Visit Australia

Welcome to Australia

Congratulations on choosing Australia as your study destination. On arrival you will meet students from over 150 countries, carving their futures with Australia’s world-class institutions and education system.

In your new homeland, you will experience a new kind of learning style, incorporating innovative, creative and independent thinking. This will build the skills to give you the academic, personal and professional advantage that you need to start your new career.

We wish you the best of luck with the success of your studies and hope that you enjoy the time that you spend in Australia. The people that you meet and the experiences that you will encounter will change you life forever.


Before you leave home

Once you have organized a student visa and your Confirmation of Enrolment is accepted, we need to start thinking of some of the practicalities of traveling to a new country such as Australia.


Packing

Most Airlines have a checked baggage weight restriction of approximately 20kg (44lb).

Clothing depends upon the season that you will be arriving in and in what part of the country you will be living. The first academic semester is when students usually first arrive, which is in February, the middle of summer. You will need to pack shorts, short-sleeve t-shirt and a light jacket. Around July is the winter months, where you will need to bring a jacket or jumper, jeans, and a long-sleeve t-shirt to deal with the elements. The northern areas of Australia are in the tropical region of the southern hemisphere, so the further north you settle, the hotter the temperature will be.

Electronic equipment adaptors are different here than most countries. If bringing such electronic devices with you into Australia, such as Mp3 players, and mobile phone chargers, make sure that you have the correct adaptor.  

Due to quarantine restrictions, any type of food is prohibited from being imported into the country. This includes fresh, dried and pre-packaged foods.

In the case your important documents are stolen, misplaced or destroyed, you may want to photocopy your passport, visa, traveler’s cheque receipts, flight tickets, insurance documents, credit cards, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) cards and your Confirmation of Enrolment. Pack these photocopied documents with you luggage in case you need them in Australia. Also leave a copy with someone at home in case you manage to lose both the carried photocopies and original documents. The original documents need to be presented at each checkpoint in the airport, so carry them in your hand luggage where they can be easily accessed when needed.   

Never let anyone pack your luggage for you, or bring items into the country for someone else. It may contain illegal items and you will be held responsible for it. Lock your luggage to prevent theft, but however, if a search is conducted and the key is not present, the lock will be broken.


Insurance

Australia is a relatively safe country and your chances of encountering problems are minimal. Even so, you still need to be prepared for the unexpected. Cancelled flights, lost luggage, and wallets could cost you a lot of unwanted time and money, so before you leave make sure you take out some type of travel insurance. It will protect you against covering unexpected costs.

Overseas Student Health Cover (or OSHC) is compulsory for all student visa holders for the duration of their visit. Overseas Student Health Cover will help pay for any medical expenses you may have to pay during your visit.


Money

If you are carrying more than $10,000AUD cash or equivalent currency with you when you enter Australia, you must declare it to the Customs officials at the airport.

To should bring enough Australian currency cash with you to last a few days. After you open a bank account, you can add larger amounts of cash from traveller’’s cheques from overseas that you have brought with you.


Short term accommodation

If possible, it would be a good idea to organize accommodation where you can permanently stay before you arrive in Australia. However, you may want to wait for such things like a rental property inspection before you decide to commit to rent.

When you first arrive, you may want to organize temporary accommodation for the first few days, whilst you look for something more permanent. Hotels are expensive at up to $150 AUD per night. You might want to find a place to live straight away. Alternatively, you can stay at a hostel, or short stay apartments. Your local newspapers and websites have rental properties advertised on a regular basis.