In partnership with three Community Legal Centres – JobWatch, South-East Monash Legal Service and WEstjustice and Victoria Legal Aid, Study Melbourne supports international students to have positive experiences in Victoria through ISEALS, a free service assisting students through legal advice, advocacy and case work services.

The program also aims to increase the awareness of legal rights and responsibilities amongst international students and support the capacity of other Community Legal Centres to assist international students in both employment and accommodation issues.

The service is provided via appointment and can be attended in person at Study Melbourne Hub or as a phone call or online meeting.

Key employment issues that ISEALS support students with include:

  • wage recovery and non-payment of entitlements
  • work rights and visa uncertainty
  • sexual harassment and discrimination
  • gig work and precarious employment
  • sham contracting
  • unfair dismissals
  • workplace injuries.

Accommodation issues include:

  • rent increases
  • bonds
  • VCAT delays
  • informal and insecure renting arrangements
  • sub rental agreements
  • rooming houses
  • co-tenancies
  • eviction.

To learn more or to refer a student to ISEALS, please use this page: Free employment and accommodation legal advice.

Page last updated:

Business meeting

Stay up to date with education sector news

Get the latest information on Study Melbourne news, events, programs, services and industry insights.
Sign up for Study Melbourne enews
News recommendation
Student exploring Melbourne's laneways with backpack

Welcome to international students arriving in Melbourne and Victoria

Study Melbourne welcomes all new and returning international students. Watch our welcome video, check out our accommodation tool and cost-of-living calculator, find out about the International Student Travel Pass.
View article
International students in lecture theatre on campus

Victorian universities continue to lead in global rankings

Victorian universities remain among the top in the world. The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 results reflect the strength of Victorian higher education institutions in maintaining a competitive presence in global rankings.
View article
Four students at university walking up concrete staircase

Ministerial Direction 111

From 19 December 2024, the Australian Government implemented Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111) to process offshore student visa applications. Under MD111, offshore student visa applications will be processed according to two priority categories.
View article
AIEC delegates and Study Melbourne staff  in front of the Study Melbourne pop up hub at the AIEC conference

Study Melbourne Hub at AIEC, a resounding success

Study Melbourne played a pivotal role in the 2024 Australian International Education Conference (AIEC), which brought together 1,900 delegates and reinforced Victoria’s reputation as a premier international education destination.
View article