International House is a residential college owned by the University of Melbourne. We bring together approximately 350 graduate and undergraduate students from Australia and overseas, in a community that is devoted to academic success, intercultural understanding and personal growth.
Our Purpose is To achieve academic success, personal growth and cross-cultural understanding through a challenging and supportive experience in international living and learning. To be recognised as an outstanding international community through the excellence of its educational experience, preparing students for valuable roles in their local and global communities. To assist and motivate students to reach their full intellectual and academic potential through a supportive environment. To offer care and assistance, encourage mutual support between students and respect the individual. To foster the harmonious and helpful spirit of the House, enabling lasting friendships to be made. To provide through our social, cultural, sporting, organisational and management activities for the development of each student's maturity and skills. To strive for continuous improvement in all we do, and in everything we do we will aim to be among the best as measured against international practices in similar student communities. To understand, appreciate and respect the principles, cultures and differences of others.
In 1945, shortly after the end of the Second World War, the Australian government invited university students from countries in South and South East Asia to study in Australia as part of an aid program called the Colombo Plan. A significant number of these students came to study at the University of Melbourne. Of those who did, many found it difficult to find suitable accommodation close to the University, and were on the receiving end of racial distrust and intolerance from Australians.
Various groups within and outside the University of Melbourne were interested in making these students feel welcome and assisting them to form friendships with Australian students. It was felt that the establishment of a new residential college for local and overseas students would best serve this interest. Fraternitas is the chosen motto of the House, which means 'brotherhood' in Latin. The contemporary context of our motto implies a fellowship of young men and women and recognition of common humanity across cultural and national boundaries.
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Great Institution
International House (or "IH" as it is affectionately called) is a residential college for the University of Melbourne. As its name suggests it accommodates international students alongside Australian local students - a great way to create international friendships and understanding. IH has a strong community culture and is an ideal way for (especially country) kids to start off their tertiary studies / independent lives.
By Ian Woodruff (Aug, 2017) |
When I look back my uni days in the 90s, I had some of the best uni days of my life in IH! I just hope many more students from Australia and around the world will continue to make fun and beautiful memories there!
By Akiko Yamane Nakamura (Oct, 2016) |
IH has been the most incredible years of my life! It's an honour to share university and extra-curricular activities and experiences with passionate and talented individuals throughout the world, who remain friends for life.
By Cindy Nguyen (Oct, 2015) |
I spent some of the best years of my life here and built strong friendships with several IH'ers.
IH is a wonderful place to live in and to grow and develop oneself.
By Serene DC (Jan, 2015) |
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The education my daughter has received in Melbourne has been transformative, with dedicated staff guiding her every step of the way and remarkable growth evident in her confidence and academic skills.
By S.C. (Feb, 2024) |