High Commission of India, Canberra
Issued for guidance to Indian students coming to Australia. This web version preserves the advisory text and formats it for easier reading.
ADVISORY FOR INDIAN STUDENTS COMING TO AUSTRALIA
(Issued for guidance by the High Commission of India, Canberra)
Disclaimer
This Advisory provides general information only. It is not legal advice. Australian migration, education, employment, health, and tenancy laws may change. Students must always verify information from the Australian Government, State/Territory authorities, and their education providers.
1. Purpose of the Advisory
This Advisory is issued to support Indian students travelling to Australia by consolidating commonly sought information such as legal obligations, student safety guidance, and practical settling-in information. It integrates topics frequently raised by students (including checklists, packing, accommodation, visas, work, banking, health, driving, safety, and emergencies) with verified Australian legal and regulatory frameworks.
Students are encouraged to:
Rely on official government authorities for compliance and disputes
Use trusted student platforms (such as SETUIndia.au) for practical checklists and local guidance, alongside official sources
The Official App for the High Commission’s Student Guide is called “SETU India AU” and can be found on the play store and app store. Visit app.setuindia.au for more information. Download links:
App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/setu-india-au/id6760856984
Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ghar.mobile
2. Visa and Legal Compliance
Indian students must comply with all conditions of their Student visa (Subclass 500) at all times.
Core obligations
Remain enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course
Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay
Comply with work limitations
Keep contact details updated with the education provider
Admissions, offers, and deferrals
Conditional and unconditional offers, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), and deferrals are governed by education providers under the ESOS Act.
If a visa is delayed and the term has started, students must contact the education provider immediately to discuss deferral or alternative commencement options.
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)
OSHC must start from arrival or visa grant date (whichever is earlier) and continue until departure or visa expiry.
OSHC covers GP visits, hospital care, emergency ambulance, and limited pharmaceuticals.
Students must activate OSHC and carry their membership details.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is mandatory for graduation and award issuance.
Students without a USI must apply through the Australian Government USI Registry.
State and Territory rights and resources
(Visa law is federal; access points are national but support is delivered locally)
While student visa conditions are set by the Australian Government, students interact with education providers, health services, housing systems, and enforcement bodies at the State and Territory level. This means that compliance is national, but support pathways are local.
What “maintaining visa compliance” means in practice
Students must ensure all of the following at all times:
Active enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course
Satisfactory academic progress and attendance (as required by the provider)
Valid OSHC coverage for the entire duration of stay
Adherence to work limits (48 hours per fortnight during study periods)
Updated contact details with the education provider
Compliance with Australian laws (including criminal and civil laws)
Failure to meet these conditions may lead to provider reporting via PRISMS and potential visa consequences.
How State and Territory systems connect to visa compliance
Although visa conditions are federal, the following State/Territory-level interactions directly affect compliance:
Education providers (universities/TAFEs)
Monitor attendance and academic progress under the ESOS framework
Must report serious breaches (e.g. non-enrolment, unsatisfactory progress)
Healthcare systems (OSHC providers and hospitals)
Students must maintain active OSHC regardless of which state they reside in
Local law enforcement
Breaches of criminal law can impact visa status
Housing and welfare systems
Instability (e.g. homelessness) can indirectly affect attendance and compliance
State and Territory access points (where students actually go)
Even though obligations are national, students should use the following local entry points for help:
ACT (Australian Capital Territory)
Key points:
Universities (e.g. ANU, UC) provide international student compliance monitoring
ACT Policing handles legal incidents
Support resources:
ACT Policing
Local university international student support services
NSW (New South Wales)
Key points:
Largest international student population; strong institutional support systems
NSW Police and NSW Health are primary local services
Support resources:
NSW Police
NSW Health
University international student offices
NT (Northern Territory)
Key points:
Smaller student population; direct access to providers is common
Support resources:
NT Police
NT Government student support services
QLD (Queensland)
Key points:
Providers actively monitor compliance under ESOS obligations
Support resources:
Queensland Police Service
University student support services
SA (South Australia)
Key points:
Strong student support ecosystem via universities and CBS (consumer services)
Support resources:
SA Police
University international offices
TAS (Tasmania)
Key points:
Centralised support through University of Tasmania
Support resources:
Tasmania Police
UTAS student services
VIC (Victoria)
Key points:
Dedicated international student support programs at state level
Support resources:
Victoria Police
Study Melbourne (Victorian Government initiative)
WA (Western Australia)
Key points:
Strong compliance enforcement and student welfare programs
Support resources:
WA Police
WA Government international student support
National official resources (primary authorities)
These are the authoritative bodies students must rely on:
Department of Home Affairs
Visa conditions, work rights, cancellations
Tuition Protection Service (TPS)
Protects students if a provider closes or fails to deliver a course
National Student Ombudsman (NSO)
Complaints about higher education providers
Overseas Students Ombudsman (Commonwealth Ombudsman)
Complaints about private education providers
Practical actions for students
Save:
Your university international student office contact
OSHC provider contact
Local police non-emergency number (131 444)
Respond immediately to any notice from your education provider
Seek help early if:
You are at risk of failing a subject
You cannot attend classes
You face financial, health, or housing challenges
Sources
Department of Home Affairs – Visa conditions
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/check-visa-details-and-conditionsESOS Framework (Education Services for Overseas Students)
https://www.education.gov.au/esos-frameworkTuition Protection Service
https://www.tps.gov.auNational Student Ombudsman
https://www.nso.gov.auCommonwealth Ombudsman – Overseas Students
https://www.ombudsman.gov.au/How-we-can-help/overseas-students3. Employment Rights and Exploitation
(Jobs, TFN, banking, earning)
International students are protected by Australian workplace laws regardless of nationality.
