As one of our Authorised Agents, you can use the information on this page to assist your clients.
How does an international student apply to Melbourne Polytechnic?
Our international students can apply directly through the International Office or via an authorised agent. Visit the How to Apply page.
How do I know if my client is an international applicant?
Melbourne Polytechnic considers international students as those who will be studying on a student visa. Only those who will be studying on a student visa will apply via the International Office, with the exception of ELICOS students who apply via the international office no matter which temporary resident visa held.
My client is currently studying at another provider but wishes to study at Melbourne Polytechnic. What is the process to apply?
Please visit the How to Apply page to submit a new application to study at Melbourne Polytechnic.
If your client has not completed at least six calendar months of their principal course (highest-level course), they will need to present a written letter of release from their original provider before Melbourne Polytechnic may enrol them as a student in accordance with the National Code 2018.
Each provider must have a documented student transfer request policy and procedure available to students. Melbourne Polytechnic can provide a conditional offer letter to your client, which they can then attach to their application for release, and Melbourne Polytechnic can remove this condition once the release letter is presented.
What type of documents must my client submit to Melbourne Polytechnic?
What is a certified copy?
A certified copy is a copy of an original document verified by an authorised person as a true copy of the original document. As an authorised agent at Melbourne Polytechnic, we will accept your agency sighting original documents and certifying them with your agency’s stamp and signature of the counsellor. Melbourne Polytechnic also accepts certification from a Notary Public, or your client can also present original documents in person at the Melbourne Polytechnic International Office.
Who can translate my client's documents?
As an authorised agent at Melbourne Polytechnic, we will accept your translation of original documents. Please certify your translation with your agency’s stamp and signature of the counsellor. Melbourne Polytechnic accepts translation from a NAATI accredited translator.
How does my client apply for credit recognition?
Indicate on the International Student Application Form that your client seeks credit recognition. The application must be accompanied with translated (English) copies of the course outline/syllabus, academic transcripts, graduation certificates/evidence and grading system so that Melbourne Polytechnic can assess their eligibility for credit.
Your client should submit their official application for Skills Recognition / Academic Credit at enrolment, and discuss their subsequent study plan with their program coordinator or course administrator, who will assist with the application for credit recognition process. If the credit recognition received leads to a reduction in course duration, Melbourne Polytechnic can adjust your enrolment accordingly after you formally accept and are awarded the credits.
What are Melbourne Polytechnic's entrance requirements?
Students must meet a course's specific academic, English language and other requirements.
What are Melbourne Polytechnic's English language requirements?
English language proficiency entrance requirements may vary from program to program. For information about the minimum English language proficiency requirements and acceptable forms of evidence, visit Entrance Requirements and refer to the English Language Proficiency section.
What are Melbourne Polytechnic's academic entry requirements?
Melbourne Polytechnic's minimum academic level means successful completion of studies equivalent to Australian Year 12 education.
For some courses, if your client does not meet Melbourne Polytechnic's academic entry level requirements they can apply as a mature age student. A mature age student is considered to be over 18 years old and who has been out of full-time education for at least one year. They should also provide documentary evidence of any work experience undertaken since leaving school that is related to their chosen course. Entry as a mature age student is dependent upon having a satisfactory level of English language proficiency.
When can my client expect their letter of offer?
The letter of offer is issued within 5 to 10 business days via email. Delays can occur if required documentation and information is not provided correctly. Peak periods, or where selection via an interview applies, Melbourne Polytechnic may take longer to respond. Melbourne Polytechnic International Office closes during the Christmas-New Year period for approximately 10 days.
How does my client accept their letter of offer?
Your client will receive either a conditional or unconditional letter of offer. If your client has received a conditional offer letter, refer to the conditions (if applicable) and guide your client to meet those conditions before accepting the offer. If your client has received an unconditional offer letter, email the signed copy (the Acceptance Agreement) and indicate your payment method.
My client has received a letter of offer, and now wishes to change courses.
Your client will need to complete a new Melbourne Polytechnic International Student Application Form.
What help is available for special needs candidates?
The test centre makes every effort to cater for the special needs of candidates, to enable them to best understand questions and tasks and to give their answers. It is our aim for the language level of all candidates, irrespective of disability, to be assessed fairly and objectively.
