Live in Australia
10 reasons to study in Australia
Did you know Australia has the third highest number of international students in the world behind only the United Kingdom and the United States despite having a population of only 23 million? This isn’t surprising when you consider Australia has seven of the top 100 universities in the world! In fact, with over 22,000 courses across 1,100 institutions, Australia sits above the likes of Germany, the Netherlands and Japan, ranking eighth in the Universitas 2012 U21 Ranking of National Higher Education Systems.
These are strong academic credentials, but our institutions are just as highly rated as the cities that house them around the country. Australia has five of the 30 best cities in the world for students based on student mix, affordability, quality of life, and employer activity – all important elements for students when choosing the best study destination. And with more than A$200 million provided by the Australian Government each year in international scholarships, we’re making it easier for you to come and experience the difference an Australian education can make to your future career opportunities.
Do you have a specific study area of interest? There is every chance Australia has you covered, with at least one Australian university in the top 50 worldwide across the study areas of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Life & Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Medicine & Pharmacy, and Physics.
Given this impressive education pedigree, it’s not surprising there are now more than 2.5 million former international students who have gone on to make a difference after studying in Australia. Some of these students are among the world’s finest minds. In fact, Australia has produced 15 Nobel prize laureates and every day over 1 billion people around the world rely on Australian discoveries and innovations – including penicillin, IVF, ultrasound, Wi-Fi, the Bionic Ear, cervical cancer vaccine and Black Box Flight Recorders – to make their lives, and the lives of others, better.
Why wouldn’t you want to study with some of the best minds in the world?
Important Information
Once you have been accepted to study at Origin Institute and have received confirmation of your student visa, the next step is to start planning for your arrival.
Here is a checklist to help you plan your departure:
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Passport and Visa – Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to your entry arrival in Australia, and that you have all your visa documentation. It is also a good idea to make copies of your passport in case you lose your passport.
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Student enrolment and orientation documents – You will need your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) and student information pack, which you will have received from your institution.
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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – This is a requirement for entry to Australia, so make sure you have your health cover policy arranged before you leave home. We strongly recommend student to arrange OSHC through Origin Institute at Application stage.
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Travel Insurance – You should also consider travel insurance, which covers things your OSHC may not – such as cancelled flights, lost documents, dental or optical care, etc.
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Airfares – Make sure you are aware of the date and time of your flight. Keep your flight details in a safe and secure place, with your passport and visa.
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Contact details – You may want to have a list of emergency contact details for family, as well as your embassy, accommodation and institution details. If you have used an education agent, keep their contact details on you, in case you need to contact them once you arrive in Australia.
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Australian currency – There are money exchange places available at Australian airports and in cities, but it is recommended to have some Australian currency on you prior to leaving your home country.
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Transport from the airport – Whether you are taking public transport, a taxi, or you are being picked up from the airport by your education provider, it is important that you have all the details including the time, the route and, if your travel has been arranged by your institution, their contact details. If you need a map to assist you in getting to your accommodation from the airport, they will be available at the airport, or you can print one prior to leaving.
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Accommodation details – Make sure you have the address of where you will be staying as well as their phone number and payment confirmation (if you have already paid for your accommodation).
Customs and Border Protection
You need to be aware of what you cannot bring into Australia and therefore what you should not pack. It is illegal to carry drugs including marijuana, cannabis, heroin, cocaine and amphetamines in and out of Australia. There are a number of items that you must declare upon your arrival in Australia including:
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Firearms, weapons and ammunition.
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Currency amounts of A$10,000 (or foreign equivalent).
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Some medicines.
You should also be aware that as a routine part of their work, Customs and Border Protection officers may question travellers at any time, and trained dogs may also be used to detect illegal drugs or prohibited imports. If you are in doubt, declare your goods or ask a Customs and Border Protection officer for advice. Declaring goods does not necessarily mean your baggage will be examined.
People who deliberately break Australian Customs and Border Protection regulations could be fined or taken to court. You can also find information at the Department of Home Affairs website.
Department of Agriculture and Water Resources
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is responsible for protecting Australia’s unique environment and agricultural industries from unwanted pests and diseases by regulating imported products including certain food, plant material and animal items.
It is important to check Australia’s biosecurity requirements when packing your personal items. Do not bring fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry, pork, eggs, dairy products, live plants or seeds. Some products are not allowed into the country while other products need to meet strict import conditions. You can search the department’s Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) to find detailed import conditions under which various commodities may be brought into Australia.
