International students FAQs

International students FAQs

I want to plan my travel

  • Do I need to return to Melbourne to study in 2023?

    In 2023 the University of Melbourne will largely return to campus-based Teaching & Learning.

    • Undergraduate programs will be returning to campus-based delivery in 2023 and students are expected to be on campus.
    • Most of our Graduate programs will be returning to campus-based learning with some programs offering flexible delivery modes at the subject level.

    Check the 2023 Handbook for further information on the subject delivery modes for your program of study.

    Provision will be made for students outside Australia who only have a small number of subjects to go to complete their degrees by the end of Semester 1 2023. Please contact Course Planning to discuss your study options.

  • I’m an international student located outside Australia due to complete my course by the end of Semester 1 2023, what are my options?

    Can I complete my course by the end of Semester 1 2023?

    This depends on how many points you have left to finish your course, and the specific subjects you need to take to meet your course requirements, as some subjects are only offered in the second half of the year and/or have requisite requirements.

    See the 2023 University Handbook for course rules and information about the subjects offered in 2023 (including requisite requirements and when they will be taught). If you are unsure if you could complete by the end of Semester 1 2023, please book an appointment with a course adviser.

    How do I re-enrol for 2023?

    1. Re-enrolment opened on 14 November, so it's time to start planning your 2023 enrolment.  This includes referring to the 2023 Handbook for information about course rules and the available subjects, including when they will be offered (e.g., Year-long, Semester 1, September) and if they will be delivered on campus, dual-delivery or online. See this FAQ to learn how to search for subjects in the Handbook by delivery mode.

    2. Enrol in the subjects required to complete your course requirements by the end of Semester 1, 2023.

    You must enrol in your subjects by the end of the timely re-enrolment period (12 December 2022). If you are having trouble choosing the right subjects, including the subject delivery mode published for your required subjects, please contact Course Planning for advice regarding your options for study.

    The University will be in contact with you after you have completed your re-enrolment to discuss your study options with you.

    If you need course planning or enrolment assistance, please visit this page for useful resources and information on how to book an appointment.

    If you need help organising travel to Melbourne and accommodation, please see the International Students webpage.

  • When should I aim to arrive in Melbourne?

    If you are enrolling in standard Semester 1 2023 subjects, aim to arrive by Sunday 19 February 2023.  

    This will enable you to

    • Make the most of the orientation activities that will be scheduled from Monday 20 February
    • Get settled before the start of Semester 1 on Monday 27 February
    • Attend classes from the start of Semester 1.

    If you are enrolling in on campus Summer Term 2023 or non-standard subjects (e.g., a February intensive), aim to arrive before the teaching period for your subjects starts. Please note that Summer Term 2023 starts on Tuesday 3 January.

    Always check the teaching start date for your subjects in the subject entry in the Handbook.

  • Is there a University-supported service to plan and book my travel?

    UniTravel is the University’s own travel program, supported by ATPI. The service has many benefits including access to discounted airfares and up-to-date general travel advice. UniTravel is with you every step of the way, including rebooking flights, should your flights be cancelled or rescheduled.

    In an added safety and wellbeing measure, flights booked with UniTravel are visible to us here at the University. This means staff can monitor any significant disruptions or delays to your journey and can support you with any changes to your travels plans, right through to your arrival in Melbourne.

    If you would like book your travel through UniTravel please contact student.unitravel@atpi.com or +61 3 9035 5666. This supported service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Can I get a refund with UniTravel if I find a better deal somewhere else?

    Like other travel services, any booked airfare will be subject to the conditions set by the chosen airline.

    If students choose to explore a booking with UniTravel, all the terms and conditions will be made clear when selecting a flight and communicated by our travel consultants.

  • I am concerned about the cost and availability of flights. What advice can I receive?

    We understand that the cost of travel has increased as a result of the pandemic. That is why the University is supporting returning 2023 students to apply for a $4,000 welcome grant to help with the costs of travelling to Melbourne. This is only available for students who commenced their course in or prior to 2022 and arrive in Australia to continue their studies by the 31 March 2023.

    For further information about accessing these grants, please visit the International Students support page or contact the Study Hubs team.

    Students who may be struggling financially are advised to contact Financial Aid and/or  the Fees team to discuss their situation.

  • 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. Find out more the eligibility criteria and how to apply

  • Are there accommodation options for students with families?

