Checklist For Moving to Australia As An International Student

by Moni Vuong

Published on 03/02/2025
Last Updated 03/02/2025

If you’re planning to move to Australia, this checklist for moving to Australia as an international student from PTE Magic might help you.

Let’s dive in!

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Key Takeaways

If your passport is going to expire in a year, renewing it before your flight will help you avoid headaches in the future.
You must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen university.
Money management decides how you will live, especially for international students living in Australia.

Related:

9 Must-Do Things For Your Australia Checklist

1. Check Your Passport

Passport is your ticket to Australia. If your passport is going to expire in a year, renewing it before your flight will help you avoid headaches in the future. While abroad, this process will be harder due to unfamiliar systems and rules.

Someone who is a citizen of two countries must have a valid Australian passport if they want to go to and/or out of this country, while their other passport can be applied outside of Australia.

2. Choose The Right Visa

Every student visa is under the Subclass 500. This subclass includes higher education certificates, vocational training programs, and postgraduate study. PTE Magic suggests checking the Department of Home Affairs website for full details of each visa type and its requirements.

However, you must have a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen university beforehand. The steps to receive this document include receiving a formal offer, accepting the offer in written form, and processing the required deposit toward tuition. This is your initial step to apply for an Australian student visa.

Once you have the CoE, the Subclass 500 visa offers students up to five academic years. Make sure to do research thoroughly on your Australian education.

3. Check Your Health Insurance

Health insurance is the foundation for international students in Australia. You must check your health insurance to secure your visa. Participating in Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance is required for your healthcare access while you’re studying in Australia.

However, the OSHC has limitations. It won’t protect you from lost luggage, delayed flights, or misplaced valuable items, so consider travel insurance services.

For more OSHC details, check out the resources from their website or contact the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship for the latest information.

4. Set Up Your Overseas Bank Account

Money management decides how you will live, especially for international students living in Australia. This includes learning to manage your funds and pay bills, which has certain challenges you should pay attention to.

Some banks let students open their accounts online before they go to Australia. However, you might need to visit a branch several times to fully activate your account. Additionally, you can’t have a credit card if you don’t have an Australian credit history.

We recommend setting up your overseas bank account with global benefits before you arrive in Australia. This will help you access your account details and use your debit or credit card before your journey, so you can manage your finances easily once you get there.

5. Find Your Accommodation

Finding a place to stay before starting your studies in Australia is crucial.

An interesting fact is that you won’t see students living on campus in Australia as much as in the United States. International students here often choose rental apartments. This accommodation type requires upfront payments for rent, utilities, and a “bond”, which is a deposit that students must pay before their stay.

Additionally, you will have many living options across the country, from city living to suburban life. Many choose temporary accommodations for travel and exploration, but long-term arrangements are more secure.

Check out our “How To Find Accommodation In Australia For International Students” blog for more information.

6. Update Your Information

Once you change your accommodation, you must update your personal information as well. Make sure your address information is updated so the goods will reach your correct place.

Additionally, your bank statements and letters need these updates too. Without this step, you might encounter the risk of being uninformed, thus creating unwanted headaches during your stay in Australia.

7. Plan Your Budget

Australia is well-known for its world-class universities and lifestyle, but studying here is also expensive. Aside from your tuition fees and airfare, you must plan for a suitable budget to cover other expected and unexpected fees.

Visa applications, rent fees, healthcare coverage, utilities, and textbooks are expenses that add up. Navigating your budget helps you reduce financial stress, which is a burden for many international students.

8. Start Saving

Once you’ve set your budget, start saving money. Monthly contributions or cutbacks on unnecessary spending are necessary.

Additionally, earning a scholarship is another smart way to secure your budget. The Australian government provides AUS$200 million to international students every year, so grab this opportunity to ease your financial burden.

Students living in Australia should also apply for as many discounts as possible. Reduce your spending on mobile plans, public transport, clothing, and even entertainment by making use of coupons or your student status. These saving tactics help you focus on learning and experiencing life in a new environment more easily.

9. Find A Job

Finding work while studying in Australia will open opportunities to participate in the local culture. Full-time international students with valid visas can work up to 40-48 hours a fortnight.

However, you must apply for a Tax File Number before you look for a job. Students aged 21 and older students living in Australia can expect their hourly wages to start at AUD 19.84.

Moreover, people who aim for long-term jobs here must transition their student visa to a work visa, which takes time. Therefore, submit your applications before your student visa expires.

Conclusion

We hope this checklist for moving to Australia as an international student is helpful for you. Remember, each person has a different budget and lifestyle; therefore, consider our checklist as a reference for your preparation.