International Student Visa Pre-departure Guide For International Students Coming To Australia

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What to do before you leave Australia

Your student visa has been granted, hoorah! 

You’re about to embark on the biggest adventure of your life and our handy pre-departure guide will make sure you’re all ready to go. 

From the documents you’ll need at the airport to what you should prioritise once you touch down, we’re rounded up everything you need to know before catching your flight.

Make sure your passport is in date

This is undoubtedly one of the most crucial items to pack first. It’s recommended that your passport is valid for at least six months. 

Make printed copies of your passport and visa

It’s a good idea to make two printed copies of your passport and visa. Bring one copy with you and leave on with someone trustworthy at home. 

This will safeguard you from any problems if you lose the original copies.

Covid-19 and the border requirements
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All passengers arriving by air into Australia should complete the Digital Passenger Declaration(DPD). You can start your DPD seven days before your flight and submit it within 72 hours before your departure for Australia. This is because you must provide health information and declaration (vaccination status and if required COVID-19 test result) within 72 hours before flight. 
IMPORTANT: Always check check for updated information prior arrival to Australia on the Department of Home Affairs website. 

Book your flights and check your airlines COVID-19 requirements on all flights

Once your student visa has been granted, you can finally book your flights (this is our favourite step, too!). 
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If possible, try to arrive at least one to two weeks before orientation in order to allow time to settle in, meet people and overcome jet lag.

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Organise airport pickup

You may decide to take a taxi or public transport from the airport to your accommodation. If not, it’s a good idea to organise airport pickup before arriving in Australia.
 
Make sure you have a printed copy of the address of your accommodation to hand in case of any issues.

Contact your bank

You must tell your current bank that you are travelling overseas. This will ensure that you can withdraw and transfer funds until you can set up an Australian bank account.

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Exchange money

There are money exchange offices in Australian airports but it’s highly recommended that you have the correct currency to hand before leaving your home country. This will save both time and money.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade recommends students bring approximately AUD $500 to cover food and temporary accommodation costs when you first arrive. Australia accepts most major debit and credit cards.

Make a list of emergency contacts

It’s a good idea to make a list of emergency contacts before leaving for Australia. This may include members of your family, friends, accommodation and your education provider. 

If you have used an education agent such as Study Online Australia, it’s recommended that you keep their details on you in case you need help or support during your stay. 

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Create a folder for your important documentation

It’s highly recommended that you pack a folder of important documentation before travelling.
This may include the below:
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• Valid passport with student visa attached
• Confirmation of Enrolment issued by education provider
• Original or certified copies of academic scripts and qualifications 
• Other identification documents i.e. your birth certificate or driving licence
• Work documents i.e. your resume, work references and certificates
• Details of pre-arranged accommodation 
• Important medical records and/or prescriptions

Keep in touch with family and friends

Make sure to keep your family and/or friends up to date with your journey. Let them know once you have arrived safely.

What to do once you arrive in Australia

Open an Australian bank account

One of the first things you should prioritise upon arrival is opening an Australian bank account. 

The most common Australian banks are listed below:

• Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ)
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia
• National Australia Bank (NAB)
• St George Bank
• Westpac Banking Corporation

Bank hours vary but most operate between 9am - 5pm and are closed on Sundays. ATMs remain open 24 hours a day and many banks offer cardless cash in case of emergencies. 

Important: please be careful and look after your personal belongings if accessing cash from an ATM at night. 

To open a bank account, you may need the following:

• Your passport (with arrival date stamped by Australian immigration)
• Your student ID card or Confirmation of Enrolment(s) from your education provider
• Money to deposit into the account 
• Your Tax File Number (TFN)
• A copy of your visa grant letter 

Check out our handy guide on how to open a bank account in Australia for further information.

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Purchase an Australian SIM card

Another top priority within your first few days is purchasing an Australian SIM card so that you can text and make calls abroad with ease.

You can find a list of Australian mobile phone providers on our website.  

Apply for a TFN and/or ABN number 

If you are planning on working and living in Australia for more than six months, you are considered an Australian resident for tax purposes. To commence work, you must apply for a TFN number through the Australian Tax Office. 

You will also be required to lodge a tax return at the end of the financial year (June 30). Any income tax deductions made by your employer will be returned if you earned less than $18,200 in one year. 
  
If you are freelance, you will need to apply for an ABN number through the Australian Tax Office.  

You can find further information on how to get a job in Australia on our blog.

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Organise extra OSHC cover

OSHC can be organised on your behalf by Study Online Australia. But it is your responsibility to understand what this does and does not cover. 

If you would like to protect yourself for future dental, optical or physiotherapy treatments then it is up to you to organise additional private health insurance. There is the option to purchase extra packages on nib.

Check out our handy OSHC guide for further information.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team. Study smarter, choose Study Online Australia.