Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be attending the University of Melbourne to live at International House?

Yes you have to be a student at the University of Melbourne to live at International House.

What is taken into consideration when selecting students?

International House brings together Australian and international students in a vibrant and diverse community that celebrates all cultures and backgrounds. Students are expected to pursue academic achievement, contribute to community life and benefit from the exceptional pastoral support.  We are one of only two colleges owned by the University of Melbourne. Our motto - Fraternitas - means ’family’ or ‘brotherhood’ in Latin, where peers come together to build lasting connections and make many friends from around the world.

Students living at International House are expected to be active participants in college life. Sporting teams, Cultural Nights celebrating different nationalities and regions, Café International celebration, the College play, Student Club committees, the magazine Satadal, and the student-run Bobeff café are all chances to contribute.. You are expected to attend a Meet and Greet with a staff member before being offered a place.

Will I need an interview?

You will be expected to attend a Meet and Greet online with a staff member before your application will be accepted.

How do I lodge my application?

You can lodge your application through the online application portal. Documentation should be uploaded to your application via the application portal. Students can apply for residency to International House before final results are known or if you have received a conditional offer letter from the University.

Is there an application fee?

By applying directly via the online application portal there is no application fee.

What supporting documents do I need to submit with my application?
  • Copy of final secondary school results or last final results such as academic transcripts (to date). Any international results can be submitted.
  • University letter of offer VTAC number and ATAR score (if available)
  • Supporting documents can be submitted as they become available. You will be contacted by email with instructions for further documents.
What if I am already a University of Melbourne student?

All current University students are required to supply International House with their most recent results, their course offer and their University student number.

Are there any entry scholarships available?

International House has scholarships or bursaries available for new and returning undergraduate students.

How are scholarships awarded and when will I hear about the result?

You submit your application via the scholarships and bursaries page and will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible. Scholarships are competitive and so you will be measured against other applicants. Scholarships are only considered after the deadline, and you will be informed about the outcome before the start of the academic year.

Is my scholarship taxable?

Scholarships and bursaries are normally exempt from income tax provided that all of the following conditions are fulfilled (s51.10 Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth)):

  • the payment is to a student enrolled as a full-time student
  • the scholarship is provided for educational purposes and not as part of an employment agreement
  • the student is not required to be, or become, an employee of the University or a scholarship sponsor as a condition of the scholarship, and
  • the terms of the scholarship do not amount to a contract for labour with the scholarship sponsor or the university.

Stipend payments to students who are part-time enrolled may be subject to income tax. If applicable, the University usually withholds income tax to prevent students from accumulating a tax debt.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides a step-by-step eligibility guide for you. Scholarship recipients are advised to obtain independent tax advice to ensure that their individual circumstances are covered.

What is provided at International House?

Provided within your residential fees are utilities, academic program, gym, 24-hour library and IT facilities including free printing, full-sized multi-purpose court, games room, sports teams, cultural program and practice pianos and band room.  Pastoral support, leadership opportunities, mentoring and membership of the student club are also included. Read about all our facilities on our website.

Virtual tours of first-year undergraduate rooms are available on our website

All rooms have a bed, wardrobe, desk and chair. Beds will be provided with a mattress cover and protector. Shared laundry facilities with coin operated machines are also on site.

Are all meals provided?

Yes, 21 meals a week are included in fees.

What do I need to provide myself?

Students will need to provide their own linen and other essential items as well as any cleaning necessities. Cleaning of graduate student apartments is the responsibility of the occupants. Shared laundry facilities with coin operated machines are also on campus.

What academic support is there at International House?

Our expert Study Group Leaders run subject-specific study groups especially for first year subjects with large enrolments. Bookable consultations with tutors are available for undergraduates across selected study areas such as Arts and Humanities, Psychology and Law. International House students have access to the intercollegiate tutorial program for subjects not covered, contact the Academic Manager.

All students have access to our comprehensive library, with excellent general reading and textbooks, and to our computer room and study rooms. The Academic Manager and the Librarian are also available to answer study and research questions to all students.

If I leave my room during the vacation, do I still have to pay the fees?

