What to do next when your student visa is granted and you plan to arrive to Australia

Have your student visa to Australia has been granted? You want to start packing but not sure what you need and what everything you can arrange from home! Check out our handy checklist which will successfully prepare you for your arrival in Australia.

1. Visa – The student visa has been granted and you received your Visa Grant Letter. Although everything is electronic, we would still encourage you to print out your visa grant letter in case your airline or immigration officers could ask for it.  
2. Money – The currency is an Australian Dollar (AUD). You can exchange your money at your home country or you can use money exchange places available at Australian airports and in cities. We would recommend you to have a small amount in Australian currency prior to leaving your home country.
3. Passport – Bring your passport which you specified on your student visa application as your visa and your passport are connected together. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months of your intended study.
4. Contact details – Prepare an emergency contact list with details of your family members, accommodation address and address of your selected school. Keep your details of your student agency with you too in case you will need to contact them for assistance. It’s also very important to pass the details of your visa, your  Australian address and your Australian mobile number to your family members who would like to contact you.
5. Medical Care – As an international student, you purchased overseas student health cover (OSHC) before you lodged your visa. The insurance card will be sent to your Australian address once you notify the insurance company about your new address. If you have any prescribed medication you may require, including a letter from your doctor (in English) detailing any prescribed medicines, please bring them with you in your check-in luggage.
6. Documentation – Create a document folder with your Letter of Offer, Confirmation of Enrolment (COE), academic transcripts from previous study, copy of your passport, important contact numbers, details of pre-arranged accommodation and important medical records.
7. Customs and quarantine – You will need to complete an Incoming Passenger Card on your arrival. Make sure you follow the Australian customs and quarantine regulations. If you need to declare any items, it’s good to put them on side and pack them separately.
8. Airport pickup – All of the Australian cities have great public transport available (train or bus). You may book your airport pick up through your education provider or catch Taxi / Uber.
9. Accommodation – Before arriving to Australia, make sure you organise at least short-term accommodation. As soon as you arrive to Australia, we encourage you to start looking for long-term accommodation options.
10. Bank Account / Apply for a Tax File Number – Once you arrive to Australia, you can open your student bank account using your Letter of Offer or Confirmation of Enrolment and get a discounted bank account. And also, apply for a TFN as soon as you arrive, as it can take up to 28 days to receive your TFN by mail.