You‘re legally obliged to pay for your accommodation, cleaning and maintenance expenses on time. You also have the legal right to feel secure in your property, and to live in accommodation that is well maintained with working electricity and water.

If you have problems with your accommodation, talk to your real estate agent or landlord (if renting); your international student support staff for on-campus living; or your homestay service provider. There is always someone who can help.

Australia is generally a very safe place to live and study, but it is still important to be aware of the risks that exist.

Information for Emergencies

Emergency services in Australia are widespread and well equipped to support you. Learn more about our fire, ambulance, and police services so you are prepared.

The assistance and emergency networks in Australia are widespread and well equipped for any potential emergencies. Fire, ambulance, and police services will be able to provide you with any health and safety assistance you may need.

Wherever you are in Australia, if there’s a life-threatening emergency, call 000 (zero zero zero). It’s a free call, even from your mobile. An operator will answer and will ask which of the following services you need:

• Police
• Fire
• Ambulance

If you’re not sure which one you need just tell the operator what you are calling about and they will help guide you. If you don’t speak English, tell the operator your language and you will be connected to a translator who will be able to assist.

It is important to remain calm. The operator will ask questions, such as: where are you located, what is the emergency, and how many people are involved.

Here are some examples of when you should call 000:

• Someone has been seriously injured or is in urgent need of medical help.
• If your life or property is being threatened.
• If you have just witnessed a serious accident or crime.

Transport and Personal Safety

While Australia is generally a safe place to live and study, it is still important that you take precautions to reduce the chance of an incident occurring.

1. Public Transport

Public transport is reliable and widely used in Australia, particularly in metro and urban areas. A number of security measures have been implemented to maximise the safety of public transport users including security officers and guards, help points, good lighting and security cameras. However you should still use caution when travelling on public transport:

• Avoid isolated bus, rail and tram stops.
• Check transport timetables to avoid long waits, particularly at night.
• Train carriages nearest to the driver or guard are lit and safest at night.
• If you find yourself left in a train carriage on your own or with only one other person you may feel more comfortable moving to another carriage.

2. Road safety

Roads in Australia are generally well maintained, and, within city and urban areas, have good lighting and signage. However, roads are often shared between large and small vehicles, heavy and light rail, bicycles and even pedestrians. 

For this reason, road safety awareness is very important for international students who may not be familiar with Australian road conditions. 

As road users, international students in Australia should consider:

• Australian’s drive on the left side of the road.
• Wearing seat belts is mandatory in private vehicles (including taxis and ride-share).
• There are strict controls on alcohol limits for drivers (0.05). It is best to avoid drinking if you are planning to drive.
• Mobile (cell) phone use while driving is strictly prohibited in all Australian states and territories with harsh fines and penalties for offenders.
• Wearing of bicycle helmets is also mandatory for cyclists.
• It is safest to exit a vehicle from the kerb-side – always watch for cyclists and pedestrians before you open your door

Bicycle and scooter use in Australia (including e-bikes and e-scooters) has increased greatly, especially in inner city areas where many students live, work and hang out. It is important to use bicycle lanes, observe road rules and make sure that bikes are well-lit at night when riding home.

The Tourism Australia website has more useful tips on safe driving in Australia and road safety.

3. Taxis

Some tips when using taxis in Australia:

• Sit wherever you feel most comfortable – it is normal for passengers to sit in the front or the rear of the taxi.
• Always ensure you know the address of your destination before getting into the taxi.
• Tell the driver the route you would like to take to your destination, and don’t be afraid to speak up if the driver takes you a different route, particularly one you are unfamiliar with.
• If you don’t want the driver to know exactly where you live, get them to drop you off a short distance away.

4. Going out

When you are out with friends or by yourself, here are some simple things to consider:

• Always plan your trip home, especially at night. You may want to pre-book a taxi or arrange transport with a friend. Always make sure you have enough money to get home.
• Try to travel with a friend or in a group.
• Keep your bag and belongings close to your body and where you can always see them.
• Never hitch hike.
• If you don’t have a mobile phone, make sure you have a phone card or money to make a phone call.
• Where available, use pedestrian walkways and cross the street at pedestrian crossings or lights.
• Leave valuables at home if you don’t need to take them with you. This includes jewellery, electronic equipment such as iPads and your passport. If you’ve recently arrived and don’t have anywhere permanent to live yet, talk to your institution’s international student support staff about secure storage facilities on campus.
• Don’t carry large amounts of money with you. You can access your money at ATMs found in shops, supermarkets, petrol stations, shopping malls, bars, shop fronts and many other public places.
• Call 000 in the event of an emergency. Remember, calls to 000 are free of charge.

5. At school or on campus

When you are at your institution during the day or night, here are some tips to help keep you safe:

• Make sure you are aware of the security and emergency arrangements at your institution and in your local area. Your institution should provide you with this information either in your information pack or once you arrive.
• Some large institutions offer security escort services or bus shuttle services for out of office hours. Contact your institution directly to see if this is a service they offer.
• If you drive to your institution, try to park close to your destination and use well-lit car parks.
• When leaving your institution at night try to walk with a friend or group, and take paths that are well lit and ideally frequently used by other people.

