About Victoria
Victoria is located at the bottom Australia’s east coast, and is Australia’s second-smallest state at 227,600 square kilometres.
Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, and known internationally as Australia’s cultural capital. It is considered one of the world’s most liveable cities due to its safety, culture, environment, education, healthcare and more.
This safe, multicultural and vibrant city is ideal for international students hoping to study in Australia. You will never be bored, as there are so many things to do and see. Throughout the year, Victoria hosts events such as Moomba, Australian Open, Australian Grand Prix, Spring Racing Carnival, and many arts, comedy and literary festivals.
Victoria also has a range of world-class education institutions.
Geography & climate
Victoria is a beautiful and diverse state that is perfect for weekend road trips. It has long stretches of coastline, white sandy beaches, mountain ranges, national parks, lakes, wetlands and caves. You will always have somewhere new to explore.
Victoria’s weather is well known for being unpredictable. In one day, it can change from hot to cold, and from sunny to rainy and windy. People who live there are used to the ever-changing weather.
However, it is still a nice climate overall with lovely spring weather, a warm summer (not too hot), a mild autumn and cold crisp winters. This is ideal if you like to experience all kinds of weather.
People
Victoria is a densely populated state of 6.35 million people. Melbourne is vibrant and bustling, with 70% of Victoria’s population living in the state’s capital city.
The city is also very multicultural, with a wide range of languages spoken, including Mandarin, Italian, Vietnamese, Greek and Arabic.
Healthcare
In Australia, residents have three types of healthcare available to them:
- Medicare
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
- private health insurance.
Medicare is run by the Australian Government, and is mainly for Australian permanent residents and citizens, as well as New Zealand citizens. The scheme covers 70% of a person’s healthcare costs.
However, international students in Australia can access Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC). This health cover is mandatory to keep students safe while they study in Australia.
Studying in Victoria
Victoria has 10 world-class universities with state-of-the-art facilities, trained staff with real-world experience in their industries, and very helpful student services.
According to the 2018 QS World University Rankings, 6 Victorian universities are among the top-ranked institutions in the world. In fact, one university is in the world’s top 30 and two in the top 100.
The state also has 18 highly reputable TAFE colleges. These vocational educational and training institutions collaborate with industries and employers to provide practical training and skill development courses. This ensures that students gain the skills and knowledge that employers need.
Victoria works hard to maintain its reputation as a global knowledge hub, attracting academics and researchers from all over the world.
Universities in Victoria
- Monash University
- The University of Melbourne
- RMIT University
- Deakin University
- La Trobe University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Victoria University
- Federation University
- Southern Cross University
- CQ University
TAFES and other education institutions in Victoria
- Australian Institute of Technical Training
- Melbourne Institute of Technology
- William Angliss Institute of TAFE
- Holmesglen Institute of TAFE
- Kaplan Business School Australia
