Pre Departure Kit
1. A few weeks before you leave home you should contact the International Office at your institution for advice on airport reception, temporary accommodation, orientation sessions and other services.
2. Make sure you take copies of all documents with you, including your passport, visa, traveler’s cheque receipts, flight tickets, insurance documents and credit cards. Put copies in different places where they can be easily accessed in an emergency, and keep the originals in your hand luggage. Leave a copy of all of your important documents with someone at home.
3. Travel insurance - make sure you have enough cover for yourself and your possessions, especially while travelling.
- Accommodation references - if you plan to rent accommodation, try to bring references from your previous landlords. This will make signing a tenancy agreement a lot easier. Also make sure you have some current bank records to help
prove you can afford the rental.
- Medical records - bring your medical records and medical prescriptions with a letter from your doctor if you need to take medication.
- Passport photos - you might want to bring a few extra passports photos, as they will be useful if you need to get membership cards or visas for overseas holidays.
- Money - you should bring enough Australian currency in cash for your first few days and have access to $1,500 to $3,500 in bank draft/traveler’s cheques (in your own name).
4. Airline tickets and a valid passport with student visa.
Letter of offer from your study institution or a confirmation of enrolment.
Letter of scholarship award (if applicable).
Original or certified copies of your academic transcripts.
Personal identification such as a driver’s licence or identity card.
5. Your luggage - When packing your luggage, make sure you keep the items you might need to declare at customs easily accessible. Keep in mind that the check-in weight for economy class is usually 20kg (check baggage allowance with your airline). Your luggage should be clearly labeled with your name, contact address and the address of your institution.
Never agree to bring a bag or other items to Australia from someone else as it may contain something illegal and you will be held accountable for it.
Keep your passport and the Notice of Arrival or Confirmation of Enrolment from your institution with you at all times, along with the contact details of the International Office at your institution.
Checklist of Documents you carry:
- Airline tickets and a valid passport with student visa.
- Letter of offer from your study institution or a confirmation of enrolment slip issued by the institution.
- Receipts of all payments you have made including tuition fees, health cover, etc.
- Letter of scholarship award (if applicable).
- Original or certified copies of your academic transcript.
- English translation of prescriptions for any medications you are carrying.
- Personal identification: driver’s license (valid in Australia) or identity card.
- Health insurance details.
After Arriving
- When you arrive in Australia, certain items need to be declared. You will need your passport and Incoming Passenger card ready to go through Immigration. You may then collect your luggage from the baggage hall and proceed to the baggage examination area.
- If u don’t have any thing to declare, follow green channel.
- If u have some thing to declare follow the red channel.
Items you must declare on arrival:
- Plant material (including painted, lacquered or raw wooden carvings, handicrafts and souvenirs made from plant material, straw products, bamboo, cane or rattan basket ware, potpourri, fresh or dried flowers, and items that contain bark);
- Animal products (including feathers, bones, horns, wool, animal hair, skins, furs, shells, coral, bee products, live animals, and birds’ eggs),
- All animals/protected wildlife;
- Medical products;
- Food (includes cooked and raw food and ingredients, dried fruit and vegetables, canned meat products, dairy products, fish and other seafood products, instant noodles and rice, herbs and spices, biscuits, cakes and confectionary, tea, coffee and other beverages, and seeds and nuts);
- Firearms, weapons and ammunition.
Note: Amount of AU$10,000 or more carried with you, or equivalent in foreign currency (meaning notes and coins of legal tender), must be reported on arrival or departure.
Luggage is screened on arrival. Above said must be declared for quarantine inspection. If you fail to declare or dispose these items or make false declarations you will be caught. You could be fined $220 on-the-spot; or you could be prosecuted and fined more than $60,000 and risk 10 yrs in jail. You will not be penalized if goods are declared.
For detailed info visit www.aqis.gov.au.
For detailed info of medicines visit www.tga.gov.au.
4. Duty free goods
You may have to pay customs duty and sales tax on some goods brought into Australia. Travelers are allowed to bring the following into Australia tax free:
- $900 worth of goods, not including alcohol or tobacco ($450 for travelers under 18). For example, cameras, electronic equipment, perfume, leather goods, jewellery, watches
- 2.25 liters of alcoholic beverages, and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of cigars or tobacco products other than cigarettes, for travelers aged 18 years and over.
Things to do
- Contact the International office at your Institution.
- Obtain a student card and concession cards.
- Enroll and attend the orientation sessions provided by your institution
- Open a bank account, if you have not already
- Arrange permanent accommodation.
- Start by exploring the city and working out where places such as your campus, local supermarkets and public transport points are in relation to where you live.
- You may also like to buy a local paper for ideas on what kind of community, sporting or cultural clubs are in your area.
- Joining clubs is a great way to meet new friends and become part of the community. Advertisements for community
events, such as concerts or markets, will also be in the newspaper.