6. Using the internet

International students often spend many hours online, on their computers and/or mobile phone. These are an essential tool for staying connected with family and new friends in Australia. However, the use of online devices carries risks and it is important for all students to protect themselves online. Australia is a world leader in identifying online abuse, with its eSafety Commissioner website established to protect students and children online.  

When using the internet, like anywhere in the world, you should protect yourself against spam, online scams like ‘phishing’, online bullying and identity theft. You can find resources and more information about protecting yourself online and reporting abuse at Australia.gov.au and www.esafety.gov.au. Many Australian internet service providers also offer guidance so check their website as well.

Sun and Water Safety

Australia is known for its warm climate and beautiful beaches, but it is important to stay safe when outdoors or in the water. See how you can enjoy it safely.

The Australian sun can be very hot and may be stronger than what you are used to in your home country.

There are some steps you can take to protect your skin:

• Check the weather forecast before you plan on being outdoors – bom.gov.au
• Wear sunscreen protection (such as SPF30+ water resistant sun cream) and apply before you go outside.
• Apply sunscreen at least 25-30 minutes before swimming and ensure you re-apply sunscreen after swimming.
• Wear a hat and UV protective sunglasses.
• Avoid spending time in the direct sun between 10am and 4pm, as this is when the sun is strongest.
• Make sure you follow these tips even when it isn’t sunny – you can still get burnt on cloudy or overcast days.

Australia has many beautiful beaches and waterways, but it is important to take care when swimming. Here are some tips for staying safe in the water:

• Never dive into water if you are not sure how deep it is.
• Only swim at patrolled beaches (a beach where there are lifeguards on duty – look for signs) and always swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards can see you.
• Many Australian beaches have ‘rips’. These are strong underwater currents that can be hard to spot but which can draw you away from the shore quickly. If you swim between the flags you should not have any problem with rips. If you do find yourself in a rip, try not to panic or swim against it. Stay with your surfboard or other floating device if you have one. Swim gently parallel to the beach out of the rip zone, or wave and call for assistance from lifeguards or other swimmers and surfers.

For more information on water safety visit the Surf Life Saving website.

Once you have received your visa, there are requirements you must meet in order for it to remain valid, including;

• You must remain enrolled and maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance. 
• If you wish to change your qualification level you may need to apply for a new student visa. 
• Provide your Australian address to your institution so they can contact you, and let them know if you change address. 
• You must continue to be able to support yourself financially while you’re in Australia. 
• Do not breach the working conditions applicable to your visa.

Visa Help and Assistance

• The Department of Home Affairswebsite provides all information in relation to visa requirements, responsibilities and compliance. 
• Your institution’s international student support staff can provide you with assistance about the visa you’ll need for your course.
• Education agents can also help with your student visa application and paperwork (as well as your course application).
• Note that education agents are not permittedto provide migration advice unless they are a registered migration agent. Information on registered migration agents, including a searchable database of agents, can be found on the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA) website.

As an international student in Australia, you are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your study in Australia. But there are also other types of insurance which you may find useful.

Overseas Student Health Cover

International students undertaking formal studies in Australia, and their dependents (for example, spouses and children under 18 years old), must obtain OSHC. It includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines). OSHC insurers can provide a range of different OSHC products. These may range from a basic product which covers only the compulsory minimum services to comprehensive products which cover, in addition to the compulsory minimum services, extra services as specified under the particular policy. Learn more about OSHC, including a list of the providers at www.privatehealth.gov.au/.

 The Department of Home Affairs requires overseas students to maintain OSHC for the duration of time they are in Australia. For further information please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Australia is a great place to work as an international student. You may choose to work while you are studying. This can be an option to earn extra spending money and get a taste of the local culture. Here are a few things to remember:

• Work hours: You can work up to 40 hours every two weeks while you are studying, and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. 
• Workplace protections: You have the same protections at work as anyone else working in Australia.
• Minimum wage: You will get at least a minimum rate of pay per hour no matter what job you do.
• Strong support: You will find support every step of your journey as a student worker. Help is always available from government and private organisations as well as your education provider.

Ideal work for students

The flexible hours and large number of opportunities in these industries make these ideal for students:

• Retail – including supermarkets, department stores, boutiques
• Hospitality – cafes, bars, restaurants, delivery
• Farming and fruit-picking – seasonal work
• Services – childcare, aged care and cleaning
• Administration and clerical work
• Tutoring

Expand your work experience through volunteer work and internships

There are also charities and non-government organisations which offer volunteer work for students – a great way to meet people, gain hands-on work experience and contribute to the community. 

Holiday work in Australia

Australia offers several different types of visas for international students which allow you to work while you are holidaying or studying here. The Department of Home Affairs website has more information on working holiday visas.

Working in Australia after you graduate

If you’re interested in staying in Australia to work after you graduate, you’ll need to get a new working visa before your student visa expires. As a graduated international student you may be eligible for:

• The Post-Study Work stream of the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) if you have completed a Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degree.
• To submit an Expression of Interest through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect, seeking approval to stay in Australia as a professional worker.
• State and territory government nomination for skilled and business migration.

Visit the Department of Home Affairs for more information.