Student Support
How SuniTAFE helps it's International students learn and live
You are invited to talk to our Student Support Services Unit staff if you have personal or study problems. The Unit has a range of qualified staff including counsellors, welfare workers and disability support staff that can provide you with confidential assistance in understanding and resolving issues related to the demands of student life and studying in Australia. They can also assist with accommodation options, budgeting, time management skills, crisis management skills etc.
Our services include:
International Student Support Teachers
Orientation and Enrolment
Residential Options
Employment
Transport
Banking
Medical Insurance
Equity and Diversity
International Student Support Teachers
International Student Support Teachers are available to assist international students in adjusting to the Australian learning environment and will help you with strategies associated with classroom participation, effective study and assessment techniques. They can also arrange for English language and numeracy support. You will meet these teachers during the orientation program.
Orientation and Enrolment
There is a compulsary orientation program during the week prior to commencement of your course at SuniTAFE. You will complete the enrolment procedures during this period and be issued with a student photo ID card and a timetable. You will also be provided with information on accommodation, emergency and health services, legal services, facilities and resources, complaints and appeals processes, student visa compliance, study strategies, academic requirements and expectations and further study opportunities.
Residential Options
SuniTAFE has on-campus accommodation that can be occupied on a short or long term basis. This student accommodation has kitchens for your use, but no canteen or restaurant for you to purchase meals. Long term rental accommodation is also available in the Mildura and Swan Hill areas.
SuniTAFE offers an “Accommodation Placement Service” for new students arriving to the area. If you require this service, please fax us a completed copy of our Airport Arrival and Accommodation Placement Service Request form at least two weeks before arrival.
You are strongly urged to build an international network of friends by sharing accommodation with students from other countries or Australia. It is also more enjoyable, as you can exchange ideas with people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds - and it is cheaper.
While accommadation costs in Mildura and Swan Hill vary, they are generally much cheaper than those in Melbourne and Sydney.
The following real estate agents will be able to assist you with rental accommodation:
Mildura
Employment
Work Opportunities
There are many casual employment opportunities in the Mildura and Swan Hill regions. In particular there is a strong demand for workers in the horticultural and hospitality industries. You are encouraged to find your own work based learning opportunities in Australia. This will give you an opportunity to develop your resume and interview skills in preparation for your career. Businesses will require written applications and interviews with you for positions, and they will make the final decisions on which students they will take for placements.
The International Student Unit can assist with career guidance and work placements, but does not guarantee employment as employers choose which applicants will be successful.
The International Student Unit works with Australian Regional Employment Agency (AREA) to find students employment, especially in the fields of horticulture and agriculture.
To view more work opportunities around Mildura, visit Live and Work in the Mildura Region and Grow Mildura Region. For those around Swan Hill, visit Swan Hill Region.
Work Rights
Your initial visa as of April 28th 2008 grants you automatic permission to work. However there are certain rules you must follow. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has an informative fact sheet on the topic.
Australian Taxes and Superannuation (Pension) Contributions
You will be required to obtain a tax file number if you intend to work. Rates of pay for casual part-time employment vary between A$12 and A$15 per hour (as of March 2006). The rate of pay also depends on your age, experience, qualifications, duties and other factors, including industrial relations regulations in place at the time you seek employment. You can expect to pay approximately 29% income tax but may be entitled to an annual tax rebate. You may also be required to make superannuation contributions of 9% of your earnings into a superannuation (pension) fund that you may be eligible to access when you leave Australia.
Contact the Australian Taxation Office for more information.
Transport
Melbourne Airport Reception
SuniTAFE provides a free airport on-arrival reception service for new international students through private companies that will meet you at the airport and take you to your initial accommodation. You should notify the Institute of your airline, flight number, and date and time of arrival at least one week before your arrival into Melbourne Airport by faxing a completed Airport Arrival and Temporary Accommodation Placement Service Request form.
Please note:
- If you request an airport on-arrival reception service through SuniTAFE, but do not use the service, you will be charged a fee of A$100.
- The cost of temporary accommodation will be the responsibility of the student.
Transport from Melbourne to Mildura or Swan Hill
You will be responsible for the cost of your transport from Melbourne to SuniTAFE.
The International Student Unit staff can provide assistance making the necessary travel arrangements from Melbourne to Mildura or Swan Hill if required.
Transport options from Melbourne include:
| Mode | Frequency/Distance | Approximate Duration | Service Providers |
| Air | Multiple services each day | 1 hour 10 minutes | QantasLink, Rex, Virgin Blue |
| Bus/Rail | Multiple services each day | 7 ½ to 11 hours (depending on route) |
V/Line |
| Car | 550kms | 6 hours | Hertz, Budget, Avis, Thrifty, Europcar |
| Mode | Frequency/Distance | Approximate Duration | Service Providers |
| Bus/Rail | Multiple services each day | 4 ½ to 5 ½ hours (depending on route) |
V/Line |
| Car | 340kms | 4 hours | Hertz |
If you request an airport on-arrival reception service through SuniTAFE you will also be provided with assistance with your preferred mode of travel.
For directions to Mildura or Swan Hill, please see the SuniTAFE International homepage.
Banking
Mildura and Swan Hill have a range of bank branches for personal banking:
Mildura
Medical Insurance
You must satisfy health requirements established by the Australian Government. Family members who are included in your visa application are also required to satisfy health requirements.
You are required by the Australian Government to join the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme and to hold health insurance for the duration of your studies in Australia. OSHC is designed to cover the costs for medical and hospital care that you or any family members accompanying you may need while in Australia, without causing you undue financial hardship.
The annual subscription for OSHC ranges from $300 - $400 for a single international student and between $600 - $750 for a student and family (spouse and dependent children under 18 years of age if they are living with you). These charges were accurate as of 2008. You should check for any changes on your insurer’s website.
OSHC assists you to pay for, among other things:
- visits to doctors for outpatient medical services (OSHC pays 85% of government Medical Benefits Schedule fee)
- in-patient medical services (OSHC pays 100% of Medical Benefits Schedule fee)
- pathology services
- x-rays
- treatment in public hospital in shared ward accommodation
- emergency ambulance transportation
- pregnancy related services if student visa is for three months or less
- ancillary services (dental, optical or physiotherapy); overseas students requiring ancillary services may take out extra OSHC provided by an approved OSHC provider or ancillary cover with any Australian health fund.
Options for OSHC include AHM and Medibank Private.
A broad range of medical services, including medical specialists, are available in Mildura and Swan Hill. There are many general practitioners that are available for general health issues and the Mildura Base Hospital and Swan Hill District Hospital offer a comprehensive outpatients service.
For further information about medical insurance and services, please contact the Australian Department of Health and Ageing.
Equity and Diversity
SuniTAFE is committed to providing a study environment free from any form of unlawful discrimination, racial and religious vilification and sexual harassment. The Institute’s commitment includes providing an environment in which employees, clients and other parties that have a relationship with the Institute are treated fairly, equitably and with respect.