LEGAL RIGHTS AND PROTECTION

Keeping students safe

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As an international student, you are legally protected in Australia. To offer and deliver accredited courses and programmes, every higher education provider in the country must be registered. Providers must also pass formal quality assurance audits on a regular basis.

To insure a consistent standard across all Australian education providers, the Australian Government has accredited every course offered to international students through the CRICOS register.

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Ombudsman for Overseas Students

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The Ombudsman for Overseas Students investigates concerns about private Australian education and training institutions. The Ombudsman's services are free, impartial, and autonomous.

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• If you are a student at a public university, school, or TAFE, you can file a complaint with the Ombudsman of the state or territory where you are studying.

• If you are a student at a public university, school, or TAFE, you can file a complaint with the Ombudsman of the state or territory where you are studying.

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• Australian Capital Territory Ombudsman

• New South Wales Ombudsman

• Northern Territory Ombudsman

• Queensland Ombudsman

• Office of the Training Advocate

• Tasmanian Ombudsman

• Victorian Ombudsman

• Western Australian Ombudsman.

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Consumer protection 

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To protect the rights of Australian consumers, including international students, Australia has consumer protection laws in place. The Australian Consumer Law incorporates a national law that protects your rights when purchasing goods and services.

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If you are a resident of a state or territory, you should contact the relevant government trade and consumer agency.

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-would like to learn more about your consumer rights

-have a problem with a product or service you've purchased or are considering purchasing, 

-want to know how a business should behave under the law, or want to file a complaint about a business 

-To locate the relevant government agency where you are studying, go to australia.gov.au.

 

Service for Tuition Protection

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The Australian Government established the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) to assist you if your institution is unable to fully deliver your course.

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If you did not start or end your course and are liable for a tuition refund, however the college has not paid it, the TPS will be able to help.

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You will be able to do one of the following with the TPS:

 

• Complete your studies in a different course or with a different institution, or receive a refund of your unused tuition fees.

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• Visit the TPS website at https://tps.gov.au/StaticContent/Get/StudentInformation.