COVID-19 advice for international students
COVID-19 advice for international students
COVID-19 advice for international students
International student support
The University of Melbourne is here to support our international students to travel to Melbourne and get on campus.
Click on the relevant tab in the sidebar to find information and support available.
Additional student support services
The University offers one of the most comprehensive student support networks in Australia. Here are some useful support services that all students can access from anywhere:
I want to plan my travel
Travel and visa
-
What do I need to do to prepare to travel to Australia?
Information for international students traveling to Melbourne can be found on the International Student Arrivals page.
You can also visit the Study Melbourne International Arrivals page for more resources and information on planning your arrival to Melbourne.
-
What are the current visa requirements?
Visit the visas page to navigate the student visa process.
Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding student visas during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Student visas: COVID-19 FAQs page. -
Do I need to quarantine?
Different requirements are in place for travellers based on their vaccination status. The latest information can be found on the International Student Arrivals page.
Health and wellbeing
-
What are the requirements around vaccine documentation?
Find the latest information regarding vaccination requirements and providing evidence of vaccination status on the Validate your vaccination information page.
-
What support services are available to me?
Here are some useful support services that all University of Melbourne students can access from anywhere:
Accommodation
-
How can I find accommodation in Melbourne?
Find out all about the range of accommodation options at Melbourne.
If you are looking for accommodation close to the Parkville campus, check out the range of University accommodation options, available exclusively to students. A ‘no travel, no stress’ guarantee is offered by the University, with dedicated staff available to assist you with your options and support your arrival in Melbourne.
You are also welcome to apply for the Melbourne Welcome Grant once you have arrived in Melbourne. Find out more the eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Course and subject delivery modes
-
What if I cannot make it in time for the start of the semester? Can I join classes on campus mid-semester?
If you are enrolled in a Dual Delivery subject with Online and On Campus classes, you can request a swap into an On Campus class in MyTimetable when you arrive in Melbourne.
If you are arriving in Melbourne after 18 March 2022 (when class registration closes) and you are enrolled in a Dual Delivery subject with Online and On Campus classes available, changes to your timetable after this time can be requested via the Timetabling Assistance Form.
-
Can I speak with someone for further questions?
Book a virtual or phone appointment with specialist course advisers to get questions answered about course planning and enrolment.
Alternatively, you can contact Stop 1 to get connected with a full range of support services.
I’ve planned my travel
COVID-19
-
What are the testing requirements regarding COVID-19 once I arrive in Melbourne?
Victorian Government has different testing requirements in place based on travellers' vaccination status. Find out more about the testing and quarantine requirements when you arrive in Victoria.
Once you are familiar with the guidelines, learn about the vaccination requirements on campus.
-
What COVID-19 restrictions are in place?
Find the latest student updates on COVID-19. Don’t forget to read about the COVIDSafe settings currently in place.
Transport
-
Is there an airport pick-up service provided by the University?
As part of our Melbourne Welcome initiative, in 2022 the University of Melbourne offers a free airport pickup service to interstate and international students who are arriving at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) for the first time. When you have booked your flights, apply for your pickup service at least three days before your departure date.
-
How do I get around in Melbourne?
Melbourne has the world’s largest tram network, as well as an extensive system of trains and buses. Find all the ways you can move around in Melbourne via public transport.
Keep the link to campus maps handy during your first days on campus so you can easily plan your routes between classes.
I am not planning to travel
Course and subject delivery
-
Can I study online for the remainder of this semester?
If you are unable to come to Melbourne in time for the beginning of Semester 1, 2022, you may be able to continue your course online if it offers Dual-Delivery and Online subjects. See the Handbook for further information.
Study Hubs
You can study and connect with other University of Melbourne students, local staff, alumni and advice at a Study Hub in any one of these locations.
- Nanjing, Shenzhen and Shanghai, China
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- India (virtual)
Visas
-
What are the impacts on my student visa if I am unable to travel to Australia for the remainder of my course?
As a student visa holder, it is important that you are aware of the course duration and study load requirement to complete your course.
You need to either maintain a full time enrolment load of 50 credit points in each half-year period or apply for a reduced study load if you are unable to enrol due to compassionate and compelling reasons. Book an appointment with a course adviser for advice based on the assessment of your situation.
Course advice and enrolment assistance
-
One or more of my classes have an on-campus requirement, however I am unable to travel to Australia in time for the start of classes. What are my options?
