Moving to Melbourne

Moving to Melbourne

Moving from overseas or from within Australia

Cost of living

Understand living expenses and upfront costs to plan your student budget.

Accommodation in Melbourne

Explore student accommodation, rentals and temporary accommodation options.

Work while studying

Learn about part-time work, student visa work conditions, and minimum wages.
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Prepare to arrive as an international student

Make sure you’re ready to arrive in Melbourne with our checklist to help you understand all the things you need to organise before you arrive in Melbourne as an international student.

Get settled in Melbourne

Melbourne has a vibrant lifestyle and culture, full of exciting opportunities and activities to explore. Before you arrive in Melbourne, here are some important aspects to familiarise yourself with to help get settled quickly. 

You can pay for public transport using a Myki or contactless payments.

Myki is your ticket to travel on trains, trams and buses in Melbourne, and some parts of regional Victoria. Once purchased, you can top up your myki with money at selected stations and stops, or download the PTV app to top up instantly online.

As a student, you may also be eligible for a concession myki or an International Student Travel Pass

If you're moving to Melbourne from overseas, you will need to organise an Australian bank account for everyday transactions and paying bills such as rent and utilities. Follow these simple steps to set up your account:

1. Choose a bank

There are four major banks in Australia (ANZCommBankNAB and Westpac) as well as a number of smaller, reputable banks. Make sure to do some research to consider:

  • Transaction accounts made specifically for students
  • Fees - including setup, transaction and withdrawal fees
  • Online access
  • Ease of transferring money from home

2. Complete your application

Once you’ve found a bank that suit your needs, you need to apply and provide them with your details and various documents. While some banks allow you to apply online, you will still need to visit a branch once you arrive in Melbourne to confirm your identity.

3. Provide documentation

While the documents you'll need to provide may vary depending on the bank and type of account you are opening, these may include:

  • Your passport
  • Your Australian residential address
  • Your valid visa documents
  • Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter from your institution.

Why choose to study in Melbourne?

#5 best student city globally

Study in one of the world’s top-ranked student cities.*

Student-friendly lifestyle

Enjoy public transport, student-friendly neighbourhoods and city life.

#4 most liveable city globally

Melbourne is recognised globally for its quality of life, education and cultural experiences.^

*QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2026
^The Global Liveability Index 2025

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Virtual and walking tours

Explore our campuses and facilities with an interactive virtual tour, or be guided by our students on a video walking tour.

Have questions about moving to Melbourne?

Get in touch with the friendly staff at Study@RMIT if you have any questions about the process of applying to study in Melbourne. Our staff are ready to answer any questions you have about courses, applications, pathways and important dates for local and international prospective students.

More information for students

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures