The services, which focus on improving the safety and wellbeing of international students studying in Victorian institutions, were announced this week at the Study Melbourne Student Centre.

“It is vital that we continue enhancing the experience of our international students”

“It is vital that we continue enhancing the experience of our international students so Victoria’s education sector keeps its competitive edge and continues to create jobs for our state,” Small Business, Innovation and Trade Minister Philip Dalidakis said in a statement.

“Victoria leads the country in international education and these programmes are an important part of the government’s support for the wellbeing and safety of our international student community.”

The LIVE programme, which stands for Lead, Intern, Volunteer, Experience, will encourage international students to take up work and internship opportunities within Victorian businesses and organisations. It is expected to both benefit local businesses and prepare students for working life.

A new Study Melbourne website was launched in both English and Chinese

“LIVE is definitely a great hub for international students to start their career, in terms of internships and graduate opportunities,” doctorate student and former Victorian International Student of the Year Balaji Trichy Narayaswamy told The PIE News.

“Most international students don’t have the necessary Australian work experience; it can be hard for them to find an employment. So, I feel that the LIVE programme would bridge the existing gap between the potential employers and international students,” he added.

The rollout of a revised set of guidelines to improve the application process for the International Student Welfare programme was also announced, following a pilot year.

The programme, which provides A$4m over four years for activities to improve welfare and the student experience, will now offer two funding models instead of one, with options of up to $5,000 for International Student Group activities or grants up to $75,000 for Wellbeing Partnership Activities.

A website, study.melbourne, was also launched in English and Chinese to promote study in Victoria and provide prospective and current students with information.

Education is Victoria’s leading export industry. It attracts 175,000 international students, Australia’s second largest student population after New South Wales.

See more photos from the launch here.