Preparing to come to Australia

Nightlife in Adelaide

Pre-departure checklist

Moving to a new country and culture can be both exciting and daunting. That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for your journey to Adelaide.

For most international students, you will need a Student visa (subclass 500). If you don’t already have a valid student visa, you will need to apply for and be granted one before travelling to Australia. 

Applying for a student visa

If you applied through an Education Agent, they must lodge your visa application on your behalf.  

If you applied directly (without an Education Agent), you can lodge a complete application by referring to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs visa application steps. Follow the steps listed carefully to ensure prompt assessment. Incomplete applications may lead to processing delays or even a visa refusal. 

Commencing students 

If you are a commencing student, we will email your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to you or your Education Agent after you accept your Offer of Admission to study with us. Once you have received your CoE, you (or your Education Agent) will be able to apply for your student visa.  

If you applied to the University through an Education Agent, they must lodge your visa application on your behalf.   

If you applied to the University directly (without an Education Agent) you will need to submit your CoE document to the Department of Home Affairs when you complete your student visa application.   

Visa processing times 

Please refer to the Department of Home Affairs visa processing times to ensure you have enough time to apply for your student visa and travel to Australia prior to your degree commencing. 

Your passport must be valid for the intended length of your study time in Australia. If it expires during your stay, you will need to have it extended through your country's embassy or consulate in Australia, or when you return home on holidays.  

It’s also a good idea to make a copy of your passport and leave it with your emergency contact in case of an emergency. 

As an international student studying in Australia, it is a condition of your student visa that you must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa. 

OSHC is a health insurance policy designed for international students in Australia and you are required to obtain this before your student visa can be issued. It provides coverage for medical expenses, hospitalisation, and other healthcare services during your stay in Australia. Your OSHC will begin once you arrive in Australia.

Adelaide University can arrange OSHC for you, and anyone travelling with you, through our preferred provider. A quote for this will be provided in your Offer of Admission. If you prefer, you can choose to purchase cover through a third-party supplier instead. Whether you choose to purchase cover through Adelaide University or a third-party supplier, you must provide proof of your OSHC when you accept your offer via our Online Application System.

Prepare to travel to South Australia

You must arrive in Adelaide prior to the University's orientation program. After your student visa has been granted by the Department of Home Affairs, please ensure you book a plane ticket that will allow you to attend your orientation program.  

Orientation is the start of your journey at university.  Explore your campus, meet other new students, connect with teaching staff and take part in fun activities. You will also receive support with enrolment, accommodation and adjusting to life in Adelaide. 

Orientation dates can be found in your Offer of Admission, or visit the Academic Calendar. 

It’s important you arrange travel insurance for your journey to Australia. Travel insurance will cover you for any potential issues (such as lost luggage) from the moment you leave your home country until you arrive in Australia.

Australia’s national currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD$). Some international students prefer to exchange money for Australian dollars before arriving in Australia to use during their first few weeks. However, Australia is a largely cashless society now and most places accept travel money cards. Once you arrive, you will need to set up an Australian bank account. View our FAQs to find out more about the cost of living in Adelaide.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit your budget and lifestyle. Explore the range of accommodation available and contact us if you need information or advice.

Clothing 

Adelaide has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Our pleasant spring and autumn seasons offer comfortable temperatures, so it is recommended you pack clothes to suit all weather conditions.  

There is no dress code at Australian universities. Most students wear casual clothes on campus; for example, jeans, t-shirts, shirts, sweaters, and sneakers. However, you may also want to pack some more formal clothes and any traditional cultural clothing for special events. 

Medications 

If you take medication for an illness or condition, it’s recommended you bring an adequate supply with you, as it may not be readily available or might be more expensive in Australia. Ensure you have a certificate from your doctor (in English) stating that the medication has been prescribed to you.  
  
Check with immigration authorities, as you must declare any drugs or medicines you bring into Australia.  

Printed copies of important documents 

When travelling to Australia, we recommend bringing printed copies of the following documents. 

  • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) 

  • Visa grant notice 

  • Offer of Admission

  • Academic transcripts from previous study 

  • Identification documents such as a drivers license (if you plan to drive in South Australia) and a bank card (to help you open a bank account when you arrive) 

  • Character reference written in English from a teacher or other official to help you apply for accommodation  

  • Medical records that relate to any illness, conditions or prescriptions for medicines. 

Electronics 

It’s also a good idea to pack a travel adaptor that is suitable for Australian power points, to charge any electronic devices.  

Unsure what you’re allowed to bring? 

Australia has strict border controls so you need to be aware of what you can and cannot bring into Australia. Visit the Australian Border Force website to learn about what you can bring and what you will need to declare to authorities.  

Your rights as a student

Learn more about your rights and responsibilities as an international student at Adelaide University.
Understand your rights

Adelaide and South Australia

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