Free legal advice: Redfern Legal Centre

International students studying in NSW can get free legal advice about housing problems, fines, debts, car accidents, employment, discrimination, family law, domestic violence, and complaints about colleges or universities. The centre can also advise how these problems affect student visas.

Visit the Redfern Legal Centre website to learn more about their free legal advice service for international students.

To access the service:

• Fill out the online enquiry form at https://rlc.org.au/about-us/contact-us or
• Call (02) 9698 7645

Important: Please note that Redfern Legal Centre can make arrangements to advise students living anywhere in NSW.

Counselling and support services

There are a number of government and non-government providers of free counselling, crisis support, suicide prevention, relationship support, domestic violence and mental health services. You can express to remain anonymous when accessing these services. Many of these services can be accessed over the phone, through web chat, email, online forums and various information resources.

In an emergency, such as a life threatening situation, car crash or fire, call 000 (triple zero).

Lifeline

Call 13 11 14 to access 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Visit the Lifeline website to find out more. 

Beyond Blue

Call 1300 22 4636 to get 24 hour support for mental health issues including anxiety, depression and suicide. You can also get support through web chat, email and an online forum on the beyondblue website.

Kids Helpline

Call 1800 551 800 if you would like to talk about feelings you have about your studies and personal relationships. This service is targeted at people aged between 5 and 25 years. Visit the Kids Helpline website to find out more. 

The Multicultural Problem Gambling Service (MPGS) for NSW provides free, confidential, and accessible counselling for international students and others affected by gambling.  MPGS also provides in-language training workshops and presentations to interested groups (e.g. communities and service providers) on problem gambling and other issues that can impact families (e.g. mental health, relationships).

To find out more information about MPGS and its free services that are provided in different languages, please call 1800 856 800 or visit the Multicultural Problem Gambling Service website.

Other Services

NSW Fair Trading is the state government agency that resolves disputes between consumers and businesses on issues such as shopping, refunds, renting, cars, buying and selling property, home building, product safety, scams and more. This information aims to help you understand your consumer rights and responsibilities in NSW.

Visit the NSW Fair Trading website to find out more.

The Overseas Students Ombudsman (OSO) investigates complaints about problems that intending, current or former overseas students have with private schools, colleges and universities (education providers) in Australia.

The Ombudsman's services are free, independent and impartial. If you want to make a complaint in your language call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450.

Visit the Overseas Student Ombudsman website to find out more.

The NSW Ombudsman is an independent and impartial watchdog.

The NSW Ombudsman can investigate complaints about NSW government agencies, including public universities, TAFE colleges and public schools.

For more information on the role of the Ombudsman, visit their website at https://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/

Anti-Discrimination NSW is a state government body that runs free discrimination services. You can contact their enquiry service if you have a question about discrimination, or you can lodge a complaint if you have experienced discrimination in NSW.

There is information in 22 community languages on their website, including translated complaint forms.

Visit the Anti-Discrimination NSW website for more information.

Institution support services

Education institutions provide specialist services to support international students studying and living in New South Wales. Services can include:

• International student advisers
• Arrival and orientation program
• Academic support
• Chaplains and multi-faith services
• Childcare
• Disability services
• Employment and careers services
• Health, wellbeing and counselling services
• Language support
• Safety and security advice
• Scholarships and financial support
• Sport and fitness facilities
• Student accommodation
• Student associations

To find out full details of what your institution provides please contact them directly or visit their website.

The Council of International Students Australia (CISA) is the national peak student representative body for international students studying at the postgraduate, undergraduate, private college, TAFE, ELICOS and foundation level. Visit the CISA website to find out more.

Study in Australia is the official Australian Government website for international students. On this website you can search for courses, institutions and scholarships and read about studying and living in Australia. The website also provides links to information about additional support services available to international students studying in Australia.

The Australian Government wants international students to have a rewarding and enjoyable experience when they come to Australia to study. Australia offers high quality education services and protects the rights of international students to ensure you make the most of your time here.

Download a fact sheet to read important information for student visa holders about living and studying in Australia, including your consumer rights and responsibilities as an international student and key things you should know before and during your study.

Visit the Study in Australia website to find out about additional support services for international students.