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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.

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.

(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.

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.

(2) Melbourne features top-tier accommodation options

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About AGE

AGE takes a modern and practical application approach to studies. Students enjoy a personalised study experience which is tailored to meet individual needs and focuses on learning, personal development and becoming career ready with practical work skills. As an Australian student at AGE, you will benefit from our leading academics and industry focus. If you are a new student to AGE, you should start with some basic information about who we are and what we do.

Studying at AGE

Age offers a specialised Bachelor of Music Degree program. Unlike many traditional music programs, AGE advocates for musical inclusivity and encourages students to explore music across a range of cultures, genres and disciplines. This is real-world competence-based and professional-skills learning at its best. We look to prepare students for careers where they are equipped with a global appreciation of musical and creative crafts and practises - not only informed by a Western view. AGE recognises that no two individuals´ needs are the same. For this reason, the first thing we do before you are accepted into the Bachelor of Music degree is conduct individual competency assessments by way of a practical audition and a theory assessment if needed. This ensures that you are suited for the degree and can attend classes at our Melbourne campus.

Registration and Accreditation

AGE is registered by Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and has been included in the National Register of Higher Education Providers in Australia.

FEE-HELP is Available

FEE-HELP is a Commonwealth Government loan available to eligible students enrolled in AGE Courses in order to help pay all or part of their tuition fees. Details about Fee-Help and how you can apply can be found on our FeeHelp page.

If you have any questions about applying for FEE-HELP please contact us at: support@guildmusic.edu.au

Accessibility and Inclusivity

For students that experience disability, and/or are differently abled, AGE will provide an Education Access Plan (EAP) that is developed with our Disability Liaison Officer(DLO). A plan can also be put in place to help you access your studies if you experience a health issue that lasts more than six weeks.

At times, during the course of their studies, students that are already enrolled on their study journey may experience forms of Disadvantage such as homelessness or domestic violence. In these circumstances you are also able to have an EAP put in place to help you better access your studies through this kind of stress and upheaval.

To read more about this, read our Disability and Disadvantage General Information Brochure. If you would like to speak to the DLO, please contact support@guildmusic.edu.au so that you may be provided with their personal address for communications.

How to Apply

Details regarding how to apply can be found on our How to Apply page.

Remember to get all your documents in order, including the short audition reel that applies to your degree. If you require to sit an AGE Theory Assessment, please let us know so that we can make this happen as soon as possible.

For any questions please email support@guildmusic.edu.au.

Please Download our
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
HANDBOOK 2024

Please Download the
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
COURSE GUIDE 2024

Student Orientation

Day 1- Welcome to AGE

[This day includes an introduction to Academic and Administration staff.]

Details are provided to the students on what courses AGE offers, and which staff members are responsible for which services and enquires.

- Access to Microsoft Office 365 Account
- An introduction to Moodle (AGE learning management system) and the associated Virtual Library
- How to access and find information at AGE via the Student Hub
- Academic Leaders taking the opportunity to explain to students the definition of different types of Academic Misconduct
- Course Progression
- Importance of student engagement and reminding students what happens when they are identified as at risk of non-engagement (also known as at-risk).
- How to access Study Skills support. Information provided to students on when the study skills workshops are offered and how to access Academic Learning Support that is not degree specific.
- Academic Integrity Module. The compulsory unit is available in the Learning Management System and is managed by the Academic Learning Support Officer.

Day 2- Student Services

[Information is provided to students on non-academic support services such as:]

- Accessing Support services
- Student support services, including referrals
- Counselling and external support services
- Understanding compassionate and compelling circumstances.
- Information about policies and procedures generally, grievance procedures
- Overseas student health cover
- Complaints and appeals
- How to apply for suspension
- How to access information on minimum wages and to know their rights as an employee
- Fees and refunds
- CoE extensions
- How to join the SRC
- What AGE identifies as appropriate student behaviour.
- Where to find the student handbook and Student Code of Conduct
- How to access my student records

Student Wellbeing

AGE takes students well being very seriously. In this section we cover Emergency Contacts, Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment, how to Report matters and Access Support and discuss Confidentiality and Record Keeping.

Emergency Contacts

ON Campus Emergency (24/7)

Ph: +61 3 9966 3671

OFF Campus Emergency (24/7)

Ph: Triple Zero (000) for police, fire and ambulance.

EXTERNAL Couseling support & advice (24/7)

Ph: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 737) for the National Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Help Line.

Ph: 1800 806 292

Sexual Assault Crisis Line

Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment

Australian Guild of Education (AGE) is committed to furthering a positive learning and working environment and to the prevention of incidents of sexual misconduct.

