International students

International students are valuable members of the Merri-bek community.

Council supports international students by providing services, programs and information in areas such as housing, employment and health, as well as developing opportunities for students to participate in the community.

New legal clinic for international students during COVID-19

With support from Merri-bek Council, Northern Community Legal Centre (NCLC) is implementing a Legal Clinic for international students.

Their dedicated lawyer will be available to provide advice by telephone on common issues experienced including housing and renting rights, employment, managing debt, and accessing financial support.

Appointments can be made by calling (03) 9310 4376 or by email admin@northernclc.org.au

International Student Tenancy Outreach Program

International students living in rooming or share houses can seek help from a Tenants Victoria Outreach Worker.

An Outreach Worker, can provide free face-to-face or telephone support for you. They will assess your support and wellbeing needs and provide you with information that may help you decide for yourself what to do.

If your first language is not English, an interpreter can be arranged for you.

You can reach the Outreach Worker via the online contact form or by calling
(03) 9411 1444

For more information visit International Student Tenancy Outreach program.

International students research project

Moreland Council commissioned research by the Globalism Research Centre at RMIT University about international students living, working or studying in and around the City of Merri-bek.

The project gathered information about some of the key issues affecting international students at the community level and assessed their level of engagement with local government services and community events.

The International Students in the City of Merri-bek report was developed as a result of the project. Download the:

Services and resources for international students

International Student Care Service

The Study Melbourne Student Centre (SMSC) is a free and confidential support and welfare service for international students studying in Victoria.

The Study Melbourne Student Centre (SMSC) is a ‘one stop shop’ where international students in Victoria can access a range of free support, information and welfare services.

17 Hardware Lane, Melbourne

1800 056 449

Contact Study Melbourne Student Centre

Merri Community Health Services

Merri Health offers support services including victim assistance and counselling program, family services, integrated family violence service, relationship and family therapy and generalist counselling services.

Brunswick
11 Glenlyon Road, Brunswick
Phone: 9387 6711

Coburg
93 Bell Street, Coburg
Phone: 9350 4000

Fawkner
79 Jukes Road, Fawkner
Phone: 9357 2444

Glenroy
5D Cromwell Street, Glenroy
Phone: 9304 9200

Australian Federation of International Students

Australian Federation of International Student (AFIS) is a non-profit incorporated association addressing issues particular to international students.

Principles to promote and protect the human rights of international students

In October 2012 the Race Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Helen Szoke, launched the 'Principles to promote and protect the human rights of international students'.

These principles are to:

enhance the human rights of international students
ensure all international students have access to human rights and freedom from discrimination protections
understand the diverse needs of international students, and
empower international students during their stay in Australia.

The document sets out high-level, human rights-based principles that will enhance the safety and well-being of international students in Australia. Merri-bek Council encourages all those working with international students to adopt and implemented in the ongoing development of policies and services relating to international students.

The Australian Human Rights Commission has more information.