Our Story

From VicWISE to AusWISE

Originally founded as VicWISE in 2016, we began as a Melbourne-based NGO focused on empowering international students to achieve their career aspirations through advocacy,collaboration, and support. Over the years,we’ve expanded our networks, and enhanced our services, particularly during the pandemic.

Become a member

Our journey to become a one-stop-shop ecosystem

VicWISE was founded in 2016 as a working group with 12 members, with a mission to empower international students to achieve their career goals through advocacy, collaboration, support, and promotion. We believe that every student, regardless of their cultural background, should have equal opportunities to succeed in the workforce.

Steady growth

VicWISE has steadily grown since its inception, with increasing professional membership and international student interns supporting our NGO.

In 2018, we received a grant from Study Melbourne's International Student Welfare Program, enabling us to host four networking events attended by over 400 professionals, employers, and student graduates. This culminated in a meeting with Drake International's Founder & CEO, Bill Pollock, as the chief guest.

Became an NGO

In May 2019, we registered as a non-government organization (NGO), VicWISE Inc, and received an ABN 57 910 163 077. We elected an executive board every two years under the new NGO structure and approved a new logo and introduction of membership fees. Our professional membership grew from 54 to 96 members, and we established a volunteer team of 85 international students to support our NGO.

Support students throughout COVID

We responded to the immediate needs of international students who were facing traumatic circumstances in their lives, such as job losses, financial and food hardships, homelessness, domestic violence and emotional well-being issues.

We had to find new ways to connect and support students and professionals, and despite losing many professional members due to job losses, we rebuilt our membership base and expanded our services in 2022.

Continue supporting students

In 2020, when the pandemic hit and borders closed, we had to move into the digital world to stay connected. We responded to the immediate needs of international students who were facing traumatic circumstances in their lives, such as job losses, financial and food hardships, homelessness, domestic violence and emotional well-being issues.

2024 - Milestone year for VicWISE

The year 2024 marked a significant milestone for VicWISE as we expanded our influence and presence within the international student sector. In a groundbreaking partnership with Crown Resorts, we successfully delivered a series of nine interactive workshops across three major Australian cities: Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth.

These workshops attracted a diverse cohort of international students, offering hands-on sessions on "Life Skills" facilitated by industry experts. The program was carefully curated to address the unique challenges faced by international students as they navigate the complexities of adapting to life in a new country.