Yes. Student contracts are flat fee for both semesters and include the winter non-teaching period for full-year residents.

Can I visit International House before I make a decision?

We encourage you to attend our Open Day and Open House events, with student-led tours and opportunities to speak to staff. We guarantee the ability to see a student room on these dates. Virtual tours are available on our website

You can arrange an in-person tour of International House at other times by making an appointment with the International House student office on +61 3 9347 6655 or submit an enquiry.

Do I have to be attending the University of Melbourne to live at International House?

Yes you have to be a student at the University of Melbourne to live at International House.

What is taken into consideration when selecting students?

International House brings together Australian and international students in a vibrant and diverse community that celebrates all cultures and backgrounds. Students are expected to pursue academic achievement, contribute to community life and benefit from the exceptional pastoral support.  We are one of only two colleges owned by the University of Melbourne. Our motto - Fraternitas - means ’family’ or ‘brotherhood’ in Latin, where peers come together to build lasting connections and make many friends from around the world.

Students living at International House are expected to be active participants in college life. Sporting teams, Cultural Nights celebrating different nationalities and regions, Café International celebration, the College play, Student Club committees, the magazine Satadal, and the student-run Bobeff café are all chances to contribute.. You are expected to attend a Meet and Greet with a staff member before being offered a place.

Will I need an interview?

You will be expected to attend a Meet and Greet online with a staff member before your application will be accepted.

How do I lodge my application?

You can lodge your application through the online application portal. Documentation should be uploaded to your application via the application portal. Students can apply for residency to International House before final results are known or if you have received a conditional offer letter from the University.

Is there an application fee?

By applying directly there is no application fee.

What supporting documents do I need to submit with my application?
  • Copy of final degree results or last final results such as academic transcripts (to date). Any international results can be submitted.
  • University letter of offer (if available)
  • Supporting documents can be submitted as they become available. You will be contacted by email with instructions for further documents.
What if I am already a University of Melbourne student?

All current University students are required to supply International House with their most recent results, their course offer and their University student number.

Are there any entry scholarships available?

The University of Melbourne has a range of scholarships and bursaries for graduate students. Please see the University of Melbourne Scholarships website to find out more.

What is provided at International House?

Provided within your residential fees are utilities, academic program, gym, 24-hour library and IT facilities including free printing, full-sized multi-purpose court, games room, sports teams, cultural program and practice pianos and band room.  Pastoral support, leadership opportunities, mentoring and membership of the student club are also included. Read about all our facilities on our website.

Information on the set up of apartments for graduate students can be found here.  All apartments have a double bed, wardrobe, desk and chair, and some include a kitchenette. Beds will be provided with a mattress cover and protector. Shared laundry facilities with coin operated machines are also on site.

Are all meals provided?

Yes, 21 meals weekly are include in fees.

What do I need to provide myself?

Students will need to provide their own linen and other essential items as well as any cleaning necessities. Cleaning of graduate student apartments is the responsibility of the occupants. Shared laundry facilities with coin operated machines are also on campus.

Is there academic support for graduate students at International House?

All students have access to our comprehensive library, with excellent general reading and textbooks. The Academic Manager and the Librarian are also available to answer study and research questions to all students. Graduate writing groups meet regularly, and an encouraging and collegial peer academic community for discussing research and careers. Dedicated graduate study room for group and individual work.

What extra-curricular activities will be on offer?

Sporting teams, Student Club committees and events, graduate study groups and research seminars are all chances to contribute. Access to our music practice rooms, band room, games rooms and multi-sports courts are included. Find out about extra-curricular activities for graduate students.

If I leave my apartment for a vacation do I still have to pay the weekly fee?

Yes. Student contracts are flat fee for both semesters and include the winter non-teaching period for full-year residents.

Can I visit International House before I make a decision?

We encourage you to attend our Open Day and Open House events, with student-led tours and opportunities to speak to staff. We guarantee the ability to see a student room on these dates. Virtual tours are available on our website

You can arrange an in-person tour of International House at other times by making an appointment with the International House student office on +61 3 9347 6655 or submit an enquiry.

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