Parents and Guardians

If you are the parent or guardian of a child, it is a good idea to research what local schools your child can attend when you move to your new property.

To find local schools by area, visit: Find My School

For parents and guardians, if you are bringing your child to Australia as an international graduate student, there are several important things to keep in mind:

• If your child(ren) are between the ages of 5 and 18, you must enrol them in a Victorian school

• It is important to complete their enrolment before submitting your visa application, as proof of enrolment is a required document in the application process

• You can apply for a place in a Victoria state school. Detailed information on the process is available on Study Victoria’s Application Process Page

• Once the Dependent Application Form is lodged, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer and an invoice that must be paid within 14 days. Then you’ll receive a Confirmation of Placement letter, which can then be included in your visa application.

For more information about bringing your family and child/children, visit: Department of Home Affairs

The Australian Government also has a program called the Child Care Subsidy which helps to reduce the fees you pay for child care:

• The subsidy is paid directly to your child care provider to reduce the fees that you have to pay

• To be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy you or your partner must meet all of the following:

  • care for your child at least 2 nights per fortnight, or have 14% care responsibility

  • are liable for fees for care provided at an approved child care service

  • meet the residence rules

  • your child meets the immunisation requirements and must not be attending secondary school (unless an exception applies)

• The amount of Child Care Subsidy you may be able eligible for depends on your individual circumstances and whether you meet the program’s requirements

• Once you have confirmed your eligibility, follow the official step-by-step guide to lodge and process your claim

For more information on the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and details about all the requirements, stipulations, exceptions, and more, visit: Services Australia. If you are eligible for the CCS, in certain circumstances you may also be eligible for the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS).

Melbourne University Family Club Co-operative also welcomes applications for Nursery, Toddlers, Pre-Kinder, and Kindergarten.

They are a small, inclusive, proudly parent-led not-for-profit childcare co-op located on Cardigan Street in Carlton since 1965.

They have small group sizes, an onsite cook, and staff who have been with them for over 30 years. Their child development approach has a focus on social and emotional wellbeing, respect for culture, diversity and the environment, and nurtures and fosters a love for learning.

There are also a handful of university-run early childhood education services, where discounts are available for the University of Melbourne students. More information: Early Childhood Education Services.

For an additional list of support services and support advice for families, click here to visit our Support Services Directory.

Financial Support for Parents and Guardians

Balancing postgraduate study with parenting comes with real financial pressures. There are several government payments that can help with housing costs specifically.

Family Tax Benefit (Part A & B)

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a two-part payment for families with dependent children.

Part A is paid per child and is based on your family's income. As a postgraduate student, your reduced income may mean you're eligible for a higher rate. It's paid either fortnightly through Centrelink or as a lump sum at tax time.

Part B provides extra support for single-parent families, or couple families where one parent studies or works part-time. This is particularly relevant if your study load means one parent isn't in full-time paid work.

Both payments are managed through myGov/Centrelink. If you're not already receiving them, it's worth checking your eligibility early — payments are not backdated beyond your claim date. You can find more information here: Services Australia.

Rent Assistance

If you are receiving a Centrelink payment (such as Austudy, Parenting Payment, or the Family Tax Benefit) and are paying private rent you may also be entitled to Rent Assistance. This is automatically considered with the amount depending on how much rent you pay.

RentAssist Bond Loan

If upfront rental costs are a barrier to securing a family-sized home, Australian resident students on a low income may be eligible for an interest-free Bond Loan through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. This can cover the bond on a private rental or a co-tenancy. This can make a significant difference when you're also managing moving costs with children. More information: RentAssist Bond Loan.