FAQ

Answers to frequently asked questions for international students:

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How do I apply?

To apply to study in a Victorian Government School you need to fill in a Standard International Student Application Form (PDF - 448Kb). Alternatively you can contact the International Division and ask for a form to be mailed to you.

Some students apply through a registered agent in their own country. An agent is a third-party which provides a service to the students for which a commission may be paid. You can check the list of agents on the education agents page to see if there is one in your homecity. Students will need to provide additional documentation to support their application. There is a checklist to guide you on the application form.

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Where will I live?

International students studying in Victorian Government Schools can either live with a parent, relative, or they may live with a homestay family. See the accommodation page for details. Victorian Government Schools do not have boarding facilities.

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What is Homestay?

Homestay is very popular with school students. Students live with a Victorian family near their schools. Homestay accommodation is the best way to enjoy Australian culture and the fastest way to develop English language communication skills. Students share meals with their homestay family and are provided with a bedroom in the family home. Homestay generally costs around $220 per week.

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What happens when I arrive?

Students living in homestay are met at the airport upon arrival by a staff member from their host school and taken to their homestay accommodation.

Each school appoints International Student Coordinator (ISC) to look after the international students, monitor their attendance, academic progress and liaise with their parents.

The ISC introduces students to their homestay family, helps them settle into school, purchases their uniform and books, designs a study plan and helps students open a bank account.

 

All international students must have health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover). The International Student Program Unit can arrange OSHC on your behalf if requested on the application form.

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Will there be other international students at my school?

Melbourne is a multicultural city and you will find many nationalities at your school. Generally international student enrolments do not exceed 10% of the total school population. There are students from over 100 countries studying in Victoria.

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How well do I need to speak English?

International students are recommended to have had a familiarity with English for at least two years. Students who speak very little English are enrolled in an intensive English course for 20 weeks before commencing at their school. Students' English language skills usually accelerate rapidly in the first few months.

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How much does it cost?

Tuition fees are the same for all Victorian Government Schools. There are discounts for students who have a parent studying at a Victorian tertiary institute.

The standard international student fees are listed below:

Tuition Fees Primary (Prep - Grade 6) : $8,240 per student per year

Junior Secondary (Year 7 - 10) : $10,920 per student per year

Senior Secondary (Year 11 - 12) : $12,200 per student per year

There is a $200 non-refundable application fee.

Download Tuition Fees (PDF - 249Kb)

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How do I choose a school?

There are over 100 Victorian Government Secondary Schools that are accredited to accept international students. Information on different schools is available in the publication: Right School in the Right Place 2008 (PDF - 7.3Mb). Alternatively, parents and students can search for a school using the choose a school function on this website. We will endeavour to place you at one of your preferred schools; however, some of the schools listed in the publication may have limited places available in 2008-2009. We recommend that you apply early to increase your chances of securing a place at a preferred school.

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What happens if I am studying my last year of secondary school?

Students studying their final year of secondary school enrol in either the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).

 

Students need to choose the certificate they enrol in and their subjects based on their own interests and ambitions. The International Student Coordinator and the Careers Officer at your school will help guide you in your choice of subjects if you want to study at an Australian university or vocational education college. You must study the VCE if you want to go to university.

 

A VCAL prepares students for further training at a vocational education institution.

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Do I need a visa?

Students who wish to apply as a full fee paying student need a ‘student visa' to study in Australia. You can apply for a student visa at an Australian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. Some students will be able to apply online through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.

 

Once you have paid your fees to the International Student Program Unit you will receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). You will need to take this with you upon application for your student visa.

Students from some countries will also need to apply for a Pre-Visa Assessment before they pay for their tuition fees. This only applies to students from countries designated as assessment level 3 or 4 (this includes China). You can check the assessment level of your country at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.

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Can I work when I am studying?

International students holding a student visa subclass 571 are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week as long as the work does not interfere with their studies or attendance. During holidays students are permitted to work full-time. Students must apply to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for a change to the ‘work limitation' on their visa. Students who wish to apply for permission to work should discuss this with their parents and the International Student Coordinator for the first instance.

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What is it like to study at a school in Australia?

The Australian education system and school environment is different to many other countries. In Australia students are encouraged to take part in class discussion and contribute their own ideas. Many schools have a school uniform although students at some schools wear casual clothes.

 

It is also common to work with other students on group projects. Generally the relationship between students and teachers is informal and relaxed. Teachers are very happy to help students with any study problems they may have.

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What subjects can I study?

Victorian schools offer an extremely wide range of subjects. Some secondary schools offer over 40 subjects. English is mandatory for all school students. International students may study English as a Second Language (ESL). A full list of subjects is available in the section About Victorian Government Schools.

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Where can I get more information?

You can contact the International Student Program Unit for more information.

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