Introduction
If you are an international student, based overseas or in Australia on a study visa, please refer to the information below. If you have more questions regarding the course, please refer to the contact information provided, or contact your agent.
How to Apply
All international student applications are processed via our parent company Academies Australasia.
To apply for one of our approved CRICOS courses please contact one of the agents on the list provided or Academies Australasia using the contact information provided.
If your application is successful, you will be sent an Offer Letter offering you a place in the course.
Upon receipt of the Offer Letter and upon signing the Student Agreement, you will need to pay your tuition fees and the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) if applicable. Please refer to the payment details as outlined in the Letter of Offer.
Student VISA Requirements
Contact your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate to find out more about the process or visit the Australian Immigration website for current information applicable to you: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav/Stud
Permission to Work
When applying for your student visa, you are required to provide evidence of financial capacity to support your period of stay in Australia. Permission to work is intended to provide you with an enriched cultural and social experience in Australia. You should not rely on work to fund your studies.
If you and your family members are granted student visas you will be allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight once your course has commenced. Neither you nor your family members may commence work until the principal visa holder has commenced studying.
While the course you are studying is in session you cannot work more than 40 hours per fortnight. No work limits apply during recognised periods of vacation offered by your education provider. Family members will be allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight throughout the year.
Living in Melbourne
Modern City
Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city and home to approximately 100,000 international students. It has a cosmopolitan feel and modern architecture feel (e.g. Federation Square). There are a variety of fun locations, such as St Kilda Beach, South Bank and The Great Ocean Road.
Melbourne is renowned for its safe environment and friendly lifestyle. Discover what makes Melbourne a great place to live and study by visiting Study Melbourne and Insider Guides.
Multi-cultural City
Multi-cultural population of more than 3 million, with people from more than 100 countries and local communities from many cultural backgrounds. There is a large international student population. You will be able to find ethnic food, grocery stores, restaurants, and community. Along with newspapers and magazines in many different languages.
Melbourne Attractions
Queen Victoria Market (known as ‘Vic Market’), Melbourne Cricket Ground (the MCG), St Kilda esplanade, Royal Botanic Gardens, and much more.
Temperate Climate
Melbourne has a comfortable temperate climate with 4 seasons. Summer is generally hot and dry, and winter is cool with occasional rain. It is a good idea to bring a woollen sweater or windproof jacket for the winter months. In summer, light cotton clothing is best.
On campus, most students dress casually: T-shirts, jeans, sweaters, shorts, windcheaters and comfortable shoes.
Please note: The seasons in Australia are opposite to the northern hemisphere. Summer occurs at the start and end of the year, and winter is in the middle of the year.
Melbourne Transport
Trams, buses and trains are a cheap and easy way to get around Melbourne. The Journey Planner available on the Public Transport Victoria Website (PTV) can assist you with planning your travel and getting around Melbourne. Public transport travel tickets (myki) entitle you to transport on all trains, buses and trams.
Further information on the public transport system (fares, tickets, timetables) please visit PTV.
Please note: International students are not entitled to concession fares, so you must pay the full adult fare. The transport system does not operate from Melbourne to the Airport.
Shopping in Melbourne
OPENING HOURS
Many large shopping centres follow these general opening hours, please always refer to their websites to find their actual trading hours, especially during public holidays and over the Christmas period.
| Monday | 9.00am – 5.00pm |
| Tuesday | 9.00am – 5.00pm |
| Wednesday | 9.00am – 5.00pm |
| Thursday | 9.00am -9.00pm |
| Friday | 9.00am -9.00pm |
| Saturday | 9.00am – 5.00pm |
| Sunday | 10.00am – 5.00pm |
Credit Cards and Debit Cards
Almost all shops accept major credit cards and debit (EFTPOS) cards, stores that are cash only, such as some food outlets will have this stated on their cash register.
Pricing
In Australia, most shops sell items at a fixed, marked price. However, you might be able to get a lower price on some items (for example, furniture or electrical goods), if:
- They price match (i.e. Another store is offering the same item for a lower price)
- Items are second-hand
- You are shopping at markets
- You are paying cash
Department Stores
Department stores sell clothing, shoes, furniture, computers, electrical goods, kitchenware, and gifts. Compare price and quality, and look out for discount sales.
Large Shopping Centres
Large shopping centres are located in Melbourne’s Central Business District, in Melbourne suburbs and in larger regional cities and towns.
