Ask about what life in Victoria is really like

Our student and staff ambassadors understand the journey you are on and are here to answer your questions. School and student ambassadors can only provide advice about secondary school studies and life.

For advice about where to live in Melbourne and Victoria, how to find a primary school, whether you need to pay fees, see our answers below.

Commonly asked questions

Finding a place to live

Parents and guardians

Melbourne and Victorian student cities are vibrant, safe and welcoming places to live with plenty of entertainment and shopping options.

Parents who are university students

Proximity to university, price, transport, amenities and more all play a role in where to choose a place to live. For more information about choosing accommodation and location, see: Choosing accommodation that's right for you

Parents who are subclass 590 guardian visa holders

Parents or guardians who are coming to live in Melbourne and Victoria as a guardianof their school-aged child should live near the school of their choice. Other factors like price, transport, amenities and access to a home country community are also important, see:

School students

Students aged 6 – 12 years of age

Primary school students must live with a parent / legal custodian for the duration of their study at the school, see: primary school program.

Students aged 13 – 18+ years of age

Secondary school students have a number of different accommodation options, see: accommodation.

Other frequently asked questions

For other common queries, see: FAQs

Finding a school

There are over 200 accredited Victorian government primary and secondary schools. Depending on where you want to live in Victoria, what subjects you want to undertake and what other interests you may have, we believe there is a Victorian government school that is right for you.

To search for an accredited school, see:

secondary schools offering homestay:

all primary and secondary schools:

Find a School

How to apply

There are four types of application forms that you can select depending on your individual situation, including the length of time you wish to study at a Victorian government school or whether you are coming to Victoria with your parents. For more information, see; Application Process.

Submitting an application

Most international students must submit an application to the Department of Education in order to study in a Victorian government school. To learn about the application types and to submit an application, see: How to apply or Find an agent

Only international students who are fee-exempt can apply to their local school directly. All other applications must be submitted through the Department of Education.

Visas

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 Home Affairs website.

Checking application status

To check on the progress of your application, see: the online application module.

Tuition fees and cost of living

Fees

Some international students need to pay fees to study in a Victorian government school and some students are exempted from paying fees, depending on the visa they or their parent hold. To determine if you need to pay fees, see: Visa fee table

Cost of living

Melbourne and Victoria offer a high standard of living at a relatively low cost. For more information on budgeting for your stay, see our Cost of Living webpage or download a Tuition Fee brochures.

Other enquiries about costs

If you have any questions about scholarships, entry requirements or how to apply please international@education.vic.gov.au.

Arrival preparation

Ready, set, go! If you're ready to embark on your Victorian government school journey, you will find all the information you require in our pre-departure guide. To view the guide, see; International Student Pre-departure Guide. This guide will help you prepare for your journey from pre-travel check-list to touch down.

Speak to our ambassadors

Do you want to speak to someone about their experience living and studying in one of the world's most liveable places - Victoria, Australia?

Last Update: 27/09/2023 4:16 PM