If you are unsure of an item, declare it on the Incoming Passenger Card which you will receive on the plane, or don’t bring it at all. Failure to declare items can result in an on-the-spot fine or potential prosecution.
You can find more information on what you can bring or send to Australia on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website.
When you arrive at an Australian airport, you will first need to go through immigration and customs clearance. If you need help finding your way around, just ask the airline staff or one of the border officials in the arrivals area. A clearance officer will check your travel document and visa, and once cleared you will be able to collect your luggage to go through customs and quarantine clearance processes.
More information on what to expect when you arrive at the airport is available at the Department of Home Affairs website.
Getting to your new home
You should arrange accommodation before you arrive in Australia, even it is just for the first few days. Have your accommodation address written in English ready to show the taxi or hire car, or detailed directions if you are using public transport. Origin Institute offers airport pickup service for all of our enrolled students. If you arrange Origin Institute to pick you up from the airport, we will take you exactly where you need to go. Send an airport pickup request to admission@origin.edu.au at least 2 weeks before you due date of arrival. Confirmation will be sent to you via email outlining details and the relevant charges for this service.
Orientation
Origin Institute runs an orientation on a specific date for new students. This is typically held before the starting date of your enrolled course; you will learn about us, take tours of facilities, and meet people who will also be studying at Origin Institute. It is important that you attend to learn how to get the most out of Origin Institute and study experience.
Once you have confirmed where you will be studying, you can look for accommodation that suits your needs and budget. Some tips when searching for accommodation include:
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The costs will vary depending on your chosen state, city, and type of accommodation.
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Always confirm the total cost and any other expenses you may be required to pay, such as a bond and utility fees.
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Consider how far it is from your campus and whether it is easily accessible by public transport, such as bus or train.
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Find out what shopping centres, hospitals and emergency service facilities, and other amenities are nearby.
If you wish your accommodation to be arranged by Origin Institute, you will need to contact us at least 4 weeks before arrival. Please send email to admission@origin.edu.au, one of our staffs will assist you in accommodation arrangement. Fee applies.
Short-term accommodation
Short-term accommodation options you might want to consider when you first arrive in Australia include:
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Hostels and discounted rates on hotels.
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Temporary housing which may be offered through your institution while you get settled. Talk to your institution's international support staff or check their website for details.
Useful website to find short-term accommodation:
Rental
You can rent or 'lease' a property by yourself or with friends. This can be done through a real estate agent or privately. When renting a property you will need to pay a security deposit or 'bond' (which is usually four weeks rent), as well as rent in advance (also usually four weeks). The bond is held to repair any damage that you, your house mates or house guests cause to the property while renting. Some, or all, of this amount may be refunded to you once your tenancy agreement has terminated.
For more information on your rights and obligations when renting in Australia you should visit the relevant government Fair Trading agency in your state/territory.
Long-term accommodation websites:
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Student Housing Australia: www.s-h-a.com.au
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Real Estate: www.realestate.com.au
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Domain: www.domain.com.au
Share Accommodation websites:
Homestay
With homestay, you will live with a family in their home. Homestay can be a good option for younger students as you will have all the comforts of an established home, often with meals and cleaning included. Families offering homestay accommodation to international students are thoroughly screened to ensure they can provide a suitable living environment for students.
Useful websites to find a homestay:
Legal protection
You have certain responsibilities to meet when it comes to paying accommodation expenses on time, cleaning and maintenance. You also have the right by law to feel secure in your property, maintained with working facilities. If there are any problems with your accommodation, talk to your agent or landlord (if renting), your international student support staff for on-campus living or the service where you found your homestay.
There are also organisations such as tenants unions and consumer advocates that can provide assistance. To find out more visit the relevant government Fair Trading agency in your state/territory.
Student support forms a large part of Australia’s education system. Origin Institute provide specialist services to help international students adjust to life and study in Australia, and to achieve their goals. This includes student services such as:
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Language and academic support.
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Designated international student advisers.
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On-arrival reception and orientation programs.
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Counselling services.
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Airport pickup.
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Student accommodation arrangement.
Student associations
Australia has a number of student associations representing and assisting students from Australian institutions. National associations include:
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Council of International Students Australia (CISA) - national peak student representative body for international students studying at the postgraduate, undergraduate, private college, TAFE, ELICOS and foundation level.
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Australian Federation of International Students (AFIS) - assisting international students in maximizing the scope and potential of their experience living and studying in Australia.