Find permanent accommodation
There is a variety of accommodation available to suit different budgets and needs, including on-campus accommodation or a home stay with an Australian family. Shared accommodation with other students is a popular option, and student notice boards and newspapers often advertise rooms, apartments and houses for rent. Some institutions also post accommodation vacancies on their website. Most accommodation, except home stay, does not include electrical items, furniture, bedding and kitchen utensils. Inexpensive household goods are available from second-hand retail outlets or advertised for private sale in newspapers or on institution notice boards. You may wish to bring some of your own basic items. The International Office at your institution can provide you with advice on accommodation options. Temporary accommodation can be arranged for you before you leave home so that when you arrive you have some time to consider your long-term options.
Home Stay
It is a good idea to discuss the following issues with your host family when you first arrive. This will help you to better communicate with them, and to get the most out of your home stay experience.
- When should I pay for the rent or phone bill?
- What are the rules about using the kitchen, washing my clothes, going out and having my friends over?
- What time at night should I stop receiving telephone calls?
- How much notice should I give if I decide to move out?
- When can I get my deposit returned?
Hostels and guest houses (about $80 to $135 a week)
Shared accommodation (about $50 to $160 a week)
Rental accommodation (about $70 to $350 a week)
Students often share with other students. When renting a house, apartment or bed-sit, the landlord (the owner of the property) will require rent to be paid in advance together with a security bond equal to four weeks’ rent. Make sure you get receipts of these payments. This bond is refundable at the end of the lease, provided that no damage has been done to the property and adequate notice has been given to the landlord when you vacate the premises.
Tips for renting
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Don’t feel pressured into taking accommodation that does not suit you. |
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Carefully check the property to ensure it meets your requirements.
Note the condition of all fixtures, fittings and appliances (such as carpets, tiles, walls, phone and electrical outlets, ceilings and lights, bathroom and kitchen items). Ensure that everything is clean and in working order. Anything not in serviceable condition should be reported to your landlord or real estate agent. |
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Once you have decided to rent a property, you are required to sign a legal document known as a lease or rental agreement which sets out the obligations of the landlord and the tenant (the person living in the accommodation). This written agreement is usually for a fixed term (generally six to 12 months) and both parties are committed for the period specified in the contract. The lease will require the landlord to make sure all utilities are properly installed and in working condition and the tenant must keep the property in good order. |
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Before renting a property, you are entitled to a property inspection report which will list all items inside the property and their current condition. This property inspection report should be signed by you and the landlord or real estate agent. It will protect you from liability for damages not caused by you (such as damages from previous tenants). |
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Do not sign any documents unless you fully understand them and can meet all the necessary conditions. Ask International Office at your institution for help if you need it. |
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Ensure you obtain a receipt for any amount paid, including bond, rent or deposit. Keep a copy of all signed documents for your records. |
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You should buy contents insurance to cover your more valuable personal items. You ill probably be responsible for initial connection fees and all ongoing charges for electricity, gas, water and telephone. Deposits will be required before the electricity and telephone can be connected. Fees will vary depending on the state or territory you are settling in, and whether you are moving in to a city or regional area, but you can generally expect to pay about $30 to connect electricity, $30 for gas, $60 for water and $60 for phone. |
Living in Australia
Currency
Australia uses a dollars and cents system of decimal currency with 100 cents in a dollar. The bank notes in use are $5 (purple), $10 (blue), $20 (orange), $50 (yellow) and $100 (green). Coins used are silver 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents and 50 cents, and gold $1 and $2 coins.
Weights and measures
Australia uses the metric system of weights and measures. Speed and distance are measured in kilometers, goods in kilograms & liters, and temperature in degrees Celsius.
Summer - December to February
Autumn - March to May
Winter - June to August
Spring - September to November
Water
Australia is a very dry country and water is a precious commodity. Many Australian cities and towns experience drought from time to time and often have enforced water restrictions. Do not waste water unnecessarily. You should learn about appropriate water use when you arrive by visiting your state or territory’s water board website, or ask your International Office. Tap water in Australia is clean and safe to drink.
Australian culture
Addressing people - Australians usually have a first or given name and a family name or surname. People of your own age or younger are usually addressed by their first names. When speaking to people older than you, call them Mr, Mrs or Ms followed by their surname until you know them well, or they ask you to address them by their first name.
Greetings - good morning, good afternoon and good evening are formal greetings. Informal greetings are hello, hey or hi.
Please and thank you - say please when requesting something and thank you when anything is provided to you.
Personal space - standing closer than an arm-length from another person unnecessarily may make them feel uncomfortable.
Dress - Australians tend to dress casually. If more formal dress is required, you will usually be told.
Queuing - people queue when they are waiting in turn for something (such as a taxi, bus, at a ticket counter, or for a cashier). Never push ahead of others or “jump the queue” - it won’t be tolerated.
