STUDY IN MELBOURNE

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Enjoy the world’s most livable city when you live, work and study in Melbourne. Experience it for yourself with MyStory – an interactive tool for prospective international students to virtually experience life in Victoria.

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for International students. Australia is famous for its fresh air and relaxed lifestyle and has among the most spectacular, beautiful natural features, forests and beaches in the world. Australia is safe from most world threats and environmental dangers, such as earthquakes. Australia enjoys very low levels of pollution and has extremely clean air, roads, parks and beaches.

Our mixture of cultures, foods and religions makes Australia the most multicultural country in the world.

English is the national language and is well taught and understood throughout the country. The democratic government ensures people have the freedom to express their opinions. Australia has a very modern and progressive infrastructure, education and communications systems, services and lifestyle.

For more information, please visit www.studyinmelbourne.vic.gov.au

People from more than 200 countries call Victoria home. Everyone has a connection to another culture in some way, and this is evident in the adoption of different foods, cultures, and traditions throughout Melbourne and Victoria.

The Indigenous cultures of Australia are the oldest living cultural history in the world – they go back at least 50,000 years, and some argue closer to 65,000 years. In Australia, Indigenous communities keep their cultural heritage alive by passing on their knowledge, arts, rituals, and performances from one generation to the next.

Today, nearly half of the population was born overseas or has a parent who was. English is Australia’s national language; more than 230 languages and dialects are spoken. Cultural diversity is a part of everyday life and is celebrated.

There are places of worship for more than 100 faiths. Many institutions have prayer rooms and interfaith chapels. Temples, mosques, churches and synagogues are found across the state.

Cultural diversity is celebrated with a range of festivals, including Chinese New Year, Diwali, Vietnamese (Tet) New Year, the Hispanic Latin American Fiesta and Cultural Diversity Week, to name a few.

Outside Melbourne, celebrations include an Italian Festival in Myrtleford, a Swedish Festival in Walhalla, Pako Festa in Geelong, and the Bendigo Chinese Easter Festival.

Ingredients from around the world can be found in popular markets in Preston, South Melbourne, and Footscray, as well as in supermarkets and smaller grocery shops throughout Melbourne.

Melbourne weather is known to be changeable, with locals often saying the city can have ‘four seasons in one day’. The weather is generally warm and dry in summer and cold in winter.

Season: Summer – December to February

About: Summer days average 25°C (77°F), and humidity is usually low. Heat waves with temperatures over 40°C (104°F) can be followed by sudden cool changes, and even rain.

Wear: Light clothing – cottons, a swimming costume, a hat, and sunscreen.

Tip: Be ‘sun smart’ and protect yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, bottled water and protective shoes when walking in parks or along beaches

Season: Autumn – March to May

About: Autumn in Melbourne is very beautiful – warm and sunny with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 17°C (48°-63°F). The days are still long, and the sun may still be strong. People enjoy the light sea breezes and occasional rain.

Wear: Layers of clothing that can be easily removed or added to, along with light showerproof items

Tip: Weather in Autumn can change suddenly and sharply, so be prepared for rain and shine

Season: Winter – June to August

About: Winter daytime temperatures range from 7°C to 14°C (44°– 57°F), but it gets colder overnight. Most of Melbourne’s yearly rainfall happens in winter.

Wear: Warm clothes and shoes, and a water-resistant jacket.

Tip: If you go to a football game, wear warm clothes, a warm hat, and gloves, but don’t bring an umbrella, as it will block other people’s view.

Season: Spring – September to November

About: Spring weather can be very changeable and often very windy. It is warming, with daily temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (52°-65°F).

Wear: Layers of clothing and a waterproof jacket.

Tip: Melbourne’s many parks and gardens will be full of colourful flowers, and people start wearing lighter clothes and more colour.

Christmas Day is on 25 December, which is in summer. Many businesses close until the New Year. Christians celebrate the birth of Christ on this day. Christmas is a time for celebrating, feasting and giving gifts to family and friends. You don’t have to be a Christian to share this tradition.

Australia Day is on 26 January and marks the day Europeans first settled in Australia. Citizenship ceremonies are held, and awards and honours are presented. Many community events celebrate cultural diversity, and there are fireworks in the evening. You may see locals with the Australian flag.

Easter falls in March or April. Christians mark the death and resurrection of Christ at Easter. Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday. On Easter Sunday, people share chocolate Easter eggs.

ANZAC Day, the 25 April, marks the date on which the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed at Gallipoli, Turkey, in 1915. Australians remember those who fought for Australia or lost their lives in war. War veterans and their families attend a dawn memorial service and then join a peaceful march.

National Reconciliation Week starts on 27 May. It celebrates the culture, history and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. May 27 marks the anniversary of a 1967 Referendum when Australians voted to include Indigenous Australians in the national census.

The Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final takes place in October at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australian rules football, or ‘footy’ is Melbourne’s most loved sport. The AFL Grand Final is the most celebrated and anticipated sporting event of the year. Over 100,000 excited fans wearing their team’s colours go to the game. Millions watch it on television.

Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in Victoria. The Melbourne Cup is a horse race held at Flemington Racecourse. It’s a glamorous occasion. Women wear stylish clothes and hats. Men wear fashionable suits and ties. You can dress up and join in the fun or watch it on television. Locals may invite you to a party or barbecue.

Education in Australia for overseas visitors is highly regulated by the Australian government to ensure the highest possible quality and service.

