Named Australia’s best student city again for 2026 (and 5th in the world!), Melbourne has so much to offer.
Thanks to its unique blend of educational excellence, cultural diversity and quality of life, you’ll feel welcomed and supported when you live and study in Melbourne.
No matter where you are in your student journey, student support services are available to support you at every step.
Study Melbourne Hub
Study Melbourne is a Victorian Government initiative that delivers a variety of support services to tertiary students in Victoria, one of them being the Study Melbourne Hub.
Located on 17 Hardware Lane in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, this facility provides international students with the opportunity to attend free events and programs, including:
- Fun activities all about welcoming new international students to Melbourne and supporting you as you settle into your new city
- Employment advice to help you find a part-time or casual job during your studies
- Career sessions to support you as you prepare for your future career with new skills, support and connections
- Leadership and entrepreneurial sessions to develop exciting new skills to support you in reaching your dreams.
If you’re eager to meet new people, there are also a range of social events held throughout the year, such as Chinese New Year celebrations and Bollywood evenings.
The Hub is even equipped with bright, airy workspaces that are free to access, making it one of the best places to study in Melbourne.
At the Hub, you’ll also find a team of friendly caseworkers who can help you tackle a range of challenges, including financial hardship, issues with accommodation, well-being and mental health support.
Many of the Study Melbourne team members were once international students themselves, so they know what you're feeling and experiencing first-hand!
Notably, the Hub offers many free and confidential services students won’t find elsewhere, including the International Student Employment and Accommodation Legal Service (ISEALS). ISEALS addresses vulnerabilities in employment and accommodation, offers free legal advice and educates students about their rights.
In essence, the Study Melbourne Hub is a sanctuary for international students. From employment to academia to legal issues, the team at the Hub is here to support you at every step of your international student journey.
Transport Victoria
Melbourne’s excellent public transport network, which includes buses, trains and the city’s iconic trams, makes it easy to get around! Whether you’re travelling to university, heading to your part-time job or just out exploring everything this city has to offer, there’s no better choice!
If you have a question about the network or your myki card, you can get in touch with the Transport Victoria team online via their enquiry form, or by calling them directly on 1800 800 007. Alternatively, you can get help at any of the staffed stations during their open hours, or by visiting the PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station.
Don’t forget, as an international undergraduate student, you may be eligible for a 90-day, 180-day or 365-day International Student Travel Pass, which could save you up to 50% on your annual transport fees! If you have questions about your International Student Travel Pass, visit the Transport Victoria website for more information.
The Couch Melbourne
A joint initiative between the City of Melbourne and Salvation Army Melbourne Project 614, The Couch is a service dedicated to providing international students with a safe place to connect and make new friends.
The Couch is open Monday to Thursday from 6pm to 8:30pm. Here, you can learn new skills, access free cooked meals, participate in fun activities and connect with the local community through events.
The best part? All events are free for international students!
Accommodation support bodies
Moving out on your own and gaining independence is exciting. However, if things go wrong or you’re unsure about your rights, it’s important to know where to turn.
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) is a government-led initiative designed to assist in matters concerning accommodation. You’ll find information regarding your rights as a tenant on the CAV website. If you need help, you can also contact CAV directly.
In addition to CAV, Tenants Victoria can help you with rental-related concerns, including matters such as repairs or disagreements with other tenants or your landlord. You can find lots of helpful information on their website, or you can reach out to the team directly on 03 9416 2577.
Neighbourhood Houses
Located all across Melbourne, Neighbourhood Houses are a group of almost 400 community-based organisations across Victoria. They bring people together from all ages, backgrounds and abilities through free or low-cost events, classes and activities. They are a great way for you to meet new people outside of your studies and connect with your local community.
Finding your nearest Neighbourhood House is a great way to access a supportive community, build your skills and make new friends. Use their interactive map to see which Neighbourhood House is close to you, or contact your local council for more information.
LGBTQIA+ support services
Melbourne is accepting of individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations. If you belong to the LGBTQIA+ community, there are support resources designed exclusively for you.
The Rainbow Network offers many support services, including a directory that you can use to discover meetups, workshops and community groups in Victoria.
There’s also the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda, which serves as a hub for queer groups and organisations to share ideas and advance equality across the state. Head to their website to see the full range of support services.
Disability support services
The Brotherhood of St Lawrence is a go-to resource in Melbourne for disability support. Here, you can get connected to community and mainstream services, even if you’re not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Through the Youth Disability Advocacy Scheme (YDAS), you can also get involved with the Young Leaders Program. This program helps young people with disabilities boost their employability and access jobs and volunteer roles. Head to their website to apply!
Mental health support services
Your mental health and well-being are your most important assets. If you’re struggling or just want someone to talk to, there’s plenty of help on hand. The Study Melbourne website has a great list of free support services you can contact if you need someone to speak to, with options for online chat or phone support.
As an international student, your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) may cover some or all of the costs associated with seeing a psychologist or other mental health professional. Chat to your OSHC provider for more information.
National support services
A range of support services are available to international students that operate on a national level. Here are a few important examples:
- The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has information and advice to help young workers and students in Australia. They have information for visa holders and migrants, and can support you if you are facing issues in the workplace. Visit the FWO’s international student factsheet page for more details.
- The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is there to help international students if their education providers are unable to deliver their full course of study. So, if your education provider shuts down, fails to start a course that you’re enrolled in or stops offering your program part-way through, the TPS can help.
- The Australian Human Rights Commission can assist you with issues of discrimination, such as disability rights, race and sex discrimination, and information regarding rights and freedoms.
Education providers
Don’t forget that your educational institution will offer a range of services aimed at supporting you throughout your academic journey. Whether you’re enrolled at a university, TAFE or VET provider, your institution is committed to enhancing your learning experience.
While every institution is different, many offer support with academics and study skills, employment and even financial aid. Lots of institutions also offer social support in the form of clubs, societies and associations.
You can find out what’s on offer at your institution on their website or by getting in touch with your student support team.
