Welcome to the University of Melbourne and to this great city!
We find that many international students are looking for new friends and experiences, so we welcome you to look at our Events page for ways to get involved.
We also encourage you to discover one of the many Grad Groups available to join, many of which are catered to international students.
International student events
Please see below for events specifically for international students, for all other events visit our events calendar.
International student resources and information
We have compiled a list of resources and information for international students to help you with your studies and life in Melbourne.
- There is a student welcome desk at Melbourne airport. Click here for more info.
- Here’s some information about the cost of living in Victoria.
- You can learn a little about banking in Victoria here.
- Here’s the University’s advice for preparing for your arrival.
- Click here for general advice from the University.
- Join one of our academic support programs
- Find out about Financial Aid options here.
- Student fresh boxes:
The University of Melbourne is offering free meal packs to support students. As part of the University’s Free Meals Program, students can now order and collect a Student Fresh Box containing 5kg of high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables. The produce selection is locally sourced from Australian producers and is enough to last a week.Free Meal packs are also available for collection, find out more about the program and how to register here.
- Extreme hardship support program:
You may be able to access financial help through the Extreme Hardship Support Program if you can’t access the International Student Emergency Relief Fund. The Victorian Government has recently doubled this payment.
- Understand the work conditions on your visa with advice from the University.
- Discover how to be more employable with this ebook.
- Join one of our career support programs.
- Find out more about your health cover requirements here.
- Click here for info on your visa’s conditions.
- Get information about visas for when you’ve finished your studieshere.
- Find out about safer communities.
- Click here for advice on staying safe on and off campus.
Mental health services
University of Melbourne services and resources
CAPS: Click here for information about Counselling and Psychological support from the University of Melbourne Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) team.
Below are some additional services that are available to students:
CAPS Free workshops – Free workshops on a range of personal development, mental health, and being issues each semester. Webinar recordings are available until the end of the exam period!
Self-Help Resources – Explore a range of resources by the CAPS team including tip sheets, guided exercises, and more.
External services and resources
beyondblue is an organisation that provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
The Black Dog Institute is the only medical research institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan and its aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. They have a range of information and resources on mental illness, online self-testing, current treatments, and wellbeing.
Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation that focuses on providing early intervention mental health services to individuals between 12-25yrs. They can support young people with mental health, physical health (including sexual health) alcohol and other drug services, and work and study support.
Reachout.com is the most accessed online mental health service for young people and their parents in Australia. They have a range of trusted self-help information, peer-support program, and referral tools that save lives by helping young people be well and stay well.
Sane Australia is a national health charity making a real difference in the lives of people affected by complex mental health issues through support, research, and advocacy.
Study Melbourne is a Victorian Government initiative providing support and information to this community of international students, helping them have the best possible time while studying and living in Victoria.There are a number of initiatives that are run by Study Melbourne around support programs, networking events, volunteer opportunities and plenty more.
- Go on some UniMelb adventures here.
- Find out what you can expect from your first year at Melbourne.
- Find other student services here.
The International Graduate Student Well-being Group (ISGWG) aims to support graduate international students by looking after their health and well-being. They invite health care professionals and work closely alongside to educate their members and to increase their familiarity with the health care system and better utilise care and support where needed.
Email: IGSWG.unimelb@gmail.com
For more information about Grad Groups, visit our Grad Groups page.
We’ve developed an International Student Resource Guide with key contacts and useful information to help you as you start your studies at the University of Melbourne.
This guide has contact information to help with finding: how to buy a myki card, where to find a house to live, how to apply for a tax file number and websites that advertise for jobs, among many other useful contacts!
Download a copy: International student guide PDF
We hope you enjoy your stay in Melbourne and we welcome you to join us while studying at the University of Melbourne in this great city.
Here at GSA we believe in providing support and helping our international students with the transition and understanding of living, studying, and working in Australia. We understand that it is a massive change for most students coming to a new country, a new culture, and a new university and we want to do what we can to help. We are running a 3-part Podcast series to provide support to our international cohort.
Podcast 1 – Mental Health Services
Podcast 2 – Relationships (Hindi Translation & Chinese Translation)
Podcast 3 – Sexual Health