Savanna Hoffman
Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital, is a city renowned for its celebration of art, sport, multicultural cuisine, and great public transport. It has been voted one of the world's most liveable cities for over 10 years and is home to students from all over the world. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has left many international students in limbo, with uncertainty about when Victoria's borders will reopen to them. While the Victorian government has expressed its intention to welcome international students back in 2021, there is no clear timeline or pathway for their return. Melbourne's universities and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry are urging the government to introduce measures to attract students back to the state, but as of December 2020, the future remains uncertain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students in Melbourne | 227,000 international students from 170 countries |
| Revenue from international students | 13.7 billion Australian dollars |
| Melbourne's rank in QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2019 | 3rd best student city in the world |
| Melbourne's rank in QS World University Rankings | Top 5 in the world |
| Average annual expense of living in Melbourne | AUD 20,000 |
| Visa requirement for international students | Student visa |
| Additional visa requirement | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) |
| Additional visa requirement for students under 18 | Appropriate accommodation, support, and welfare arrangements |
| Accommodation Offer by the University of Melbourne | Available for commencing students who are new to Melbourne |
| The Lord Mayor's Student Welcome | A yearly event that takes place at the start of the semester |
| My Melbourne Program | A program to help international students get to know the city, make new friends, and enjoy exclusive events, festivals, and ticket giveaways |
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What You'll Learn
International student support services and programs
Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital, welcomes international students with a range of support services and programs. The city, recognised as one of the world's most liveable and Australia's best student city, offers a vibrant and exciting environment for students to pursue their academic goals.
Accommodation Support
The City of Melbourne understands that finding suitable accommodation is crucial for international students' well-being. They can access support through the International Student Welfare Program, a Victorian Government initiative. Consumer Affairs Victoria provides assistance with accommodation-related issues, ensuring students' rights as tenants are respected.
Legal Support
International students can access free legal resources through Inner Melbourne Community Legal. This service offers multilingual legal information in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese, ensuring that language is not a barrier to accessing justice. Additionally, the University of Melbourne provides legal advisers to guide students through legal matters, including employment issues and landlord disputes.
Financial Support
Melbourne recognises that financial security is essential for international students' success. The city offers guides and resources to help students manage their expenses effectively. These resources include information on accessing food and financial assistance, ensuring that students can maintain their studies without financial strain.
Consular Support
International students can access consular support services from their respective countries' governments. These services provide assistance with passport issues, travel coordination, and other consular matters, offering a familiar point of contact for students far from home.
Student Mentorship and Community
Melbourne universities offer mentorship programs and encourage students to join various clubs and societies. The Melbourne Peer Mentor Program helps international students transition to university life and fosters a supportive environment. With over 200 university clubs, students can connect with like-minded individuals who share their interests and passions, enhancing their overall university experience.
Student Welcome Events
The City of Melbourne hosts the annual Lord Mayor's Student Welcome event, celebrating international students' contributions to the city's cultural life and diversity. This free event takes place at iconic locations, welcoming students to Melbourne and marking the start of their academic journey in style.
The above-mentioned support services and programs demonstrate Melbourne's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for international students. By prioritising students' well-being, academic success, and cultural integration, Melbourne solidifies its reputation as a world-class study destination.
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Student visa requirements
As of December 2020, there was uncertainty regarding when Victoria's borders would reopen to international students. However, the Victorian government was urging the federal government to implement measures to attract students back to the state for the 2021 academic year.
International students intending to study in Melbourne must apply for a Student visa (subclass 500). This visa allows students to live, study, and work part-time for up to five years, depending on the duration of their degree. To apply for this visa, students must meet several requirements and submit necessary documents.
Firstly, applicants must have already been accepted to study full-time at an institution and on a course approved by the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for International Students (CRICOS). Upon acceptance, the educational institution will provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which must be included in the visa application.
Secondly, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by providing results from an approved English language test. The required score will depend on the level of study, such as a diploma, bachelor's, or postgraduate course. It is important to check the specific English proficiency requirements of the chosen educational institution and course.
Additionally, applicants may be required to submit biometrics within 14 days of receiving a request. Other supporting documents should be colour scanned and saved as PDFs, with certified translations provided if the original documents are not in English.
