Study Abroad in Melbourne--Help!
 

I will be studying abroad in Melbourne from early February until mid-July on a student visa. My boyfriend would love to come too, and we are looking for information about regular tourist visas, like how long you have to leave the country for (once your first 3 months are up) before you can re-enter for another 3 months? Where is a good place to go for the time between visas? Or any other helpful information from people who have attempted to stay for an extended amount of time. Also, any tips on good housing for a student attending the University of Melbourne--is cheap housing a possibility near the campus? Any and all Melbourne insights are much appreciated! Thank you so much!!

snchampi-he needs: "TheTourist Visa (subclass 676) allows for the entry of persons travelling to Australia for tourism, to visit friends and/or relatives, or for short-term study. The Tourist Visa is issued for stays of twelve months or less."

check out: http://www.austemb.org/

you need a study visa-both of which you can apply for on line.

I am not saying you should not travel to some other country (like New Zealand) while you are there.

And the official site is www.immi.gov.au.

good point Neil_Oz! I never should have assumed the OP was from the US. Of course "(if) outside Australia, payment must be in the currency accepted by the Australian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate, where the application is being lodged."

I guess it depends on what you mean by cheap housing but generally the area around Melbourne Uni is not cheap. Also there has been a rental shortage in Melbourne that has pushed prices up and made it difficult to find something. I see that you start your course in early Feb which is before the regular semester for the students here so that will give you an advantage as you will be looking before everyone else. Public transport is quite expensive(student discounts are only available for Victorian students) so it would be good if you could be in walking distance or consider buying a bicycle.Most of Melbourne is flat. There are lots of backpacker places near Melboune Uni, Maybe you could start there until you find some students to share a place. It is a beautiful University, I am sure you will enjoy it.

Depends entirely on what passport you bf carries. I assume as you will be a student your visa is all taken care of.