Legal rights of International Students in Australia
Are you looking forward to studying in Australia for high education? It is better to understand the legal framework of the destined location before enrolling.
Many students across the globe aspire to pursue higher studies from Australia due to its popularity and culture. The country is open to all locations and accepts social and cultural styles of international students who choose to become a part of Australian Universities. Apart from this, the country also keeps the health, safety, and well-being of international students a top priority.
Considering all, the Australian government has accordingly framed essential laws and services to improve the quality of education services for international students and make sure no stone is left unturned for our growing leaders. The legal framework covers every aspect, from conveniently buying any good or service to being fairly treated in the country.
Look at the few measures taken by the Australian Government for international students in this direction:
Accreditation of all courses by the Government
Enrollment, as well as accreditation by the Australian Government, is essential for all institutes that render higher education. It is to ensure that each international student is well shielded as per the Australian laws. Besides, they additionally need to go through routine legal assurance tests.
Furthermore, as per the Australian government, accreditation of each course offered by a university through CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students) is obligatory, thus standardizing all courses across the institutions.
Accessibility to reach Overseas Students Ombudsman for Complaints
Each International Student has the right to reach out to Overseas Students Ombudsman for any complaint regarding private education or training institutions. This single entity holds the authority to investigate against any such complaints in Australia. Register for injustice or criticism at the Ombudsman of the area (state or territory) if you are a student at any public university, school, or TAFE (Technical and Further Education). These Ombudsman services are not just free and self-governing but also unbiased and thoroughly helpful.
Protection Laws for Consumers
In Australia, many consumers protection laws have been framed to protect its consumers, including International Students. Of these, the National Law safeguards your rights while purchasing goods or taking benefit of service in Australia. Thus, in any such case, when you
- need to know about your consumer rights
- come across an issue with the product/service purchased or planning to avail
- enquire information related to procedures of a business and its legal compliance
- grieve about a business
make sure to get in touch with the related government trade or consumer agency designated in your area (state or territory).
Tuition Protection Service
The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is yet another initiative of the Australian government to support the international students if the institution fails to deliver the course opted. Besides, it also allows a refund for the course if didn’t continue or stopped midway for some reason. Thus, the TPS can help you in the following ways:
- You can complete your study by opting for another course or by switching to another institution.
- Getting a refund on your unspent tuition fee.
Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act
The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act is a framework that effectively guards the rights of all international students studying in Australia. Not just the working rights, it also keeps a check on the students’ welfare as well as the financial security or grievances, if any.
Workplace rights of an international Student
Nowadays, students follow the concept of earning while learning. Likewise, in Australia most international students opt for part-time jobs to overcome their expenses. In such circumstances, it’s most crucial that they have an update on the minimum wages as well as their basic rights that not only mean being paid on time but also include fair treatment at the workplace.
The Fair Work Ombudsman guarantees protection and fair exercise of all such work rights in Australia for International students.
In the passing by years, the Australian government has stepped forward and taken many measures for the betterment of international students, promote and protect human rights irrespective of their citizenship. If you are willing to study abroad in Australia learn more about its Legal rights, visa procedure, university eligibility criteria, and more with our overseas education consultants in India.