It is recommended that students submit their visa applications at least four to six weeks before the commencement of their course to ensure timely processing. Students can apply for their visas through the ImmiAccount platform on the website of the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs.
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Accommodation and quarantine support
Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital, welcomes students from all over the world to study in one of the world's most liveable cities. The City of Melbourne provides a range of programs, events, and support for international students.
Melbourne offers a variety of accommodation options for international students, including residential colleges, student apartments, private rentals, hostels, share houses, homestays, and temporary accommodation. The University of Melbourne provides an Accommodation Offer for commencing students who are new to the city, subject to availability. First-year undergraduate students moving to Melbourne may also be eligible for University Accommodation, which guarantees beds in student apartments for their first year.
International students can seek advice and support from the University's student support team, who can assist with finding student accommodation and provide guidance on course planning, tuition fees, and student loans. Additionally, the University offers an airport pickup service for eligible international students arriving in Melbourne.
It is important to plan and book temporary accommodation before departing for Melbourne, especially if you intend to wait until your arrival to secure long-term housing. This will ensure you have a place to stay upon arrival and give you time to adjust before committing to a long-term lease. The average annual cost of living in Melbourne is AUD $20,000, but this can vary depending on your choice of accommodation and lifestyle. It is recommended to have approximately AU$1,500 to $2,000 available for the first month to cover temporary accommodation and transport expenses.
When travelling to Australia, it is essential to be aware of the country's strict quarantine laws and customs regulations. All international mail and baggage are screened, and certain goods must be declared to avoid on-the-spot fines and potential prosecution. The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) will seize and destroy restricted items, particularly those posing a risk of pests and disease.
The City of Melbourne offers additional support for international students, including the International Student Welfare Program and free multilingual legal resources through Inner Melbourne Community Legal. The Lord Mayor's Student Welcome is a yearly event celebrating international students' contributions to the city's cultural life and diversity.
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The Lord Mayor's Student Welcome
Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital, is a city renowned for its celebration of art, sport, multicultural cuisine, and great public transport. The City of Melbourne welcomes students from all over the world to experience its unique culture and energy.
The next Lord Mayor's Student Welcome event will be held in March 2026. The event will likely feature performances, cultural activities, and opportunities to connect with fellow students and learn about Melbourne's vibrant culture.
In addition to the Lord Mayor's Student Welcome, the City of Melbourne offers a range of programs, events, and support services for international students throughout the year. These include the My Melbourne Program, which offers exclusive events, festivals, behind-the-scenes tours, and ticket giveaways. International students can also access free multilingual legal resources and the Melbourne International Student Guide, which provides useful and fun information to make the most of their time in the city.
Melbourne is proud to be a student city and is committed to providing a world-class education and a memorable experience for all its international students. The city looks forward to welcoming international students with open arms and creating a diverse and vibrant community together.
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The My Melbourne Program
Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital, welcomes students from across the globe to study in its world-class universities. The city is renowned for its celebration of art, sport, multicultural cuisine, and efficient public transport.
The Student Ambassadors play a crucial role in co-designing, leading, supporting, and promoting various initiatives of the My Melbourne Program. They represent the City of Melbourne and actively support international student life through event support. The ambassadors gain opportunities to learn and support the city by leading tours, networking, and championing Melbourne's initiatives.
Melbourne provides a range of support services and programs for international students, including free multilingual legal information resources and the International Student Welfare Program, a Victorian Government initiative. The University of Melbourne also offers an Accommodation Offer for commencing students new to the city, subject to availability.
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Frequently asked questions
Melbourne has been welcoming international students from all over the world for many years. In 2020, there were about 120,000 international students in Victoria, and the state looked forward to welcoming more in 2021. However, there is uncertainty about when Victoria's borders will reopen for international students, and many are left in limbo.
Most international students require a student visa to study in Australia. There are different types of student visas based on the type of course. To obtain a student visa, you must first receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university. Additionally, you need to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) before arriving in Australia. If you are under 18, appropriate accommodation, support, and welfare arrangements are necessary for visa approval.
Melbourne provides a range of support services, programs, and events for international students. The University of Melbourne offers an Accommodation Offer for commencing students new to the city. International students can also access free multilingual legal information resources and join various clubs and programs, such as the Melbourne Peer Mentor Program, to meet like-minded people.
