Studying In Australia: Your Essential Guide To Emergency Phone Numbers And Useful Hotlines 

Studying in Australia as an international student can be an adventure of a lifetime, but there can always be unforeseen circumstances that might derail your everyday life.

This could include a medical emergency, a traffic accident, a mental breakdown, or even an incident of crime. You want to be fully prepared in case of an emergency so that you do not panic and contact the relevant authorities for attention and assistance!

Get Prepared & Save These Emergency Numbers

It’s important to stay calm and take action, especially if you are in an immediate emergency. We will be covering six essential scenarios you must be prepared for and how best to respond to each of them.

As long as you take the necessary steps, there is nothing to worry about!

6 Scenarios When Studying In Australia To Be Prepared For (And The Hotlines)

1. Encountering A Robbery, Burglary, Or Crime

No one wants to be a victim of crime, however, in the event that happens, here’s what you need to do. If you do encounter a crime or it is happening to you, at that very moment you should immediately dial ‘000’ to speak to the police.

This can include assault, attempted robbery or a break-in in progress. It is important to be swift and give the police all the necessary information.

However, if the suspect is gone or you just realized you are a victim, then call ‘131 444’ to make a non-urgent crime report.

For Urgent & Emergencies: Dial ‘000’

For Non-Urgent Reports: Dial ‘131 444’

2. Witnessing Or Encountering A Fire

If you are witnessing a fire or if it is happening to you, for example, if your apartment is on fire, then you want to dial ‘000’ immediately to contact the fire department.

You must exit the building or flee the area as soon as possible as smoke inhalation can also cause severe harm to you. If you can, try to safely help other people in the vicinity escape from the situation as well.

However, if you encounter a natural disaster, such as a bushfire, tsunami or earthquake and there’s damage done, you can call the States Emergency Service at ‘123 500’. They will be able to help with clearing the disaster zones and assisting any trapped or injured people relocate.

Once again, be sure to provide all the critical information, stay calm and speak clearly.

For Urgent & Emergencies: Dial ‘000’

For Disaster Relief: Dial ‘131 444’

3. Having A Traffic Accident

Driving in Australia is especially popular, whether you are travelling down the highway to visit the breathtaking landscapes or touring the city getting from point A to point B. However, it is likely you might encounter a traffic accident.

Once again, if it is urgent or an emergency, immediately dial ‘000’ or call ‘131 444’ if it is a non-urgent case that needs reporting.

However, once that’s done, your vehicle still needs assistance. If it has broken down, you can call 13 11 11 for help from services such as the Automobile Association Of The Northern Territory (AANT) that will assist you with the necessary services such as towing.

But before you go, be sure to exchange insurance information if another party is involved in the accident.

For Urgent & Emergencies: Dial ‘000’

For Non-Urgent Reports: Dial ‘131 444’

For Breakdowns: Dial ‘13 11 11’

4. Medical Emergency

A medical emergency can suddenly strike you. Doesn’t matter if it’s during class, when you’re at home or travelling around town.

If you feel extremely unwell or you're facing a life-threatening emergency such as chest pains, it’s critical you immediately call ‘000’ for an ambulance.

Request for an ambulance and immediate medical help. Stay as calm as possible and relay to the operator your immediate location with a landmark if possible to help speed up the process. Be sure to relay your postal code as well.

​​For Urgent & Emergency: Dial ‘000’

5. Mental Health Breakdown

Sometimes, it can feel like the world is a big challenge and the odds are getting stacked against you. However, it is essential to seek help, especially if you are feeling down and lethargic for an extended period of time.

Keeping your mood up and mental health strong is essential, especially as an international student.

Here are some essential hotlines you might want to take down that will help provide support and encouragement to help you get back on track.

Beyond Blue helps with depression, anxiety and stigma: Dial ‘1300 22 4636’

Butterfly Foundation Helpline helps with counselling and treatment for eating disorders and body image: Dial ‘1800 33 4673’

Lifeline provides 24-hour counselling and suicide prevention help: Dial ‘13 11 14’

Friendline provides anonymous free chat services for people who are lonely and need to connect: Dial ‘1800 424 287’.

6. Immediate Health Advice Hotline

If you are feeling under the weather, stressed or have suddenly fallen ill, it can be stressful especially so far away from home.

Thankfully there is the Australia HealthDirect helpline ‘1800 022 222’ that have registered nurses on standby 24 hours a day 7 hours a week to provide advice when you aren’t sure what to do.

This is especially helpful if you have an ailment or encountered a minor accident and you aren’t sure if you need emergency help, manage your condition at home or head to your local doctor.

Be sure to relay the exact situation you are experiencing, the symptoms happening and your concerns.

The Australia HealthDirect Helpline: Dial ‘1800 022 222’.

Beyond An Emergency, IDP Is Here To Help

While the above numbers can help you in an emergency, sometimes, you need more help pertaining to student matters and living in your study destination.

In that case, we can help!

At IDP, we have a team of education counsellors that can offer tailored guidance and assist you throughout your journey. This includes recommendations for accommodations, helping you identify the right scholarships and advice on further post-graduate courses as well.

No worries about the course application process, we can help guide you through every step of the way.

Get started with your free counselling session by filling out the inquiry form today.