ABOUT MELBOURNE

Melbourne Flight Training is an Australian owned and operated company. We organise many functions during the year. All staff and students are welcome to participate in these social functions. These occasions will provide you with a unique opportunity to enjoy your free time in the typical relaxed and friendly Australian way. During the year we have many activities including flying trips around Australia, barbecues, parties at the Airport and nights out.

Melbourne is a culturally diverse city with people from all over the world. Whatever your dietary requirements, you will be able to find a supermarket/market specialising in your particular food type. There are numerous Asian, South African, South American, European and specialty stores available. Your first stop should include the Queen Victoria market, not only a Melbourne icon, it is a great place to find all sorts of food!

On arrival in Australia, the conditions on your student Visa can be altered to allow up to 20 hours of part time work per week. Part time employment is readily available and you could expect to earn between AUD$15 – AUD$20 per hour. The following link to a fact sheet about permission to work in Australia may be of interest.

Melbourne Flight Training has access to student accommodation in close proximity to the airport. The accommodation offers a student their own room with private toilet and shower facilities with a shared kitchen facility. The cost of this accommodation is $200 per week inclusive of all utilities. Other opportunities are available for students to rent their own accommodation or share an apartment with other students.
Click on the following link for a popular rental search engine in Australia.

Suggested suburbs within close proximity to Moorabbin Airport are: Cheltenham, Mentone, Mordialloc and Dingley.

Melbourne's weather is described as four seasons in 1 day! Typically the summer months are fairly hot and dry (35-40 degrees C) and winter months can get cold (10 degrees C). Australians embrace each month and its associated weather. In summer people gather at numerous beaches around Melbourne and in winter we travel to the snow.

See the Melbourne Travel Guide

Overseas students are required to pay for Overseas Student Health Cover. This will provide you with the highest possible private medical cover. The cost is approximately AUD$360 for 12 months or AUD$480 for 16 months. If due to unfortunate circumstances that you do become ill, Melbourne Flight Training staff will be available to assist you for all your requirements.

Please download the following brochure from medibank private outlining what to expect.

Australia has a modern and efficient banking system. Soon after arrival in Australia our staff will assist you in opening a bank account if required. These bank accounts offer you 24 hour access to your funds through a wide range of Automatic Teller Machines. Banking hours are usually from 9:30am until 4:00pm from Monday to Thursday and until 5:00pm on Friday.

When you arrive in Australia our staff will greet you at the airport and take you to your place of accommodation if prior arrangements have been made. When you feel ready, they will take you to Moorabbin Airport and introduce you to the staff and students, as well as show you around our extensive facilities. Obviously there is no charge for the services of welcoming you at the airport and looking after you while you establish yourself.
Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer through Skybus Super Shuttle – bookings can be made through the following link.

Before bringing any electrical goods from your home country, you should consider if they can be used in Australia. In Australia we use a three pin plugs which is different from many other parts of the world. The voltage is 220 - 240 volts. If you require an adaptor plug, you should purchase this in your country or at one of the airports, as they can be difficult to find in Australia.

If you require a car while in Australia, Melbourne Flight Training has vehicles for hire at extremely competitive rates. Alternatively you can purchase a reliable old car for approximately $3,000. If you purchase a car in Australia you are strongly advised to obtain car insurance. Car insurance is really very good value and costs less than $300 for this short period. You should organise an International Driving Licence in your own country as this will be acceptable in Australia. Road rules are rigidly enforced in Australia. The speed limit is generally 60 km/h, and on freeways it is 100 km/h. Wearing seatbelts at all times is compulsory for all people in a car. Very strict drink driving laws are enforced in Australia. The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05. Melbourne Flight Training complies with the responsible service of alcohol.

Australia has a very multicultural society. In fact 25% of people in Australia were born overseas. If you wish to attend a place of worship there is a good chance your religion will be represented in Melbourne. Please ask our staff if you require any help finding where to go.