International Student Information

Campus Life

Your Guide to Studying and Living in Melbourne

Welcome to Skilled Up! We are thrilled that you are considering or have chosen to study with us in Melbourne, one of the world’s most liveable and vibrant cities. Australia is an incredible country, known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and friendly, relaxed people. Whether you’re exploring our beautiful coastlines or enjoying the dynamic city life, there’s always something new to discover. This guide is designed to provide you with essential information to help you prepare for your arrival and make the most of your time here. We’re here to support you every step of the way as you begin your educational and personal journey in Australia.

Why Choose Australia & Skilled Up?

Australia stands out as one of the most sought-after destinations for international students, thanks to its world-class education system, high quality of life, and multicultural society. Every year, thousands of learners from across the globe choose Australia not just for academic excellence but also for the opportunity to live in a safe, vibrant, and inclusive environment.

At Skilled Up, we are committed to guiding you through this exciting journey by offering industry-relevant training, exceptional student support, and a welcoming learning community in the heart of Melbourne. Whether you’re pursuing career advancement or further academic study, Skilled Up is your pathway to success in Australia’s thriving educational landscape.

Your New Life in Melbourne

Welcome to Melbourne! As you begin your exciting journey in one of the world’s most liveable cities, here are a few essentials to help you settle in smoothly.

Melbourne Airport Student Welcome Desk

Upon arrival, visit the Student Welcome Desk located at the Travellers’ Information Service in the International Arrivals Hall (Ground Floor, Terminal 2), Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine). It’s open daily from 7:00 AM to midnight and provides free welcome packs and essential local advice.

Cost of Living

Your weekly expenses will vary depending on lifestyle, accommodation, transport, and social activities. Below is a general cost guide:

Share House Room: $150 – $200
One-Bedroom Apartment: $200 – $300
Groceries/Food: $75 – $100
Utilities (shared): $50

For a comprehensive guide to living expenses, visit the official site: Study Australia – Living Costs

Before You Pack Your Bags

Before you begin your journey to Australia, it’s important to organise a few essentials to ensure a smooth transition.

Visa Conditions

Your Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) includes conditions that must be strictly followed. This applies to both you and any accompanying family members. Violating visa conditions may lead to visa cancellation. For full details, visit the Department of Home Affairs: Student Visa (subclass 500).

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

It is mandatory for all international students and their dependents to have OSHC throughout their stay. OSHC typically includes doctor visits, hospital care, ambulance services, and some medications. The cost varies depending on your provider and level of cover. Approved providers include:

Australian Health Management (AHM)
Allianz Global Assistance
BUPA Australia
Medibank Private
nib

For more information, visit the Department of Health: OSHC FAQs

Bringing Your Family

Supporting a family while living in Australia can be expensive, so it’s important to ensure you have the financial capacity and plan accordingly. In addition to costs, consider:

Your family’s adjustment to life in Australia
Your spouse’s English language ability and job opportunities
Childcare or school arrangements for your children

Schooling for Children

In Victoria, all children aged five or turning five before April 30 of that year must be enrolled in school. You are expected to arrange provisional enrolment before arriving in Australia.

Parents are responsible for school fees (unless exempt), as well as costs for uniforms, textbooks, and other educational materials.

Fee Exemptions

You may be eligible for a tuition fee exemption at a Victorian Government School if you are:

A PhD or Masters by Research student
A recipient of a fully funded Australian Government scholarship

Check your eligibility here: Victorian Government International Education Division

Find a school near you: Victorian Department of Education

SKUP Student Activities

Skilled Up (SKUP) advises students of upcoming events both in their classes and via the website. Other activities and organizations that may interest our students are listed below:

The Couch @ Melbourne Centre for International Students

A place to socialize, meet new friends, participate in events, access free internet, and even have some dinner for free. Drop in and check out what’s happening! They include students in their mailing list and send monthly event updates.

Address: 69 Bourke Street, Melbourne.

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Dinner Served at: 6:30pm

For more info, please visit: The Couch

Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome

Held twice a year, this is an information and fun day organised by the City of Melbourne to welcome international students. Check the City of Melbourne site for upcoming event dates.

For more details, visit: City of Melbourne

Student Help Desk

Find assistance and information here:

Melbourne’s Weather

Experience all four seasons in Melbourne!