Please contact the office for further information or email your medical documentation before booking a test. Candidates with special needs are advised to apply between six weeks and three months in advance to enable appropriate arrangements to be made.
Candidates are not able to request special consideration when booking a test less than three weeks prior to the actual test date. If you book a test without notifying the office, you MUST send your medical documentation within 24 hours of booking your test online for approval.
Payment of tuition fees
Refer to the payment instructions on the Acceptance Agreement issued to your client.
Can my client pay tuition fees prior to meeting the conditions?
Clients must first meet the conditions prior to accepting and making tuition fee payments, unless the Melbourne Polytechnic International Office confirms that the condition can be met after course acceptance.
How long does the confirmation of enrolment (CoE) take to be issued?
Once Melbourne Polytechnic receives the Acceptance Agreement (signed by your client) and the payment is received, we will issue the CoE within two to three working days. We will send the CoE to your email address you used to send the initial application.
How does my client apply for a student visa?
Once you have the CoE issued by Melbourne Polytechnic, take it to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) or the DHA Departmental Office responsible for the country you are located to lodge the student visa application. Depending on your client’s nationality, it can take up to three months for the visa to be granted – refer to DHA Student Visa Processing Times.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) requires that all student visa holders hold OSHC which covers the entire duration of the student visa. If your client already holds OSHC which covers the entire duration of the student visa and the course duration then your client will not need to organise it again. If the OSHC runs out before the end of the student visa or does not cover the duration of their studies at Melbourne Polytechnic, then your client will need to extend their OSHC.
If your client is from Belgium, Sweden, or Norway, they are likely to be exempt from DIAC’s Student Visa OSHC requirement.
Who organises OSHC?
Melbourne Polytechnic can organise OSHC for your client, including it as part of the fee collected on the offer letter. Melbourne Polytechnic organises OSHC through Allianz Care Australia – Melbourne Polytechnic does not charge extra for this service, only for the rates provided by Allianz.
How does my client receive their OSHC card?
The Melbourne Polytechnic International Office organise your client’s policy (after payment). Your client will then be able to order the card online through Allianz Care Australia. Please view How to Order Your Card Online. Your client’s policy number will be their student ID printed on their offer letter. Additional information about OSHC is presented during Orientation Day.
Deferring, withdrawing or changing courses
Deferment of studies may be dependent on the available intakes for the course. Melbourne Polytechnic International Office will advise you via email if there will be any issues and/or make recommendations - please contact us at international@melbournepolytechnic.edu.au.
If your client has accepted their offer but wishes to change to another course within Melbourne Polytechnic, fill out the Request for Internal Transfer form. If your client wishes to withdraw their application after accepting it, complete the Application for Cancellation of Enrolment – please also read the Refund Policy and Application for Refund of Fees. If your client requests an internal transfer or cancels their enrolment, there could be fees associated with these requests. Visit the Melbourne Polytechnic International Policies and Forms for more detailed information.
Orientation and enrolment information
Once your client accepts their offer to study at Melbourne Polytechnic, please advise your client to attend the compulsory Orientation Day. An email will be sent to all our agents and also to your client’s email address. Visit the Orientation Day page on our website for the latest information.
We provide a welcome pack during Orientation Day. This includes a copy of the Departmental Orientation Days. The department will provide details on this day on how to enrol into the program and enrol into units. The students should receive a timetable on this day and a list of books/materials required for the course.
Melbourne Polytechnic student identification (ID) cards
Your client will be advised how to obtain a Melbourne Polytechnic Student ID Card during Orientation Day.
Where can my client live while studying in Melbourne?
Melbourne Polytechnic's Student Services can assist your clients in finding suitable accommodation whether permanent, short term and emergency accommodation. This service is free to all our international students.
Homestay accommodation options are available for international students. For contact details, please visit our Student Services.
Does Melbourne Polytechnic accept international students under the age of eighteen?
An international student in ELICOS or VET programs, you must be 16 years or older, and for Higher Education programs, be turning 18 years of age in the year of entry to the course, or if under 17 years must have the prior written approval from the College Director in consultation with the relevant Head of School.