Australian Rules football is being used to help international students in Victoria build social connections and improve wellbeing, under a new state government-backed initiative linking newcomers with the sport.
The program, supported by the Australian Football League in partnership with North Melbourne Football Club and the Western Bulldogs, will introduce up to 200 students to the basics of the game while also giving them the chance to attend live matches.
It forms part of the Study Melbourne Inclusion Program, which funds projects aimed at improving safety, wellbeing and social inclusion for international students living in the state.
AFL executive Rob Auld said the sport had a distinctive role in connecting people, noting the initiative was designed to help students feel included from the outset of their time in Victoria. He said providing an accessible and culturally inclusive introduction to the game could help participants form friendships and develop a sense of belonging, while also encouraging a lasting connection to Australian football.
Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson said the broader program supported a range of initiatives considered important to student wellbeing, including driver education, cooking workshops, professional development sessions and arts-based projects. The AFL initiative is one of 14 to receive grants of up to $30,000 this year.
Since its launch in 2015, the Study Melbourne Inclusion Program has funded 178 projects, with total investment reaching $7.8 million and more than 238,000 international students participating.
Victoria continues to attract large numbers of overseas students, supported by its universities, TAFEs and multicultural communities. Melbourne was ranked Australia’s top student city in 2025 by Quacquarelli Symonds, placing fifth globally.
The Victorian Budget 2025–26 includes $18.6 million to continue international education programs, including the inclusion initiative. International education remains the state’s largest services export, generating close to $16 billion in 2024 and supporting about 64,000 jobs.
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