Once you have received your Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) to study at an Australian education or training provider, as well as confirmation of your student visa, you can begin planning your arrival in Australia. Use the pre-flight checklist below to ensure you’re prepared!
1. Passport
Check that your passport is valid for at least six months before you arrive in Australia. It’s also a good idea to save hard copies of your passport in case of emergency.
2. Visa
Make sure you have a valid visa for arriving and studying in Australia long before your departure date, and that you have all of your visa papers (including the Confirmation of Enrollment, or eCoE) with you before you board the plane.
3. Proof of vaccination
From July 6, 2022, you will no longer be required to present proof of your COVID-19 vaccine for travel to Australia. However, we strongly advise all travelers to get vaccinated for their own protection.
Check the standards of your airline as well as any countries through which you will be traveling, as they may demand vaccination.
4. Flights
Make sure your flight arrival date allows you enough time to settle into your new location and university before beginning your studies. Keep your flight information in a secure location, along with your passport and visa information. Do not plan your trip until you have received your student visa.
5. Check the requirements of your arrival city in Australia and your study destination
You must understand and be prepared to meet the requirements for arriving in Australia and your study destination (if you intend to travel within Australia). Check the most recent criteria for your state or territory here.
6. Pre-departure testing (evidence of a negative COVID-19 test)
The Australian government no longer requires persons traveling to Australia to take a COVID-19 test. However, you must still ensure that you meet the standards of your airline and any countries you pass through.
7. Travel Insurance
In addition to your Overseas Student Health Coverage (OSHC), you should look for travel insurance, which will cover things like cancelled flights and some medical expenses. Speak with your education or travel agency for more information and guidance on the appropriate travel insurance coverage for you.
8. Contact details
It’s a good idea to keep a list of emergency contact information with you when you travel. Make a list of your family and personal connections in Australia, as well as your embassy, hotel, and institution information. If you hire education agent services, maintain their contact information on your phone in case you need to reach them once you get to Australia.
9. Australian currency
Money exchange counters are available at Australian airports and cities, but it is recommended that you bring some Australian currency with you when you arrive.
10. What to expect on arrival
You will also need to fill out an incoming passenger card. The Australian Border Force website provides information on what to expect during border clearance.
11. What you can (and can’t) bring into Australia
Australia has tight border restrictions, so be informed of what you can and cannot bring in. Australia’s biosecurity laws have been reinforced, and penalties will apply if you fail to disclose biosecurity goods correctly at the Australian border. This means that when you come to Australia, you must declare.
- Any food, plant materials, and animal products
- Firearms, weapons, and ammunition.
- Currency quantities of A$10,000 (or international equivalent).
- A few drugs
12. Accommodation
Make sure you have booked and confirmed your accommodation before you arrive, and take note of the address and phone number of the place you will be staying.
13. Inform your education provider of your address
As per visa requirement 8533, you must notify your education provider of your residence address within seven (7) days of arrival in Australia.
14. Planning to work?
Your student visa allows you to work while you study. This can help you earn extra money while also providing excellent language and cultural experience.
15. Enjoy your Australian study experience (have fun!)
After you’ve arrived and settled into your new home and surroundings, your Study Australia experience will begin.
