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Scenario 10: Picking where to study

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Do your research before choosing a course. Get as much written information about the course as you can. Search for reviews of the school and beware of courses that claim to be "free" or offer "free gifts" or other bonuses to get you to sign up.

Also make sure that any school you choose is CRICOS listed – this means it is registered as an education provider.

There are rules your school must follow.

When you choose a school, make sure that you get a written agreement and read it carefully. You have to understand what you are signing up for, and shouldn't pay anything until you sign the agreement.

Before you enrol, you have a right to get up-to-date and accurate information about your course, its requirements, all your fees and modes of study.

After you enrol, there are also rules about refunds, transfers, suspensions and deferrals, enrolments, course quality, complaints and appeals.

There are steps you can take if your school does not follow these rules.

You should first talk to your school. If you are not happy with their response, you have the right to make a free complaint. Contact the Overseas Student Ombudsman (OSO) ((02)1300 362 072) if you are in a private school or the Victorian Ombudsman ((03) 9613 6222) if you are studying in a government university or TAFE.

You can go to Study Melbourne Student Centre for help to understand the rules and your rights

Learn more about the people and places that can help

Other Services

Some services can provide you with support or information. This might include general information about your options. They are a good place to start when you are having trouble and want to find out more about what you can do.

Overseas Student Ombudsman

If you think your private education provider hasn’t followed the rules or has treated you unfairly, you can complain to the OSO. They can talk to your provider and investigate, and they can ask them to fix your issue.

Victorian Ombudsman

If you think your public education provider hasn’t followed the rules or has treated you unfairly, you can complain to the Victorian Ombudsman. They’ll talk to your provider and investigate, and they can ask them to fix your issue.

Study Melbourne Student Center

SMSC is a support service run by the Victorian Government for all international students in Victoria. You can get information, referral and practical support from them and they also have a place where you can study.

More problem scenarios and how to get help