Living in Australia

Australia's multicultural capital

Melbourne’s population of over four million people includes a broad ethnic mix from over 140 countries. The city is welcoming to people from different cultures and this all adds to its charm and atmosphere. It is common to see restaurants of various cuisines all located near one another.

Melbourne is famous for its diversity which can easily be seen by strolling around Chinatown, Lygon Street or Balaclava.

Four seasons in one day

Melbourne is well known for its unpredictable and unique ‘four seasons in one day’ weather. The climate has four distinct seasons throughout the year from hot summers through to coolish winters. A day can start off cloudy and raining, then within the same 24 hours become sunny and hot. It is recommended to bring a variety of clothing to cater for the seasons such as summer shorts and winter jackets.

Melbourne itself does not receive snow in winter, but located only a couple of hours away from Melbourne are Victoria’s major snow fields offering ski and snow related activities during the winter months. Winter is from June to August with temperatures averaging around 10-15 degrees Celsius. Summer is from December to February where temperatures can average around 25-35 degrees Celsius. Located around Port Phillip Bay, there are a plenty of beaches to enjoy during the summer months.

For more information about Melbourne view the Visit Melbourne website.

Dining and food

Melbourne’s diversity of cultures is reflected in its thousands of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. Melburnians can enjoy over 2,300 restaurants, bars and pubs. There’s something for everyone’s taste and price range. Throughout the year, the city celebrates the importance of good food and wine with several festivals dedicated to enjoying all things food-related.

Transport & Concession

Melbourne has an excellent public transport system with trams, trains and buses providing an extensive network throughout the city and suburbs, making travelling around Melbourne and Australia convenient. More information can be found on the getting to classes at Box Hill Institute can be found on the Public Transport page.

Transport concession

To save money on public transport when you are studying at Box Hill Institute, apply for an International Student Travel Pass (ISTP). 

The ISTP allows international students enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or diploma course to purchase an annual Myki travel pass with a 50% discount. 

For more information and to check your eligibility, go to:

International students - Public Transport Victoria (ptv.vic.gov.au).

To apply for the ISTP, please visit the Student Administration counter at Elgar Campus

See Victoria and Australia

For day trips or a weekend away in Victoria, you’ve got plenty to choose from with areas like the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula offering excellent vineyards, cottages, luxury accommodation and various activities, all within one and a half hours drive from Melbourne.

Travelling further afield in Victoria, the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island is a must see. Plus, enjoy surf beaches along the Great Ocean Road or experience the magnificent High Country mountain region. For up-to-date information go to www.visitvictoria.com.

The rest of Australia is also easily reached by plane, train or bus.

Conditions

Course Conditions

Information about the course and university related conditions to which you must adhere.

Other visa conditions

Other visa conditions, including finances, health insurance and school fee exemptions for dependents of research students.

Student visa regulations

There are a number of conditions with which student visa holders must comply. Different visa conditions apply to you and your family members. Breaching a visa condition may result in the cancellation of your student visa. Some of these conditions are detailed below, however full details of these can be accessed on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.

Meet course requirements (8202)

You must remain enrolled in a full time CRICOS registered course, and you must maintain satisfactory attendance in your course and satisfactory course progress for each study period as required by your education provider.

Overseas student health cover (OSHC) (8501)

You must maintain adequate arrangement for health insurance during your stay in Australia. Note: Under policy, this means that you must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Maintain student visa conditions (8516)

You must continue to satisfy the conditions under which your student visa was granted. This includes that your course of study must continue to be a course in a sector that matched your student visa. You must also remain financially stable for the duration of your stay and have sufficient funds to pay for your study and stay in Australia.

Change of address (8533)

Students must notify their education provider of their residential address in Australia within seven (7) days of arriving in Australia. You must notify your education provider of any change in your residential address within seven (7) days of the change.

Work rights (8105)

You cannot work more than 40 hours a fortnight* during school term, although no work limits apply during recognised periods of vacation at Box Hill Institute. You cannot undertake work until you have commenced your course in Australia.

*A fortnight means any period of 14 days commencing on a Monday and ending at the end of the second following Sunday

For more information about working while studying, please refer to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.