If your circumstances change and you can no longer attend your allocated classes on campus, your options will depend on the delivery modes available for your subject.
- If you are enrolled in a subject with a dual delivery mode, you can make changes to your timetable directly up until the last day of the timetable adjustment period for your subject; changes after this time can be requested via the Timetabling Assistance Form.
- If you are enrolled in a subject with essential activities on campus (and cannot be delivered online), you can discuss your options with your Subject Coordinator.
While you are unable to travel to Melbourne, you can study and connect with other University of Melbourne students, local staff, alumni and advice at a Study Hub in any one of these locations:
- Nanjing, Shenzhen and Shanghai, China
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- India (virtual)
Find a Study Hub near you.
-
I need help planning my course so I can study online without any difficulties. Who can I speak with?
If you need help with planning your course, you can book an online or phone appointment with a course adviser. Before booking an appointment, we recommend reviewing the information on how to plan your course or submit an enquiry.
For other enquiries, contact Stop 1.
Accommodation
-
I had booked University accommodation but won’t be able to travel at this time. What are my options?
The University is offering a 'no travel, no stress' guarantee through the University accommodation service. If travel restrictions make it impossible for you to travel to Melbourne, you have the ability to suspend your accommodation agreement. Find all of the details on the University Accommodation page.
I’ve recently arrived in Melbourne
On-campus activity
-
What fun things are happening on campus?
Exciting events that will help you discover UniMelb are planned right across semester, including a pop-up roller skating rink, food trucks, open-air live music and night light projections, as well as cultural celebrations recognising Holi, Vesak, Eid al-Fitr and more.
Register for in-person and online Orientation events that will help you get set up and feel confident to succeed in your studies.
-
How to I validate my vaccination so that I can come on campus?
COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for anyone attending our campuses. Find the latest information regarding vaccination requirements and providing evidence of vaccination status on the Validate your vaccination information page.
Course advice and enrolment assistance
-
Who can I get in touch with for course and subject support?
If you need help with planning your course, we recommend reviewing the information on how to plan your course. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with a course adviser or submit an enquiry.
For other enquiries, contact Stop 1.
-
How do I get support on campus?
Stop 1 can help you with the full range of advice and help you need to support your success while studying at the University.
Accommodation
-
How can I find accommodation in Melbourne?
Find out all about the range of accommodation options at Melbourne.
If you are looking for accommodation close to the Parkville campus, check out the range of University accommodation options, available exclusively to students. A ‘no travel, no stress’ guarantee is offered by the University, with dedicated staff available to assist you with your options and support your arrival in Melbourne.
You are also welcome to apply for the Melbourne Welcome Grant once you have arrived in Melbourne. Find out more the eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Further support
-
How do I get around in Melbourne?
Melbourne has the world’s largest tram network, as well as an extensive system of trains and buses. Find all the ways you can move around in Melbourne via public transport.
Keep the link to campus maps handy during your first days on campus so you can easily plan your routes between classes.And don’t forget, if you are planning on driving, you’ll need to get a Victorian licence and/or learner permit.
-
How do I apply for the Melbourne Welcome Grant?
Enrolled international coursework and research students who have travelled to Australia will be able to receive the Melbourne Welcome Grant towards the cost of travel, quarantine and adjustment to study and life in Melbourne. This grant provides a one-off payment of $4,000. You must submit an online Melbourne Welcome Grant application by 31 December 2022 (with further extensions to be confirmed).
-
Can I get help with managing my finances?
Find information to get started in setting up your bank account in Australia. Remember to do your own research or drop into a branch to get your questions answered.
I’ve tested positive for COVID-19 (in Victoria)
Health and wellbeing
-
What steps do I need to follow?
If you test positive for COVID‑19 through either a rapid antigen test or a PCR test, please make sure to follow the required COVID-19 testing and notification steps.
Remember you can access support services online, including emergency and crisis support, when you need help.
-
What support can I access?
- University Health Service is providing in-person and telehealth consulting for acute and preventive medical care and COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Emergency and crisis support is available when you need help.
- Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is available to student visa holders if you’re unable to work and earn income because you or someone you’re caring for has to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19.
- Free meal packs including fresh fruit and vegetable boxes are available.
- COVID-19 vaccinations are available. The University is an authorised provider of the Comirnaty (Pfizer) and AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) vaccine for people aged 12 years and above, where clinically appropriate.