Welcome to Melbourne Program

The Welcome to Melbourne program ensures that our incoming Australia Awards Scholarship students receive a truly welcoming Melbourne experience.

Since 2009, more than 1,200 alumni and staff have made the transition to life in Melbourne a little smoother for over 2,000 international Australia Awards Scholarship recipients. Students and hosts are matched based on interests and meet at the launch event. Hosts then typically invite students to share a home-cooked meal, a unique Melbourne experience, or even just a coffee.

The Welcome to Melbourne program will also host a pilot initiative in Semester 2, 2024, inviting post-graduate international students from India to participate in the program. 

Applications for the Semester 2 2024 program have closed.   

Please reach out to alumni-office@unimelb.edu.au to submit an expression of interest for the Semester 1 2025 program. 

Welcome to Melbourne event

For Hosts

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This program is an opportunity to volunteer your time to meet with an Australia Awards scholar who is new to Melbourne. The aim is to make them feel welcome, introduce them to our city and help them create local connections.



The program involves:
 

  • Attending our evening launch event on Tuesday 9th July 2024. This is where hosts and students meet.  

  • Undertaking one activity with the student you have been matched with before the end of the semester. There is no obligation to continue the connection past one meeting. 

"Taking part in Welcome to Melbourne was a really valuable experience. I had a lot in common with my student, and was eager to share my experiences as a recent graduate and staff member, so that he could make the most out of his time at the University. It's easy to see how genuine friendships can develop from this program, and there's a great opportunity for cross-cultural learning.

– Laura Fernandez, host                  

                   
                 

For Students

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You can apply for the Welcome to Melbourne program if you are an Australia Awards scholar and have commenced your studies in the current semester. You will receive further details about the program, including the application form, from the Australia Awards team during your Introductory Academic Program (IAP)
 
"I was so curious who my host would be. After meeting and talking with him, we were both very surprised that we had so much in common. I'm very glad that I could meet such a helpful and kind host through this program. Thank you!"

– Jenna Oh, student  
 
                        
 

Contact Us

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For technical support or general enquiries please contact the Alumni Relations team. 


E: alumni-office@unimelb.edu.au


  
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