Students > International > Support and advice > Support services

Support services

International Student Support

Throughout your time at La Trobe, you’re always welcome to seek advice, information and support to make the most of your learning experience with us. We have a wide range of services to help you with academic, social, financial, cultural, and other issues that may be affecting your studies. It’s important to seek help early if you experience any difficulties or have questions about your study requirements on a student visa.

For visa advice or information, please contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Contact ASK La Trobe

One-on-one help

Our ASK La Trobe team is your first point of contact for your general student needs. They can help you with queries related to:

enrolment and navigating University systems
academic, financial, accommodation, cultural and personal issues
study-related questions that may impact on your visa
help on campus
student document requests
University policies and procedures
referrals to the appropriate University services

They can also organise a 1:1 appointment with a specialist International Student Advisor for you. For assistance, contact ASK La Trobe.

Ask a Question Online

24-hour student support hotline

If you need urgent help after-hours (at night, during public holidays or on the weekends) call 1800 758 360 (if you're outside Australia, call +61 2 8905 0325). Calls are free from landlines, but standard call rates apply from mobile phones. It is helpful to have your student ID number ready.

Transition support for commencing international students

If you are a new student at La Trobe, we want you to have the best start to your studies. We offer tailored online (both live and On Demand) and face-to-face Orientation activities that provide key information and helpful tips about studying and living in Australia. This includes:

Webinar videos that you can watch anywhere online
A live International Pre-Departure Zoom Lounge online session
In-person International Students meet-and-greet events at our major campuses during Orientation Week

We also have our dedicated Welcome website with the most up-to-date information and resources to support your successful transition to on-campus study.

You can also join our Transition@La Trobe Facebook Group where you can connect with our e-Friend student volunteers as well as with other commencing international students.

Student Advising

The Student Advising team can provide you with individualised support around a range of topics. This includes personalised advice from your course-specific Student Advisor regarding your study plan and course structure. We also have specialist Student Advisors (e.g. International, Accommodation, Postgraduate).

Career Support

La Trobe University provides support for career development and helping with employment opportunities for all our students.

Contact a Careers Advisor

The Career Ready team are here to support you to develop your career readiness - whether that be advice on finding a job, choosing a career path, becoming an entrepreneur, or for ideas on developing your skills.

Services offered:

one-to-one Career Ready Appointments (career counselling)
resume checking
interview practice
one-to-one Career Ready Industry Mentoring
Careers & Industry Engagement Events

Resources in the Career Ready office

Please see our Career Ready website for more information about career planning, accessing our job database, careers events and for advice on resume writing and interview skills.

Dedicated advice and resources are also available for international students who are:

seeking work in Australia, as well as what to consider when returning home if you choose to after your degree
interested in working, studying or volunteering overseas.

Stand out from the crowd

La Trobe also offers programs to develop employability skills. These include:

Mentoring program - matches you with someone who has experience in your field of interest and can share their knowledge and provide you with guidance and support.
Voluntary work experience - enables you to develop practical skills and gain a greater insight into what goes on in the workplace.
Many courses at La Trobe offer programs that offer practical experience in an industry related to your studies. These will vary depending on which course you are studying.
Internships
- Gain valuable industry experience and get academic credit at the same time.
- Industry-based learning.
- Work with an industry partner on a project within your course of study.
- Clinical and education placements are a component of many courses in health sciences and education.

Working in Australia

There are restrictions on the number of hours you can work even when you have been granted permission to work. We advise you to check with the Department of Home Affairs on the rules regarding working in Australia. To work in Australia, an individual must have a Tax File Number (TFN). This can be obtained online from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Student Health and Wellbeing - Counselling and Mental Health

Student Health and Wellbeing offers a range of services that provide caring and effective psychological, social, and emotional support to enhance our students' academic and personal success.

Services offered:

Individual counselling - you can choose to participate in counselling face-to-face, via phone, or online.
Group programs and workshops - free groups and workshops around study-related skills, health and wellbeing are available every semester.
Self-help resources for wellbeing.
Safer Community - Support for students and staff at risk of violent and threatening behaviour.

For more information or book an appointment with one of our teams, visit the Student Health and Wellbeing website.

Library support

La Trobe University Library provide a variety of tools, resources and support, including one-to-one study and assessment help. Find out more on the International students study support webpage.