International students FAQs

International students FAQs

I want to plan my travel

  • Do I need to return to Melbourne to study in 2024?

    The University of Melbourne has largely returned to campus-based Teaching & Learning.

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

      Make sure you are aware of the visa implications of changing your enrolment.

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

    Please contact Course Planning to discuss your study options.

  • When should I aim to arrive in Melbourne?

    If you are enrolling in standard Semester 1, 2024 subjects, aim to arrive before Orientation starts.  

    This will enable you to

    • Make the most of the orientation activities that will be scheduled
    • Get settled before the start of semester 1 classes
    • Attend classes from the start of semester.

    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.

  • 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. Dedicated staff are available to assist you with your options and support your arrival in Melbourne.

  • 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 students arriving at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine). See our Airport pickup service page for more details.

  • 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 Study Melbourne's Cost of living in Victoria page.

  • 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 travelling 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 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, 2024 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, 2024 or ahead of your first subject commencing. You are expected to return to Melbourne ahead of your classes commencing.

    If you are prevented from returning due to unforeseen circumstances that arise while you are outside of Australia

    • Ensure you are still meeting the requirements of your student visa which include that you are enrolled in at least one on-campus subject each half-year – if you are unable to meet this requirement due to compassionate compelling reasons you will need to Apply for a Leave of Absence.
    • Information for Student Visa Holders: If enrolling in less than 50 points for the second 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 2024 will open mid-December.
    • Withdraw from your course and reapply at a later stage when you are able to return and meet student visa requirements.

    If you are unable to travel in mid-February 2024 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.

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.

  • 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/gradgroups/

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) or another visa that has study rights.
    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.

  • I still haven’t got my passport or visa finalised. How much time do I 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 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.

    Visa delays can be considered compassionate and compelling, if you do not receive you visa in time to commence the half-year you can apply for a leave of absence.

  • 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 2024 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.

  • How can I extend my visa?

    You cannot extend a visa but you can apply for a new subsequent visa should you need longer to complete your course due to approved reasons.

    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?

    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.

    The University strongly encourages individuals to remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations to reduce the risk of severe illness.

  • I've tested positive for COVID-19 (in Victoria) - what steps do I need to follow?

    If you test positive for COVID-19, 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 were able to do previously?

    In the first instance, speak to your subject coordinator as it may be possible to access online material such as lecture 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 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 that in some Graduate programs dual-delivery or online subjects may be available.

    While most courses and subjects are offered on campus, 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 have a medical condition that 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?

    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 Student Equity and Disability Services for advice regarding ongoing support and reasonable adjustments in line with each subject’s delivery mode.

  • COVID-19 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, 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. You must ensure you meet the requirement of one on-campus subject per half-year.

    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.

  • How do I apply for special consideration outside of Australia if I've tested positive for COVID-19 and cannot obtain the required documentation?

    If you are studying outside Australia and the required documentation can’t be obtained in your country, you can submit a special consideration student declaration (students outside Australia) (PDF 176.4 KB) with your application verifying your circumstances, the impact on your studies and provide a reason why testing documentation may not be available.

    The University may reject the use of a student declaration for students outside Australia where the circumstances in the student’s home country allow students to access medical services without personal risk.