Official resources

Medicare (메디케어)

Australia's public healthcare system. Temporary residents from countries with Reciprocal Healthcare Agreements (UK, NZ, Italy, Belgium, etc.) may be eligible for limited Medicare cover. Even if you're not eligible, everyone in Australia has access to free emergency treatment at public hospital emergency departments.

Centrelink (센터링크)

The government agency that delivers social security payments. Includes JobSeeker (for unemployed people actively looking for work), Family Tax Benefit (for parents/carers of children), Youth Allowance (for students 16-24), and more. Most international students and temporary visa holders are NOT eligible — check your visa conditions.

myGov (마이갓)

One login for multiple government services. Link your Medicare, ATO, Centrelink, NDIS, and My Health Record all in one place. Set this up as soon as you arrive — you'll need it for tax returns, healthcare, and more. Get it at my.gov.au.

TFN Application (호주 세금 번호)

A Tax File Number (TFN) is essential for working in Australia. Without a TFN, your employer must withhold tax at the highest rate (47%). Apply online through the ATO website — it's free and takes about 28 days to arrive by mail. International students can apply from day one.

Service NSW (서비스 NSW)

The NSW state government one-stop shop. Get or renew your driver's licence, register your vehicle, pay fines, apply for seniors cards, and access other vital services. Many services are available online or at Service NSW centres across Sydney.

ATO (호주 국세청)

The Australian Taxation Office handles: income tax, GST, superannuation, business registrations, and tax returns. Everyone who earns income in Australia (including international students on working visas) must lodge a tax return each financial year (July 1 to June 30). Lodgement is usually open from July to October.

Fair Trading NSW (NSW 공정거래위원회)

NSW Fair Trading protects consumers and tenants. It handles: rental bond disputes, product safety, tenancy rights (including rent increases, repairs, and evictions), business licensing, and complaints about unfair trading practices.

Study NSW (NSW 유학 공식 정보)

The official NSW Government website for international students. Information on studying in NSW, student life, accommodation, visa conditions, work rights, and support services. Also runs the International Student Connect program for events and networking.

TAFE NSW (TAFE NSW 직업 교육)

Vocational education and training provider. Offers hundreds of affordable, practical courses from certificates to diplomas. Fields include hospitality, IT, nursing, aged care, childcare, trades, and business. Much cheaper than university degrees. International students welcome.

Learn Live Australia (런 리브 오스트레일리아)

A platform connecting students with TAFE and vocational courses across Australia. Search by field of study, location, and course level. Useful for comparing different institutions and finding the right course for your career goals.

University of Sydney (시드니 대학교)

Australia's oldest university (founded 1850) and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8). Strong in law, medicine, arts, and sciences. Camperdown/Darlington campus is near the CBD. World ranking: typically top 40 globally.

UNSW Sydney (뉴사우스웨일즈 대학교)

University of New South Wales — another Go8 university. Particularly strong in engineering, business (AGSM), law, computer science, and medicine. Kensington campus, 15 minutes from the CBD by bus or light rail. Known for strong industry connections and graduate employability.

University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

A young, dynamic university focused on industry-relevant education. Strong in IT, design, communication, business, and nursing. Ultimo campus is right in the city centre — walking distance to Central Station and Chinatown. Known for its distinctive 'brown paper bag' building.

Macquarie University (매쿼리 대학교)

Located in North Ryde (north-west Sydney). Strong in linguistics, education, business, and environmental sciences. Known for its large, beautiful campus with a lake and native bushland. The metro station connects directly to the CBD in about 25 minutes. Good for students who prefer a suburban campus feel.

Medicare in Korean (한국어 메디케어 정보)

Services Australia provides Medicare information translated into Korean. Covers eligibility, how to enrol, what's covered, and how to use Medicare. Check the website or call the multilingual phone service (131 202) and ask for a Korean interpreter.

Bulk Billing Clinics (벌크 빌링 의원)

A 'bulk billing' clinic means the doctor bills Medicare directly and you pay nothing out of pocket. You must have a valid Medicare card to use bulk billing. Search 'bulk billing GP near me' to find clinics. Many clinics in areas with large Korean populations (Strathfield, Campsie, Lidcombe) have Korean-speaking doctors.

Hospital ER vs Urgent Care (응급실 vs 응급 진료)

For genuine emergencies (chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness) — go to a public hospital Emergency Department. It's free at public hospitals regardless of visa status. For non-life-threatening after-hours issues (minor infections, sprains, cuts), visit an Urgent Care Centre — cheaper and faster than ER with no appointment needed.

Beyond Blue (비욘드 블루)

Australia's leading mental health support organisation. Provides free, confidential support for anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. 24/7 phone counselling: 1300 224 636. Online chat and forum also available. Website has resources translated into multiple languages including Korean.

Lifeline (라이프라인)

24/7 crisis support service. Anyone can call — no Medicare or appointment needed. If you're feeling overwhelmed, lonely, suicidal, or just need someone to talk to, call 13 11 14. Also offers online chat (7pm-midnight) and text support. Completely confidential.

Emergency — 000 (비상 전화 — 000)

For police, fire, or ambulance in genuine emergencies ONLY. A genuine emergency means: immediate danger to life or property, a serious crime in progress, a fire, or a medical emergency (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, unconsciousness). Call 000 and tell the operator which service you need. An interpreter service is available — just say 'Korean' or your language. Do NOT call 000 for information, directions, or non-emergencies.

SES NSW — 132 500 (NSW 주 비상 서비스)

The State Emergency Service handles: storms (roof damage, fallen trees), floods (sandbagging, rescue), building damage, and landslips. Call 132 500 for help with storm and flood emergencies. Do NOT call 000 for these — SES is the right number. Volunteers will come and help, even in the middle of the night.

Poisons Information Centre — 13 11 26 (독극물 정보 센터)

24/7 free advice if someone has swallowed something poisonous, been bitten or stung, or come into contact with a dangerous substance. Call from anywhere in Australia. They will tell you exactly what to do — whether to go to hospital, drink water, or stay home and observe. Available 365 days a year.

Crime Stoppers — 1800 333 000 (크라임 스토퍼스)

Report crime anonymously. If you see something suspicious, know about a crime, or want to provide information without giving your name — call Crime Stoppers. You don't have to go to court or give a statement. Can also report online. Not for emergencies — use 000 for those.