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The City of Melbourne looks forward to collaborating with the Victorian Government to deliver Victoria’s International Education Recovery Plan 2025Opens in new tab, to promote Melbourne as Australia’s best student city, and to reinforce Melbourne’s strong position as a world class study destination, supporting international education recovery and attracting the best global talent.
International student news
Read more on Melbourne News
The Couch – International Student Centre
The Couch is dedicated to providing international students with a safe place to make friends, learn new skills, have fun, access free cooked meals, give back through volunteering, and connect with the local community through events and activities. The Couch is an initiative of the City of Melbourne and the Salvation Army Melbourne Project 614.
Address
The Salvation Army Melbourne Project 614
69 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000
Opening hours
The Couch is open 6pm to 8.30pm, Monday to Thursday.
Cost
Free for international students. A free meal is provided.
Follow The Couch - International Student Centre on FacebookOpens in new tab and InstagramOpens in new tab for updates and check out our events below for upcoming events at The Couch.
Key resources
Legal information for international students
If you need legal advice, we recommend first speaking with the legal advisers at your university, college or school.
The support staff at the Study Melbourne HubOpens in new tab may be able to connect you with employment or accommodation lawyers through their free clinics.
You can also check out Inner Melbourne Community Legal's free, multi-lingual International Student Legal Information ResourceOpens in new tab. It is translated in English, Spanish (Español), Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) and Chinese (中文). This resource is supported through City of Melbourne’s Connected Communities grants program, as well as the International Student Welfare Program, a Victorian Government initiative.
If you are experiencing any problems with your accommodation, you can contact Consumer Affairs VictoriaOpens in new tab for assistance.
Melbourne International Student Guides
Collect your free Melbourne International Student Guide by Insider Guides from the City of Melbourne Visitor CentresOpens in new tab, or the City of Melbourne Libraries. You can also download the guide onlineOpens in new tab. The guides are filled with useful and fun information so you can make the most of your experience as an international student in Melbourne.
Commonwealth Ombudsman – international student complaints
The Commonwealth OmbudsmanOpens in new tab investigates complaints that overseas students have with private education and training in Australia. The Ombudsman’s services are free, independent and impartial. Complaints about public education, which includes most universities, should be directed to state and territory ombudsmen.
'Act of Translation': The Documentary
'Which story do you want to hear? The one I tell my parents…or the one I tell my friends?'
In this moving and funny documentary, 20 international students are propelled out of their comfort zones through theatre workshops and performances. By learning to tell their real stories they challenge and transform the narrative about Melbourne’s international student community.
See the full documentaryOpens in new tab by film-maker Irene Metter.
Act of Translation was a collaborative theatre project between the City of Melbourne, Study Melbourne, RMIT University, AFIS, the Immigration Museum, and independent artistic director, Catherine Simmonds.
We respect your privacy – please read our Privacy statementOpens in new tab.
Events and programs
Lord Mayor's Student Welcome
The Lord Mayor's Student Welcome (LMSW) is a free, yearly event that welcomes new students to the city, and celebrates international students' contributions to Melbourne's cultural life and diversity.
The most recent LMSW took place at Moomba Festival in March 2024.
International students are part of the fabric of our city and we want you to immerse yourself in all aspects of Melbourne life.
You have come a long way to be here and we are proud to be your home away from home.
It's very important to us that while you're here you feel welcomed, respected and part of the community. We want to ensure every student has a positive experience.
Year-round our International Education team at City of Melbourne provides a range of services and events to ensure students settle in, feel safe, connected and part of our community. We are proud to work collaboratively with Study Melbourne, our city's educational institutions and student groups to support your wellbeing during your time here.
Because not only is Melbourne a great place to study, it's also a great place to live.
Keep in touch with us by signing up to our international student newsletter.
On behalf of the City of Melbourne, I hope you feel at home with us and wish you every success in your studies.
You are about to embark on some of the greatest years of your life at some of Melbourne's finest education institutions.
It's going to be an exciting journey. You have amazing opportunities ahead. Good luck!
Sally Capp AO
Lord Mayor
