Frequently asked questions

If you are an international student, here you can find answers to the most common questions.
For further information please make an enquiry.

Applying and enrolling in a course

Fees and costs

Visa information

Studying at Victoria University

Applying and enrolling in a course

How do I apply?

To apply for a course at Victoria University you will need to:

We will then contact you or your nominated agent with your application outcome. For more information please read the information on the Apply now page.

Where can I submit my application?

You can submit your application by one of the nominated methods at the back of your application form. These include:

  • email
  • postal mail
  • approved agents, or
  • in person

For more information please check the application forms.

What courses can I apply for? (as an international student)

International courses are available online or in hard copy from Victoria University or a Victoria University agent's office.

Who can I contact about my application?

Enquiries about application process and progress can be made to the International team.

Who can help me complete my application in my home country?

A Victoria University international agent can help complete your application form. 

How long will it take to process my application?

Once your application has been sent to Victoria University, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application.

Most applications are processed in 2 to 3 weeks, however some applications including research and those involving credit for prior learning may take up to 6 to 8 weeks.

How can I gain credit for study that I have already completed?

You may be granted credit for previous studies at tertiary institutions outside of Australia or from other recognised institutions.
If you want to apply for credit transfer you will need to submit a:

  • completed Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application
  • copy of your most recent academic transcript
  • detailed course syllabus, and
  • any other supporting documentation

The course syllabus must include:

  • a subject outline
  • details of assessments
  • the duration of each subject

For more information please contact us.

Where can I access a Victoria University course outline?

Course outlines are available in hard-copy format by contacting us, visiting the student service centres or through our international agents. Details on  international courses are also available online.

Where can I find the course structure?

Course structures and subject outlines are available online in the Victoria University Handbook.

How can I accept my offer?

Check the International Offer Acceptance Form.

More details are available on Accepting your offer.

Do I have to leave Australia if I cancel or withdraw my enrolment with Victoria University?

If you cancel or withdraw your enrolment and want to transfer to another Australian institution, you must notify the Compliance team.

In order to transfer, you must meet the conditions of the VU Transfer Policy listed in Transferring between providers to receive a release letter.

If you cancel or withdraw your enrolment and do not enrol at another institution, you will have 28 working days to leave Australia. You must seek approval from Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to stay in Australia after this time.

What changes can I make to my enrolment?

Enrolment changes that can be requested are:

The granting or refusal of requests will be assessed in accordance with Victoria University's policies and procedures in accordance with the Standards of the National Code.

Please be aware that if you make any changes to your enrolment from the list below, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will be notified.

  • Commencement or early completion of a course.
  • Discontinuation or withdrawal from a course.
  • Cancellation of enrolment for non-payment of fees.
  • Transfer to another provider.
  • Transfer to another VU course.
  • Course deferment of your enrolled course.
  • Leave of Absence from your enrolled course.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning affecting the duration of your course.

A change that is not reported to DIAC can result in a breach of your student visa. For more information please view the Visa and enrolment information.

Do I need to have health cover to study in Australia?

Yes. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) requires all international students on a student visa (and their dependants) to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the length of their course. Failure to have continuous cover could result in your student visa being cancelled.

The only exceptions are Norwegian students with Norwegian National Insurance Scheme cover and Swedish students with cover through the National Board of Student Aid.

Victoria University International (VUI) can arrange OSHC through International Student Support. For more information contact VUI or view the OSHC Worldcare website.

Back to topback to top

Fees and costs

Where can I find course fees?

Course fees can be found in the course guides either in hard-copy or online.

Please note that course fees are subject to change and it is best to contact us to confirm course fees.

How can I pay my course deposit before I start my course?

We will need to receive the initial deposit stated on your Offer Letter. The deposit transfer details will then have to be emailed along with your Offer Acceptance Form in order to finalise your acceptance. We recommend paying these funds through a telegraphic transfer, alternatively a bank cheque is also accepted.

Please note that you must include the following information with a telegraphic transfer:

  • student name
  • VU Student Identification number (ID)
  • payment details (e.g. tuition fees for semester one)

A bank transfer requires the student to specify the details of the payment (e.g. course deposit fee). This needs to be sent along with the Offer Acceptance Form.

For more information regarding your fees please refer to Accepting your offer.

Do I need to pay the entire course fee to accept my offer?

No.  We require you to pay your course tuition fees one semester at a time.  You will be required to pay the semester fee in advance of you commencing each semester.

How do I know Victoria University has received my fees?

To confirm that we have received your fees please contact us through either email, telephone or face to face at a Victoria University International office.

What is Victoria University's Refund Policy?

