Pre-departure checklist

3. Proof of vaccination – You are not required to show proof of your COVID-19 vaccination for travel to Australia. However, we encourage all travellers to be vaccinated for their own protection.

Make sure you check the requirements of your airline and any countries that you are transiting through as they may have vaccination requirements.

4. Flights –Make sure the date of your flight arrival gives you plenty of time to settle into your new city and institution before the start of your study period. Keep your flight details in a safe and secure place, together with your passport and visa information. Do not make arrangements to travel before you are granted a student visa.

5. Check the requirements of your arrival city in Australia and your study destination – You will need to understand, and be prepared to meet, the requirements for arrival in Australia and at your study destination (if you plan to transit within Australia). Check the latest requirements for your state or territory here. 

6. Pre-departure testing (evidence of a negative COVID-19 test) – The Australian Government no longer requires people travelling to Australia to have a COVID-19 test before travel.

Important note: Please check that you meet the requirements of your airline and any countries you transit through.

7. 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.

8. Contact details – It’s a good idea to carry a list of emergency contact details with you when you travel.   Write down your family and any personal contacts in Australia, as well as your embassy, accommodation and institution details. If you have used education agent services, keep their details on your phone in case you need to contact them once you arrive in Australia.

9. Australian currency – There are money exchange counters in Australian airports and cities, but it is recommended that you have some Australian currency with you when you land in Australia. See our page ‘Plan your arrival’ for more information on accessing funds and opening a bank account.

10. What to expect on arrival –You will also need to complete an incoming passenger card. Information on what to expect at border clearance can be found on the Australian Border Force website.

11. 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. This means that when you arrive in Australia you must declare;

• Any food, plant material and animal items
  
• Firearms, weapons and ammunition
  
• Currency amounts of A$10,000 (or foreign equivalent)
  
• Some medicines

For more on what you can (and can’t) bring into Australia, see our web page ‘What can I bring in?‘.

12. Accommodation – make sure you have booked and confirmed your accommodation before you arrive, making note of the address and contact number of the place where you will be staying.

13. Inform your education provider of your address – As per visa condition 8533, you are required to inform your education provider of your residential address within seven (7) days of arriving in Australia.

14. Planning to work? – Your student visa allows you to work alongside your studies. This can help 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.

15. Enjoy your Australian study experience (have fun!) – After you’ve arrived and have finished settling in to your new home and surrounds, your Study Australia adventure begins. The community, locations of our cities and all there is to see and do – alongside your studies – will set you up for an experience like no other.

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.