Support services for international students

Study Melbourne

Study Melbourne is the Victorian Government’s official website for international students in Melbourne. It provides information and advice about living, working and studying in Melbourne. Study Melbourne offers a range of relevant information for international students.

This includes:

• tips on finding employment
• a list of free activities in Melbourne
• finding accommodation
• seeking legal assistance.

For more information, visit the Study Melbourne website.

Access to Community

Making connections with a new community in a new country can feel isolating as an international student. That’s why we are here to help you find and connect with groups and activities in the community with our Access to Community program (A2C). A2C is for people who are aged under 65 who find it difficult to get involved with community activities.

The program has a team of volunteer Community Connectors who know your community.

They can help you find:

• groups and clubs
• education
• support services

To get involved, call 9831 1913 or email a2cprogram@accesshc.org.au

Camcare

Camcare provides assistance for residents living in Boroondara. Most services are low cost or free.

This service also offers includes:

• financial assistance
• counselling
• emergency food relief
• fresh food supplies
• free monthly BBQs.

For more information and open hours, call 9831 1900 or visit the Camcare website.

Boroondara Youth Hub

Free drop-in youth services for people aged 10 to 25 years old. The Boroondara Youth Hub offers a welcoming and supportive environment for young people to connect with one another. There are many things to do in the hub.

You will get a chance to:

• access to computers and internet
• play table tennis table
• use the space which includes a kitchen
• meet a range of youth workers to get support and advice.

For more information, visit the Boroondara Youth Hub web page.

Deakin University Student Association

Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) provide a range of student social events that can help international students build their social network. 

The events include:

• free picnics in the park
• online events such as virtual game nights
• exercise and hobby groups.

Learn more about DUSA on the DUSA website and explore upcoming events on their What’s On webpage.

Youth ConneXions

Youth ConneXions is Whitehorse City Council’s youth information, support and referral centre based at Box Hill Central Shopping Centre. The centre offers a comfortable and overall supportive environment for young people aged 12-25. This space is available so that young people can hang out,relax, find information and seek assistance on a range of issues. For open hours and contacting, visit the Youth ConneXions webpage.

DeakinTALENT

If you’re a Deakin University student or graduate, you can use the DeakinTALENT services.

DeakinTALENT programs and services include:

• career coaching and education within the curriculum
• career success workshops and resources
• cohort-based talent development programs
• employer events and a Jobs and Internships webpage
• access to digital services on-demand
• opportunity to register to attend guided programs.

For more information, visit the DeakinTALENT website.

Swinburne University student services

Swinburne University provides its students with a range of free services and support.

This includes:

• career consultations
• career workshops and events
• the Career Start program.

For more information, visit the Swinburne University website.

1800RESPECT

This service provides 24-hour support to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. You will be speaking with a trained counsellor who will support you based on your needs.

For more information, visit the 1800Respect website.

Orange Door

Orange door offers free service for those who are:

• experiencing or have experienced family violence
• families who need extra support with the care of children.

The services are available to adults, children and young people.

For more information, visit the Orange Door website.

Beyond Blue

Free counselling service, available to anyone that is experiencing feelings of depression and/or anxiety.

For more information, call 1300 224 636 or visit the Beyond Blue website.

Deakin Counselling and Psychological Support

This service is available to Deakin University students and includes free short-term confidential psychological support. Deakin staff will also support the referral processes to those needing longer-term support.

For more information, visit the Deakin University counselling webpage.

headspace online and phone support

Free online and telephone support and counselling to young people aged 12 to 25 years old. These services are available to anyone that is experiencing feelings of depression and/or anxiety, as well for anyone that is feeling isolated and lonely. headspace also has group chat options that allow you to connect with other young people.

For more information, call 1800 650 890 or visit the headspace website.

Head to Help

Head to Help offers professional mental health support to individuals. This service explores the most appropriate ways in getting the best support.

For more information and open hours call 1800 595 212 or visit the Head to Help website.

Lifeline Crisis Text

Lifeline is Australia’s first SMS-based Crisis Support service. Any person in Australia can receive support from a Crisis Supporter by text message. The online chat service is available at all times for people who prefer to type than talk.

To receive support, text Lifeline on 0477 13 11 14

Open: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

For more information about the Lifeline Crisis Text service on the Lifeline website.

Steps Mental Health

Offers a range of mental health support including therapy, advice and treatment. The service is available to anyone living in the local government areas of Boroondara, Whitehorse and Manningham (and other areas east of Melbourne).

For more information, call 1800 378 377 or visit the Steps Mental Health website.

It is recommended you to contact your Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) insurance provider to see what medical services and cover you are entitled to whilst living in Australia.

Our services at Access Health & Community

Our community health service provides a range of services including:

• medical services
• dental services
• allied health services
• mental health services.

International students will be required to pay a full-upfront payment at the time of their appointment but should be able to claim back some funds from their OSHC provider.

For more information, call 9810 3000 or visit the AccessHC services webpage.

Deakin University Medical Centre

Deakin University provides free accessible and confidential medical services for all current Deakin students. Deakin Medical Centre is staffed by qualified and experienced medical doctors and nurses.

For more information, call 9244 5577 or visit the Deakin University website.

Swinburne University medical services

Swinburne University provides free private and confidential medical services for all current Swinburne students.

For more information, call 9214 8483 or visit the Swinburne University website.

Deakin University legal services

Deakin University Student Association provides free and confidential legal services to all currently enrolled Deakin students.

This includes:

• legal advice
• information around student visas and migration law
• legal education.

For more information, call 1300 325 200 or visit the Deakin University Student Association website.

Study Melbourne

Study Melbourne offers free and confidential legal services to international students.

For more information, email info@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au or visit the Study Melbourne website.

Swinburne University

Provides up to 3 hours of free and confidential legal advice, information, referral and education to currently enrolled Swinburne students.

For more information, please call 9214 5445 or visit the Swinburne website.

Australian Red Cross

This service offers emergency financial assistance for people experiencing extreme hardship. You must meet eligibility criteria, such as being a temporary and provisional visa holder.

For more information, call 1800 855 240 or visit the Red Cross website.

The Salvation Army

This service provides financial assistance, including supplying grocery gift cards, household bill assistance and pharmaceutical cost assistance, for those experiencing disadvantage and hardship.

For more information call 9897 9000 and select option 2 to arrange an appointment or visit the Salvation Army website.

Box Hill Community Information & Support Inc

This service provides to people living in Whitehorse. Support services are free and include emergency relief such as financial assistance and pick-up food supplies, counselling and referral assistance.

Address: Suite 1/27 Bank St, Box Hill, VIC 3128 Australia

For more information including open hours, call 9285 4801 or visit the Box Hill Community Information & Support Inc website.

Crossway Baptist Church

Crossway Baptist Church provides food and daily necessities to those experiencing hardship.

For more information, call 9886 3899 or visit the Crossway Baptist Church website.

Deakin University Student Association

Deakin University Student Association provides a range of services for Deakin University students including  free breakfast days.

For more information, call 1300 555 528 or visit the Deakin University Student Association website.

Foodbank International Student Pop-up Store

This services provides free and culturally diverse food and pantry items to international students. Students simply need to bring along a shopping bag and their Student ID card. This service is provided at Aurora Melbourne Central, 230 LaTrobe St, Melbourne.

For more information and open hours, visit the Food Bank website.

QLife

QLife provides anonymous, LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues.
This includes

• sexuality
• identity
• gender
• bodies
• feelings
• relationships. 

Online chat is also available.

For more information, call 1800 184 527 or visit the QLife website.