Welcome to Melbourne Program
The Welcome to Melbourne program ensures that our incoming Australia Awards Scholarship students receive a truly welcoming Melbourne experience. We are excited that the program has relaunched in 2023!
Since 2009, more than 1,160 alumni and staff have made the transition to life in Melbourne a little smoother for over 1,930 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.
For any host enquiries about the program, or to express interest in participating in semester one 2024 please contact us here. Applications for hosts in the semester one 2024 program will open in December 2023. Student applications will open in January 2024.
COVID-19 Response
The University continues to prioritise the health and well-being of our staff, students and community. For full details of the University’s response to COVID-19, visit our dedicated information page.
For Hosts
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 Thursday 15 February 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.
Host applications for the semester one 2024 program will open in December 2023.
"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
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).
Student applications for the semester two program are now closed. Applications for the semester one 2024 program will open in January 2024.
"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
For technical support or general enquiries please contact the Alumni Relations team.
Alumni Relations Office
sblom@unimelb.edu.au