International students can find out more about their eligibility for a refund in the Victoria University's Refund Policy.

Back to topback to top

Visa information

Can I study part-time?

No.  Full-time enrolment should be maintained in order to successfully complete your program within the specified course duration, as indicated on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE), and to meet the requirements of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

Victoria University will only accept a request for a reduced study load or overload in limited circumstances.

Can my family or I work while I am studying in Australia?

If you were granted a student visa on or before the 26 April 2008, you will need to apply to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for permission to work.
If your student visa was granted after 26 April 2008, you will have work rights automatically assigned to your visa.

Automatic work rights will allow you to only work:

  • For the duration of your student visa.
  • Once you have commenced your course. 
  • A maximum of 20 hours per week whilst your course is in session. 
  • Any number of hours during the summer or winter non-teaching periods.

Your dependants are eligible to apply for a work rights visa and are permitted to work 20 hours per week.
If you are a Masters by Research or Doctorate student your dependants may apply for unlimited work rights once you have commenced your course at Victoria University.

Contact DIAC for more information.

What changes to my visa status do I need to inform Victoria University of?

You must notify contact us if changes to any of the following occur:

  • Visa status (e.g. you become a permanent resident)

  • Student visa renewal/extension 

What happens to international students if they breach a condition of their visa or enrolment?

At the time that a student is reported to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), the student will be:

  • Notified of the intention to report and,
  • Given the right of appeal against the decision.

If the student's appeal is unsuccessful, or the student does not appeal, the student will then be:

  • Advised in writing of the report to DIAC
  • University will proceed with the report to DIAC
  • The student must then present themselves to a DIAC office within 28 days of the report.

Please contact DIAC for further advice regarding your student visa status.

What migration appeal rights do international students have if their visa is cancelled?

If your visa has been automatically cancelled, you can apply for a revocation of the cancellation. 

If you have met with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) office within the required 28 days of notification of the visa cancellation and your visa was then cancelled, you can appeal to the Migration Review Tribunal (MRT) to reconsider your case.

If I finish my program early, can I stay in Australia until my visa expires or apply for a tourist visa?

No. If you are on a student visa you must be enrolled in full-time study to be able to stay in Australia.

Once you have successfully completed your course, you must notify both the Compliance team at Victoria University International and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). DIAC will be able to provide you with further advice regarding your student visa status or information regarding a tourist visa.

Back to topback to top

Studying at Victoria University

What are my responsibilities as an international student?

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid passport, student visa and health cover and that you comply with conditions of your student visa.

You must:

  • Attend at least 80% of classes each semester (TAFE and ELICOS).
  • Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.
  • Make sure you do not breach the work rights of your visa.
  • Not work in Australia before commencing your studies.
  • Enter your contact details within seven days of when you first arrive in Australia, with Victoria University (VU) and the MYVU website.
  • Update VU and the MYVU website with your accurate contact details within seven days of any new changes.  Notify VU of changes by completing a Personal Details Amendment Form (A11).
  • Maintain current Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
  • Hold a current electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) document.

More information regarding your student visa conditions can be found at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

What is Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)?

Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code 2007 are known as the ESOS framework.  These legislations regulate the activities of course providers who educate student visa holders in Australia. The framework was introduced by the Australian Government to ensure that you receive high quality education in Australia.

More information can be found at:

What are my student attendance and academic progress requirements?

If you are studying on a student visa, your visa conditions require you to attend a minimum of 80% of your classes for each semester. If you are away for more than five consecutive days, please contact your program coordinator immediately.  If you are a TAFE student, the University is obliged to monitor your attendance and may report you to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) if your attendance drops below the minimum 80% without good reason.

All students must achieve satisfactory academic progress.  Your progress will be monitored according to the University's Student Progress Policy.  If you are identified as at risk of not making satisfactory progress, your faculty or school will ask you to attend a progress meeting, and may impose conditions on your enrolment, or introduce measures to help you improve your progress.

What information would I need to be aware of as an international student under 18 years of age?

If you are under the age of 18, there are special visa requirements regarding your welfare arrangements.

For more information you can contact the Compliance team or International Student Support (ISS) team at Victoria University International (VUI), or the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for more information.

If you want to change your accommodation or welfare details you must contact ISS for more information. Please note that VUI will only approve the change if it meets the Welfare Arrangements Criteria for Under 18 Year Old Students.

What are my accommodation choices as an international student?

Students can choose from various forms of accommodation. Victoria University has two student residencies: the Student Village and Sunbury Hall. You may also choose to find your own private residential home. For more information about your choices of residential location visit housing services or arrange your own accommodation.

Back to topback to top

Page last updated: Wednesday 28 September 2011