Information for International Students
| The
International Centre
The International Centre coordinates international student activities on campus. Your application to study at the University of Melbourne will be received and processed by this Centre. Staff of the International Centre also coordinate the University's support services for international students, providing information on airport reception, visa status, temporary accommodation and private health insurance; orientation support; and assistance with issues regarding study progress during the course of the year. An exciting range of social and support programs are organised through the International Centre, including a language partners program, UniFriends; hospitality weekends where international students are guests of country families; field trips which enable students to network into community life; and language programs for spouses of international students. All international students are issued with a 24-hour emergency contact card which gives access to the International Centre in case of crisis. For further information contact: The International Centre Email: international_centre@unimelb.edu.au WWW: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/international/ Applying to the University of Melbourne In general, all academic programs which can be studied full time are open to international students. Applications must be made by the closing date listed under Faculty Timetable. Most graduate coursework students commence their studies in February or July. Students enrolling in research- only programs may begin their studies at any time throughout the year, although the majority do so in February and July. The Application Process International students interested in applying for PhD or Masters by Research are advised to enter into written communication with a prospective supervisor to clarify and develop their research proposal prior to making a formal application. The application process is outlined in detail on the application form. Students will be notified of the outcome of their application as quickly as possible. If accepted they will receive an offer package specifying which course they have been accepted into and detailed information about how to accept an offer and apply for a student visa. This package also includes information about the University's airport reception service, accommodation, orientation and enrolment dates, and other useful information. English Language Requirements All offers of a place are conditional upon satisfactory evidence of competency in the English language. Minimum standards of English language requirements specified by the Academic Board are outlined in the application form. The English language competency required for the Faculty of Veterinary Science graduate programs is at least TOEFL 580 and TWE 4.5 or IELTS 6.5.
English Language Support While Studying at the University All international students at the University of Melbourne whose first language is not English have access to ongoing English language assistance and study skills support. Two programs are offered: the Communication Skills Program (designed for native speakers of English) and the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program. The ESL Program offers enrolled international students English Language assistance in the form of individual tutorials and ESL support classes. Religion There are organisations available on campus to provide information and support for international students of all faiths. Religious affiliated student organisations include the Catholic Overseas Students Down Under, the Buddhist Studies Society, and the Melbourne University Islamic Society which has a small library and a room for prayer on campus. Health It is compulsory for international students to have health insurance in the form of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The Overseas Student Health Cover entitles students to receive free medical care by attending the Student Health Service at the University of Melbourne. Students with Families Before bringing your spouse or children to Australia, you will have to prove you can support them financially. The Australian Embassy or Consulate in your country is responsible for granting approval. Employment and Work Conditions Most international students may work up to 20 hours per week during their stay in Australia. Spouses accompanying graduate students are allowed to work full time. Students are advised, however, that part-time employment is difficult to obtain. The University recommends that PhD students avoid working more than nine hours a week because of their heavy study load. Students with AusAID scholarships are not permitted to work during semester without special consent from AusAID. Schooling for Dependents It is immigration policy that school-age dependents of international students undertake a formal course while they are in Australia. You will need to provisionally enrol your child in a school before you leave your home country and if you are not on an Australian government scholarship you will normally have to pay the school fees one semester in advance. The Diplomatic Mission in your country can tell you which Victorian schools are registered to take international students. The school will send you a Confirmation of Enrolment Form stating the program and its duration so that you can obtain the appropriate visa for your child. You will be required to pay school fees for your child unless you are the recipient of:
|