New Students

• Accepting your offer
• Enrol
• Information for international students
  • Before you leave
  • When you arrive
  • Settling in
  • Visas
    • Applying for a student visa
    • Health insurance
    • Students under 18
    • Renewal and conditions
    • Bringing your family
    • Part-time work
• Ready4Uni
• Orientation Week
• Connect Mentor Program
• Vice-Chancellor's welcome
• Contacts

If you may wish to bring your family members with you for the duration of your studies, there are several factors that should be considered before making your decision, including the living costs for families, visa requirements, health cover, childcare and schooling. For detailed information please see the Students with Spouse and/or Children guide for international students (PDF 1MB).

Visa requirements

The following procedures are specific to students who settle into Australia, and then apply to have their family join them as dependants.

After you are settled, complete a 919 Student Dependent Nomination Form (PDF 165KB) and send it to your family for them to lodge with their application(s).

It is a visa requirement that school-aged children (primary or secondary school age) are enrolled in school. A list of schools which admit international students is available from La Trobe International, or consult the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development website.

You must lodge an application and pay the corresponding fees before a confirmation of the child's enrolment is issued. You will need to include this confirmation with your Student Dependent Nomination form.

If you are an Australian Government sponsored student (e.g. IPRS, AusAID), tuition fees for your children are the same as for Australian citizens.

International postgraduate research students at Victorian universities receive full exemption from tuition fees for their dependants in government primary and secondary schools. There is no restriction on the number of dependants. This exemption applies only for the duration of the 574 visa, so if a student's visa class changes, they may be required to pay tuition fees for their dependants.

For all other students, tuition fees can vary between A$7000-$15 000.

Childcare and schools

Childcare

At La Trobe University, most campuses provide access to dedicated childcare services on campus. Fees and waiting lists apply so contact them as early as you can. There are generally 3 types of childcare available in Australia:

• Community childcare – you need to register with your local council. Fees and waiting lists usually apply, so register early. Contact your maternal and child health contact at your local council for details on how to apply. Find your local council.
  
• Private childcare – you need to register with each service individually. Search online for listings. Search the phone book for private child care providers in your area. Fees and waiting lists can apply.
• Family day care – placing your child in someone’s home who is a registered child carer. Usually through your local council. Fees and waiting lists usually apply so register early.

Schools

School is compulsory for all Victorian children aged between 6 and 17 years of age, and are either government funded (state schools) with lower fees and costs, or privately run with higher fees (private schools). Private schools are often based around a religion. The school year runs from late January, or early February, to December.

• Primary schools - primary school starts from aged 5 (Prep) to Grade 6 (aged approximately 11). Children who turn 5 before 30 April are eligible to start.
• Secondary schools - secondary school or high school starts with Year 7 (approximately aged 12) to Year 12 or VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education, aged 17-18).

The Victorian Government schools website has useful information and lists of schools.
www.privateschoolsdirectory.com.au
www.independentschools.vic.edu.au

Health cover for families

Your family members must also have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as one of the conditions of their visa. To include your family in your OSHC membership, you will need to pay additional premiums to change from single to family cover. See OSHC information or visit OSHC by Global Allianz Assistance.

Work and study rights for families

You and your dependent family members will have permission to work automatically included with your student visa. 

Work rights for dependants of students vary between unlimited hours, for dependents of postgraduate research students, and a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight for others. Further information is available from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

Your spouse can also study whilst they are in Australia for up to 3 months. If they wish to study for longer, they are then required to apply for their own student visa. For further information please visit the DIAC website.