International Student Rights and Responsibilities

As an international student at Melbourne Polytechnic, you have rights and responsibilities that are protected under Australian law and Melbourne Polytechnic policies.

This page provides important information about your rights, student visa obligations, support services, academic integrity and the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework.

We encourage all international students to familiarise themselves with this information to ensure a successful and rewarding study experience.

Your Rights

As an international student at Melbourne Polytechnic, you have the right to:

• Study in a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment.
• Be treated fairly and with dignity regardless of your background, culture, religion, gender, age, disability or personal circumstances.
• Receive accurate and up-to-date information about your course, fees, support services and student policies.
• Access quality education and training that meets national standards.
• Access support services, including academic support, counselling, wellbeing services and careers advice.
• Raise concerns, provide feedback and make complaints without fear of disadvantage.
• Access fair and transparent assessment, academic progress and appeals processes.
• Have your personal information handled in accordance with privacy legislation.
• Be protected from discrimination, harassment, bullying, sexual harassment and victimisation.

Your Responsibilities

As a Melbourne Polytechnic student, you are expected to:

• Treat fellow students, staff and visitors with respect and courtesy.
• Respect cultural diversity and contribute to an inclusive learning environment.
• Behave honestly and maintain academic integrity in all assessments and coursework.
• Take responsibility for your learning and actively participate in your studies.
• Follow Melbourne Polytechnic policies, procedures and safety requirements.
• Use Melbourne Polytechnic facilities, equipment and online systems responsibly.
• Respect the privacy and rights of others.
• Avoid behaviour that may negatively impact the wellbeing, safety or learning experience of others.

For more information, refer to the Student Code of Conduct Guidelines.

Student Visa Responsibilities

As an international student, you must comply with the conditions of your student visa.

This includes:

• Remaining enrolled in your registered course.
• Maintaining satisfactory course progress.
• Maintaining valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay in Australia.
• Keeping your residential address, phone number and email address up to date with Melbourne Polytechnic.
• Complying with student visa work conditions.
• Seeking advice before reducing your study load, deferring your studies, withdrawing from your course or changing courses.

If you are unsure about your visa obligations, please contact the International Office.

ESOS Legislative Framework

International students studying in Australia are protected by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework.

The ESOS framework protects the rights of international students and sets standards for education providers delivering courses to students on student visas.

The framework includes:

• Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act)
• National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code 2018)
• Tuition Protection Service (TPS)

These laws ensure that international students receive accurate information, quality education and appropriate support while studying in Australia.

For more information, visit the Department of Education ESOS Framework webpage.

Tuition Protection Service (TPS)

The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is an Australian Government initiative that protects international students studying on a student visa.

If your education provider is unable to deliver your course as agreed, the TPS may help you continue your studies with another provider or assist with a refund of any unspent tuition fees.

The TPS forms part of the protections available to international students under the ESOS legislative framework.

For more information, visit the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) website.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity means acting honestly, ethically and responsibly in your studies.

Students are expected to:

• Submit their own work.
• Correctly acknowledge the work and ideas of others.
• Follow assessment instructions.
• Avoid plagiarism, collusion, cheating and other forms of academic misconduct.

Breaches of academic integrity may result in disciplinary action in accordance with Melbourne Polytechnic policies and procedures.

Course Progress and Attendance

Maintaining satisfactory course progress is an important requirement of your student visa.

Students should:

• Attend scheduled classes and learning activities.
• Engage actively with their studies.
• Complete assessments by the required deadlines.
• Seek support early if they are experiencing academic difficulties.

Melbourne Polytechnic provides a range of academic and student support services to help students succeed in their studies.

Changes to Your Enrolment

Any changes to your enrolment may affect your student visa and should be discussed with Melbourne Polytechnic before action is taken.

This includes:

• Deferring your studies
• Taking a leave of absence
• Withdrawing from your course
• Changing courses
• Reducing your study load

Melbourne Polytechnic will assess your request and advise you of any academic or visa implications before changes are approved.

If you are considering making changes to your enrolment, please contact the International Office for advice and support.

Keeping Your Details Up to Date

As an international student, you are required to keep your personal details up to date with Melbourne Polytechnic.

You must notify Melbourne Polytechnic within seven (7) days if you change your:

• Residential address
• Phone number
• Personal email address
• Emergency contact details

Keeping your details current ensures that Melbourne Polytechnic can contact you regarding important information about your studies, wellbeing and student visa obligations.

You can update your details through the student portal or by contacting Student Hub.

Support Services

Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of free support services to help international students succeed academically, socially and personally.

Support services include:

• Student Hub
• International Student Support
• Learning Support
• Counselling Services
• Student Equity and Access Service
• Careers and Employment Support
• Student Life at Melbourne Polytechnic (SLAM)

If you need assistance during your studies, we encourage you to seek support early. Our staff are here to help you make the most of your Melbourne Polytechnic experience.

Complaints and Appeals

Melbourne Polytechnic encourages students to raise concerns and provide feedback.

Students have the right to:

• Submit a complaint about a service, process or decision.
• Appeal certain academic or administrative decisions.
• Have complaints and appeals handled fairly, confidentially and without fear of disadvantage.

For information about making a complaint or appeal, refer to the Student Complaints and Appeals Policy.

Privacy and Personal Information

Melbourne Polytechnic is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information responsibly.

Your personal information is collected and managed in accordance with relevant privacy legislation and may only be used for authorised educational and administrative purposes.

Students are also expected to respect the privacy and confidentiality of other students and staff.

Related Policies and Resources

For detailed information about your rights, responsibilities and available support services, please refer to the following resources:

• Student Code of Conduct Guidelines
• Student Equal Opportunity, Discrimination and Harassment Policy
• Student Complaints and Appeals Policy
• Student Discipline Policy
• Department of Education – ESOS Framework

If you require assistance understanding any of your rights or responsibilities, please contact the International Office or Student Hub.