International Students

Studying in Australia

Studying overseas is an exciting adventure, and the experiences you have while living in Australia will stay with you for your lifetime. To begin with, you may find it challenging and it will take time to adjust to your new life. You may experience difficulties in cultural, social or academic areas; and find that the values and customs of your home country are very different to those in Australia. Remember that you are not alone and that there is always help available to assist you to settle in.

Australian Academic Year

Many courses have start dates in either Semester 1 (February – March) or Semester 2 (May – July) and there is often an orientation week for new students prior to the course commencement.

The class timetable follows the school holiday calendar with a two week break in March / April, June/ July, September / October and a long summer holiday from December through to February.

Time Zones

There are three different time zones that stretch across this vast country.

Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST (UTC +10)) covers New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), Victoria (VIC), the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and Tasmania (TAS). Australian Central Standard Time (ACST (UTC +9.5)) covers South Australia (SA) and the Northern Territory (NT).

Australian Western Standard Time (AWST (UTC +8)) covers Australia’s largest state, Western Australia (WA). Daylight saving (moving clocks forward one hour) occurs during summer months (Oct – Apr) in the ACT, SA, NSW, TAS and VIC

Money Matters

Australian currency uses the decimal system of dollar and cents. The Australian dollar ($) is a national currency and accepted across all states and territories.

If you plan to transfer funds to Australia then make sure to take notice of exchange rates and any associated fees.

• ATMs
  Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are located everywhere, including at the airport. You can immediately withdraw cash from your overseas bank account at ATMs displaying the Cirrus Logo if your ATM card has international access. Check this with your financial institution before leaving home.

• Credit cards
  All major international credit cards are accepted in Australia but often repayments to these cards can only be made in the country where they were issued. Do not rely on being able to get a credit card once you arrive in Australia because this is very difficult due to credit and identification laws.

• Electronic transfer
  You can transfer money into Australia by electronic telegraph or telegraphic transfer at any time. This is a fast option and will take approximately 48 hours, but the bank will charge a fee on every transaction. You are able to pre-open a bank account before you arrive.

• Initial Expenses
  Here is an example of some of the set up costs you might encounter when you come to Australia.

Cost of Living

DIBP asks you to show that you have $18,610 a year for your living expenses.

If you are coming with family members, for DIBP purposes you must show an extra $6515 a year for a spouse, $3720 for a first child and $2790 for each additional child.

DIBP advises you that you need an extra $8000 a year for children between five and 18 to cover schooling expenses.
Visit: www.border.gov.au/Trav/Stud/More/Student-Visa-Living-Costs-and-Evidence-of-Funds

Adjusting to life in Australia

Additional advice that may assist you in adjusting to life in Australia:

Pre-Departure Checklist

International Policies

The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, or ESOS Act, establishes legislative requirements and standards for the quality assurance of education and training institutions offering courses to international students who are in Australia on a student visa. ESOS also provides tuition fee protection for international students. You can view the ESOS framework here.

The following polices have been designed in the best interest of our international students and the organisation alike, to ensure the highest standard of services provision and learning outcomes possible.