Our international student program
We enjoy a reputation for being one of Australia’s most innovative and successful girls' school for international students. Located in the multi-cultural city of Melbourne, our international students find MLC to be an enriching and supportive place to learn and often comment on their strong sense of belonging.
We welcome the global perspectives that international students bring to high school life. We limit the number of international student positions available, so we ensure our international students have the best possible experience and high levels of support.
Our four dedicated school communities (Junior School, Junior Secondary School, Middle School, and Senior School) are like no others in Melbourne, and the extensive opportunities available throughout the College draw international students to Australia from all over the globe.
Students over 13 years of age are able to live on campus in our renowned Boarding House, or with a parent or approved relative on a guardian visa.
Entry is via an Education Agency or directly to MLC (completing the Application for Enrolment). Students will need to undertake an English proficiency test.
CRICOS Courses Offered (Code Course and Name):
027785F - Primary Years (Prep-Year 6)
005284E - Secondary Years (Year 7-12)
This page contains the following information:
- English Proficiency
- Academic Requirements
- Welfare and Accommodation
- Tiddeman Boarding House
- Supporting our Overseas Students
- Local Support Person
- Student Visa and Overseas Health Cover
English Proficiency
The College will assess the language proficiency of all Students who do not speak English as their first language. To undertake this assessment the College uses a combination of English proficiency tests (AEAS or i.DAT), student academic reports and interviews to determine whether a prospective International Student meets MLC’s minimum level of English proficiency required for their chosen course.
Note: Students in Years 4-6 are only able to take the AEAS test.
Where an English proficiency test has been undertaken, enrolment can only be processed after the results of this test have been provided to MLC.
The College’s minimum requirements for International Students who do not have English as their first language are detailed below:
| Year Levels | Minimum Score Achievement |
| Years 4-6 | 46+ (AEAS only) |
| Years 7-9 | 71+ |
| Years 10-12 | 80+ |
Academic Requirements
A student’s academic qualifications are assessed against the requirements of the relevant year level of the Australian curriculum the student is requesting entry at. The Victorian Curriculum F-10 achievements standards are relevant for students in Prep to Year 10, and for students in Years 11 to 12, the relevant accredited senior secondary qualifications of VCE and the IB Diploma Programme.
Entry requirements:
- For Junior School Students: evidence of application to school work and age-appropriate achievement in literacy and numeracy of the curriculum within the Working Towards Band or above.
- For Year 7 – 12 students: a “C” grade (60%) or better for the majority of core subjects.
For more information refer to the Assessing Student Academic and English Language Proficiency Policy.
Welfare and accommodation
All international students planning to study at MLC must indicate their accommodation arrangements at the time of application.
The College requires that all students either:
- Live in Australia with a parent, a Department of Home Affairs (DHA) approved relative or a legal custodian; or
- Live in the Tiddeman Boarding House (Year 7-12)
When MLC accepts an international student enrolment in the Boarding House, the College is responsible for providing accommodation, support and general welfare of the student and issues a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) letter as part of the visa process.
These arrangements are required to be in place for the period that the individual is enrolled as a student at MLC.
MLC is not permitted to delegate, outsource or contract out this responsibility.
Tiddeman Boarding House
Our Tiddeman Boarding House offers a comfortable home away from home where students (Years 7 to 12) make lasting friendships. The Head of Boarding and boarding staff are dedicated to ensuring that boarding students are well supported and guided in making the most of what MLC has to offer.
During term breaks, international students (for whom the College has issued a CAAW) residing in the Boarding House must return home to parents or stay with parents in Australia.
More information on Boarding at MLC
Supporting our overseas students
The International Student Team at MLC comprehensively supports our international students' social, academic and administrative needs.
All international students have access to a range of support facilities, including:
- MLC's International Student Coordinator monitors all aspects of student welfare, including academic progress, and provides opportunities for international students to become active members of the College community.
- MLC’s International Student Coordinator supports students in short-term/emergency Homestay arrangements.
- MLC Admissions, who help with health insurance matters.
- MLC Careers Counsellors, who work closely with international students and their teachers in subject choice, career advice and university entrance.
- The Melbourne Schools Partnership International (MSPI), which is a unique alliance between the University of Melbourne and selected schools, including MLC. Each year, the Program assists MLC in supporting our high-calibre international students.
Local Support Person
The College requires that each overseas student issued with a CAAW letter have a Local Support Person to provide a local point of contact for students.
A nominated Local Support Person must be Melbourne based and agree to assist the College to support the student as required in both personal and school matters. The Local Support Person does not provide any support or general welfare arrangements that are the responsibility of the College under a CAAW arrangement.
The Local Support Person may be recommended by the parents and is preferably known to them. An MLC Local Support Person needs to meet the following criteria:
- Must be over 21 years of age
- Must be comfortable conversing in English
- Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident living in Metropolitan Melbourne
- Must be contactable by both email and phone 7 days/week
- Must be committed to providing ongoing and regular support to the student
- Must nominate a replacement person if they are going to be away for an extended period of time
- Must be prepared to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC), provide proof of identity and suitable references and complete MLC’s Child Safe Induction.
The College endorses all Local Support Persons before a formal appointment is made to ensure the person’s suitability for the role. The College will conduct reviews with LSPs and students every six months to assess the ongoing suitability of the arrangement.
Student Visa and Overseas Health Cover
After acceptance of a place, MLC will issue the documentation required for students to obtain a student visa and organise overseas student health cover if necessary. This visa will be issued for the length of the course of schooling.