FAQ — VivoStudents

Question 1

What is VivoStudents?

Accepted Answer

VivoStudents is an independent international student advocacy body. We help students make better choices before they study abroad, improve their lived experience while they're there, and advocate for their rights when things go wrong. Unlike education agents, we receive no commissions from universities or institutions — our only obligation is to our members.

Question 2

Who is VivoStudents for?

Accepted Answer

VivoStudents is for international students at any stage of their journey — from those still deciding where to study, to students already enrolled and navigating life abroad. We also offer dedicated family membership for parents and guardians who want to stay informed and supported.

Question 3

What does 'independent' actually mean?

Accepted Answer

It means we receive no commissions, referral fees, or payments from universities, agents, or any institution. Every piece of guidance we give is shaped entirely by what is best for the student — not by who pays us. This is the foundation of everything we do.

Question 4

Which countries does VivoStudents cover?

Accepted Answer

Our platform draws on eight years of student outcome data across 40+ countries. While our education partner network is currently focused on Australia, our advocacy, concierge, and student rights support extends to international students studying anywhere in the world.

Question 5

How much does membership cost?

Accepted Answer

Both Student Membership and Family Membership are free to join. VivoStudents is funded through partnerships and institutional relationships — not by charging students. Our belief is that independent advocacy should be accessible to every international student, regardless of financial background.

Question 6

What does membership include?

Accepted Answer

Student membership includes full access to our university placement data and rankings, a student rights toolkit, wellness and mental health resources, soft skills and language coaching, employability data and CV support, and priority access to our independent advocacy team. Family membership includes destination guides, welfare updates, accommodation and healthcare briefings, and a direct line to our family welfare team.

Question 7

How do I join?

Accepted Answer

You can join directly through our membership sign-up page. The process takes a few minutes. Once you're a member, you'll have immediate access to the full platform.

Question 8

Can a student and their family both be members?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and we encourage it. Student and Family memberships are separate, so both a student and their parents or guardians can hold their own membership and access the resources most relevant to them.

Question 9

How is VivoStudents' placement advice different from an education agent?

Accepted Answer

Education agents are typically paid by universities to recruit students — which means their recommendations can reflect commission structures rather than your best interests. VivoStudents receives no commissions. Our placement guidance is built on eight years of real student outcome data across 40+ countries, and is shaped entirely by your goals, your circumstances, and your future.

Question 10

Which Australian universities are in your education partner network?

Accepted Answer

Our education partner network includes UNSW Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Australian National University, University of Queensland, Monash University, University of Western Australia, University of Adelaide, University of Technology Sydney, RMIT University, Deakin University, and Griffith University. Our independent guidance covers the full landscape of Australian higher education — not just our partner institutions.

Question 11

Do you offer career pathway support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Members can access structured career pathway programmes through our professional body partners. Finance and accounting students can access the CPA Australia pathway, which includes mentoring, professional development, and a route to CPA membership. Technology and IT students can access ACS (Australian Computer Society) collaboration opportunities, industry networking, and a pathway to professional ICT accreditation.

Question 12

What kind of rights issues can VivoStudents help with?

Accepted Answer

We support students with academic appeals and grade disputes, accommodation and housing rights, visa condition clarity and breach support, and workplace rights for student visa holders. If you're facing an issue and aren't sure whether we can help, contact us — we'll always point you in the right direction.

Question 13

What happens when I raise an advocacy case?

Accepted Answer

When you raise a case, a member of our advocacy team reviews the situation and contacts you personally. We assess your rights, advise on the best course of action, and — where appropriate — advocate directly on your behalf with the institution, landlord, or relevant authority. We have resolved over 3,200 cases to date.

Question 14

My landlord is withholding my deposit unfairly. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Accommodation disputes — including unlawful deposit withholding — are one of the most common cases we handle. Get in touch through our contact page and our team will advise you on your rights and next steps.

Question 15

What are Concierge Services?

Accepted Answer

Our Concierge Services go beyond advocacy to handle the practical essentials of life abroad. This includes accommodation search, vetting, and contract review; healthcare registration and GP access; soft skills coaching in communication, teamwork, and leadership; and English language development and academic writing support.

Question 16

Do you offer mental health support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide wellness resources, mental health guidance, and access to support networks as part of our Concierge programme. We believe supporting the whole person — not just the student — is essential to a successful international study experience.

Question 17

My child is studying abroad and I'm worried. How can VivoStudents help?

Accepted Answer

Family membership gives you access to destination guides, regular updates on your student's rights and welfare, concierge briefings on accommodation and healthcare, a direct line to our family welfare team, and emergency escalation support. You won't be left in the dark.

Question 18

Can you help with family or dependent visas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide guidance on family visa options and dependent rights as part of our Family Support resources. For complex visa situations, we can advise on the right professional to consult.

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