australia: South Australia Consumer and Business Services – http://www.cbs.sa.gov.au
• Tasmania: Consumer, Building and Occupation Services – http://www.cbos.tas.gov.au
• The Northern Territory: Northern Territory Consumer Affairs – http://www.consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au
• The ACT: Tenants Union ACT – http://www.tenantsact.org.au

 Many universities and education providers also offer a range of support to students, including fee deferrals, food, accommodation support, deferred studies or payments, mental Health, and other medical support.

 

Conclusion:

 Australia is renowned for its world-class education system, attracting thousands of international students annually. Various student support services have been established nationwide to ensure the wellness of students. These services aim to assist and guide students in navigating their academic journey and support their personal and emotional needs. From counseling services to language support programs, Australian universities and colleges are committed to creating a conducive environment for all students to thrive. The student support services offered in Australia significantly promote student welfare and enhance educational outcomes.