Disability support
Origin Institute offers services for students who require assistance with their studies because of a disability or chronic medical condition.
Childcare
The Australian government provides financial assistance to help parents with childcare costs. International students who receive direct financial assistance from the government, through a government scholarship, may be eligible to receive the child care benefit. To find out if you are eligible for child care financial assistance, read more at the Australia.gov.au website.
Other support services
Some other support services that may be useful to know while you are studying in Australia are:
Emergency matters
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Contact details - 000
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Service details - Life threatening situations, such as a car crash or a fire.
Local police – non urgent matters
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Contact details - Call 131 444 (everywhere except Victoria). In Victoria you need to call your local police station (consult your local Telephone Directory)
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Service details - Police attendance for non-urgent matters.
Lifeline
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Contact details - 13 11 14
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Service details - Lifeline provides crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services across Australia. These can include stresses from work, family or society and physical and mental wellbeing. Lifeline offers support services by phone or through their online chat available on their website.
Kids Helpline
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Contact details - 1800 551 800
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Service details - If you're between 5 and 25 and you're feeling depressed, worried, sad, angry or confused about things like your studies personal relationships, Kids Helpline offers free 24 hour, 7 day telephone counseling support (anonymous if you prefer).
Poison Information Centre
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Contact details - 131 126
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Service details - Provides advice on the management, assessment and treatment of poisonous products including non-prescription pharmaceuticals, household and industrial chemicals, and plant and animal venom.
Sexual Assault counseling service
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Contact details - Search online for 'rape crisis centre' in your home state
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Service details - If you, or anyone you know, has experienced or is at risk of sexual assault, call one of the state-based sexual assault counseling services. These provide a free 24 hour, 7 day a week telephone counseling service (anonymous if you prefer). Many are connected to hospitals or government health departments to help you if the assault has left you with injuries.
Once you have received your visa, there are requirements you must meet in order for it to remain valid, including;
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You must remain enrolled and maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance.
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If you wish to change your qualification level you will need to apply for a new student visa.
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Provide your Australian address to Origin Institute so we can contact you, and let us know if you change address.
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You must continue to be able to support yourself financially while you're in Australia.
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Do not breach the working conditions applicable to your visa.
Visa help and assistance
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The Department of Home Affairs website provides all information in relation to visa requirements, responsibilities and compliance.
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Origin Institute student support staff can provide you with assistance about the visa you'll need for your course
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Education agents can also help with your visa application and paperwork (as well as your course application).
Working while you study in Australia can help complement your study and living experience. There are a number of reasons you might want to undertake part time work while studying in Australia, including assisting with living expenses and gaining work experience in your study area.
Most student visas allow you to work for up to 40 hours every two weeks while your course is in session, and unrestricted hours during any scheduled course break, but before you undertake any paid work you need to make sure your visa allows you to work. Find out more at the Department of Home Affairs website.
Paid work
Australia has a wide range of industries and many have part time employment opportunities, including:
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Retail - supermarkets, department and clothing stores.
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Hospitality - cafes, bars and restaurants.
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Tourism - hotels and motels.
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Agricultural - farming and fruit-picking.
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Sales and telemarketing.
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Administration or Clerical roles.
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Tutoring.
If you have existing qualifications and/or professional work experience, you may be able to secure casual or part time work in your field.
Internships
Paid or unpaid internships can be a great way to get exposure to the professional, financial and creative industries. Learn more about getting an internship on the Internships page in the Education System section of this website.
Volunteering
There are many charities and non-government organisations (NGOs) in Australia and they always need volunteers to help out. It can be a great way to meet friends, get some hands on work experience and give back to the community. To find out more about volunteering, start your search at: http://www.govolunteer.com.au/
Your rights
Everyone working in Australia, including international students or those on working holiday visas, have basic rights at work. These rights protect entitlement to:
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A minimum wage and superannuation.
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Challenge of unfair dismissal from the job
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Leave, breaks and rest periods.
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A healthy and safe work environment.
To find out more about your work rights visit the Australian Government's Fair Work Ombudsman's website or call them on 13 13 94. You can also read about (PDF 68.6KB) some common myths about being paid and working in Australia as an international student.
If you’re a temporary resident working in Australia your employer has to pay super for you if you are eligible.
When you leave Australia, you can claim your super as a departing Australia superannuation payment (DASP) if you meet all the requirements. To find out more about super for temporary residents visit the Australian Taxation Office website.
