International Students

Studying in Melbourne

Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities and it’s easy to see why. The city offers world-leading stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure. Labelled as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne has something for just about everyone, be it brilliant street art, an eclectic range of architectural styles, or amazing wildlife.

Melbourne is rated the number one student city in Australia and third best student city in the world, so it’s no surprise it has the country’s biggest student population. A true university city, Melbourne is home to 227,000 international students from over 170 countries who make up one third of its student population. International students in Melbourne enjoy an action packed and inclusive inner-city lifestyle with world-class study options.

ESOS Framework

Australia provides rigorous protection for international students through the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and related legislation, which protects and enhances Australia’s reputation for quality education, provides tuition protection and supports the integrity of the student visa program. Breaches are treated seriously and the penalties can be significant.

The National Code of Practice is an instrument of the ESOS Act which provides nationally consistent standards for the conduct of registered providers of international education and the registration of their courses. The ESOS Act and National Code of Practice aim to ensure nationally consistent standards for the delivery of educational services to international students in Australia; to safeguard Australia’s international reputation as a provider of high-quality education and training; and to protect the interests of international students.

Working in Australia

Australia’s workplace laws and regulations protect the rights of all workers, including international students working part-time on a student visa. These laws are designed to ensure you:

  • are paid at least the minimum wage and superannuation;
  • are protected against unfair dismissal;
  • are entitled to leave, breaks and rest periods;
  • and have a safe and healthy work environment.