    Students with families that include young children typically organise accommodation via the private rental market in Melbourne. There are a range of commercial websites available listing properties for rent in the suburbs close to campus, and students are encouraged to contact the rental agents promoting these properties directly for support and advice on arranging an inspection once you arrive in Melbourne.

  • How can I open an Australian bank account?

    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.

  • Is the airport pickup service available?

    Yes, Airport pickup is available to new international and interstate students arriving at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine). See: https://students.unimelb.edu.au/new-students/new-student-checklist/international-student-checklist/airport-pickup-service for more details.

  • My plans have changed since I submitted my Travel to Melbourne form. How can I notify the University?

    Please contact us here and advise the following information:

    • Are you planning to arrive in Melbourne in time for the start of Semester 1 in 2023? (Yes or No)
    • Your arrival date in Melbourne
    • If you do not anticipate travelling to Melbourne for study in 2023, please advise why this is the case.
  • My city is in lockdown and I am unable to travel to undertake a medical examination to secure my visa, what do I do?

    It is important that you check your Student Visa requirements and apply for one as soon as possible if you do not yet have a Student Visa to study in Australia. As you may be aware, the government is working through many thousands of international student visas at the moment so please do allow enough time for your application to be processed.  Processing times are regularly updated on the Department of Home Affairs website.

    If you are unable to travel to undertake your medical examination because your city is currently in lockdown, please do so as soon as you are able to.

    Our student services colleagues are here to work with students who cannot travel for reasons beyond their control. This may include students who, by mid-January 2023, have not been able to secure their medical exam needed for their visa application due to lockdown and have made all reasonable attempts to do so in a timely manner. In instances where this is clearly documented, we are here to discuss their study options with them, including what temporary arrangements can be made while they obtain their student visa.

  • What happens if I have planned to travel to Melbourne to attend on-campus classes and my city goes into lockdown?

    If you are unable to travel because your city has gone into lockdown, the University will work with you to determine what alternative arrangements can be made with respect to your studies. This may include looking at opportunities to take subjects online.

    If you are unable to progress your studies, you may need to consider reducing your study load, applying to defer commencement (new students) or taking a leave of absence (continuing students).

    We strongly encourage students traveling to Melbourne to book a flexible ticket that allows rescheduling should you be unable to make your flight.

  • I am an international student currently in Melbourne and I would like to return home to visit my family over the summer break. I am concerned I may not be able to return to Melbourne in time for study in Semester 1, 2023 due to ongoing challenges as a result of the pandemic and that dual-delivery may not be available. What are my options?

    If you are planning to return home over the summer period you should ensure you have a valid student visa and have made the necessary travel arrangements to return to Melbourne ahead of Semester 1, 2023 or ahead of their first subject commencing. Unless your city goes into lockdown at the time of your expected travel, you are expected to return to Melbourne ahead of your classes commencing.

    If you do not return your options include:

    • Enrol in at least one online or dual-delivery subject in the first half year period should any be available in your course. Please check the 2023 Handbook to identify the delivery modes of the subjects available in your program of study.
    • Information for Student Visa Holders: If enrolling in less than 50 points for the first half year period means that you will not be on track to complete by your CoE end date, you will also need to apply and be approved for a Reduced Study Load. Applications for 2023 will open mid-December.

    If you are unable to travel in late February 2023 because your city has gone into lockdown, the University will work with you to determine what temporary alternative arrangements can be made with respect to your studies.

  • What is the cost of living in Melbourne now, including food?

    Study Melbourne is an excellent resource for learning about the cost of living in Melbourne. For more information, see: https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/living-here/money-and-budgeting/the-cost-of-living-in-victoria

  • What if I have COVID-19 or am caring for someone who has COVID-19 at the time I am scheduled to travel?

    We strongly encourage students traveling to Melbourne to book a flexible ticket that allows rescheduling should you be unable to make your flight. We recommend rescheduling your flights two (2) weeks later to allow for recovery from COVID-19.

I've planned my travel

  • What happens if I arrive in Melbourne from overseas or interstate after the start of semester?

    Students can enrol in subjects themselves up until the last date to enrol, which is usually the end of week 2 of semester for a standard semester subject. In special circumstances, students may be able to enrol in subjects up until the Census date (31 March 2023 for Semester 1) with the permission of the subject coordinator.

