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 support and promote the wellbeing of international students and enhance their experience living in Victoria.

Overview

The program supports post-secondary international students studying at Victorian based universities, TAFEs, private higher education and vocational colleges, English language colleges and other registered training organisations.

It does not fund activities that target students studying at higher learning institutions outside of Victoria.

Activities that may be considered for funding can focus on a range of topics, including (but not limited to) mental and physical health, volunteering and leadership, community engagement, arts, culture, health and safety.

Activities supporting greater inclusion of women, LGBTQIA+ communities, people of colour and all faiths, people with disabilities and those from a broad spectrum of socio-economic backgrounds are also encouraged.

2025 projects

Find out about the SMIP projects funded for 2025:

Alfred Health – Study Well, Victoria International Students Health Hub

This initiative focuses on creating a comprehensive online health hub dedicated to international students' sexual and reproductive health. Designed and reviewed by international students, the platform will provide reliable information and connect students with local healthcare services.

Australia Women & Children Protection and Development Inc – Victoria Art & Cultural Trail

This project provides international students with an immersive experience in Victoria’s art and cultural scene. Through eight planned activities, students will explore local history and artistic diversity through educational tours and hands-on artistic workshops. The program fosters deeper appreciation and engagement with Victoria’s rich cultural heritage.

Australian College of the Arts – LIVE in VIC Initiative

This project enhances international students' sense of belonging through volunteering and social engagement. It includes an orientation and induction, an eight-week buddy program, a six-week community service initiative, and ongoing support and recognition for student participants. The program helps students develop transferable skills and meaningful local connections.

Bright Education Group Pty Ltd – International Students SportsFest 2025

This program expands upon previous sporting initiatives for international students by introducing new and inclusive activities. It features Victoria’s first mixed-gender basketball league, social badminton events, and an expanded Victorian International Student Sporting Festival (VISSF), which now includes table tennis and futsal. The initiative fosters community engagement and physical well-being.

Federation University Australia – International Student Driving Experience Program

This project supports international students in obtaining a Victorian driving license by offering four weekly educational sessions at Federation University campuses. The program incorporates culturally sensitive teaching, multilingual resources, and well-being support. In partnership with the Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre (SMRC), it ensures accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds.

Filipino Community Council of Vic Inc – International Student Cultural Immersion and Engagement Program

This program helps international students integrate into Victorian society through mentorship, cultural education, and outreach. It includes a mentorship program, Aboriginal history and culture awareness sessions led by the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), and opportunities for students to connect with regional Victoria through the International Student Outreach Program (ISOP).

Hockey Victoria - Introduction to Hockey

Hockey Victoria will run one five-week introductory hockey programs at eight partner clubs across Victoria. These clubs are either university-affiliated or have a strong multicultural presence. The program concludes with a Gala Day at the State Sports Centre, allowing international students to engage in the sport while fostering a sense of community.

International Nature and Forest Therapy Alliance – Effective Stress Reduction in Nature

Focused on student well-being, this initiative introduces Forest Therapy (FT) sessions as a stress-reduction method. The program includes nature journaling, sessions at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens and regional campuses, online information sessions, and a dedicated podcast on the health benefits of FT. These activities promote mental and emotional resilience among international students.

Just Food Collective Incorporated – Well Fed at Study Melbourne

Addressing food security and student well-being, this initiative provides free, fortnightly social lunches or dinners at the Study Melbourne Hub. These gatherings offer nutritious meals alongside educational sessions on food literacy, sustainable practices, and essential life skills. The project is co-designed and delivered by international students to meet their unique needs.

Life Saving Victoria Limited – The International Student Water Safety Project

This initiative addresses the high drowning risk among international students from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. The program consists of three main activities: beach excursions focused on water safety, on-campus education sessions, and water safety activations at universities. These efforts aim to improve students’ knowledge and awareness of water-related risks.

Mandy Education – International Student Financial Empowerment Project

This program provides financial literacy education through a combination of online learning, interactive workshops, and personalised financial counselling. It consists of five online learning modules, three in-depth in-person workshops, and 40 one-on-one financial counselling sessions. The initiative helps international students develop practical financial skills for long-term stability.

Migrant Workers Centre – Work Ready: Preparing international students for safe and fair work

This program aims to enhance international students' participation in the job market while reducing worker exploitation. It offers one-on-one coaching before and after employment, drop-in work rights clinics with a legal expert, educational outreach activities, and the development of self-help resources to equip students with essential workplace knowledge.

Multicultural Arts Victoria – Kwabo Arts Incubator International Students Spoken Word Program

This creative program provides international students with opportunities in spoken word performance. Over nine weeks, students participate in writing and performance workshops, culminating in live readings at the Kwabo Festival. Additional opportunities include professional studio recordings, publishing opportunities, and internships at Multicultural Arts Victoria.

SalamFest Inc – Bridging Bridges While Breaking Bread

SalamFest promotes cultural exchange and community cohesion through diverse activities that blend arts, culture, physical well-being, and mental health support. The program includes Eid celebrations, meal-sharing events, and art-based well-being activities in Geelong, Maribyrnong, and Melbourne, fostering connections among Muslim and wider student communities.

The Hacker Exchange Pty Ltd – Water Cooler Conversations

This six-month initiative helps penultimate-year international students transition from casual employment in hospitality or retail to professional graduate roles. It connects students with HEX alumni currently working in Australia, offering networking opportunities, communication skill development, and mental health support to ease their entry into the workforce.

The Salvation Army (Victoria) Property Trust – The International Student Lounge Geelong Projects

This program consists of four sub-projects designed to support international students in Geelong. It includes assistance for research students and their families, sports introduction sessions, healthy cooking lessons, and community volunteering opportunities. The initiative not only benefits students but also enhances Study Melbourne’s presence in regional Victoria.

Potential Funding

The SMIP provides grants of up to $75,000 for partnerships of two or more organisations to deliver activities that support and promote the wellbeing of international students in Victoria. All applications for SMIP funding must provide a minimum co-contribution of at least half of the value of the requested funding (e.g. applications for a $50,000 grant must include a co-contribution of at least $25,000).

How to apply

Before applying, please read the program guidelines, supporting documents, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and top 10 tips.

Subscribe to Study Melbourne enews to stay up to date about future grants.

Document download

Program guidelines

Study Melbourne Inclusion Program Guidelines
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Study Melbourne Inclusion Program Guidelines
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Supporting documents

Enquiries

A member of the SMIP team can be contacted by emailing:

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