Student Support
Johnston Institute is committed to providing a learning environment that promotes the well-being, dignity, and respect of all students. We aim to foster an inclusive and supportive academic community where students can fully participate in their studies and achieve their educational goals.
Students are encouraged to seek assistance early if they experience difficulties that may affect their academic progress, well-being, or engagement with their studies. Support may be sought for academic challenges, personal circumstances, study skills development, or other issues that may impact a student’s ability to successfully participate in their course.
Student support services are provided in accordance with the Johnston Institute’s Student Support Policy and Procedure, which outlines the range of services available and how students can access assistance. Where appropriate, the Institute may also refer students to external professional services to ensure they receive additional support relevant to their needs.
Support Services Available
Johnston Institute offers a range of support services designed to assist students throughout their academic journey. All internal student support services provided by the Johnston Institute are free of charge to all enrolled students. For our students studying online, we ensure equitable access to all academic and wellbeing support services via virtual consultations, with flexible scheduling to accommodate different time zones.
Support services may include:
- Academic skills and study support
- English language support
- Counselling and wellbeing referrals
- Disability and accessibility support
- IT and learning platform assistance
- Accommodation advice and referrals
- Financial guidance and hardship support
- Career development support
- Work Integrated Learning (WIL) support
- Advocacy and procedural support
- Referrals to health, legal and welfare services
- International student support
Students experiencing difficulties are encouraged to contact Student Services as early as possible so appropriate support can be arranged.
Academic Skills and Study Support
The Academic Support Team provides services to help students succeed in their studies.
Support may include:
- Academic writing and referencing guidance
- Study skills and learning strategies
- Time management and exam preparation
- English language support
- Additional tutorials or consultations where required
- Workshops and online learning resources
Students may access individual consultations or attend workshops designed to strengthen academic skills and improve study outcomes.
Counselling and Wellbeing Support
Johnston Institute recognises that personal wellbeing is important to academic success. Students experiencing stress, anxiety, or personal challenges during their studies may seek confidential support.
Support services may include:
- Counselling referrals
- Wellbeing advice and guidance
- Support during personal difficulties affecting study
- Referrals to professional counselling or health services
To seek support or arrange a confidential discussion, students may contact:
Email: studentwellbeing@ji.edu.au
or
Email: admin@ji.edu.au
Disability, Accessibility and Equity Support
Johnston Institute is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and equitable access to education for students with disability, medical conditions, mental health conditions, caring responsibilities, or other circumstances requiring reasonable adjustment.
Students may request reasonable adjustments to support their participation in learning and assessment. Adjustments are considered on an individual basis and may include:
- Alternative assessment arrangements
- Assistive technologies
- Flexible attendance or participation options
- Accessible learning materials
- Ergonomic or physical access adjustments
Students seeking support should contact:
Email: support@ji.edu.au
Information regarding accessibility and inclusive practices is available on the Johnston Institute website and aligns with the Institute’s Diversity and Equity Policy.
Safe Campus: Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) Support
Johnston Institute is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff. We have a zero-tolerance approach to Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH). Confidential support, reporting options, and referrals to specialized external services (such as 1800RESPECT) are readily available for any student impacted by SASH, ensuring their safety, privacy, and wellbeing.
Careers, Employment and Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
Johnston Institute supports students in preparing for employment and building professional skills.
Career support services may include:
- Resume and cover letter guidance
- Job search strategies
- Interview preparation
- Career planning advice
- Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement support
WIL opportunities provide students with valuable practical experience and industry connections that enhance employability.
International Student Support
Johnston Institute recognises that international students may experience additional challenges when adapting to a new country, education system, and culture.
Dedicated support services for international students include:
- Guidance on visa requirements and enrolment obligations
- Academic transition support
- Referrals for accommodation services
- Access to health, legal and welfare services
- Support during financial hardship or emergency situations
- Guidance on accessing healthcare and using Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
International students may also access external services in Victoria, including:
- Study Melbourne Student Centre – providing free advice on accommodation, employment, wellbeing, and legal matters.
Student Services staff can assist with referrals to these services.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Support
Johnston Institute recognises the unique cultural heritage, knowledge systems, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Institute is committed to creating a culturally respectful and inclusive learning environment.
Support may include:
- Culturally safe student support services
- Academic assistance and mentoring
- Flexible learning arrangements where appropriate
- Respectful inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives
Students who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander are encouraged to contact Student Services to discuss available support.
Student Transition and Adjustment Support
Starting higher education or moving to a new country can be a significant adjustment. Johnston Institute provides transition support to help students adapt to academic and student life.
Transition support may include:
- Orientation programs
- Academic skills workshops
- Peer support opportunities
- Guidance on adjusting to the Australian higher education system
International students may also receive support with cultural adjustment and academic expectations.
Advocacy, Legal, Accommodation and Welfare Support
Students may seek independent advice, advocacy, or external support during their studies.
Advocacy Support
- Students may seek independent advocacy when raising concerns, complaints, or appeals.
- Students may bring a support person or advocate to formal meetings.
- Johnston Institute supports access to the
- National Student Ombudsman (NSO) for unresolved matters (www.nso.gov.au | 1300 395 0775)
- Overseas Students Ombudsman (Commonwealth Ombudsman)(https://www.ombudsman.gov.au/complaints/international-student-complaints )
Legal Advice
- Johnston Institute can refer students to community legal centres or external legal advice services where required.
Accommodation Support
Student Services may provide information or referrals regarding:
- Temporary accommodation
- Emergency housing support
- Local housing services
Welfare and Financial Hardship
Students experiencing financial or personal hardship may access:
- Referrals to counselling or welfare services
- Advice regarding financial assistance
- Referrals to community support organisations
Students experiencing hardship are encouraged to seek confidential advice from Student Services.
Contact Student Support
Johnston Institute Student Services are available to assist students throughout their studies.
Students may contact Student Services for advice, assistance, or referrals.
General Enquiries
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Location: Student Support Desk, Level 9, 123 Lonsdale St, Melbourne.
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Phone: +61 (03) 9967 8733
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Email: support@ji.edu.au
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Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Emergency and After-Hours Support (Critical Incidents)
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Life-Threatening Emergencies: Call Police, Fire, or Ambulance immediately at 000.
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Critical Incidents (After-Hours): For urgent after-hours critical incidents, contact the Johnston Institute 24/7 Emergency Line at +610401175655.
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24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support: Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Support Contact List：
| Category | Service Name | Description of Support | Cost to Student | Contact Details | Applicable To |
| Student Advocacy | Independent Student Advocate (External) | Independent advice and advocacy for complaints and appeals | Free | Provided on request via Student Services; referrals to community advocacy services | All students |
| Legal Advice | Community Legal Centres (Victoria) | Free or low-cost legal advice on education-related matters | Free / Low-cost | www.fclc.org.au | 03 9652 1500 | All students |
| Ombudsman (External Review) | Commonwealth Student Ombudsman | External review of unresolved complaints | Free | https://www.ombudsman.gov.au/complaints/international-student-complaints | 1300 362 072 | International students |
| Ombudsman (External Review) | National Student Ombudsman | External review of unresolved complaints | Free | https://www.nso.gov.au/ | 1300 395 775 | Domestic Students |
| Counselling & Wellbeing | Lifeline Australia | Mental health and well-being support | Free | www.lifeline.org.au | 13 11 14 | All students |
| Welfare Support | Study Melbourne Student Centre | Accommodation, financial and welfare assistance | Free | www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au| 1800 056 449 | All students |
| Safety & Crisis Support | 000 / Campus Security | Immediate emergency assistance | Free | Emergency: 000 | All students |