What is sexual assault and sexual harassment?

Sexual misconduct includes incidences of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Sexual harassment. While the definition of sexual harassment varies across Australian (and other) jurisdictions, it generally involves an unwelcome sexual advance, unwelcome request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which, in the circumstances, a reasonable person, aware of those circumstances, would anticipate the possibility that the person would feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated.

Examples of sexual harassment include:

staring, leering or unwelcome touching
suggestive comments or jokes
unwanted invitations to go out on dates or requests for sex
intrusive questions about a person’s private life or body
unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against a person
emailing pornography or rude jokes
displaying images of a sexual nature around the workplace
communicating content of a sexual nature through social media or text messages.

Sexual assault includes a range of behaviours, all of which are unacceptable and constitute a crime.

Sexual assault occurs when a person is forced, coerced or tricked into sexual acts against their will or without their consent, including when they have given their consent. Sexual assault is often called other names such as: Sexual abuse, rape, indecent behaviour, indecent assault, sexual molestation, incest, child sexual abuse, child sexual assault, touching, ‘feeling up’, sexual harassment.

Examples of sexual assault may include (but are not limited) to:

Two people in a relationship start engaging in sexual activity but Person A changes their mind and asks to stop. Person B refuses to stop and forces sexual activity.
Person A has sexual intercourse with Person B when Person B does not not want to or is unable to consent.
Person A knows Peron B does not want to or cannot consent, or has no reasonable grounds to believe Person B consented.
A teacher manipulates a student to engage in sexual acts in exchange for better marks.

Consent: Whilst definitions for consent to sexual activities also vary between jurisdictions, consent is essentially an agreement between people to engage in a sexual activity. Other important elements of consent are that it is mutual, freely given, informed, certain and clear, enthusiastic, reversible, specific and required throughout the activity.

AGE maintains zero tolerance of negative behaviours, including sexual misconduct.

To achieve this, AGE is committed to:

Implementing ongoing education and training for students and staff;
Providing mechanisms for individuals to report any such behaviour to AGE, including anonymous reports;
Promptly assessing all reports of such behaviour and/or referring such reports to the appropriate authorities;
Applying the AGE Privacy and Personal Information Policy and the principles of procedural fairness and confidentiality to the investigation of such reports;
Acting on the outcomes of such investigations in a timely and sensitive manner;
Considering disciplinary action if a report is assessed to be vexatious or malicious.

AGE is committed to preventing sexual misconduct in its physical and online environments through ongoing education and training. This is achieved through education and prevention strategies, such as:

Orientation programs for all students.
Staff induction processes.
First responder training.

How to Report and Access Support

How to Report

Individuals who have directly experienced sexual misconduct involving AGE staff or students have the right to decide what information they disclose. Individuals have a number of options to consider:

Call AGE emergency number on +61 3 9966 3671;

Report to the Police by calling 000;
1 800 Respect – National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service;
Talk to a AGME Designated Officer (first responder who is trained to provide an appropriate initial response, including advice about available AGE and external support services and the process for making a Report) or other AGE professional;
Ask someone to make a report on their behalf;
Take no action

Where a disclosure has been made to a AGE Designated Officer, where possible, AGE will respect an individual’s choice to not make a report and will keep the disclosure confidential. In exceptional circumstances, where required by law or where there is a risk of significant harm to that individual’s health and safety or another individual’s health or safety, AGE may notify third parties, such as the police or child protection authorities.

For more important information regarding Critical Incident Reporting and related matters please visit our Critical Incidents page.

Accessing Support

The safety and wellbeing of individuals who have been affected by sexual assault and sexual harassment are priorities of AGE. Individuals have a number of options of support:

Academic Support: Special consideration and other types of support are available to assist with study.
Employee Assistance Program: Free service that offers professional advice to AGE staff and their families.
Outside AGE: Staff and students may prefer to seek support from counselling services outside of the institution.

Confidentiality and Record Keeping

All documentation relating to the incident of sexual assault or sexual harassment will be kept confidential and shall be disclosed only to those persons who have a right to the information by virtue of their role in the process, as required by law, or as determined by limits to confidentiality (e.g. risk of harm to person or persons).

Written records should contain such information as is necessary for others to gain a clear understanding of the grounds upon which a concern was determined and the actions taken to address it.

AGE will capture data on de-identified disclosures and formal complaints in order to monitor incidents, patterns of behaviour, monitor effectiveness of this policy, continuous improvement and to prevent reoccurrences of sexual assault and sexual harassment.

Further information can be found in AGE’s Policy in relation to sexual assault and sexual harassment, which is made available under Policies and Procedures.