    Check the key dates for your subjects in the Handbook carefully and if need be contact Stop 1 for advice regarding your enrolment decisions.

I am not planning to travel

  • I have less than a semester of study to complete in my degree, do I have to travel to Melbourne?

    You are expected to return to campus for subjects being delivered on campus. If you are due to complete your studies by the end of Sem 1, 2023, and are not able to or do not plan to travel to Melbourne, once the 2023 Handbook is published and re-enrolment is open from 14 November 2022 you should discuss your options with a Course Advisor.

    You can book a virtual or phone appointment with our specialist course advisers to get your questions answered about course planning and enrolment.

  • I am offshore and not planning to return to Melbourne to study in Semester 1 2023. What are my options?

    If you are unable to travel to Melbourne, and you are not on track to complete your studies by the end of Semester 1 2023, you have a number of enrolment options:

    • Enrol in at least one online or dual-delivery subject in the first half year period if this is available in your course.
      • Information for Student Visa Holders: If enrolling in less than 50 points for the first half year period means that you will not be on track to complete by your CoE end date, you will also need to apply and be approved for a Reduced Study Load. Applications for 2023 will open mid-December.
    • Apply for a Leave of Absence for any half year period with no subject enrolment
    • Withdraw from your course and reapply at a later stage

    As outlined in our FAQs for international students, support is available to book flights if you are now planning to return to Melbourne. Returning students outside Australia are also eligible for a Welcome to Melbourne grant of $4000 to assist with the cost. If you would like book your travel through UniTravel please contact student.unitravel@atpi.com or +61 3 9035 5666.

    Are you outside of Australia?

    Join one of our Course Planning for offshore students sessions to access support. During these sessions, we will support you to explore your study options for Semester 1, 2023. The sessions run Monday to Friday, from 12:00–4:30pm (AEDT). A new session starts every 15 minutes.

    When: Monday to Friday
    Hours: 12:00–4:30pm (AEDT)
    Format: Webinar

    Join an offshore student session (available 12:00–4:30pm AEDT)

  • What can I do if my classes are on campus, and I can’t travel to Melbourne?

    Students enrolled in on campus subjects are expected to be on campus. If you are unable to travel, please make an appointment with a Stop 1 course adviser once the 2023 Handbook is published and re-enrolment is open from 14 November 2022 to discuss your situation and options.

    If you are unable to progress your studies, you may need to consider applying to defer commencement (new students) or for leave of absence (continuing students).

I've recently arrived in Melbourne

  • 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.

  • What fun things are happening on campus?

    Please visit our Student life page which highlights featured events across semester and helpful links to get involved with campus life.

    From January, you will be able to register for Melbourne Orientation. Orientation is an on campus event from 20-24 February and will help you celebrate campus and create memories with your university community!

  • What kind of activities will be there for Orientation 2023?

    A range of activities will be held during Orientation 2023, including the Melbourne Commencement Ceremonies and Melbourne Peer Mentor Program for new undergraduate students. For all students, activities include the Student Union’s Summerfest, which brings a carnival atmosphere to Parkville campus with a range of activities, bands, and events.

    A detailed Orientation program will be released closer to the start of semester.

  • Will there be student clubs and societies I can join in?

    Yes, for information on clubs and societies, please see: https://umsu.unimelb.edu.au/buddy-up/clubs/ and https://gsa.unimelb.edu.au/community-and-events/join-grad-groups/

Visa information

  • Do I need a new or specific visa to come back?

    No, you don’t need a new visa, but you must have a current student visa (subclass 500). 
    You should also check that your visa does not expire earlier than your expected course completion date. For more information on visas, visit the student visa page.

  • Some students still haven’t got their passport or visa finalised. How much time do students have to get organised?

    It is important that you check your Student Visa requirements and apply for one as soon as possible if you do not yet have a Student Visa to study in Australia. As you may be aware, the government is working through many thousands of international student visas at the moment so please do allow enough time for your application to be processed.  Processing times are regularly updated on the Department of Home Affairs website.

    We strongly recommend applying for a student visa as soon as you have your Confirmation of Enrolment and as soon as possible to allow enough time for processing your application to enable your travel to Melbourne in time for the start of classes.

  • How can I extend my visa?

    For information about how you extend your visa, please see Renewing your student visa (unimelb.edu.au).

Staying COVIDSafe

  • What plans does the University have in place to support a COVIDSafe campus?

