Family information
Some students find it useful to be able to arrive in Australia, begin their studies and then arrange for their spouses and families to join them later during the programme. Following are some points you might like to consider before bringing your family with you to Australia:
- Cost of airfares to and from Australia
- Rent comparisons for larger accommodation
- Employment opportunities for spouses
- Comparative costs of food, clothing and other items
- The effects on all concerned if you or your family are not happy
- Schools for children and the availability of child care centres
- Spouses with a Dependent Student Visa are able to apply for a work visa. Spouses need permission to work and should follow the conditions set out on the visa. That said, there is no guarantee that spouses will find work in Australia and this needs to be considered early in the application process.
Childcare and Schooling
A range of child care services exists at the University. All daytime services attract Commonwealth Child Care Benefit for parents who are studying and/or working. To obtain the Child Care Benefit parents need to contact Centrelink (Family Assistance Office) telephone + 61 3 136 150. Children's Services at the University of Melbourne provides further financial assistance through a student rebate. To apply for this rebate, please obtain an application form in early March from the Queensbury Children's Centre.
Contact the Children's Services Administration with any queries on + 61 3 8344 9470, or email childcare-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au.
The University's Child Care Centres (as well as those in the general community) generally take applications and allocate places in October/November for the year ahead. Therefore please make enquiries as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Family Friendly Facilities are available in the Graduate Centre: Two baby-change tables are available on campus. These are located in the Graduate Centre on Grattan Street . Facilities also include a parenting room with toys.
School-age dependents must undertake formal schooling while in Australia . This includes all children who have their fifth birthday before the 1 st of April in the calendar year that you begin you program of study. You need to provisionally enrol school-age children in a school before arriving in Australia and normally school fees are paid one semester in advance. Schools issue an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) stating the program and length, in order for you to obtain the appropriate visa for your child. The Diplomatic Mission in your country will inform you of schools in Victoria that are registered to take international students. Apart from fees, you should budget for uniforms, books, excursions and stationery. For more detailed information please visit the Victorian Department of Education www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/isp/.
English courses
Spouses of all international students and visiting scholars are encouraged to participate in a program for spouses, run by International Student Services at the University of Melbourne . The program is free of charge, and aims to assist spouses new to Melbourne to acquire further language skills and professional development through structured class activities and weekly excursions. Students can also receive referrals to community-based English language support. Children under the age of five may accompany their parents to classes. Further information and a registration form are available from staff at the International Centre after your arrival in Australia . For more information please visit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/international/ and select Program for Spouses under Life in Melbourne.
Hawthorn English Language Centre in Melbourne has been offering full-time intensive English language programs to international students since 1986. It is one of Australia 's oldest and largest English language centres. The programs specialize in preparing students for successful study at Australia 's high schools, TAFEs and universities. It offers a full range of programs to students who need English skills for career or personal goals. It has first class study and leisure facilities. For more information visit http://www.hawthornenglish.com.
The Melbourne Language Centre ( MLC ) specialises in English Language Courses at all levels- beginner to advanced – for personal, work, travel or further study purposes. MLC delivers courses of study and services which provide students with the best possible environment to achieve their English language goals and enjoy the experience of living in Melbourne to the fullest. The MLC provides preparation for IELTS and TOEFL exams and is located centrally at 43-53 Elizabeth Street . For more information visit www.melblang.com.au.
The CAE is a hub for adult learning in Melbourne ’s Central Business District. The CAE run short courses in arts, languages and informal learning. Domestic, international students and their spouses are able to take part in a number of nationally accredited diplomas and certificate courses which are qualifications in their own right or which act as pathways to tertiary study. Each year the CAE offers over 5,000 short courses for personal and professional development.
To find out more information please visit the following web address http://www.cae.edu.au or phone (61 3) 9652 0611 with enquiries.