Large shopping centres usually contain:
- Major department stores (David Jones, Myer, Target, K-Mart, Big-W)
- Supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, Franklins)
- Specialist stores selling books, clothing, computers and software, telephones, sportswear and music
- Banks
- Cafes and fast-food outlets
- Movie theatres
Local Markets
Markets sell new and second-hand goods. There are a number of weekend markets. You can bargain at some stalls. Some well-known food and clothing markets in Melbourne are:
- Queen Victoria Market
- Prahran Market
- Footscray Market
- Preston Market
- South Melbourne Market
- Gleadell Street Market
Some prominent art and craft markets of this type are the St Kilda Esplanade Market and the Arts Centre Sunday Market.
Online Markets
Second-hand goods, from household items to motor vehicles, are advertised on sites such as Trading Post, Gumtree and eBay.
Accommodation
You have different accommodation choices:
Homestay
‘Homestay’ is when you live with an Australian family in their home. The homestay family provides you with meals, laundry facilities and your own room with a study desk. You are usually asked to share some household chores. Homestay also gives you the chance to practise your English every day at home.
Homestay costs range from AUD$200-A$230 per week.
Hostel Accommodation
Hostels provide a friendly, safe, supervised environment. You get your own room or a shared room. Dining room, games room and television room are communal. Many hostels also provide meals.
Shared rooms cost about AUD$30-A$35 per night and private rooms cost about AUD$60-A$80 per night.
Sharing a House or Apartment
When sharing a house or apartment with one or more other people, you are more independent than if you are living in homestay or hostel accommodation.
You will need to supply your own furniture if the house/apartment is unfurnished. You also have to supply your own towels, pillows, sheets and blankets.
You share the cost of rent, telephone/internet, electricity and gas. You need to buy your own food, do your own laundry and cooking.
Renting by Yourself
Studio apartments or one-bedroom apartments are smaller and less expensive to rent than larger apartments.
You need to provide your own furniture if the house or apartment is unfurnished. You also need to supply your own pillows, sheets and blankets, and pay for expenses such as electricity, gas, and telephone. You also need to clean your apartment, do your own laundry, buy your own food and do your own cooking.
Costs depend on the size and location of the apartment or house.
Estimated costs for Melbourne
Accommodation Weekly Cost Estimate:
- 1-bedroom apartment A$180-A$350
- Shared 2-bedroom apartment (per bedroom) A$125-A$200
- Shared 3-bedroom house (per bedroom) A$100-A$180
Please note: Accommodation is cheaper outside Melbourne CBD.
Global Experience
If you would like Skills Training Australia to organise accommodation, we use Global Experience. To find out more, please refer to their website.
You can apply directly through their website or Skills Training Australia can take care of this for you. Please also refer to Global Experience’s Student Guidelines and Homestay Booking Form below:
Global Experience – Student Guidelines
Global Experience – Homestay Booking Form
Working in Australia
International students can work part-time while studying (maximum 40 hours a fortnight). Part-time work can give you extra spending money, and help you make friends and improve your English skills.
However, work should not interfere with your studies or attendance in class.
What is a Tax File Number (TFN)?
An identity number issued to you by the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
Do I need a TFN?
It is not compulsory to have a TFN. However, if you do not have a TFN, you may pay more tax than necessary on your income from your job, or on the interest on savings in your bank account.
When you earn money from a part-time job you must pay Australian taxes. At the end of each financial year (30 June), you claim back the income tax from the Australian Tax Office (ATO). This is easy to do. You then receive a tax refund cheque from the ATO.
Your employer and your bank (if you open a bank account) will ask you for your Tax File Number.
When should I apply for a TFN?
You can only apply for a TFN when you arrive in Australia. You should apply before you start part-time work.
OSHC
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
As an international student, you are required to have OSHC to ensure that you are covered in the case of medical emergencies or illness.
What does OHSC provide?
OSHC covers international students for certain medical costs if you need to visit a doctor or go to hospital
Check the policy carefully, including the details of what is covered, extra cover is available for an additional fee
Serious medical problems should be treated before you come to Australia, as standard OSHC generally does not cover pre-existing medical conditions
How do I arrange OHSC?
You can arrange OSHC yourself, or Skills Training Australia can arrange standard OSHC cover for you with the medical fund insurer, BUPA.
Policies, Forms & Documentation
- International Students – Application Form
- SSVF Regular Application Form
- International Student Handbook
- International Students – Refund Policy and Procedure
- International Students – Academic and Non Academic Grievance Policy and Procedure
- Complaints Form
- Appeals Form
- International Students – Course Credit Application
- Access and Equity Policy
- Clinical Lab and Usage Policy
- International Students – Critical Incident Management
- Global Experience – Student Guidelines
- Global Experience – Homestay Booking Form