In Australia, employers (your boss) must also do all they can to make sure your job does not hurt you or make you sick. This law is called work health and safety (WHS) or occupational health and safety (OHS).
The law also says your boss must have insurance for you in case you are hurt at work. This is called workers’ compensation. If you are hurt or get sick at work, the insurance may pay for your medical treatment and for your wages until you can work again.
This covers all workers in Australia, even if you are on a temporary visa. Visit Safe Work Australia for more information or to download the latest checklist.
You will also need to get a tax file number to work in Australia. Visit the Australian Taxation Office website to find out more information on getting a tax file number, as well as information about paying taxes in Australia.
Finding Work
There are plenty of ways to find work that suits you, including:
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Newspapers and online job sites.
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Some institutions provide job notice-boards on campus and online. Contact your institution’s international student support staff to find out what options your institution offers.
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Register your details at a recruitment firm; many of them help place people in casual or short-term work.
Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. For your reference, here are some of the costs associated with living and studying in Australia (all costs are in Australian dollars).
The costs below are an approximate guide only. Students should be aware that these costs can vary depending on your study location in Australia.
Accommodation
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Hostels and Guesthouses - $90 to $150 per night
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Shared Rental - $85 to $215 per week
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On campus - $90 to $280 per week
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Homestay - $235 to $325 per week
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Rental - $165 to $440 per week
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Boarding schools - $11,000 to $22,000 a year
Other living expenses
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Groceries and eating out - $140 to $280 per week
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Gas, electricity - $10 to $20 per week
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Phone and Internet - $15 to $30 per week
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Public transport - $30 to $60 per week
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Car (after purchase) - $150 to $260 per week
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Entertainment - $80 to $150 per week
Minimum cost of living
The Department of Home Affairs has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa for Australia. From 1st February 2018 the 12 month living cost is:
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Student or guardians - $21,041
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Partner or spouse - $7,362
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Child - $3,152
All costs are per year in Australian dollars. To convert to your own currency, visit http://www.xe.com/
The Australian Government provides information and guidance on managing your finances. You can read more at www.moneysmart.gov.au.
The 'Insider Guides Cost of Living Calculator' is also a useful tool to help estimate your cost of living in Australia www.insiderguides.com.au/cost-of-living-calculator/.
If you experience financial trouble while in Australia, talk to our international student support staff for assistance.
Public Transportation
The transport options available in Australia include buses, trains, trams and ferries. Your access to these transport services will vary depending on where you live. You will also be able to access private and public car services from taxis to hired limousines, available to take you from door to door.
Some larger education providers will also have their own in-house transport system, especially useful if you have to leave your campus late at night or live in a hard-to-reach area.
Public transport costs vary depending on where in Australia you live and the type of transport you are using. You should look at the relevant state or territory government website for where you are living to see the full range of services available, timetables, and the costs associated.
Victoria has a comprehensive system of trams, trains and buses and an easy to use ticket system called myki. Wherever you are going, you can plan your journey and search public transportation schedule on www.ptv.vic.gov.au.
Driving
If you hold a current drivers licence in your home country, you might be able to drive in Australia without sitting for any further driving tests. But remember that many state and territory governments require you to get an Australian drivers licence if you are here for more than three months. Your licence requirements, and any driving restrictions, are managed by the state or territory government where you are living. Visit the relevant state or territory government website or go to australia.gov.au to find out more.
As an international student in Australia, you are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your study in Australia. But there are also other types of insurance which you may find useful.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
International students undertaking formal studies in Australia, and their dependents (for example, spouses and children under 18 years old), must obtain OSHC. It includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines). OSHC insurers can provide a range of different OSHC products. These may range from a basic product which covers only the compulsory minimum services to comprehensive products which cover, in addition to the compulsory minimum services, extra services as specified under the particular policy. You can find more information, including a list of the providers and average costs, on the Department of Health website.
Remember, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires overseas students to maintain OSHC for the duration of time they are in Australia. For further information please visit the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website. Origin Institute recommends student arrange OSHC through us directly at the Application stage.
Private health insurance
Along with your OSHC you might want to consider purchasing private health insurance to cover items that your OSHC does not cover. You can take out private health insurance to cover just you or your family as well. Benefits, membership costs and eligibility can vary greatly between funds and insurance policies, so when buying health insurance take care to ensure the cover you select is suitable for your needs. You can find more information at: www.privatehealth.gov.au.
