Studying in Australia & Living in Melbourne
Australia is world renowned for its higher education systems, and attracts million of international students each year, in one of its top-rated student cities. For more details on why study in Australia please visit Study Australia website.
As Australia’s Education State, Melbourne is where research and innovation come together and contribute to solving global challenges. Victoria’s vibrant multicultural society, high quality of living and social inclusion attracts around 182,000 international students each year.
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If you’re a fan of coffee, culture and incredible food, you’ll love living in Melbourne. The Victorian capital is one of the most exciting and diverse in the country, offering a rich range of academic and employment prospects. Here are top 10 reasons to live and study in Melbourne as an international student.
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(1) Melbourne is Australia’s most livable city
Melbourne was ranked the #1 most liveable city in Australia and #10 in the world in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Global Liveability Index for 2022. This list assesses 173 cities across the globe in the categories of stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure.
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There are many reasons why life in Melbourne is so highly valued: there are multiple public transport options, relatively low crime rates, and plenty of jobs. Plus, it offers an awesome arts and culture scene, first-rate universities and an easy lifestyle.
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(2) Melbourne features top-tier accommodation options
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A key part of living in Melbourne is deciding where to live in Melbourne. In other words, you’ll need to choose the accommodation style best suited to your needs.
Fortunately, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Melbourne is home to a wide range of high-quality accommodation options designed to suit the student lifestyle, including purpose-built student accommodation. Student accommodation is a particularly popular option among international students as it offers a unique sense of support and community.
Plus, student accommodation features incredible amenities that can hugely improve your international study experience.
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For example, Scape Student Living offers a wide range of perks to its residents. With fully furnished rooms, social spaces (like rooftop terraces and communal study areas), events, 24/7 on-site support, and even all-inclusive food offerings at some locations, you’ll have everything you need and more to thrive as an international student in Australia. Best of all, Scape features locations across Melbourne, including Lincoln College, Franklin St, La Trobe and more!
See How Much Does it Cost to Live in Melbourne as an International Student? on YouTube.
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(3) Melbourne is home to world-class education providers and research facilities
Victoria is known as the Education State, so it should come as no surprise that Melbourne is very academic. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, several of its universities sit within the top-ranked universities in Australia and the world.
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When living in Melbourne, you’ll quickly recognise the city as a creative hub, home to world-class academics and an exciting entrepreneurial spirit. Before you know it, you’ll soon be thinking outside the box (and around it, above it and below it, too).
Download the International
Student Handbook 2024
here!
ESOS Framework
The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Framework is a body of legislation that provides protection for international students studying in Australia, protects and enhances Australia's reputation for quality education, and supports the integrity of Australia's student visa program.
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To learn more about this important framework please view the ESOS Framework page created by the Australian Department of Education.
Visa Requirements
All international students in Australia require a valid student visa to study in Australia. The is called Student Visa (Subclass 500), this visa can be applied for online via the creation of an ImmiAccount. Before you apply for an Australian Student visa should visit the Department of Home Affairs Immigration and Citizenship webpage and search for Subclass 500 Student visa for more details. Before you apply, you’ll need a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from AGE, this is confirming that you have been accepted into a AGE course. You will also need to pay a deposit towards your tuition fees as outlined in the letter of offer.
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There are specific steps involved in applying for your Student visa these steps are clearly detailed on the Department of Home Affairs website under the section step by step.
Using Your Student Visa
Once you have your visa, you should check Department of Home Affairs website under the section when you have this visa and make sure that you have completed each of the steps before travelling to Australia. This information may change from time to time so it is important that you refer to the Department of Home Affairs website to up to date and current information.
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Once you Arrive in Australia you must inform AGE of your residential address, and also inform us within seven days if you change address.
While you hold of a current student visa, you are required to fulfil you must remain enrolled in an approved course, attend classes regularly, make satisfactory course progress and maintain OSHC health insurance. AGE is required to intervene where a student’s progress is unsatisfactory. If the student’s progress does not improve, we must notify the Department of Education and Training.
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Further Information is available on the Department of Home Affairs Website.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
As mentioned in the section above, International Students are required by the Australian Government to join a private health insurance scheme. You will need to pay the OSHC premium at the same time as your AGME tuition fees. Overseas student health cover (OSHC) is insurance that contributes or covers the costs of medical and hospital care which you may need while in Australia.
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The Department of Home Affairs website under the section step by step under step 2 Gather your documents subsection Overseas Student Health Cover provide details and explicit information regarding the requirements of the OSHC.
Student Card
All AGE students will be issued with an Institute Student card that will assist in students obtaining student discounts where available at selected businesses within Australia.
Working in Australia
International Students on a Subclass 500 visa are able to work up to 40 hours per fortnight whilst they are studying and unlimited work hours during holiday break. This information may change subject to the Department of Home Affairs and AGE strongly recommends that student seek clarification or confirmation of their visa conditions directly with the Department of Home Affairs or registered Migration Agent.
Further general information can be located on the Department of Home Affairs website under the section when you have this visa. The Study Australia website also offers some general information on Working while you study on their website.