Deadline: 16-Nov-2025
The Study Melbourne Inclusion Program (SMIP) provides funding for activities that support and promote the wellbeing of international students and enhance their experience of living in Victoria.
The program focuses on ensuring all international students enjoy studying and living in Victoria and feel a strong sense of belonging and connectedness to the local community; enabling capable organisations to deliver high quality activities that improve the wellbeing of post-secondary international students living in Victoria; funding activities that respond to emerging needs of international student cohorts; encouraging activities that place international students at the centre, genuinely involving them in the design, delivery and review of projects; building the capacity and capability of Victoria’s education ecosystem to offer inclusive and culturally appropriate services; increasing international students’ access to mental and physical support and information services; increasing international students’ social connections and creating positive opportunities for them to get involved in the local community; and supporting greater engagement with students studying with regional providers and remotely, with equal access to wellbeing services and empowerment programs.
The SMIP supports post-secondary international students studying at Victorian-based universities, TAFEs, private higher education and vocational colleges, English language colleges, and other registered training organisations. It does not fund activities targeting students studying outside of Victoria. The funding encourages initiatives covering a wide range of topics including mental and physical health, volunteering and leadership, community engagement, arts and culture, and health and safety. Activities promoting inclusion of women, LGBTIQA+ communities, people of colour and all faiths, people with disability, and those from diverse socio-economic backgrounds are especially encouraged.
Through this program, organisations working in partnership can apply for funding of up to $30,000 to deliver activities that promote the wellbeing of international students.
Eligible applicants must be legal entities operating in Victoria, hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) for at least three years, and have appropriate insurance coverage for proposed activities. Eligible organisations include student associations, education providers, not-for-profit organisations, industry associations, local government organisations, and businesses.
For more information, visit Business Victoria.