27 October 2021
Among the best education destinations in the world, Australia stands out strong and popular. And rightly so, with its cultural, economic, social life soaring high, international students are bound to count “the Land Down Under” among the best education destinations across nations. But that’s not the sole reason why it is popular.
All that shines is not gold but Australian laws make sure that the students have hit the gold mine when they come to study. Not only do they offer top-notch educational standards, but they also ensure the safety, health, fair treatment, and overall well being of international students.
On that note, take a look at the important laws in Australia for international students-
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Government Accreditation
Australian law safeguards and protects international students every time they choose to study in Australia. This is why universities, colleges, and other higher education institutes are required to get themselves accredited by the government. This registration is among the several steps that complete their formal quality assurance checks.
And that’s not it, for further protection of international students, it is mandatory that a university course or degree gets accredited through CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).
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Consumer protection laws
Australian laws are framed to protect consumer rights; at all costs. This includes international students as well. These laws ensure the protection of rights while purchasing goods, services, etc. in Australia. Make sure to inquire with the relevant consumer agency or government trade agency, if you:
- Lodging a complaint against a company or business.
- Problems and issues related to service
- Inquiries related to a business, service or consumer rights.
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International student’s professional rights
Living in Australia, or overseas, for that matter, is challenging for an international student. There are all kinds of expenses, and therefore, they take up casual part-time jobs. Regardless of what you do and where you work, you should be aware of your workplace rights. This includes
- Minimum wages
- Fair treatment
- Basic protection laws and rights
- Work hour
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Special complaint cell – Overseas Students Ombudsman
Any overseas student can file a complaint with the Overseas Students Ombudsman, which is the only authority in Australia that has the responsibility to review complaints about private training and education institutes.
One 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 (Technical and Further Education). The Ombudsman’s services are fair, unbiased, and free.
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Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act
The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act ensures the protection of all overseas (international) students in Australia, covering everything from monetary security to employment rights, student welfare, and other disputes.
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Tuition Protection Service
The Australian Government instituted the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) to support overseas students if their educational establishment fails to fully deliver the course. If you haven’t begun or discontinued your program, you are eligible for reimbursement or you can contact the TPS. The Tuition Protection Service ensures that international students are able to either:
- Complete/resume the course in another institution/college/university/ education provider.
- Switching or changing the course.
- In case of refunds for unspent tuition fees.
- re-credit of loans for open units of study (VET Student Loan (VSL) and FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP (HELP) loan).
On a routine basis, the Australian government takes initiatives to strengthen and preserve human rights while prohibiting discriminatory practices against anybody, regardless of nationality, age, color, and immigration status. These regulations are required in order to improve overseas students’ and their families’ wellness, welfare, and well-being.