Punctuality - if you can’t keep an appointment or invitation, or are running late, always call to explain before the event.
Smoking - smoking is banned in government buildings, on public transport including domestic and many international flights, theatres, shopping centers and many indoor and outdoor public meeting places. Many restaurants have a smoking area as well as a non-smoking area. Always ask for permission to smoke.
Equality - Australians believe all individuals have equal social, legal and political rights, as protected by the Australian Constitution, and like to be treated equally.
Spitting - spitting in public is illegal and can cause offence.
Littering - Australia is environmentally conscious and littering is illegal. If you litter, you may be fined.
Table manners - Australians usually use cutlery for meals at home or in restaurants. If you don’t know which utensil to use for a particular course, ask first or watch and follow what others do. You can eat with your fingers at informal meals such as a picnic or barbeque.
Services
Banks
There are many banking institutions represented in Australia. Normal trading hours are 9.30 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30 am to 5.00 pm on Friday. Some banks are open on Saturday mornings, but all are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are readily available for withdrawals 24 hours a day. Most stores and supermarkets also have Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale (EFTPOS) terminals where you can pay for goods directly from your bank account and make cash withdrawals.
Credit cards
The most commonly accepted credit cards are MasterCard, Visa, Bankcard, American Express, Diners International and their affiliates. Most businesses accept credit cards as payment. It is not necessary (or encouraged) to carry large amounts of cash with you.
Opening a bank account
You should open a bank account as soon as you arrive in Australia. While your passport will be adequate identification for the first six weeks of your stay, you will need further identification after this time. When you open a bank account, you may be required to provide a Tax File Number
Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 240/250 volts AC, 50 cycles and a three-pin plug is used. Adapters are usually required for most foreign appliances and a transformer may be required if you bring an appliance from overseas that operates on a different voltage.
Shopping
Australia’s major town centers and capital cities have world-class shopping facilities. Hours are generally 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week, with late night shopping until 9 pm on Thursday or Friday. Some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Postal services
Postal services are provided by Australia Post and mail is delivered once a day from Monday to Friday. For larger parcels, a card will be left in your letter box for you to take to your nearest post office for collection. The postal service is reliable and efficient with next day delivery with in the same city. Most post offices are open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday. They sell stationery, post bags, phone cards and stamps. You can also pay your electricity and telephone bills and some other accounts at a post office.
Public transport
Australia has an extensive and comparably safe public transport system that includes trains, buses, trams and ferries. You can buy tickets at train stations, ferry wharves, at news agencies or onboard buses and trams. Australia also has two major national airlines and a number of regional airlines. Airline bookings can be made through travel agents, the airlines or online. International students are eligible for travel concessions in some states. Ask your institution if you are eligible.
Taxis
Metered taxis operate in all major cities and towns. You can call a taxi and book your journey by phone or wait at taxi ranks which are at transport terminals, main hotels and shopping centres. In some cities you can also hail taxis on the street. A taxi is vacant if the light on the roof sign is on. There is a minimum charge on hiring and then a charge per kilometer travelled. You may be charged a small fee for paying by credit card.
Personal safety
Australia is a safe and secure study destination and international students are welcome. However, as with anywhere you travel, you should take steps to keep yourself safe:
- always tell someone when and where you are going and when you expect to return;
- take care travelling at night on your own;
- make use of campus security escorts and bus services where available;
- never leave personal belongings unattended;
- always carry either a mobile phone, change for a pay phone or a phone card;
- it is always wise to take note of any security guidelines provided by your place of study;
- avoid giving your personal information to strangers; and
- lock your doors and windows before going out.
Emergencies
If you are faced with a life-threatening emergency, you should dial 000 on the telephone. The operator will ask you if you need fire, police or ambulance services before transferring your call.
Health
Your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) will cover you for most medical expenses (see page 49). Most large universities have a health centre on campus, and all institutions will have a first aid officer. Medical centres are in most cities and towns and are staffed by excellent doctors. Your institution will also provide you with access to counselors who can help with mental health issues, and to family planning facilities.
What your International Office can do for you
Many universities and VET institutions have an International Office on campus. You should contact the International Office at your institution soon after arriving in Australia. The office will be a continuous source of information and support for you while you adjust to living in Australia, and all the way through to the end of your studies. The International Office offers a range of services. If your institution does not have an International Office, talk to the student administration staff.
Orientation
Student Contact Officers (SCOs) in your International Office will guide new international students through orientation programs designed to help them understand the Australian education and training system and become familiar with the campus, support services and clubs. They will explain the institution’s structure and governance, Australian culture, and general issues associated with living in a new country.
