Victorian Government has extended discounted travel for international students in the state.
This week’s state budget allocated $3.75 million for travel discount available to international full time undergraduate and eligible VET students who attend a participating institution.
Currently students are eligible for 50 per cent public transport discount through the iUse pass which has now been extended to the end of 2018.
The 50 per cent discount on annual public transport tickets is the same discount available to local students in Victoria.
The International Undergraduate Student Education Pass (iUsepass) scheme was launched as a three year trial in 2015 and is delivered in partnership with educational institutions – 21 of which are currently participating in the program, including Victoria’s top universities.
The Government covers 25 per cent of the student’s travel expenses while the student’s institution, if it’s a participant in the initiative, funds an additional 25 per cent.
To be eligible you must be an international student enrolled in a full-time undergraduate course (Bachelor Degree or Associate Degree) or a higher VET course (Advanced Diploma or Diploma).
The universities covered under this scheme are:
- Australian Catholic University
- Box Hill Institute
- Chisholm Institute
- Danford College
- Deakin University
- Education Access Australia
- Holmesglen Institute
- Job Training Institute
- Kaplan Business School
- La Trobe University
- Melbourne City Institute of Education
- Melbourne University
- Monash University
- Photography Studies College
- RMIT University
- SAE Creative Media Institute
- South Pacific Institute
- Swinburne University
- Universal Institute of Technology
- University of Divinity
- Victoria University
The state government claimed the discount was one of the many reasons that around a third of all international students who came to Australia chose Victoria over other states, with no discount available in New South Wales.
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis said, “This extension is another way we can ensure international students have a great experience while in Victoria.”
“We have a world class education system and these measures help make sure our international students go home as ambassadors for our state.”
"We will continue to grow our international education sector, as students flock to Victoria for a great education and a great lifestyle.”