Work rights
Students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods
Unlimited hours are allowed during official course breaks
Employers must provide payslips and pay lawful minimum wages
Cash-in-hand work, sham contracting, and unpaid “trial shifts” are unlawful
Tax File Number (TFN) and banking
A TFN is required to work legally and to avoid excess tax
Bank accounts can be opened with a passport, visa, and Australian address
TFN and bank details should only be shared with verified employers and banks
Finding work safely
Use university job boards and reputable platforms
Avoid jobs requiring upfront fees or promising unrealistic income
State and Territory rights and resources
All States and Territories
Key rights: Minimum wage, payslips, safe workplaces
Official resources:
Fair Work Ombudsman
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
TIS National (interpreting)
Sources
Fair Work Ombudsman – International students & visa holders
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/visa-holders-migrantsFair Work Ombudsman – Pay and conditions
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay-and-wagesAustralian Taxation Office – TFN
https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/TIS National
https://www.tisnational.gov.au4. Housing and Tenancy
(On-campus, off-campus, safety, renting)
Tenancy laws vary by State and Territory, but fundamental protections apply nationwide.
Key protections
Written agreements are strongly recommended
Rental bonds must be lodged with the official government bond authority
Tenants are entitled to safe, habitable accommodation and repairs
Accommodation safety
Inspect properties before paying money
Avoid deposits for unseen properties
Keep photos, receipts, and condition reports
Disputes
Use official tenancy authorities and tribunals
Do not rely on informal arrangements for serious disputes
Know the Law and Your Rights
NSW: NSW Fair Trading
https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/renting-a-place-to-liveACT: Renting Laws – ACT
https://www.act.gov.au/housing-planning-and-property/rentingVIC: Tenants Victoria
https://tenantsvic.org.au/advice/different-tenancies/international-students/QLD: Residential Tenancies Authority
https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/SA: Renting in South Australia
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/housing/renting-and-lettingWA: Consumer Protection WA
https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/renting-homeNT: NT Consumer Affairs
https://consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au/TAS: Tenants' Union of Tasmania
https://tutas.org.au/5. Safety, Emergencies, and Law Enforcement
Emergency numbers (Australia-wide)
000 – Police, Fire, Ambulance
112 – Mobile emergency number
131 444 – Non-urgent police assistance
Students should save:
University emergency numbers
Local police contact
High Commission of India / Consulates General of India emergency contacts
6. Wellbeing and Mental Health
Mental health support is available to international students regardless of visa status.
Support services
Lifeline – 24/7 crisis support
1800RESPECT – Domestic, family, and sexual violence support
Healthdirect – Medical and mental health advice
University might also have their own additional counselling and wellbeing services
7. Scams and Fraud Alerts
International students are commonly targeted by scams.
Common scams
Fake job offers requiring payment
Rental scams requesting deposits before inspection
Impersonation of government officials
Phishing emails and messages
What to do
Do not send money or documents
Keep evidence
Report immediately
Reporting channels
Scamwatch – General scams
ReportCyber – Online and cybercrime
Police if there is immediate danger
8. Role of the High Commission of India
The High Commission of India (HCI) provides consular assistance to Indian nationals in Australia.
HCI may:
Assist in emergencies
Provide consular guidance
Liaise with local authorities when appropriate
HCI cannot:
Interfere in Australian legal proceedings
Override Australian laws or visa conditions
In emergencies, students must contact Australian emergency services first (000).
9. Trusted Support Platforms and Official Pathways
Students should rely on:
Australian Government portals
State and Territory regulators
Ombudsman services
Universities
SETU India, our trusted student platform may be used for:
Practical checklists
Location-specific guidance
Community connections
These platforms complement but do not replace official advice.
Final note to students
Australia offers strong legal protections. Students should:
Know their rights
Keep records
Seek help early
Use official channels without fear