State-by-State Support Services for International Students in Australia
This article lists free, state‑by‑state support services for international students in Australia, plus national helplines and a real student story.
International students in Australia can access free, state‑run support services in every state and territory, along with national helplines and on‑campus resources. Each state and territory provides a dedicated portal offering advice, counselling, careers help, legal aid and social activities. In an emergency, call 000 for police, ambulance or fire services.
State and territory support portals
- StudyAdelaide – https://studyadelaide.com/student-portal
- Study Queensland – https://www.studyqueensland.qld.gov.au/live-in-queensland/student-support
- Study NSW (New South Wales) – https://www.study.nsw.gov.au/live/support-services
- Study Canberra – https://canberra.com.au/
- Study Melbourne – https://studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/
- Study NT (Northern Territory) – https://studynt.nt.gov.au/
- Study Perth – https://www.studyperth.com.au/student-support/free-support-services/
- Study Tasmania – https://www.studytasmania.tas.gov.au/resources/for_students/safety_and_support
These portals list support officers, careers advice, counselling, social groups, legal advice and local service information. Check the site for the institution you attend to see the full range of activities and support on offer.
National helplines and mental‑health resources
- Beyond Blue – trusted mental‑health support with phone, chat and online counselling. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- Lifeline – 24/7 phone, text and online chat; free language‑translation service available. https://www.lifeline.org.au/ / https://www.lifeline.org.au/language-support/
- Suicide Call Back Service – 24/7 telephone and online counselling. https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/
- Headspace – services for work, study and general wellbeing; flyers translated into many languages. https://headspace.org.au/ / https://headspace.org.au/services/work-and-study-support/
- Embrace Multicultural Mental Health – multilingual mental‑health information. https://embracementalhealth.org.au/
- Head to Health – supports culturally and linguistically diverse people. https://headtohealthvic.org.au/?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvdajBhBEEiwAeMh1UyEKvMFP6uCY18XssC-5LXpjJ350KMb_lZIAHD01_lS-23tYktSF4xoCLhUQAvD_BwE
You can also talk to a counsellor at your education provider, see a GP, or use the online self‑help tools listed on the Study Australia mental‑wellbeing page.
Student story: Aayush from Nepal
Aayush studied Commercial Cookery in Nepal before moving to Sydney for a Bachelor of Business (Hospitality and Hotel Management) at TAFE NSW. He found the practical components of his course valuable for his goal of becoming a hotel manager. The biggest challenge was adjusting to a new culture and dealing with homesickness, but making friends, exploring Sydney and staying in touch with family helped him settle. Aayush advises new students to stay open to experiences, manage time well and seek support early — teachers, student clubs and the wide range of support services are always ready to help.