International student information hub

Welcome international students

We welcome and value the many students from all over the world who contribute so much to our community. We celebrate the vibrancy and diversity that comes with a thriving international student community, as well as acknowledging the benefits for our educational institutions, local economy and culture.

The following information aims to provide easy access to support and relevant information for international students.

Information and links for international students

Local volunteering, placements and jobs

Whether you're looking for a job, work experience or volunteering opportunities, there's plenty on offer in our region.

Employment

Trending industries in our region include:

  • health care and social assistance
  • retail
  • education and training
  • careers that build
  • transport, postal and warehousing
  • manufacturing
  • eat, play and stay
  • professional, scientific and technical.

Find out more about employment programs at NORTH Link.

Volunteering

Volunteering for City of Whittlesea 

Work experience or work ready programs

Grants and training opportunities

Discover local grants and training opportunities:

Grants and training opportunities 

Organisations representing international students

Find the following international student representative organisations on Facebook:

Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS)

AFIS unites international students in Victoria and addresses their interests and needs. 

Council for International Students Australia (CISA)

CISA is the national peak student representative body for international students studying at postgraduate, undergraduate, private college, TAFE, ELICOS and foundation levels.

Connect with other students across Metro Melbourne

Visit the Study Melbourne Student Centre website to connect with international students from different universities across Victoria.

You can also find helpful resources about:

  • employment
  • mental health
  • legal advice
  • leadership program
  • start-up programs
  • social activities.
   

General support, information and links

Local support and emergency relief services

If you need some extra assistance, have a look at our range of support and emergency relief services available in the City of Whittlesea.

Other local support options include:

Assistance with housing or renting issues

Tenants Victoria promotes and protects the rights of tenants in Victoria. It aims to both help individual renters and work for social change to improve conditions for all tenants.

They can help with advice on:

  • repairs and maintenance
  • bonds
  • notice to vacate
  • breaking your lease
  • compensation for renters.

Find out more on their common problems page.

Other services they offer include:

  • email advice
  • tenant advice line
  • community worker line
  • office administration
  • other helpful services.

Contact Tenants Victoria to find out more

Connect with the LGBTIQA+ community

There are a number of ways to connect locally with lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, brother-boy, sister-girl, intersex, queer, questioning and asexual  (LGBTIQA+ ) communities.

Baseline Rainbow Youth

Our Youth Services team runs support programs and events for LGBTIQA+ youth. We are proud to have attained Rainbow Tick Accreditation for our services.

In Community

Council celebrates the LGBTIQA+ community with other northern councils at Midsumma events including Carnival and the Pride March in St Kilda.

Thorne Harbour Health

Thorne Harbour Health was formed in 1983 (initially as the Victorian AIDS Action Committee and later the Victorian AIDS Council). It was formed as a central part of the Victorian community response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Thorne Harbour Health continues to lead the response by providing a range of services including:

  • prevention education
  • treatment and care of PLHIV
  • counselling services.

Call Thorne Harbour Health on 03 9865 6700.

Protecting your human and legal rights

If you need assistance relating to your work rights, want to report a case of discrimination or have other legal questions, check out these services and supports.