    The University strongly encourages individuals to remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations but no longer requires evidence of vaccination in order to access campus.

    To support a COVIDSafe campus, the University has implemented a comprehensive public health response. More information about these measures is available on our dedicated COVID-19  website.

  • I've tested positive for Covid-19 (in Victoria) - 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 you follow the University’s COVID-19 testing and notification advice.

    Remember you can access support services online, including emergency and crisis support, when you need help.

Support services for you

  • Stop 1

    If you have further queries that are not answered in the FAQs above, please contact Stop 1.

  • Who can I get in touch with for course and subject support?

    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.

  • What support can I access?
  • How will the University accommodate students with short-term illnesses when they will not be able to switch to online tutorials and workshops as they have been able to do so in 2022?

    In the first instance, speak to your subject coordinator as it may be possible to be provided with online material such as lectures recordings to support you in your study for the period you are away. Extensions of up to ten days can be granted by your Faculty when absences impact assessment.  Beyond ten days, or if you are ineligible for an extension, existing Special Consideration provisions will continue to apply for students who experience ill health or other challenges impacting their studies.

  • I am a student with an ongoing medical condition (e.g. immunocompromised) and I am concerned about attending classes on campus. What are my options?

    Please visit our Covid Safe campus information page to find out what measures the University has put in place to support your safety and wellbeing to enable you to study on campus.

    If you are enrolled in an Undergraduate program, you are expected to be on campus to make the most of in person teaching and learning and engagement with your teachers, fellow students and all that campus life has to offer.  If you are enrolled in a Graduate program, you are also expected to be on campus noting there are some subjects in some programs where dual-delivery or online may be available.

    While most courses and subjects are offered on campus from 2023, dual-delivery or online subjects may be available as part of your course and you can check the Handbook to see if this is the case.

    If you are not able to find appropriate subjects to take online, and your medical condition is appropriately documented via a Health Professional Report which includes restrictions for on campus activity, contact SEDS for advice regarding ongoing support and reasonable adjustments. If your condition is not documented and you remain anxious about attending campus, you may wish to contact Counselling and Psychological Services, the University Health Service, or your local GP for further advice.

  • I am a student with a disability and would like flexible options for study, will online or dual delivery subjects be available to me in Semester 2, 2023?

    Please visit our Covid Safe campus information page to find out what measures the University has put in place to support your safety and wellbeing to enable you to study on campus.

    If you are enrolled in an Undergraduate program, you are expected to be on campus so that you can make the most of in person teaching and learning, engage with your teachers, fellow students and participate in all that campus life has to offer.  If you are enrolled in a Graduate program, you are also expected to be on campus , noting that in some Graduate programs dual-delivery or online subjects may be available..

    While most courses and subjects are offered on campus from 2023, dual-delivery or online subjects may be available as part of your course and you can check the Handbook to see if this is the case.

    If you are not able to find subjects to take online, contact SEDS for advice regarding ongoing support and reasonable adjustments in line with each subject’s delivery mode.

  • Covid has financially impacted my family and I cannot afford to travel to Melbourne and study on campus. What are my options?

    If you are enrolled in an Undergraduate program, you are expected to be on campus so that you can make the most of in person teaching and learning, engage with your teachers, fellow students and participate in all that campus life has to offer.  If you are enrolled in a Graduate program, you are also expected to be on campus, noting that in some Graduate programs dual-delivery or online subjects may be available.

    While most courses and subjects are offered on campus from 2023, dual-delivery or online subjects may be available as part of your course and you can check the Handbook to see if this is the case.

    If you are not able to find the appropriate subjects to take a full study load, you may be able to apply for a Reduced Study Load or Leave of Absence for a period of time for Compassionate or Compelling Circumstances which will not impact your student visa.

    Students who may be struggling financially are advised to contact Financial Aid and/or  the Fees team to discuss their situation.

I’m travelling from China, Hong Kong or Macau

From 12.01am Thursday 5 January 2023, all travellers arriving in Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, need to take a COVID-19 test within a 48-hour period prior to their scheduled departure and show evidence of a negative test result.

Please note that requirements may change at short notice. Please check the latest information from the Department of Home Affairs prior to your departure for Australia.

  • What do I need to do?

    If you are travelling to Australia from China, Hong Kong or Macau, you need to take a COVID-19 test within 48 hours before your scheduled departure date.

