Accommodation
A Guide for International Students | Before You Arrive in Melbourne
Finding a safe, comfortable, and affordable place to live is one of the most important steps you will take before arriving in Australia. Melbourne is a vibrant, liveable city — but the rental market is competitive and moves quickly. This guide covers everything you need to know about your accommodation options, the application process, typical costs, tenant rights, and how to protect yourself. We strongly recommend reading it in full before you leave home.
Types of Accommodation
This course focuses on developing core baking skills and technical competence required to produce breads, cakes, pastries, and baked goods in a commercial bakery. Graduates are prepared to work as skilled bakers within established production environments while following food safety, workplace health and safety, and industry standards.
Homestay
Live with an Australian host family. Typically includes a furnished room, meals, and use of shared facilities. An immersive cultural experience with a built-in support network.
Share House / Shared Apartment
Rent a room in a house or apartment shared with other tenants. You have your own bedroom and share common areas (kitchen, bathroom, living room). Bills may be split separately or included in rent.
Private Rental (Studio / Apartment)
Rent your own studio or apartment directly from a private landlord or real estate agency. Greater privacy and independence, but requires a local rental history and references, which can be difficult to provide as a new arrival.
Short-Stay / Transitional (Serviced Apartments, Hostels)
Suitable for your first one to four weeks while you search for longer-term accommodation in person. Flexible check-in, no long-term lease required. Useful as a landing pad.
Private Rental (Studio / Apartment)
Rent your own studio or apartment directly from a private landlord or real estate agency. Greater privacy and independence, but requires a local rental history and references, which can be difficult to provide as a new arrival.
Where to Search
The following platforms are commonly used to find student accommodation in Melbourne. Always verify listings independently and never pay a deposit before inspecting a property or confirming it is genuine.
StudentVIP
Student-specific rooms, share houses, and homestays across Australia
Flatmates
Share houses, rooms, and flatmate matching; large Melbourne listings
Realestate/Domain
Private rentals and apartments listed by real estate agencies; best searched in person once you arrive
Scape / Iglu / UniLodge / Atira
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) providers with properties in central Melbourne; apply directly through their websites
Study Australia Accommodation Search
Australian Government’s official student accommodation directory; links to verified providers
Airbnb (short-stay only)
Useful for your first 1–2 weeks as a transitional option; not suited for long-term student living due to cost
The Application Process
The process differs depending on the type of accommodation you are applying for. Below is a general guide for private rentals and PBSA providers — which follow the most structured process.
1 Most landlords and PBSA providers will ask for some or all of the following:
- Be 18 years or older at course commencement
- Enrolment confirmation (your Letter of Offer or CoE from The Future Culinary Academy)
- Evidence of funds (bank statement showing ability to cover rent and bond)
- A reference (contact details for a person who can speak to your character or prior tenancy)
- Australian mobile number and email address
2 Most landlords and PBSA providers will ask for some or all of the following:
- Be 18 years or older at course commencement
- Enrolment confirmation (your Letter of Offer or CoE from The Future Culinary Academy)
- Evidence of funds (bank statement showing ability to cover rent and bond)
- A reference (contact details for a person who can speak to your character or prior tenancy)
- Australian mobile number and email address
3 Most landlords and PBSA providers will ask for some or all of the following:
- Be 18 years or older at course commencement
- Enrolment confirmation (your Letter of Offer or CoE from The Future Culinary Academy)
- Evidence of funds (bank statement showing ability to cover rent and bond)
- A reference (contact details for a person who can speak to your character or prior tenancy)
- Australian mobile number and email address
4 Most landlords and PBSA providers will ask for some or all of the following:
- Be 18 years or older at course commencement
- Enrolment confirmation (your Letter of Offer or CoE from The Future Culinary Academy)
- Evidence of funds (bank statement showing ability to cover rent and bond)
- A reference (contact details for a person who can speak to your character or prior tenancy)
- Australian mobile number and email address
5 Most landlords and PBSA providers will ask for some or all of the following:
- Be 18 years or older at course commencement
- Enrolment confirmation (your Letter of Offer or CoE from The Future Culinary Academy)
- Evidence of funds (bank statement showing ability to cover rent and bond)
- A reference (contact details for a person who can speak to your character or prior tenancy)
- Australian mobile number and email address
Costs to Budget For
Rent is not your only cost. Budget carefully for the following when calculating what you can afford.
Your Rights as a Tenant in Victoria
As an international student renting in Victoria, you have the same legal rights as any other tenant. Understanding these rights is important — your visa status does not reduce your protections under Victorian law.
Quiet enjoyment
Your landlord cannot enter your home without proper notice (generally 24 hours in writing, except in emergencies). You have the right to live peacefully without harassment or unannounced visits.
Property in good repair
Your landlord must maintain the property in a reasonably clean and good state of repair, including appliances, plumbing, and heating.
Bond refund
Your bond must be returned to you at the end of your tenancy unless there is a legitimate claim for damage beyond fair wear and tear, or unpaid rent. Disputes are handled by the RTBA and VCAT.
Protection from discrimination
Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you, or treat you differently, on the basis of your nationality, race, religion, or visa status. This is unlawful under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic).
Dispute resolution
If you have a dispute with your landlord, you can apply to Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) for free assistance or lodge an application with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). You do not need a lawyer to do this.
Rental scam awareness — protect yourself
International students are frequently targeted by accommodation scammers. Be very cautious if you encounter any of the following:
- Rent that is significantly below the market rate for the area and property type
- A landlord or agent who asks for a bond or deposit before you have inspected the property
- Payment requested via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash to a personal account
- A landlord who says they are “overseas” and will mail the keys after you pay
- Pressure to sign a lease or pay quickly before someone else “takes it.”
Never pay a bond or deposit without first inspecting the property in person. Legitimate landlords and agents will not pressure you to pay before you have seen the home.
Helpful Resources
The following platforms are commonly used to find student accommodation in Melbourne. Always verify listings independently and never pay a deposit before inspecting a property or confirming it is genuine.
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)
Tenancy rights, disputes, bond claims, and renting guides
Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)
Check and claim your bond; confirm your bond has been lodged
VCAT — Residential Tenancies List
Formal tenancy disputes, bond claims, and eviction hearings
Tenants Victoria
Free advice and information on tenancy rights; support for tenants in difficulty
Study Australia — Accommodation
Australian Government’s official accommodation guide and directory for international students
Public Transport Victoria (PTV)
Plan your commute to the Academy; Myki card information, routes, and timetables
BEGIN YOUR CULINARY JOURNEY
At The Future Culinary Academy, passion for food transforms into professional mastery and global career opportunities.