The ESOS Framework – The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, or ESOS Act, establishes legislative requirements and standards for the quality assurance of education and training institutions offering courses to international students who are in Australia on a student visa. ESOS also provides tuition fee protection for international students.

National Code 2018 – The Australian Government has released the revised National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code 2018), which is part of the ESOS legislative framework, and it provides nationally consistent standards for the conduct of registered providers of international education and the registration of their courses.

The National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 has established a new approach to national regulation of the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Australia. The Act also provides for Standards for VET-accredited courses.

The Overseas Students Ombudsman

The Overseas Students Ombudsman is a specialist role of the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

The Commonwealth Ombudsman

can investigate complaints about problems that intending, current or former overseas students have with private schools, colleges and universities (education providers) in Australia, provides information about best practice complaints handling to help private education providers manage internal complaints effectively, and publishes reports on problems and broader issues in international education that we identify through investigations.

Universities

There are forty-three world-class Australian universities. A full range of academic and professional disciplines is offered with awards ranging from associate diplomas to doctorates. Typically, an undergraduate degree takes at least three years to complete, longer for honours or double degrees.

Vocational (technical & further) education

Vocational Education and Training (VET) / Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions provide courses with a strong vocational focus. Fees are charged for these courses and vary by institution and state. Some VET/TAFE courses are offered at degree level, with the majority being at diploma or associate diploma level.

Private Colleges

Private colleges deliver an excellent range of award and non-award courses throughout Australia, including English language. These colleges are required to meet the same quality assurance standards as government institutions and universities. Most private colleges are members of one of the following industry organisations

If studying in Australia is your dream, obtaining a student visa from the Australian Government is an essential first step. International Students applying for a student visa to study at the Brunswick Institute (BI) will apply under the visa subclass 500 - Student Visa.

The Student Visa (subclass 500) is the most popular visa for international students. It allows you to live, study, and work in Australia: Stay for up to 6 years, depending on your course duration. You can work part-time while studying and full-time during scheduled term and semester breaks.

For more information on applying for a student visa, please visit the Department of Home Affairs https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance specifically designed for overseas students in Australia.

During your time here, if you fall sick or get injured, you will be able to access the Australian public health system without having to pay large sums out of pocket fees. However, any claim you make must be processed through your OSHC.

It is a requirement of your Student (subclass 500) visa that you purchase and maintain your OSHC for the entire length of your stay. Your cover must start on or before the day you arrive and must not expire before your visa expires. If you bring someone with you, like a guardian or spouse, they must also be covered by your OSHC for the duration of their stay.

If you decide to extend your stay and get another visa, you’ll have to purchase additional insurance to make sure you have continuous coverage. Depending on the type of visa you get, this may mean purchasing a different type of insurance.

You cannot use health insurance from an overseas provider; you must purchase a plan from an Australian insurer to meet your visa conditions.

Certain OSHC exemptions apply. For instance, if you are from a country that has a government-to-government agreement with Australia that covers your insurance requirements, you may not need OSHC.

What does OSHC cover?

OSHC makes it easy to access a wide range of medical services while living and studying in Australia. For more information, please click and visit the Australian Government website.

OSHC providers

There are several insurers that offer OSHC to international students, making it easy to find a plan that meets your needs, including:

ahm
Bupa
Medibank
nib
Allianz

When choosing your OSHC provider, you may get more information from Brunswick Institution. You can also compare providers and policies and check the details of each plan to find the one that’s right for you. Don’t forget to look out for additional services that can help you make the most of your coverage. For example, certain insurance companies offer helpful incentives for overseas students, such as 24-hour support lines and retail discounts.

If you’re applying to study in Australia as an international student, an education agent can guide you through the entire process. Learn how they can help and what things to consider.

An education agent offers personalised support for international students applying to study in Australia. Here’s what they can do to assist you:

Provide accurate, up-to-date course information from Victorian education providers.
Help you understand your options for studying and living in Victoria.
Assist with completing your enrolment application and other required documents.
Guide you through the steps to accept your study offer.

You are welcome to contact Brunswick Institute to find an authorised agent around you.

Starting a new life in Australia can feel both exciting and overwhelming. To help you settle in smoothly, the Study in Australia website provides useful information about important services and essential steps you may need to take after arrival.

We encourage you to visit the “Arriving in Australia” page to learn more about banking, transport, healthcare, and other key services available to international students.

To make your arrival in Melbourne as smooth and stress-free as possible, Ashton College offers an optional airport pick-up service.

A Brunswick Institute representative will meet you at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport and safely take you to your arranged accommodation.

Important Information

We strongly recommend that you contact Ashton College at least 7 days before departure from your home country to arrange an airport pickup.
An airport pick-up fee will apply once the service has been confirmed.

If you need assistance arranging this service, please contact our team — we are happy to help.

Brunswick Institute can help arrange temporary accommodation for you when you first arrive in Australia.

This may include:

A bed-and-breakfast style hotel (approximately A$180 to A$250 per night for a single room), or
A budget hostel (approximately A$100 to A$150 per night).

After you arrive at Ashton College, you are welcome to visit our Student Services Office. Our friendly staff will be happy to provide further advice and support to help you find suitable long-term accommodation.

Shared accommodation is a popular option for students. You may choose to live with classmates or friends in an apartment, unit, or house. This option offers more independence and flexibility.

In shared accommodation, you usually:

Pay rent for your own room
Share utility bills (such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and other household costs)
Buy your own food
Cook your own meals

After your arrival, we can provide guidance on how to search for shared accommodation and where to find suitable options.