Australia Pre-Departure Guide
Your complete checklist and guide for all essential preparations before traveling to Australia for your studies.
Quick Access
Example checklist. Your own steps depend on your course and visa.
Pre-Departure Preparation for Australia
The main steps to take before you fly to Australia.
Start Early
Key Preparation Areas
- Visa and Documents: Student visa, passport and CoE
- Accommodation: A place for your first nights, then longer-term housing
- Health Cover: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) from the day you arrive
- Money: Some Australian dollars (AUD) and a plan for bank fees
Preparation Timeline
After your offer
Accept, get your CoE, buy OSHC and apply for your visa.
After your visa
Book your flight and a place to stay for your first nights.
Before you fly
Pack, plan your airport transfer and keep key papers in your hand luggage.
Check With Your University
Your university may buy your OSHC for you. The CoE will show it.
Check your university's website for Orientation Week (O-Week) dates. O-Week is a welcome week before classes.
Master Pre-Departure Checklist
Tick these off before you fly.
Documents
Passport
Valid for at least 6 months before you arrive. Leave a copy with family.
Student visa
Granted before you fly. Carry your visa papers and CoE.
Accommodation
First nights booked
You need the address for your Incoming Passenger Card.
Airport transfer
Know how to reach your accommodation and check in after hours.
Money
Some Australian dollars
Most airports have money exchange counters.
Ask your bank about fees
Find out if your card works in Australian ATMs and what each withdrawal costs.
Travel
Hand luggage
Passport, visa papers, address, a pen, prescription medicine and emergency contacts.
Packing
Check the weather in your city, your baggage allowance and pack a travel adaptor.
Health
OSHC starts on arrival
Your cover must begin on the day you land.
Under 18?
Pre-Departure Categories
Guides for each part of your preparation.
Cultural Preparation for Australia
Australia is home to people from many cultures. A little reading before you go helps you settle in.
Useful Local Phrases
Brunch
A meal that mixes breakfast and lunch, popular on weekends
AFL
Australian Rules football
NRL
Rugby league
Cultural Tips
- Almost one in three people in Australia were born in another country.
- You will find places of worship for most religions, including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Christianity.
- Many people love sport. Cricket and Australian Rules football (AFL) are popular.
- Most big cities are on the coast, and many people spend free time at the beach or in parks.
Staying Connected
How to get a phone number in Australia.
Mobile Phones & Internet
Mobile Phone Options
Check your phone
An unlocked phone works with an Australian SIM. A locked phone may not work here.
Choose a plan
Pick a pre-paid service (you pay first, then use) or a SIM-only plan (just the SIM card, not a new phone). Top up online or in shops.
Buy your SIM
Pre-paid SIM cards are sold in many shops, supermarkets and phone stores.
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency Contacts in Australia
In Australia, call 000 for police, fire or an ambulance. It is free, even from a mobile.
Save These Contacts Before Departure
Your university's international office
Your first stop for study and visa help.
Emergency: 000
Police, fire or ambulance.
Home Affairs Global Service Centre
Visa questions by phone: +61 2 6196 0196, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (Australian time).
Phone Checklist
Check if your phone is unlocked.
Pick a pre-paid SIM or a SIM-only plan.
Save 000 and your university's number in your phone.
Essential Pre-Departure Tips
Apply for your visa early. It takes longer in busy months.
Check your passport is valid for at least 6 months before you arrive.
Book your flight only after your visa is granted.
Arrange a place to stay for your first nights before you fly.
Plan how to get from the airport to your accommodation, even late at night.
Pack a travel adaptor so your chargers fit Australian wall sockets.
Check your airline's baggage allowance before you pack.
In your hand luggage, each bottle of liquid must hold 100 millilitres or less.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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