The Study Melbourne Inclusion Program (SMIP) forms part of Victoria's International Education Recovery Plan 2025 to support international students in Victoria.

The SMIP provides funding for activities that promote the wellbeing of international students and enhance their experience living in Victoria.

Since its inception in 2015, the Program has funded 134 projects and supported more than 230,000 students while building the International Education sector's capacity to assist international students better.

This year, Study Melbourne funded the following 15 projects to support the wellbeing of international students and enhance their experience of living in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Education providers or student-related organisations interested in future application rounds can email studymelbourne@global.vic.gov.au for more information.

IMPROVE your wellbeing with fun and rewarding activities

ENGAGE with the local community and feel a sense of belonging

ENHANCE your experience of living and studying in Victoria

2023 Projects

A Unique Journey in Melbourne

VicWise

Delivered by VicWise in partnership with ECCV, Federation University and Melbourne Polytechnic.

The project supports the wellbeing of international students from China, South-East Asia and South Asia through facilitated activities that increase their mental health literacy supported by bicultural workers. The project also aims to foster connections between the students, their local community, and peers to promote a sense of belonging. In addition, it facilitates links with small businesses to identify and create volunteering and leadership opportunities. Lastly, the project celebrates cultural festivals such as Diwali to increase inclusion.

Beach and Water Safety Program

Bendigo Kangan

Delivered by Bendigo Kangan Institute in partnership with Life Saving Victoria.

The project provides holistic water and beach safety training through First Aid courses, Beach Safety Skills training, Incursion Water Safety lessons, and Lifeguard kits. This holistic approach aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure their safety in and around the water.

Improving International Student Internship Experiences

CQU Melbourne

Delivered by CQU Melbourne in partnership with Readygrad.

This first-of-its-kind awareness campaign informs industry supervisors about the background and cultural differences of international students undertaking an internship at their organisation while studying in Victoria. Industry supervisors will improve their understanding of international students' daily routines and commitments, the difficulties they face adjusting to this new environment and work culture, and the support they need during the internship.

International student holistic wellbeing project

Australia Nepal Public Link

Delivered by Australia Nepal Public Link in partnership with MITSA and SACLG.

The holistic project is an evidence-based intervention that includes mental health first aid conversation about suicide; mental health first aid training for international students; wellbeing and resilience building group activity; and water safety awareness education. The project is designed to improve the mental health and overall wellbeing of international students while also equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to keep themselves safe.

International Student Mental Health Peer Work

Orygen

Delivered by Orygen in partnership with Melbourne Polytechnic and RMIT.

The project consists of international students with their own lived experience of mental ill health, supporting other international students using principles of mental health peer work combined with their knowledge of moving to Australia to study. Currently, Orygen is expanding the program and developing a further understanding of the implementation process, support required and to what extent the program delivers improved outcomes for international students and education providers.

International Student to International Advisor

Asialink Business

Delivered by Asialink Business in partnership with the City of Melbourne.

The project delivers a pilot initiative that creates greater belonging and connection for international students through an approach that values international students as experts, uncovering and sharing their experiences and insights. The program highlights international student experience and insight as a critical asset for creating capability for Melbourne’s business community to understand the fast-changing Asia landscape.

Know Your Rights at Work for International Students

Migrant Workers Centre

Delivered by the Migrant Workers Centre in partnership with FASTCOVic and NOMIT.

The project increases the capacity of international students to respond to labour exploitation through an online awareness-raising campaign and face-to-face training and capacity-building events. An initial co-design process is supported by ongoing input from international students through a project committee and participant surveys.

Melbourne is Badminton

Badminton Victoria

Delivered by Badminton Victoria in partnership with Melbourne-City Badminton.

Melbourne is Badminton provides social networking opportunities for international students in Melbourne and Geelong. It supports their mental health and wellbeing through physical activity and engagement with fellow international students on and off the badminton court. The program will provide an important community for international students in Melbourne & regional Victoria.

Melbourne Victory x Student FC

Melbourne Victory FC

Delivered by Melbourne Victory FC in partnership with Melbourne Chinese Soccer Association and the City of Melbourne.

Melbourne Victory x Student FC is a community program recruiting 100 international students to train and play football, and another 150+ students as volunteers, fans, and event/match day attendees. The benefits for students include building personal connections through the club and the competition and harnessing opportunities to practice their language skills.

Native Nature 101

Laneway Learning

Delivered by Laneway Learning in partnership with Buzz and Dig, Puddle Puddle Design and Your Green Prescription.

Native Nature 101 is a series of free, curated workshops for international students to discover, play, and connect with native plants, food, bees and more in Victoria.

NGV Language Exchange

National Gallery of Victoria

Delivered by the National Gallery of Victoria in partnership with VicTESOL.

NGV Language Exchange welcomes international students from a non-English speaking background to the NGV through art-inspired programs designed to encourage social connection and build students’ confidence in conversational English. The sessions aim to introduce students to the NGV’s Collection through activities led by NGV Educators, VicTESOL staff and guest artists.

Salvos on Malop International Student Lounge

Salvation Army

Delivered by the Salvation Army in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, Deakin University and the Gordon Institute.

The Salvation Army Centre in Malop Street, Geelong, provides a dedicated international student space within walking distance of the Deakin Waterfront Campus, the Gordon and public transport hubs. It is a drop-in space for international students living and studying in Geelong to feel supported and have an enhanced sense of belonging and connectedness to the local community.

STEM Sisters Mentoring Program

STEM Sisters

Delivered by STEM Sisters in partnership with Monash University and Victoria University.

The STEM Sisters mentoring program (SSMP) supports female international students in STEM to advance their professional development and skills for their STEM career goals. Through the SSMP program, women in STEM can participate in a 6-month mentoring program focused on skills and career programs based on their topics of interest and their areas of expertise.

Suicide alertness training

University of Melbourne

Delivered by the University of Melbourne in partnership with Orygen and LivingWorks Australia.

The project adapts and delivers the LivingWorks safeTALK training for International Students. SafeTALK is a half-day suicide alertness workshop that prepares individuals to become suicide-alert helpers regardless of prior training.

Uni Cypher Sessions

Auspicious Arts Projects

Delivered by the Auspicious Arts Projects in partnership with Cypher Culture, Flare Dance Ensemble and RMIT Funkadelic Dance Club.

Uni Cypher Sessions brings together dancers from Victoria's international student community to exchange street dance culture. A series of street dance events, including training sessions, workshops and performances, provides a framework for Victorian international students and street dancers to unite and empower each other with greater community engagement, social connection, and wellbeing.

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For Industry

For further information about the application process visit the industry section of the Study Melbourne website. Education providers or student-related organisations interested in future application rounds can email studymelbourne@global.vic.gov.au for more information.