Students
About volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to prepare for your career and to make yourself more employable.
As well as being a key part of the Monash University ethos, volunteering enables you to enhance your work skills and experience, develop personal and professional networks, and contribute to the community around you.
Taking on a volunteer role also demonstrates your initiative, motivation and leadership potential to future employers.
Volunteering is defined as "time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain." (Volunteering Victoria)
It is unpaid work, usually for a not-for-profit organisation. This work benefits both the volunteer and the community and is based on roles that are not replacing paid workers. Most volunteer positions:
- require you to work less than 16 hours a week
- are covered by insurance
- don't involve high risk activity.
It's important to know what's required of you when undertaking volunteer work. For more information and resources, see Volunteering Victoria and Volunteering Australia.
Before you begin volunteering through a Monash program, whether it is on campus or in the community, you will need to complete the new pre-volunteering module - Foundations of Volunteering.
This short module has been designed to ensure that you are familiar with your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer. You will also learn how to be an effective volunteer who can make real and lasting change in your community!
Working with Children Checks
A valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) is usually required for staff and students undertaking volunteer activities.
Working with Children Checks are a screening tool by the Department of Justice and Community Safety, which protect children from harm by ensuring that volunteers do not pose a risk to any children with whom they may interact.
Working with Children Checks are free for volunteers and applications generally take 3-12 weeks to process. Go to the WWCC website to find out more and to submit your online application.
Police Checks
Police Checks are generally paid for by the not-for-profit organisations. In the event that volunteers must pay for a police check, Monash has been issued the CVF number CVF4650. Volunteers and students on placements can use this number to apply for a national police check at a reduced fee.
We're changing the volunteering space at Monash University!
Register below to stay up-to-date with the Monash Volunteering Program - your central place for all volunteering opportunities at the University and beyond.
Join the incredible network of student volunteers, and get ready to unlock your full potential and make a real difference in people’s lives.
For overseas students, volunteering is a good opportunity to practice language skills as well as learn about Australian working culture. Though you usually don't need permanent residency to volunteer, you may be subject to visa restrictions limiting the number of hours you can volunteer and work.
