Preparing for your travels

Pre-departure Checklist

This pre-departure checklist will help you prepare for your travels to Australia. 

1. Passport

Check that your passport is valid for at least six months prior to your arrival in Australia. It is also a good idea to make a copy of your passport and leave it with a family member in case of an emergency.

2. Visa

Make sure you have a valid visa for entering and studying in Australia well before your departure date and that you have all your visa documentation (including Confirmation of Enrolment, or eCoE) with you on your flight.

3. Flights

Be sure to book your flight to arrive in Australia with plenty of time to settle into your new city and campus before your course starts. Only book your flight once you have been granted a student visa.

Check out our helpful tips for booking your flight to Australia.

4. Travel insurance

In addition to your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), you should also consider travel insurance, which covers things such as cancelled flights and some medical costs. Talk to your education or travel agent for more information and for advice on the best travel insurance policy for you.

5. Money

It is recommended that you have some Australian currency with you when you land in Australia. There are money exchange counters in most international airports and cities. 

Ask your bank if you can withdraw money from ATMs (cash withdrawal machines) in Australia. If so, find out whether you need to pay a fee each time, and how much, so that you can plan your withdrawals.  

You may wish to open an account with an Australian bank to save on fees. Some banks will let you apply to open an account even before you arrive.

6. Accommodation

You will be required to provide your accommodation address on your incoming passenger card when you arrive in Australia. This means you need to arrange accommodation for your first night(s) before you travel. 

Please note: If you are under 18 years of age, it is a student visa requirement that you have adequate welfare arrangements in place prior to your arrival.

7. Arrange transport to your accommodation

Before you travel to Australia, find out how to get to your accommodation from your arrival airport or train/bus station, and how to check into your accommodation – including outside of usual business hours in case you arrive late at night or early in the morning.

8. Packing your bag

Research the average temperatures of your location in Australia so you will know whether to pack clothes that suit hot or cold weather. It's also a good idea to pack a travel adaptor that connects to Australian power points. 

Make sure you check your airline’s luggage allowance. Some airlines have the option to buy additional baggage online, which is cheaper than paying for an overweight or additional bag at airport check-in.

9. Hand luggage

It's a good idea to pack a change of clothes, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant to freshen up or in case of any delays with your main luggage. Remember that liquid, aerosol, and gel items must be in containers of 100 millilitres or less. 

Other things to pack in your hand luggage include:

• your passport and visa documentation
• the address of your accommodation
• a pen to fill out the incoming passenger card
• any prescription medication, and
• a list of emergency contact details including a family member, your education provider and education agent (if you have one).

10. What to expect on arrival

When you arrive at an Australian airport, you will first need to go through immigration and customs. You will need to complete an incoming passenger card which is usually given to you on board your flight.

Further information on what to expect at border clearance can be found on the Australian Border Force website.

11. Check travel and border requirements

You are not required to:

• show proof of your COVID-19 vaccination for travel to Australia, or
• have a COVID-19 test before travel.

However, you should check the requirements of your airline and any countries that you are transiting through as they may have vaccination or COVID-19 pre-testing requirements. 

You can stay up to date with latest travel requirements by visiting the Department of Home Affairs website.

12. What you can (and can't) bring into Australia

Australia has strict border controls so you need to be aware of what you can and cannot bring into Australia.

Australia's biosecurity laws have been strengthened and penalties will apply if you fail to truthfully declare biosecurity goods at the Australian border. Find out what you can and can’t bring on the Australian Border Force website.

13. Planning to work?

Your student visa allows you to work alongside your studies. This can help you to earn some extra spending money, and help you gain valuable language and cultural experience. Find out what you need to know about working in Australia as an international student.

14. Have fun!

After you’ve arrived and have finished settling into your new home and surrounds, your Study Australia adventure begins.

You're now part of a cohort that make an immense contribution to Australian society. Australia is now home to incredible citizens who started out as international students.

Welcome to our community, we are glad you can join us.