There are a variety of services and support available to keep you well, safe and protected while living in Australia
If you’re sick and need to see a doctor, contact the Macquarie University Clinic at +61 (2) 9812 3944 to book an appointment.
Outside clinic hours, the closest doctor is at the Macquarie Medical Centre.
International students are covered by OSHC, but remember to bring your membership card with you when you visit the doctor. You can request your OSHC membership card from your provider’s website as soon as you arrive in Australia. If you don't have your OSHC card, you’ll need to pay when you see a doctor. You can request a receipt when you pay and then lodge a claim with your provider later.
Health Cover
As an international student in Australia, you are also required to have overseas student health cover (OSHC) for the duration of your studies in Australia. You can find more information on the university’s website about OSHC.
The NSW Government also has a hub for international students, where you can find information about healthcare in Australia as an international student, including topics like sexual and reproductive health, OSHC, the Australian healthcare system, contraception, and more.
If you want to access free legal advice in person, you can call Redfern Legal Centre on +61 (2) 9698 7645 to make an appointment.
Living apart from your family can be challenging, so finding someone to talk to is important:
- Access support any time of day, anywhere in the world via our online wellbeing service.
- To speak to a Wellbeing Advisor, contact Student Wellbeing on +61 (2) 9850 7497 or connect through email wellbeing@mq.edu.au.
- If you would like to speak to someone from your religious denomination, connect with Macquarie's religious and spiritual services.
Making friends
With over 130 student groups at MQ, you are sure to connect with people who share the same interests and passions as you. There’s sure to be an MQ student club or society that might interest you.
Macquarie’s Buddy Program is a peer support network for both international and domestic students who are new to Sydney and Macquarie University. The program is designed to help you transition into uni life whilst exploring and learning more about Sydney.
On campus
To keep you safe, Macquarie has many security services, including a general services line (+61 (2) 9850 7112) and an emergency line (+61 (2) 9850 9999), 22 emergency help points on campus, and an after-hours security escort service available. To organise a safety escort, call +61 (2) 9850 7112.
Off Campus
If you encounter an emergency off-campus, contact Emergency Services at 000.
Protect yourself against scammers
Scammers may pretend to be from your bank, services providers, taxation office or investment opportunities.
Never send money or give card details to anyone you do not know. Ask for legal advice before making any investment or expensive purchasing decisions. Research the service provider prior to paying or buying a product. Protect your personal information.
For more information, check out our Online Safety page or the Government Scamwatch page. If you believe you have been a victim of a scammer, report it immediately on the Report Cyber website.
Finding paid employment
Macquarie's Career and Employment service helps students become job ready and facilitates paid employment opportunities on- and off-campus. For further information, please contact the team at careers@mq.edu.au.
Work Rights
While you might have restrictions on the number of hours you can work each fortnight, you still have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else in Australia. For more information visit Fair Work page for International Students.
The NSW Government also runs the Jobs Connect initiative to specifically connect international students with employers. You can find out more on Study NSW website.
You can also find information about your work rights as an international student in Australia on Macquarie's Student Visa>Work Rights website.
Modern Slavery
Modern slavery refers to a range of serious crimes and human rights violations that involve exploitation and control. Some examples of modern slavery include human trafficking, slavery, servitude, forced labour, forced marriage and debt bondage.
Young people and students are at higher risk of experiencing modern slavery, with international students at the highest risk. Visit NSW Government’s page for more information about modern slavery.
Services provided by the New South Wales (NSW) Government
As an international student, you’ll have access to a range of services and support mechanisms provided to you by NSW Government. It is important to:
- Subscribe to Study NSW mailing list to receive updates on help that is offered to International Students.
- Access the International Students Welfare Hub regularly for initiatives and services provided to international students in NSW or call 13 77 88 to find out more.
- Be familiar with your Consulates Generals when in Australia.
Housing and accommodationis a major factor in your new life in Australia. With both on-campus and off-campus accommodation options for Macquarie University students, there are many things you need to consider when looking for a place to rent and live. Additional information that may be of assistance can be found from:
- Tenants' Union of NSW
- NSW Government for information on residential tenancy agreements and rules for renting
- NSW Fair Trading for information on various tenancy issues.
Conditions of staying in Australia
Your visa is key to your stay in Australia – so make sure you’re aware of your visa type and the rules around your stay here.
As an international student you are required to adhere to the conditions of your visa to keep your visa valid.
You can find more information on the university’s website about Student Visa Conditions or Study NSW’s page about Visa information.