Studying in...
AUSTRALIA
What can we help you with?
Looking for Essentials?
VISA & Immigration
A visa in Australia is an official authorization or permit that allows a foreign national to enter, stay, or transit through Australia for a specific purpose and time frame.
What Visa Do I need to study in Australia?
If you want to study in Australia, you need a study visa, or known as Subclass 500. Below is a detailed guide on what visa you need:
How to apply for a Student visa?
Before you go and apply for a student visa, let us go over which documents you need:
Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE)
Genuine Temporary Entrant (Prove you intend to study and not immigrate)
English Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC, this is compulsory health insurance)
Proof of funds (Show that you can pay for tuition, living expenses and travel)
Valid passport
Biometrics and Health checks (some students may need a medical exam)
Now that you know what documents you need, here is how to apply:
Apply to an Australian University and get your CoE
Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian Immigration Website
Submit your online visa application and upload documents mentioned above
Pay the visa fee
Complete biometrics and health check if it is required
Wait for approval (this can take 1-4 months, so apply early)
Banking & Taxes
If you are an international student, you will need to open a bank account and learn about the taxes, especially if you decide to work part time.
What do I need for a Bank Account in Australia?
Here is a quick check list of what you need to open a bank account in Australia as a student:
Passport
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Proof of Address (University enrolment letter or rental agreement)
Tax File Number (This is recommended to avoid high tax deductions)
What is a TFN and how to get it?
A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique identification number given by the Australian Taxation Office to individuals and businesses in Australia. It is used for various tax purposes such as lodging tax returns and dealing with the ATO (Australian Tax Office). Having a TFN is mandatory for working.
How to get a TFN?
If you are on a temporary visa, you can apply for a TFN through the ATO website. You provide documents such as passport, visa, and proof of stay in Australia
First visit the ATO website and follow the instructions on how to apply for a TFN
Fill out the form with your personal details
Provide the necessary documentation
After processing, the ATO will send your TFN to your address (if you applied through post) if applied online, you will get a digital confirmation of your TFN
How to file Taxes as a student
If you work part-time during your studies, it is good to know how to file your taxes. Here is a quick breakdown on how to do so:
Firstly, your employer is responsible of deducting taxes of your wages with a system called Pay As You Go (PAYG)
At the end of the year, you as an employee file a tax return, if you have paid too much tax, you may receive a refund.
To file the tax return, you just go to MyGov Account and follow the instructions there!
Healthcare
If you are studying in Australia, you are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as part of your student visa requirements.
How to get health insurance as a student?
Firstly, you will need OSHC before applying for your student visa. A lot of universities you apply for will have a recommended provider, but you are free to choose your own.
Here are some of the approved OSHC providers:
Medibank
Bupa
Allianz Care
nib OSHC
AHM OSHC
How to apply for OSHC?
Now that you have chosen your provider, here is how to apply for OSHC:
Go to your chosen OSCH providers website
Fill in personal details (name, visa details and university name)
Select the coverage you need (options usually are single, couple or family)
Make payment
After making the payment, you will receive your OSHC Certificate via email!
Housing & Renting
Finding a place to live in Australia as an International Student can be challenging and confusing, but knowing your options and rental process will make it a lot easier.
Types of student housing options
Here are all the options, and details about your housing and renting options as a student:
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Managed by the university, on or near campus
Includes residential colleges, student halls, or dormitories
All utilities (electricity, water and internet) are included
Limited availability
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Renting a house or apartment with roommates or alone
More independence and privacy
Cheaper if you share with roommates
You must pay separate bills
Must sign a lease agreement
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Live with an Australian Family in their home
Meals and utilities included
No need to worry about cooking or bills
Might have curfews
Less independence
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Fully furnished
Includes utilities and internet
Social environment with other students
Can be expensive
Limited availability
Transportation
As you are a international student in Australia, getting around is easy and convenient thanks to the incredibly well developed public transportation system. However, if you plan to drive, there are specific rules regarding your foreign drivers license.
Can students drive in Australia?
Yes of course, international students can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license, but rules vary by state.
Some states require an official translation of your license if it is not originally in English. Or you need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
As you are most likely studying in Australia long term, here is how to convert your license:
What documents do I need:
Your foreign drivers license
Passport and visa
Proof of address
ID photos
Medical certificate, if it is required by the state you are moving to
Driving history report
After you gathered your documents, here is how to convert your driver license:
Firstly, check if your country has a license agreement with Australia, the countries that do have a license agreement are:
United Kingdom, New Zealand, United States, Canada, European Union countries, South Africa, Japan and Switzerland
Find the nearest transport office
Make an appointment
Bring the required documents mentioned above
Pay the license conversion fee (this can vary by state)
Receive your Australian driver’s license (this can take up to a few weeks)
If your country is not recognized, you will need to take a theory and practical driving test
Public Transportation in Australia
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Best for commuting between suburbs and city centers
Available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide
Requires prepaid cards
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Covers local and regional areas
Requires transport card (this varies by state)
Frequent in cities, around 5-15 mins at a time
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This is the best for quick city travel
Available in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Gold Coast
Melbourne’s City Circle Tram is Free for tourists
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Scenic transport across harbors and rivers
Found in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth
Use transport cards
One of the popular routes is Sydney’s Manly Ferry