Safety
When you choose to study in Brisbane you can take comfort in knowing your second home is a safe, secure and friendly city.
By world standards, the capital of Queensland is very safe. But as with any big city, it’s important to take precautions and use common sense to ensure your personal safety and to protect your possessions.
Simple safety tips:
- Plan ahead. For example, if you are going out at night, make sure you charge your phone and have a plan to get home safely.
- Stay alert. Try to be aware of your surroundings, including traffic and people at any time of day.
- Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your gut and seek a safer place.
- Use common sense. Don’t show off valuable items, carry lots of cash, or walk down dark, quiet streets.
- Know the emergency number. It’s free to call Triple Zero (000) for urgent help.
Emergency numbers
If you urgently need Police, Fire or an Ambulance, call Triple Zero (000). You can also dial 112 on mobile.
An emergency could be if the crime is currently taking place, if someone’s life is in danger, if there is a fire, or if someone needs urgent medical help.
The emergency line has translation services if you can’t explain the situation in English. For non-urgent police assistance, contact Policelink. Either report the incident online or phone 131 444 (24 hours, 7 days). A non-urgent incident includes things such as property damage, theft, break and enters, stolen vehicles and lost property.
Safety as you study
Brisbane’s universities, schools and colleges all take extra measures to create a safe space for learning and personal growth.
Student safety is a serious matter and every student has the right to feel safe and be treated with respect, dignity and fairness while studying in Brisbane.
Many of our educational institutions have dedicated security services and support teams that you can contact at any hour.
During your student orientation, you will receive plenty of information about rules and support services designed to keep you and your personal possessions safe.
Make sure you save the contact number for campus security to your phone.
You should also memorise Australia’s emergency number – “Triple Zero” (000). You can also dial 112 from a mobile if you are out of phone network range.
Medical services in Brisbane
Brisbane has world-class healthcare with top-tier hospitals, medical centres, and mental health services available.
International students studying in Australia need to have health and medical insurance for the length of their student visa from an approved Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider.
The basic insurance will cover you for general medical treatment in Australia, and you can take out premium plans to cover extra services such as dental, physiotherapy, optometry, and podiatry.
Visit a doctor
If you’re sick but it’s not an emergency, you can visit a doctor – sometimes called a GP, or general practitioner, in Australia. Find a doctor's surgery or medical centre and take your OSHC membership card to show when you pay. Keep the receipt to make a claim with your health insurance provider.
Many universities also provide health and wellness services on campus. Ask your educational institution about in-person medical consultations, vaccinations, mental health, sexual health and more.
If you miss class, an exam or deadline due to illness, you can get a medical certificate from your doctor
Note: Not all prescriptions are covered by insurance.
Speak to a nurse
If you need medical advice but it’s not an emergency, you can call Queensland’s confidential tele-health service 24 hours a day. Simply call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to speak with a registered nurse. The nurse will evaluate your symptoms and can recommend further action.
Mental health services
Adjusting to a new country, making new friends and navigating the world in a second language can be difficult. There is no shame in seeking extra support, and students can access a range of free mental health services and personal counsellors:
- Lifeline – a free 24-hour mental health service run by trained volunteers. Call anytime on 13 11 14.
- Headspace – an Australian non-profit with free mental health support for youth aged 12 to 25.
- Beyond Blue – an Australian mental health and wellbeing support organisation.
- 1800 QSTUDY (1800 778 839) – a hotline that can match you with more resources.
- Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre – a specialist state-wide service for culturally responsive mental health care.
More safety advice for international students
For safety tips and advice about smoking, alcohol, relationships, sun safety and more, visit Study Queensland.