The Andrews Labor Government is supporting 175,000 international students living in Victoria with $270,000 to improve support and welfare services.
The four projects, funded from the Labor Government’s $4 million International Student Welfare grants, include:
- $150,000 for the City of Melbourne’s Student Welcome Desk at Melbourne Airport
- $50,000 for the Lead Employment Advocates project
- $50,000 for the Think Geelong Student Engagement and Participation program
- $20,000 for the Council of International Students Association National Conference
The grants provides funding of up to $50,000 per year to organisations to deliver projects that support the welfare and improve the experience of international students in Victoria.
The grants are a key component to the Labor Government’s recently announced International Education Sector Strategy and build upon the services already available to students at the Study Melbourne Student Centre.
The Government is working with student groups and universities to develop projects to enhance the safety and wellbeing of international students while they’re in the state.
International Education is Victoria’s number one service based export and supports more than 30,000 jobs across the state, generating $5.6 billion dollars for the economy last financial year.
The Victorian Budget 2016/17 included $32 million to drive continued growth in the international education sector. It will also be used to help implement the International Education Sector Strategy.
Student associations are invited to submit new projects to the ISWG for consideration at any time. Visit for more information.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for International Education Fiona Richardson
“The welfare of international students is incredibly important – which is why we’re making sure the 175,000 international students who live in Victoria have access to all the support services they need.”
“Melbourne is known for its vibrant, liveable city culture and the Andrews Labor Government is ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community, including international students.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020