Federation University secures $30,000 grant for international student driving program
International students will be supported to improve their confidence driving on Australian roads with the development of a new International Student Driving Program.
Federation University has been awarded a $30,000 grant from Study Melbourne’s Inclusion Program (SMIP) to develop an innovative International Student Driving Program. This initiative, designed to help international students build driving confidence, is the only SMIP grant awarded to a university in 2025 a significant recognition of Federation’s commitment to student support.
The structured driving program will offer practical driving experience tailored to students who already hold international driver’s licenses but lack confidence navigating Australia’s road systems. It aims to reduce stress, increase independence, and enhance the overall academic experience by addressing a common challenge faced by international students.
A recent Federation University survey revealed strong demand for a tailored driving program, with over 180 international students expressing interest. More than half reported low driving confidence in Australia, and over 60% cited unfamiliar road rules as a major barrier. University counsellors have also seen a rise in driving-related anxiety, accidents, and the impact on students’ work and social lives.
The program is being co-designed with Federation final year IT students completing their capstone projects and placement students from the Master of Social Work program. Their involvement ensures the student voice is embedded throughout the development process, from the creation of a user-friendly booking system to the delivery of culturally informed content. This collaborative approach reflects Federation University’s commitment to student-led design and meaningful learning experiences.
For Social Work student Zhou Peng, the program couldn’t come at a better time. Originally from China, Zhou hasn’t driven in over a decade and has found the prospect of driving in Australia daunting.
“I haven’t driven since I got my license in China more than ten years ago,” Zhou said. “Driving here is really different, and that makes it intimidating.”
Zhou says that having a driving license will also provide greater freedom to get to and from university, highlighting that limited public transport options have affected her daily life in Ballarat.
“Public transport isn’t always reliable, and not having the option to drive makes life harder,” she said.
The new driving program is designed to address precisely these challenges, helping students like Zhou overcome fears, become road-confident, and gain the mobility needed to manage their studies and personal lives more independently.
“This driving program could help me feel more confident and less afraid to drive here,” Zhou added. “That would make a big difference.”
The initiative aligns with Federation University’s broader goal of creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for international students as they adapt to life in Australia. The university looks forward to launching the international student driving program and welcoming its first participants in the coming months.
To find out more about the program, head here: https://federation.edu.au/current-students/student-life/driver-education-and-experience-program
Quote attributed to Federation University Chief Learner Experience Officer, Samantha Bartlett
“We are extremely grateful for this SMIP funding and excited to develop the International Student Driving Program. Enhancing the student experience goes far beyond what happens on campus; having access to flexible, safe transport options supports students’ ability to attend classes, engage fully with university life and settle more confidently into the broader community.”
“Federation University is committed to providing practical solutions that enhance the student experience, and this program is a testament to that commitment.”