Pre-departure advice

Preparing for your travel to Australia, may seem like an overwhelming task, there are so many things to think about.
We’ve provided some tips below to help get you started.

• Check that your passport is valid for the full length of your study period in Australia.
• Have a medical check-up and organise any prescribed medications or immunisations you may need. Ask your doctor to write a letter in English explaining these medicines. This will help you with your customs process and will also assist with your ongoing treatment after you arrive in Australia.
• Have evidence of the mandatory vaccinations which are required for some courses in the Health discipline. You will be required to submit documentary evidence to confirm all vaccinations.
• Talk to your phone service provider about global roaming options and fees.
• Visit the website of your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provider and read information about your health coverage from when you arrive in Australia.
• Check your International and Course Orientation dates.
• Book your flights to Australia (arriving a few days before your international orientation).
• Investigate travel insurance options. Be sure to check out what is included and not included in their policy, as this differs between companies. Policies may include cover for: lost or stolen bags, emergency medical expenses (such as the cost of treatment and getting you home), the costs of cancelling, delaying or cutting your trip short.
• Research your accommodation options and arrange temporary accommodation for when you arrive.
• It would be a good idea to have some Australian cash on you and some savings available to help you initially, as you transition into your new life in Australia.
• Be prepared when you arrive in Australia by checking Google maps for distances and directions to places, and also local public transport services (if required). This will give you the best available options so you can arrive safely at your destination.
• Make a note of the contact details of your country's embassy in Australia and of TAFE Queensland's out of hours contact number for international students (1800 644 044 – after office hours and public holidays), including the Study Queensland hotline 1800 778 839 (1800QSTUDY) for international student support.
• Remember to pack important documents including your Letter of Offer, Terms and Conditions of Enrolment, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), certified copies of academic transcripts, identification documents, important contact numbers, accommodation details, and important medical records.