Top 5 free places to get help
- Service NSWExternal Link , for access to essential government services like photo ID
- Redfern Legal CentreExternal Link , which provides international students with free legal advice funded by Study NSW
- The International Student Health Hub which lists available health resources across more than 50 organisations
- NSW Fair Trading, for consumer guidanceExternal Link like buying a car, and information on renting a homeExternal Link
- The Fair Work OmbudsmanExternal Link for help in understanding your rights and entitlements in the workplace
International Student Legal Service
Study NSW funds the Redfern Legal Centre to provide international students enrolled in NSW and their dependent VISA holders with access to free legal advice about issues including but not limited to:
- housing and renting
- sexual assault and sexual harassment
- fines and debts
- employment
- car and bike accidents
- discrimination
- family law
- domestic violence
- disputes about colleges or universities.
Learn moreExternal Link or call (02) 9698 7645 to book an appointment.
Government support services
If you need help, you can contact these government agencies.
NSW Fair Trading
NSW Fair Trading can help you resolve disputes related to shopping, refunds, renting, buying and selling property, cars, product safety, scams and more.
NSW Ombudsman
The NSW Ombudsman is an independent and impartial watchdog that can help you with complaints about public universities, TAFE colleges and public schools.
Safe Work NSW
SafeWork NSW can help you understand you and your employers' rights and responsibilities and enforce workplace health and safety laws in NSW.
Anti-Discrimination NSW
Anti-Discrimination NSW can provide support if you are discriminated against, sexually harassed, vilified or victimised in NSW, and you need to lodge a complaint form.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman
The Commonwealth Ombudsman can help if you are a future, current or former international student who has an issue with a private education institution such as a school, college or university in Australia.
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority can help provide fair, free and independent dispute resolution for financial complaints.
Australia Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
The national regulator for vocational education and training.
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
TEQSA are responsible for regulating and assuring the quality of all providers of higher education in Australia.