Australia is a highly sought-after destination for Indian students seeking high-quality education. Still, there comes a stage in preparation that gets overwhelming; everything needs to be covered and accounted for—your visa, all those documents that were needed at this point of preparation, and the necessary things for your bags. A study abroad consultant knows just how important preparation for such an experience is for any student's life.
A checklist for your studies in Australia
Stay organised and make your Australian study journey seamless with the following comprehensive checklist.
Important Documents
- The most crucial part of your preparations will be getting your documents right. The right paperwork is necessary for your travel and stay in Australia. Below is a list of documents you must have:
- Your passport and Australian Student Visa: are the most crucial documents you need. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned arrival date in Australia.
- Letter of Offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): After submitting your application to an Australian institution, you will receive a Letter of Offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Once you accept the offer, you will need these documents to process your visa.
- Tuition Fees & Health Cover Receipts: Collect receipts for all tuition fees, health insurance, and other expenses incurred on arrival in Australia.
- Academic Transcripts & Certificates: Carry all original and attested copies of academic records (mark sheets, certificates) along with your work experience letters, if applicable.
- Personal Identification Documents: Upon arrival in Australia, you may require your birth certificate, credit cards, passport-size photographs, and even an international driver's license. You should also ensure you have sufficient photographs for administrative purposes.
- Medical Prescriptions: If you are on medication, carry prescriptions for any treatment that you have been undergoing. You might need to use them while receiving medical treatment in Australia.
Health Insurance
Australia enforces strict policies regarding students' health coverage. All international students going to Australia should carry Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) with them. This serves as a means of covering all potential medical expenses or hospital bills you may incur here.
Packing List
Packing can be one of the most intriguing but challenging parts of your preparation for the trip. You are very likely to carry everything on the safe side. However, it's important to remember the essentials as well.
- Clothing and Footwear: Pack according to the season you are travelling in. Australia's weather varies from region to region; thus, research the climatic condition of your destination. You should bring comfortable shoes if you plan to walk on campus.
- Stationery and essentials: Ensure you have basic stationery, pens, notebooks, and any other items you may need for studying. Carrying a backpack, bedsheets, towels, pillowcases, and an alarm clock is essential.
- Electrical Appliances: Pack a laptop, phone charger, and other small electrical appliances, but remember that Australia uses 240V voltage. That means you are going to use an adapter fitting the Australian plug. Additionally, remember to bring along the bills for any expensive electronics.
- Restricted Articles: Be aware of the strict customs regulations in Australia. Do not enter the country carrying with you such things as fresh fruits, homemade foods, raw nuts, dairy products, and tobacco. You can review the list of restricted articles to avoid any issues during the customs clearance process of your luggage.
How Much Cash to Bring?
Always carry some local money with you when you travel out of your country. For initial expenses in Australia, it would be wise to carry AUD 1,000 in cash or travellers cheques and use your international credit or debit card to get funds once settled. It is not advisable to carry large sums of cash for security reasons and banking regulations.
Banking in Australia
Once you are in Australia, you would have to consider opening a local bank account. Most banks provide a student account with no fees and quick access to funds. You would require the following documents for an account opening: passport, CoE, and visa details. You may as well choose a bank that provides global benefits, which you could use to send money back home or make foreign payments.
Booking Accommodation
Whether the university accommodates you in halls or private apartments/homestays, make sure you have well-arranged accommodation to ensure a comfortable start to your study programs. If you plan to stay with a host family, make sure to inform them about your expected arrival date and time.
A medical check-up
Ensure you do a full health check-up before going to study in Australia. Additionally, make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date and you have any prescribed drugs with you. Some of the universities require you to submit a health declaration when applying for a visa. Make sure you are in excellent health when you arrive.
Update Your Mailing Address and Contact Details
Notify your family, friends, and any contact you have in your life of your new address and phone number in Australia. It is also wise to provide your international student office at the institution with your details in case something happens to you.
Employment History and Supporting Documentation
Some colleges demand a student's employment history. This includes a resume or CV, as well as other supporting documentation, such as pay slips. This background information will aid in better understanding your application.
Payment of Visa Fee
Once you have all your documents, you will have to pay for the visa application fee, which costs around AUD 1,600 for a student visa (subclass 500). Make sure you have a valid credit or debit card for the payment.
Documents to Obtain for the Student Visa for Australia
To acquire an Australian student visa, there are some documents you must obtain. Some of these are:
- CoE
- Valid Passport
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores: This may be IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.
- Health Check-up & Overseas Health Cover
- Proof of Funds
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport-Size Photographs
- credit or debit card details for the payment of the visa fee.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Australia accepts the following English language proficiency tests:
- IELTS requires an overall minimum band of 6.5 and no band lower than 6.0.
- The minimum score for the TOEFL is 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking.
- The PTE Academic requires a minimum score of 50 in each section.
University requirements may vary, so check before applying.
Why Edroots International Is Your Ultimate Partner for Studying Abroad
Preparing for studying abroad, particularly in Australia, is a wonderful step, but it requires the right planning. At Edroots International, we know that the process of going abroad to study can be a bit daunting. Therefore, we are here to guide you step by step from the collection of documents to the submission of the visa application with the right paperwork. Our team of experts is ready and willing to be at your disposal to make all your dreams for studying abroad come true.
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