    You should be prepared to provide evidence of your negative test before boarding your flight and when you arrive in Australia.

    This evidence does not need to be provided in English.

  • What type of test do I need to do?

    You need to do one of the following tests:

    • Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) – administered or supervised by a medical practitioner
    • Nucleic Acid Amplification Technology (NAA) test such as:
      • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
      • Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)
      • Transcription mediated amplification (TMA)
  • What type of evidence do I need to show?
    • Negative result from the provider of your NAA test
    • Certificate from the medical practitioner administering or supervising your RAT that includes:
      • Date and time of test
      • Name of the person tested (you)
      • Type of test
      • Brand and make of the test
      • That the specimen for the test was collected, and the test was carried out, by or under the supervision of a medical practitioner
      • Test result
      • Signature of the medical practitioner
    • Evidence does not need to be provided in English.
  • Who is a Medical Practitioner that can prepare the necessary certificate, if I use a RAT?

    The Department of Health and Aged Care have advised that for the purposes of administering or supervising a RAT, a medical practitioner may include a general practitioner, pharmacist, nurse, pathologist, pathology collector or trained personnel at airport-based testing stations.

  • What if I only transited through China, Hong Kong or Macau?

    If your flight originates in another country and transits through China, Hong Kong or Macau, you do not need to provide evidence of pre-departure COVID-19 test. For example, if you are on a flight from London to Melbourne that transits through Hong Kong, you are not required to test.

    However, if you travel to China, Hong Kong or Macau from another country and spend more than 24 hours there before travelling to Australia, you will need to complete a COVID-19 test within the 48 hours prior to departing for Australia.

  • What if I transfer flights or stop in another country on my way?

    If your flight originates in China, Hong Kong or Macau and transit through another country before Australia, you need to complete a COVID-19 test within the 48 hours before you depart. For example, a flight from China via Singapore, before landing in Australia.

    If you leave China, Hong Kong or Macau, but then spend more than 24 hours in another country before travelling to Australia, you do not need to show evidence of a pre-departure COVID-19 test when you arrive in Australia.

  • Do I need to do another test if my flight is delayed?

    If you have completed the COVID-19 test within the 48 hours before you were scheduled to depart, you will not need to take a new test if your flight is delayed.

    However, if your flight is cancelled or re-scheduled, you will need to take a new test within the 48 hours before the day your new flight is scheduled to depart.

  • What if I have recently had COVID-19?

    You do not need to test if you have had COVID-19 in the 30 days prior to your scheduled departure.

    However, you will need to provide evidence from a medical practitioner of a COVID-19 infection in the past 30 days, including confirmation that you are no longer infectious or symptomatic, that you have not had fever or respiratory symptoms in the past 72 hours, and the date of your initial positive test result (which must be at least 7 days before the date of the medical certificate).

    If your scheduled departure date is more than 30 days since you initially tested positive for COVID-19, you will need to take a COVID-19 test within the 48 hours before you depart.

  • What if I can’t take a COVID-19 test due to a medical condition?

    You will need to provide evidence from a medical practitioner that says you have a medical condition in the 30 days prior to your scheduled departure that prevents you from undertaking a COVID-19 test.

  • What if I have COVID-19 or am caring for someone who has COVID-19 at the time I am scheduled to travel?

    We strongly encourage students traveling to Melbourne to book a flexible ticket that allows rescheduling should you be unable to make your flight. We recommend rescheduling your flights two (2) weeks later to allow for recovery from COVID-19.

    Please let us know that your plans have changed here and advise the following information:

    • Are you planning to arrive in Melbourne in time for the start of Semester 1 in 2023? (Yes or No)
    • Your arrival date in Melbourne
    • If you do not anticipate travelling to Melbourne for study in 2023, please advise why this is the case.

    Students can enrol in subjects themselves up until the last date to enrol, which is usually the end of week 2 of semester for a standard semester subject. In special circumstances, students may be able to enrol in subjects up until the Census date (31 March 2023 for Semester 1) with the permission of the subject coordinator.

    Check the key dates for your subjects in the Handbook carefully and if need be contact Stop 1 for advice regarding your enrolment decisions.

    If you are unable to travel prior to the Census date, the University will work with you to determine what alternative arrangements can be made with respect to your studies.

    If you are unable to progress your studies, you may need to consider reducing your study load, applying to defer commencement (new students) or taking a leave of absence (continuing students).