Information for international students
Useful links
Find a list of helpful links for prospective international students.
This information has been prepared for prospective international students. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please refer to the La Trobe International page.
Academic expectations and learning styles
Many students find that learning styles and study methods are different in Australia. For example, the number of contact hours, the student‑teacher relationship or the method of assessment might differ from your home country. Find out more about what to expect from the Australian study experience.
For information about assessment, modes of delivery, contact hours, credit points and academic standards and conduct, refer to the online handbook.
Academic skills assistance (student learning)
International students at La Trobe University are able to gain assistance with the development of their academic skills through individual consultations, small group workshops and online resources. Each Faculty has Language and Academic Skills Advisors. For information about student learning visit La Trobe’s Language and Academic Skills page.
Advanced Standing (credit)
Advanced Standing (credit) refers to credit that is granted on the basis of previous studies. La Trobe University may grant Advanced Standing (for subjects passed at other recognised tertiary institutions) if:
- They are equivalent in content and standard to those offered by La Trobe University
- They are relevant to a student’s planned course of study. If you wish to apply for Advanced Standing (credit) for previous studies you must provide details, including course syllabus (e.g. handbook entries in English translation, with your applications). The University will not assess previous studies for Advanced Standing (credit) before an application is lodged and this information is supplied.
Employment
International students can work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week, during semester, or unlimited hours during official University vacations once they have been granted Permission to Work by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). From April 2008 all student visas will be granted with work rights.
Please note in some university courses the study demands are heavy and students have little free time for employment. Part-time work and vacation work is not always available and students should not depend on this form of income to cover living expenses or tuition fees.
For more information visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Health insurance (Overseas Student Health Cover)
As a condition of a student visa, all international students must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). You will need OSHC before you can accept your offer. OSHC provides medical and hospital cover for international students and their dependants while in Australia. La Trobe University currently has an agreement with OSHC Worldcare, a private health fund, for the provision of OSHC. La Trobe University’s policy is that students purchase health cover for the duration of their course. This one-off payment saves students needing to renew their OSHC each year and avoids any price increases during that period.
Please note commencing students not using OSHC Worldcare must make payment arrangements with the different provider directly. If you choose to use a provider other than OSHC Worldcare you must provide proof of OSHC to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) before your visa is issued.
A list of OSHC providers is available from the Department of Health and Ageing and can be accessed through La Trobe International.
Note for Norwegian and Swedish students, OSHC is not required for Norwegian students, as they are covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. Swedish students whose insurance is provided by CSN International do not need to take out OSHC, however, Swedish students not covered by the Swedish National Board of Student Aid must purchase OSHC.
For information please visit La Trobe International’s predeparture page.
La Trobe University overseas representatives
La Trobe has a network of representatives around the world that can help you with your application to La Trobe University. They can assist with your course application, documentation verification, pre-visa assessment (if required), visa application and pre-departure assistance including airport reception and accommodation bookings. Find details of representatives in your country.
Living costs
As a guide you will need between A$15 000 and A$19 000 a year to cover accommodation, food, transport, text books, clothing, health services, entertainment etc. but this can vary according to individual circumstances. Students with families should allow at least A$10 000 per year for their spouse and A$8 000 for each child who accompanies them to Australia. Please note that this does not include the cost of tuition fees.
Planning your arrival/airport reception
La Trobe International’s Pre-Departure Guide contains valuable information about studying and living in Australia, including information on temporary accommodation and airport reception. Regardless of the time of day or night you arrive, La Trobe International can arrange for you to be met at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine). You will be taken to your accommodation by a representative of La Trobe University’s airport reception agent. Please note that you cannot book airport reception until you have confirmed accommodation.
Upon your arrival at La Trobe University, register at La Trobe International. As part of that process you will receive information including a comprehensive Arrival Guide, an Enrolment Guide, and a Welcome Pack of useful information.
Temporary accommodation
If you haven’t yet organised permanent accommodation La Trobe Accomodation Services can help you arrange temporary accommodation for your arrival.
Welcome Festival: International students’ orientation program
Academic success can depend on how well students adjust to studying at La Trobe University and living in Australia. The Welcome Festival is designed to assist new students by providing a range of important information sessions as well as opportunities to meet many other students and make new friends.
La Trobe University encourages new students to take advantage of all the program has to offer. Some orientation sessions help students familiarise themselves with the academic environment at La Trobe University. There are also fun activities introducing students to the local area. Most importantly, the Welcome Festival gives students a chance to meet with staff and other students, both international and Australian.
Visit the La Trobe International website to hear what our students say about the Welcome Festival