Quality assurance
Australia is committed providing quality education and training to international students, however, you may still encounter problems with your course /institution. The Australian Gov has enacted a number of laws to ensure you are protected at these times, and it is important for you to understand your rights. The laws protecting international students are grouped together under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework. Under this framework, all Australian institutions that accept international students on a student visa are legally required to provide quality courses and meet the national standards for student services and institution facilities. Some of the main requirements include the following:
Consumer protection
The ESOS legislation provides consumer protection if a student or institution defaults on the course the student is enrolled in. This protection includes either a refund of course money to the student, or if a refund is not possible, placement of into an alternative course through a Tuition Assurance Scheme.
Tax returns
As an international student you may be affected by Australia’s taxation system. You should obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) if you are going to work in Australia. You may also need a TFN to open a bank account. To apply, complete a form available from the ATO website or an Australia Post office. If your visa allows you to work you can use the ATO’s online registration system. You will need to supply your name, current address and date of birth. You may also need to supply your date of arrival in Australia, current overseas passport (with current entry permit), and proof of enrolment, such as a student card or the Confirmation of Enrolment issued by your institution. If you work in Australia you will need to lodge an income tax return, either through a registered tax agent or by completing it yourself. If you complete your own income tax return, e-tax is the fastest way to obtain a refund. In most cases this will be within 14 days. You can download e-tax from the ATO website.
Superannuation
If you work in Australia as an international student, and are paid $450 or more in a calendar month, you may be entitled to superannuation. Your employer is usually required by law to pay money into a superannuation or retirement savings account for you. This legal requirement is called the Superannuation Guarantee. If you are eligible, you may be entitled to receive this money when you permanently leave Australia. This payment is called the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).
Student visa conditions
- There are a number of conditions on your visa you must follow to be allowed to study in Australia. The main conditions are that you must:
- maintain satisfactory attendance;
- achieve satisfactory academic results;
- continue to be enrolled in a registered course;
- notify your education provider of your address within seven days of arriving in Australia, and within seven days of any change in your address.
- notify your original educational provider if you change to a new education provider within seven days of obtaining your new certificate of enrolment; and
- maintain OSHC cover.
There may also be special conditions for students on scholarships. Make sure you read and understand all the conditions of your scholarship to ensure you comply, or else your visa may be cancelled and you may be deported.
Non-compliance
Your visa conditions are set out in the letter of approval you receive with your visa or on your visa label. It is important that you are familiar with these conditions and follow them. Every year, a number of students abuse the law by:
- working without approval or working longer hours than permitted by their visa;
- ceasing their studies before the end of their course;
- overstaying their visas; or
- using fraudulent documentation.
If you break these conditions, your visa may be cancelled and you may be required to leave Australia. You may also be prevented from returning to Australia for three years after your visa is cancelled.
If your circumstances change and you want to change your course, or you wish to stay longer, you should contact your nearest DIAC office for advice on how to make these arrangements. It is also important that you ensure your visa does not expire while you are in Australia. If you remain in Australia for more than 28 days after your student visa expires without obtaining a new one, you may be prevented from returning for three years.
Extending your visa
If your student visa expires before you have finished your course of study, you will need to apply for a new one at your local immigration office or at the visa section at the Australian Mission or Embassy in your home country.
Alumni associations
International students who graduate from an Australian institution are Australian alumni. You will find alumni associations established by your university and there may be Australian alumni networks in your own country.
Australian alumni networks can:
- assist you in maintaining the personal, business, institutional and educational links and friendships you have made while studying in Australia;
- help you with business and job opportunities back home and around the world; and
- provide a matrix of understanding and support within a community of graduates who have shared your experience of leaving home to study in Australia, and returned home as alumni.
A list of alumni associations can be found on the Study in Australia website www.studyinaustralia.gov.au.
Australian Government www.australia.gov.au
Study in Australia www.studyinaustralia.gov.au
ESOS www.aei.dest.gov.au/ESOS
Education in Australia www.education.gov.au
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade www.dfat.gov.au
(for contact details of your country’s embassy)
Department of Immigration and Citizenship www.immi.gov.au
(for immigration and visa information)
Australian Customs Service www.customs.gov.au
(for information on what you can bring into Australia)
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service www.aqis.gov.au
Australian Taxation Office www.ato.gov.au
Tourism Australia www.australia.com
Wages and Working Conditions www.wagenet.gov.au
National Liaison Committee www.nlc.edu.au
(for information on academic and welfare
issues for international students in Australia)
Emergency services 000
(police, fire, ambulance)
Visa issues 131 881
Dialling out of Australia 0011
(country code) (city/region code) (phone number)
Australia’s country code 61
AQIS Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
ATO Australian Taxation Office
CRICOS Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
DEST Department of Education, Science and Training
DIAC Department of Immigration and Citizenship
ESOS Education Services for Overseas Students
OSHC Overseas Student Health Cover
SCO Student Contact Officer
VET Vocational Education and Training
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