Plan Your Trip

International students wishing to study in Australia must obtain a valid Student Visa. The visa application requirements and processing time can be lengthy, taking anywhere from a few weeks up to several months. It is very important that you contact the nearest Australian Embassy, Diplomatic Mission, Consulate or High Commission for information as early as possible. Location details for Australian Embassies, Consulates and representative offices can be found at www.dfat.gov.au/missions.   When the payment to accept your offer is received, the Institute will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) document, which will enable you to apply for a student visa. Visa applications are assessed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) according to the assessment level of individual applicants. The passport you hold and the education sector of your principal academic program determines your assessment level. For more information on student visas please consult:

• Your International Representative (agent), if you are applying through an official International Representative of the Institute;

• Your nearest Australian Embassy, Diplomatic Mission, Consulate or High Commission

• The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship

The Institute is obliged to report any student who does not attend classes or who is not making satisfactory progress in their studies to the Australian government. Such a student may have their student visa cancelled. It is essential that you are aware of the mandatory conditions associated with your student visa. A breach in your student visa would result in a non-compliance notice placed against your name and your visa will be cancelled. Please refer to the  Immigration Website to familiarise yourself with both the mandatory and discretionary visa conditions

Money

You will need to have some Australian currency in case you need to make telephone calls or small purchases when you first arrive in Australia. It is recommended that you arrive with approximately AUD$300 – AUD$500 in cash, especially if you arrive over the weekend, when banks are closed. You should avoid carrying large amount of money. It is recommended that the rest of your money is in bank drafts, travellers cheques, credit card or alternatively you can arrange to transfer funds electronically.

Bringing money into Australia when travelling to Australia, please be aware that if you are carrying a total of AUD$10,000 or more in cash of any currency, you must declare the money on your Incoming Passenger Card and when questioned by Australian Customs Officials upon arrival. It is not an offence to bring this money into Australia. The offence is not declaring the money.

Changing money on arrival. There are money changers (Bureau Exchange) located at both Sydney and Melbourne international airports, but you may not get a better rate than the exchange rate in your home country.

• Your Offer and Acceptance Agreement

• Original or certified documents if requested on your Offer and Acceptance Agreement

• Current passport containing valid student Visa

• Other official identification (i.e. Drivers license, ID Card)

• Any medical records (particularly of immunisations) and personal medications with supporting documentation (i.e. doctor’s prescription) – for more information about bringing medications into Australia, please refer to the Australian Government Therapeutic Goods Administration website.

• Australian currency for when you first arrive

• A reference if you plan on looking for private accommodation

• Basic household items: Most accommodation, except homestay, will not include cooking utensils, sheets, blankets, etc. Second hand household items are available quite cheaply, however some students may wish to bring some of their own basic items.

Australia’s quarantine and customs laws are very strict. Many food products, plants, animal products and some medicines may not be imported into Australia. Some other type of products must be declared but may be permitted into the country. It is your responsibility to ensure that you do not bring any prohibited items into Australia. You are required to declare all such items on the Incoming Passenger Card you receive on the plane before disembarkation. Remember this is a legal document. Do not carry illicit drugs either into or out of Australia. Penalties for drug offences in Australia are severe and could result in a jail term. For more information visit the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) website.

Bringing your family

If you are intending to bring your family (your spouse and/or your children) with you, there are additional arrangements you need to make when applying for your visa. There may also be certain limitations on bringing family with you. Please visit the  DIAC website for further information.

Pre-departure checklist

• Applied for and obtained your Student Visa?

• Arranged Overseas Student Health Cover unless the Institute has arranged for you?

• Booked your flight to Australia?

• Advised the Gordon Institute of your arrival date and time?

• Arranged to be met on arrival?

• Arranged your accommodation in Australia?

• Had a dental check up? It will be cheaper to have it done in your home country.

• Had your eyes tested or spectacles made? It is cheaper in your home country.

• Had your immunisations?

• Arranged for money to be available to meet your tuition fees?

• Organised funds to meet your personal expenses?

• Arranged the items of “What to bring” listed above?