Trade Institute of Victoria (TIV) offers many courses to international students. This is a general guide to living in Victoria that will help you if you choose to study with us and make a move to our beautiful state.
Victoria is known for its vibrant culture and rich history. We are a large multicultural community. As Australia’s second largest state population wise, Victoria offers an enriching and diverse experience. Victoria’s thriving trade industry also offers plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning.
Below we will cover some basics about accommodation, transport, health care, legal services, local attractions and important contact information.
Accommodation
After obtaining relevant documents like visas and enrolling in a course, your next priority will be finding somewhere suitable to live. We would recommend looking for a place in suburbs near TIV, such as Williamstown North, Newport, Eaglehawk, Bendigo, and West Footscray.
Longer term student accommodation can be found through the following organisations:
Tenants Victoria – Renter Support Line (03) 9416 2577
Oz Homestay – 1300 024 628
Global Experience Student Housing – (03) 9016 3990
Urbanest – 1800 260 801
Transport
If you’re planning on staying in Australia for a considerable amount of time you may wish to purchase your own transport. This could be a bicycle, motorbike, or car, and depending on your budget you could source a secondhand or new one. Of course, if choosing to use your own transport, you’ll also need to be familiar with Victoria’s road rules. You can access driving and licence information for international visitors via the VicRoads website.
Victoria also has an efficient and convenient public transport system that includes trains, trams, and buses. You’ll need to obtain a MYKI card for such travel. A MYKI card is charged with as much money as you want and will need to be topped up when the amount is spent. More information can be found at Public Transport Victoria.
Health care
We know that maintaining your health and being able to source medical care if needed is an important aspect of moving to a new country. Australia has one of the world’s best health systems with well-equipped, modern hospitals, medical centres, and doctors’ offices located throughout Victoria.
Health insurance, called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), is compulsory for international students studying in Australia. It covers you for certain medical costs if you need to visit a doctor or go to hospital. You should check the OSHC policy carefully, including the details of what is covered. Extra cover is available for an additional fee. Serious medical problems should be treated before you come to Australia, because standard OSHC generally does not cover pre-existing medical conditions. More information about obtaining OSHC can be found here.
Legal services
If you’re in need of legal advice during your stay in Australia, you can contact the Study Melbourne Student Centre, where the support staff will assist you and direct you to appropriate organisations. Details are as follows:
1800 056 449 (free call from landline phones)
599 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000 (you can visit the office)
Other sources of support for legal matters:
Consumer Affairs Victoria – www.consumer.vic.gov.au
Victoria Legal Aid – 1300 792 387
Local attractions
Looking to take in some sightseeing and experiencing Victoria’s culture? These are some of our most popular attractions:
- National Gallery of Victoria
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
- Queen Victoria Market
- Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Melbourne Zoo
- Great Ocean Road
- Melbourne Skydeck
Important Contacts
Trade Institute of Victoria (including International Student Manager) 03 9399 9511
Victoria Ombudsman www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au
Police/Emergency 000
Ambulance 000
Fire 000
Poisons Information Service 131 126
Public Transport Victoria 1800 800 007
For more detailed information about studying and living in Victoria as an international student, please visit Studying and Living in Victoria, Australia.