Spring: September – November (Mild)
Summer: December – February (Warm to hot, 28-38°C)
Autumn: March – May (Mild)
Winter: June – August (Cool with clear skies)

Food, Culture & Events

Melbourne is a foodie’s paradise! Explore culinary precincts like:

Italian: Lygon Street, Carlton
Vietnamese: Victoria Street, Abbotsford
Chinese/Asian: Chinatown, City Centre
Greek: Lonsdale Street, City Centre

The city is also a hub for art, theatre, and cultural events.

Discover what’s on at: Visit Melbourne

Complaints & Appeals

Skilled Up is committed to a fair and enjoyable learning experience. If you have a complaint or wish to appeal a decision, we have a clear and equitable process. We aim to resolve all issues within 45 days.

To lodge a complaint or appeal: Please complete the relevant form and email it to support@skilledup.edu.au.

For more details, visit our website: skilledup.edu.au/policy

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you can contact the Overseas Student Ombudsman after completing our internal process.

Transportation

Melbourne has an excellent public transport network of trains, trams, and buses. You’ll need to buy a Myki card to travel.

Plan your journey and get more information at: Public Transport Victoria (PTV) or call 1800 800 007.

In Cases of Emergency

Skilled Up 24/7

Emergency Contact Person: Rajesh Sharma

24/7 Emergency No: +61 435 199 441

Phone #: +61 3 8608 9901

Emergencies

Any student that experiences critical incidents should immediately inform, where possible, their trainer or course coordinator.

If they are not available, contact the Student Support Officer/Liaison Officer, and if required, the emergency number +61 435 199 441 or visit us in person at 541 King Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003.

For life-threatening or serious injury, Call an ambulance on 000.

Accommodation

Renting an Apartment or House: Offers independence but requires you to buy or rent furniture. You will sign a lease (usually 6–12 months) and pay a bond (security deposit), typically equal to one month’s rent.

Average Rent: $200–$300/week (1 bedroom), $300–$400/week (2–3 bedrooms).

Find rentals at: realestate.com.au

Share Accommodation: You rent a room and share the kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. This is often arranged after you arrive.

Average Rent: $150–$200/week plus bond.

Hostels: Shared living spaces, with some single rooms available at a higher cost. Meals may be included.

Average Cost: $150–$250/week.

Homestay: Live with a local family. This includes a private room, with meals often included in the cost.

Average Cost: $180–$270/week.

Find providers at: student-accommodation.com.au or homestaydirect.com.au

Know Your Rental Rights! When you rent, you have legal rights and responsibilities. Before signing any documents, make sure you understand them. The “Renting: Your Rights and Responsibilities” booklet is an essential resource.

Download it from Consumer Affairs Victoria: www.consumer.vic.gov.au

SKUP Student Services

Skilled Up (SKUP) provides a range of services to support students during their time with the institute. We understand the challenges of settling into a foreign environment, so SKUP has a delegated student liaison officer (Campus Manager) available to offer personal and friendly assistance.

Student Liaison Staff Offer Students:

Liaison with OSHC providers
Assistance with airport pick-up and temporary accommodation
Long-term and temporary accommodation guidance
Orientation programs

Classroom Facilities

Students have access to modern classrooms equipped with the latest fittings and furnishings, including overhead data projectors and computers. Our campus has recently been refurbished and offers classrooms with natural light.

Computer Labs

SKUP provides computer labs available for classes and student use during free time, with internet access available at the campus.

Student Service Desk

Student Services Officers are located on campus to provide a range of support services and assistance.

Student Library

The student library is conveniently located on the same level at the SKUP campus.

Student Common Area

The student common area is also located on Level 1 of the SKUP campus.

Health, Safety & Support at Skilled Up

Your wellbeing is our priority. Melbourne is a safe city, but it’s always wise to take precautions.

Staying Safe in Melbourne

Emergency? Call 000: For Police, Fire, or Ambulance. This is a free call.

Travel Smart: Plan your trip, especially at night. Travel with friends when possible and stay in well-lit areas.

Be Aware: Pay attention to your surroundings. Headphones and mobile phones can be a distraction. Walk confidently and with purpose.

