Undergraduate students

• How do I lodge my application?
  You can lodge your application through the online application portal. Once your application is submitted you will be sent an email requesting additional documentation in support of your application. Documentation can be uploaded to your application via the online 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 secondary school results or last final results (to date)^
  • University letter of offer VTAC number and ATAR score (if available)
  • Supporting documents can be submitted as they become available – they do not have to be submitted at the same time as the applications. All documentation can be emailed or scanned directly to enquiries@ihouse.unimelb.edu.au or uploaded to your online application.

  ^To be considered for entry into International House and to be assessed for scholarships, students will have to include a copy of their final results (VCE results, ATAR Score, Year 12 results or final year of high school report). If you have completed further study after your final year of high school, a copy of the academic transcript of this course (whether completed or not) should also be included. All copies of academic transcripts should be certified by your agent, school, or other registered certifiers as an official copy. Australian students need to provide VTAC numbers and ATAR scores when released. Students who have completed the IB (International Baccalaureate), OP (Overall Position) or A Levels need to submit a copy of these results. There is a conversion chart for IB and OP which may be useful. Further information can be found on the VTAC website.

• What if I am already a University 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 both new and returning students. Students need to be aware that both residency applications and scholarship applications need to be received by 18 January 2022 to be considered.

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

  You submit your application 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. However, lump sum payments for part-time enrolled students of a studentship, scholarship or prize will not have tax withheld but may need to be declared as assessable income in your tax return.

  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.

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

  No. Besides the University of Melbourne, International House also accepts students from Monash University (Parkville campus), RMIT University, Australian Catholic University and students over 18 years old from Trinity College Foundation Study.

• When will I know if I have a place at International House?

  Students will be advised of a decision regarding their application within 5 working days

• What is taken into consideration when selecting students?

  International House is a residential college of choice for students who have a burning curiosity of the world, and aspire to live in a supportive and energetic global community. We promote diversity and international understanding across cultures and our pastoral and academic support is second to none. We are one of only two colleges owned by the University of Melbourne. Our motto - Fraternitas - means 'brotherhood' in Latin, and implies a fellowship of young men and women united together across cultural and national boundaries. Whilst pursuing academic studies, students will be offered many opportunities to learn about other nations and cultures and make many friends from around the world.

  Students living at International House are expected to be active participants in college life. Students can make their contributions in many ways, depending upon individual skills and talents:  sporting teams, National Nights, Café International, the College play, Students' Club committees, the magazine Satadal, to name just a few. Along with the above, student academic interests and aspirations and the expected gains students may wish to achieve whilst living at International House are all considered when selecting residents. Students with past family members of International House are looked upon most favourably.

• If successful, when will I receive my offer of residency?

  Students who are successful in gaining a place at International House can expect to receive their offers via email within five working days of submitting their full application. Students need to accept their offer by the due date listed on their offer.

• What is provided at International House?

  Information on the set up of bedrooms for undergraduate students can be found here.

  Everything is provided within your residential fees including utilities, academic assistance, gym, 24 hour library and IT facilities including free paper, full sized multi-purpose court, sporting, cultural and musical program.  Pastoral support, leadership opportunities, mentoring and much much more. All the great facilities can be found here.

• What academic support is there at IH?

  Our expert Study Group Leaders run subject-specific study groups (especially for first year subjects with large enrolments) and drop-in Open Study Groups for first-to-third year undergraduates in a study area (like Economics, Maths, Music or Psychology).

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

• Can I visit International House before the official move-in date?

  You can arrange a tour of International House prior to moving in by making an appointment with the International House student office on +61 3 9347 6655 or emailing enquiries@ihouse.unimelb.edu.au. It may be possible to view room/s; however, this does depend on the availability of unoccupied rooms at the time of your appointment.

  Tours can also be done remotely - please contact enquiries@ihouse.unimelb.edu.au with any questions.

Graduate students

• How do I lodge my application?
  You can lodge your application through the online application portal. Once your application is submitted you will be sent an email requesting additional documentation in support of your application. Documentation can be uploaded to your application via the online 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?
  Students are required to submit a brief autobiographical synopsis (approximately 500 words) which can be a summary of achievements, interests and future aspirations. This can be submitted with your application. Other documents include curriculum vitae, a transcript of university results from any recent degree course, and evidence of university enrolment can be uploaded to your application. 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.
• Are there any entry scholarships available?

  At the moment International House has limited scholarships or bursaries for graduate students, and they are awarded to returning students.  However, if you are a prospective University of Melbourne student, the university has a range of scholarships and bursaries for graduate students.  Please see the University of Melbourne Scholarships website to find out more.

• Will I need an interview?

  Most students do not require an interview.  If an interview is required a staff member will contact you by email.  Students are contacted initially by email to confirm a mutually convenient time for the interview to take place. These interviews can be held in person, by telephone or on Skype.

• Can I visit International House before the official move in date?

  Prospective students are welcome to visit International House at a pre-arranged time to tour the George Hicks Building and grounds. Tour bookings can be made by phoning +61 3 9347 6655 or by emailing enquiries@ihouse.unimelb.edu.au. Please note that there may not always be an apartment available for viewing as this will depend upon availability.

  Tours can also be done remotely - Please contact enquiries@ihouse.unimelb.edu.au with any questions.

• What is the room set up for graduate students?

  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. Students will need to provide their own linen, crockery and cooking equipment and other essential items as well as any cleaning necessities. Cleaning of student apartments is the responsibility of the occupants. Beds will be provided with a mattress cover and protector. Apartments with kitchenettes will have a fridge and cooking facilities. Apartments without kitchenettes will have a fridge and access to cooking facilities within the communal areas. Shared laundry facilities with coin operated machines are also on campus. Shared apartments will comprise of one double bed in one room and a sofa in the other room and one of these rooms will also include a kitchenette.

• Is there an option for meals?

  Most graduate students living at International House are self-catered (except for Breakfast which is included). The majority of graduate apartments include a kitchenette and for those without a kitchenette there are communal kitchens and dining rooms on all levels within the George Hicks Building for food preparation.

  Graduate students do have the option to select a contract with full catering if that is their preference. Please advise the admissions office of your catering need when you submit your application.

• Is there academic support for graduate students at IH?

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

  Graduate students  have opportunities to present at Graduate Research seminars throughout the year.

• What extra-curricular activities will be on offer?

  Refer to Music, Sport and Events to 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 begin from the date of entry into College until 11^th December.