More than 9400 University of Melbourne international students have benefited from expanded support services in 2022, with more programs commencing in Semester 2.
Made possible thanks to the Victorian Government International Education Resilience Fund, students have access to a range of programs to enrich their studies and connect with the University community, no matter where in the world they are.
University of Melbourne Study Hubs have been established in Nanjing and Shenzhen for students to meet up with their peers and alumni in person. To date more than 700 students have visited the study hubs, attending almost 50 events and engaging with more than 40 alumni guest speakers.
Commencing in Semester 2, home country internships are also available for students to undertake internships locally and apply their learning in a real-life setting.
For those wanting to kick start their career and enhance their employability skills, the four-week Melbourne Employability Accelerator (MEA) is open to all international and domestic undergraduate students in their first or second year. Students can take part in an online industry project, working with a real business problem to present a solution to clients.
So far this year, more than 300 students from across the globe have already taken up the opportunity, with the next MEA program commencing in July. Applications for the September program are now open.
Further counselling and psychological support enhancements have also been made possible, including more personalised engagement for offshore students, to help support their mental wellbeing. This free support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
University of Melbourne Provost, Professor Nicola Phillips said she was delighted that so many students had accessed the support programs so far and hopes this continues throughout Semester 2.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an enormous toll on our university community, especially those studying offshore,” Professor Phillips said.
“These programs are designed to ensure all students have the opportunity to excel in their studies, connect with their peers and have access to the very best internships and industry programs to ensure they graduate well prepared for their chosen careers and to make a valuable contribution to society, no matter where in the world they are.
“We are committed to attracting, nurturing and supporting students from a diverse range of backgrounds to reach their ambitions and have great success. These programs are crucial to the Melbourne experience.”
University of Melbourne funded scholarships have also supported international students to continue their studies at the University. The Melbourne Graduate Scholarships program has supported 1200 international students with one-off $5000 grants, enabling them to enrol in a broad range of graduate coursework programs and expand their education.
Starting at $10,000 per student for new and current high achieving international undergraduate and graduate coursework students, merit-based scholarships have also been awarded to students from all over the world including China, Indonesia and India.
The new Melbourne Welcome package, which launched in December 2021, has been accessed by more than 6600 international students returning to Melbourne, easing the burden of travel costs and assisting students in getting settled with a one-off $4000 grant and welcome pack.
More information on the expanded suite of scholarships and support programs is available online.