Report Crime Anonymously: Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Health & Medical Services Near Campus

Medical Centres:

Medical One: 292 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Metropolitan Medical Centre: 380 Lygon Street, Carlton

La Trobe Street Medical: Melbourne Central, Cnr Swanston & La Trobe Streets

Dental Services:

Green Apple Dental: 300 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

Metro Dental: 393 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Royal Dental Hospital (Emergency Only): 720 Swanston St, Carlton

Need Health Advice? For free health advice from a Registered Nurse 24/7, call Nurse-on-call on 1300 60 60 24.

Your Studies & Work

Balance your studies with valuable work experience.

Employment Rules

International students can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during their course session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. You cannot begin working until your course has officially started.

Important: Do not rely on work as your only source of income, as finding a job may take time.

Tax File Number (TFN)

To work in Australia, you must apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Apply online at the ATO website: Go to www.ato.gov.au, click “For individuals,” and follow the links.

Your Rights at Work

You have the same workplace rights as all other workers in Australia. Key organisations that can help you are:

Fair Work Ombudsman: For information on pay, leave, and workplace conditions.
WorkSafe Victoria: For workplace safety and health issues.
Job Watch: An independent service for issues like exploitation or underpayment.

Student Services Representative

Whilst all staff employed by Skilled Up (SKUP) have the responsibility to provide support to all students, the SKUP nominated student service person nominates a Student Support Officer who will be available to all students. SKUP has external arrangements for students seeking welfare support on an appointment basis, through standard Institute hours of business. Students need to contact the Student Support Officer (SSO) or another staff member of the Student Support Service Department (SSSD) to file any issue or concern.

Students can access the Student Support Officer directly or via the Student Support Services Department and an appointment will be organised as soon as practical.

Currently, the role and responsibility of this Student Liaison Officer is maintained by: +61 3 420 405 253 as the first point of contact for SKUP students in emergencies.

Your Obligations as a Student

As an international student, you have obligations under Australian law.

ESOS Act

The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act sets the standards for education providers and protects your rights, including your tuition fees.

Learn more at: International Education Online

Tuition Protection Service (TPS)

The TPS is a government initiative that ensures you can either complete your studies elsewhere or receive a refund of unspent tuition fees if your provider is unable to continue your course.

Learn more at: tps.gov.au

Unique Student Identifier (USI)

If you are a Vocational Education student, you must have a USI. This gives you an online record of all your training. Skilled Up can help you create your USI.

Learn more at: usi.gov.au/students

Legal Assistance Service

If you need legal advice contact a Student Liaison Officer (SLO) or other Student support services department staff who will direct you to a Student Support Officer.

The SSO can advise you where you can go to receive confidential advice on your rights and responsibilities in legal matters. The SLO can provide details of local legal firms who are able to offer you a first consultation, free of charge, to discuss your circumstances and offer students a reduced rate for service based on a sliding scale.

The SLO can also put you in contact with your nearest Legal Aid office where you can receive free legal advice. If you need to go to court it is important that you receive legal advice. If you do not have a lawyer when you go to court, lawyers who give free legal advice and other help (duty lawyers) may be available to assist you. A free duty lawyer service is provided at large courts and tribunals across VIC. Duty lawyers are lawyers who work for Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) or are private lawyers who are paid by VLA to help you. The following is a useful link should you need legal advice: http://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/lawyeratcourt.htm

The legal assistance service is provided to ensure that all students SKUP are legally protected and properly advised. The legal assistance service ensures that students have confidential support in gaining knowledge of their legal rights and responsibilities. Matters covered by the legal assistance services include:

Court Matters

Assault, drug offences, property offences, victim’s compensation, criminal matters, domestic violence, discrimination, motor vehicle accident, workers compensation and restraining orders.

General Matters

Consumer advice, corporate advice, employment advice including unfair dismissal, contracts and harassment, discrimination and harassment, tenancy disputes, advice on personal rights, general advice on property, divorce, and initial advice on custody, guardianship, access and property settlement, debt recovery, estate matters including wills, government disputes, administrative disputes, neighbour disputes, personal injury and damages.

If you need legal advice contact one of SKUP’s Student Service Officers.

Please refer to the above list of contact details for emergency and Support services that you may need.