International students, you need to complete the Australian Census this August
Every five years, the Census counts every person and home in Australia. The Census asks questions about things like your age, country of birth, ancestry, language used at home, work and education.
Census data helps the government to understand the needs of communities, and plan programs and services like health, education and transport.
As an international student living in Australia, you’ll need to complete the Census too – it’s compulsory for everyone in Australia (except diplomats and their families) to complete the Census wherever they are on Census night. This includes visa-holders and tourists.
It’s important to know that your personal information is protected by law and isn’t shared with anyone. This includes other government agencies. You can’t be identified by the information you share about yourself and your family in your Census.
How it works
The Census is on Tuesday 10 August 2021. In early August, you’ll either get a letter with instructions on how to complete online or a paper form.
If you know where you’ll be on Census night, you can start as soon as you get instructions. Everyone staying in your home on Census night must be included on the form, including visiting family or friends, international visitors and babies.
In mid-August, reminder letters will be delivered to households that haven’t responded, and in late August field staff start will visiting households that have still not responded.
Help is available, including in other languages
There is help available for people to complete the Census:
- Visit www.census.abs.gov.au for more information, including fact sheets in 25 languages and videos in seven languages.
- If you need information about the Census in your language, you can call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.
- You can also get face-to-face assistance from Census staff until September – find help near you.
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