NLC was formed in 1986, in response to the need for a unified body to voice international student's concerns. NLC is the peak representative body in Australia for all international students and it is committed to ensure quality education, equitable welfare and multicultural understanding. It is recognised as the national representative body for international students by the Australian Federal Government.

NLC was officially incorporated in 1998 and its official legal name is National Liaison Committee for International Students in Australia Inc. NLC works in conjunction with National Union of Students and fulfils its role as a peak representative organisation by administering the International Students Department of the National Union of Students (NUS).

The NLC has developed strong relationships with many stakeholders in the international education industry. These include, Australian Education International (AEI), IDP Education Australia, State Government Education Departments, International Student Adviser Network Australia (ISANA), all four OSHC providers, National Tertiary Education Union, AVCC, IELTS, English Australia, and most international education departments throughout Australian Universities.

The NLC has helped achieve many changes in the international education industry over the last 19 years. These include the deregulation of the overseas student health cover industry, contributions to the ESOS Act reviews in 2000, 2004 and in 1996, changes to immigration regulations, such as extensions of sunset clauses on permanent residency changes. The NLC is currently working on re introducing public transport concession for international students in NSW and Victoria.

The National Liaison Committee for International Students in Australia (NLC) is the peak representative body for international students in Australia.

The NLC has 7 state branches; New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory.

There are currently 4 National Office Bearers; National Convenor, National General Secretary, National Campaigns Co-ordinator and the National Publications Officer. There are two vacant positions, National Women's Officer and National Queer Officer. There are also two part time staff positions; administration and research.

The NLC also administers the International Students Department of The National Union of Students (NUS). In doing so, the NLC is aware of domestic student issues and many campaigns affecting both international and domestic students may be run involving both organizations.

The NLC has 46 affiliated university campus international student organisations, from 31 public and 2 private universities and in total represents approximately 303,000 international students.

The NLC contributes to Federal and State Government inquiries and processes into changing and improving international education in Australia. With such fast growth in the industry, the NLC is continually facing challenges by educational institutions and government departments on keeping students rights first and foremost before the tempting profit margin.

There is a long way to go to make the industry a perfect place for all international students, but it has also come a long way and is continually improving.

The NLC will always represent the best interests of international students and lobby for continual improvement in living standards, quality of education and student welfare. The NLC hopes to be an organization that in future is not actually needed by virtue of the quality of the education industry.

The origins of the majority of international students is dependant on the ever changing market opportunities world wide and therefore the face of NLC cannot be predicted except to say that it will always be reflective of the world market and the reputation of the education industry in Australia.