SUPPORT SERVICES

Education providers

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For overseas students, Australian education institutions take pleasure in providing a welcome, pleasant, and encouraging environment. Making friends and receiving assistance when required may make a significant impact. A variety of professional services are available to assist you in adjusting to life and studies in Australia.

These can include services such as:

• language and academic support

• designated international student advisers

• on-arrival reception and orientation programs

• childcare support

• mental health, wellbeing and counselling

• student accommodation

• employment services

• prayer and worship rooms

• banking, shopping and food outlets

• clubs, societies, and sport and fitness facilities.

Many Australian educational institutions resemble small towns. You can join a club or organisation, go to the gym to improve your health and fitness, join a sports team, go to a social event, or volunteer in the community. Check your institution's website for information on all of the events and services it provides.

Student associations

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Student groups exist all around the country to support and represent the needs and interests of students. Among the national organisations are:

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The Council of International Students Australia (CISA) is the national body for international students studying at the undergraduate, postgraduate, private college, TAFE, English language intensive courses for overseas students (ELICOS), and foundation courses in Australia. The Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) is the national body for international students studying at the undergraduate, postgraduate, private college, TAFE, and foundation courses in Australia. This organisation assists students in making the most of their time in Australia, both living and learning. 

In Australia, most institutions have their own student associations. For further information, go to your institution's website.

Other services for students

Support for people with disabilities

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a student with a handicap is denied admission

requiring a disabled student to complete standards that are not applicable to able-bodied pupils (for example, pay higher fees)

refuse or restrict access to a disabled student (for example, not allowing them to go on excursions, or having student common rooms or lecture facilities that are not accessible).

Many colleges and universities provide services for students who need help with their academics due to a handicap or a persistent medical condition. Voice-recognition software, hearing aids, and note-taking services are examples of this support. If you have special requirements, you should contact your institution several weeks ahead of time to make accommodations.

Institutions must go to great lengths to accommodate a disabled student. The institution, on the other hand, is not legally obligated to implement changes if they pose significant challenges or incur unjustifiable expenses. The institution must show that the modifications are unwarranted. Before making such a claim, the school should speak with the student directly and obtain professional counsel.

If you are having an issue with your institution, you should first speak with the personnel there. You can file a formal complaint if informal conversations do not fix the issue. Students must be able to file grievances with their educational institutions.

If you believe you have a valid complaint that your institution is refusing to acknowledge, you should contact the Australian Human Rights Commission.

You can make a private enquiry over the phone, but the commision will not take anything until you file a formal complaint in writing. Learn more about Australia's disability rights.

Childcare

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Childcare facilities with qualified workers are common in Australian universities. Around Australia, there are both for-profit and non-profit childcare centres.

The Australian government offers financial aid to parents who are unable to pay for daycare. The childcare benefit may be available to international students who receive financial aid through a government scholarship.

The Australian government offers financial aid to parents who need help paying for childcare. International students who are awarded a government scholarship may be eligible for the childcare benefit. Find out whether you qualify for childcare help.