Travel insurance
Australia has a very reliable travel industry, but cancelled flights, lost luggage or other un-planned issues can arise. If you are travelling with valuables or are on a travel schedule you have to meet, travel insurance can help cover any mishaps or missed flights. You can arrange travel insurance through a range of providers including travel insurance companies, airlines and travel booking companies.
Home and contents insurance
Home and contents insurance covers the building you live in and your belongings, such as furniture, clothes and appliances. If you rent a property, building insurance is the responsibility of the owner and you do not need to worry about it. But contents insurance is worth considering if you have valuable items you couldn't afford to replace very easily if something happened to them.
Vehicle insurance
If you purchase a car, motorbike or other vehicle you will need to consider what type of insurance you will need to purchase. Depending on what state or territory of Australia you live in there may be compulsory insurance you need to purchase. For example, in NSW you must purchase Compulsory Third Party insurance which covers you for personal injuries caused to someone else in an accident. You should check with the relevant government agency in your state or territory to find out what, if any, compulsory insurance you might need.
You can also choose to purchase vehicle insurance that covers your car for accidental damage, malicious damage, theft, fire, flood or storm. There are a wide range of providers in Australia that offer vehicle insurance so make sure you research your options and consider what your specific insurance needs are before you purchase vehicle insurance.
Australia has a range of choices when it comes to managing your money, from banks that cover the whole country to local credit unions and building societies. Here are some quick tips on setting up your bank accounts.
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You can set up a bank account before or after you arrive.
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To open an account you will need to have your Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), passport, Letter of Offer and other forms of identification
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You may also need an Australian Tax File Number (TFN). You can find information about getting a TFN at the Australian Tax Office website.
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Financial or student support officer at Origin Institute will be able to give you information on how to set up a bank account.
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You can also read advice from the Australian Government’s Moneysmart website.
Some of Australian banks websites:
Australian currency
The basic unit of Australian currency is the dollar (AUD). There are 100 cents in one dollar ($1). Australian dollar notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins are issued in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2.
Prices are rounded up or down to the nearest 5 cents in shops and supermarkets. For example, you would pay $1.95 for an item priced $1.97, but $2 for an item priced $1.99.
Accessing your money
You can withdraw your money at automatic teller machines (ATMs) which can be found all over Australia. It is generally free to withdraw money from an ATM that is associated with your financial provider. Be aware that if you use another provider's ATM they will usually charge you a fee. The ATM will advise you of the fee at the point of withdrawal.
Even if you haven’t set up a bank account before you get here, most ATMs recognise international cards, so you will be able to use your credit or debit card from your home country. Just remember that there are fees associated with withdrawing money from your home account including transaction fees and the currency exchange rate. These vary by provider so check with your home financial provider before you arrive in Australia.
Moving money overseas or to Australia
Australian banks offer various services for moving money to and from Australia. For all these services, fees and charges will apply. These can be found on financial provider websites.
You can have funds electronically transferred into your Australian bank account from overseas banks. To send money to another country you will need to provide the banking details of the person you wish to send money to. Your financial provider will then electronically transfer the funds from your account to their account.
Banking ombudsman
The Australian Banking and Financial Services Ombudsman assists individuals and small businesses to resolve complaints concerning all financial services provided by banks. For example, there may be an instance where you see that money has been withdrawn from your bank account without your consent. In this case, it may be necessary to talk to the banking ombudsman to resolve the issue. Free interpreter services are available. For more information on the banking ombudsman visit: www.fos.org.au or call 1300 780 808.
Australia has a range of phone and internet services available, including public phones, fixed (landline) phones, mobile and internet.
Mobile phones
It is best to purchase a SIM card or Australian mobile number when you arrive in Australia, as using your home phone number will incur high costs. There are two types of mobile phone accounts you can choose from:
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Prepaid - A prepaid service gives you flexibility because you control how much you spend and can stop using the service any time. Pre-paid SIM cards are sold in many shops and supermarkets, as well as by mobile phone providers. After an easy set-up process with the provider, you will have a working Australian mobile number which you can top up with credit as needed. You can usually top up your prepaid service online or at a range of retail outlets. Your mobile phone provider can provide details on how you can top up your service.
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Contract - If you will be using your mobile a lot, and will be in Australia for a fixed period of time for study, a contract might work out cheaper for you. There are numerous mobile phone operators in Australia, and you can choose from a range of phone plans where you can get the handset with little (if any) up-front cost; you then pay a fixed price per month for a certain amount of calls, text messages and data.
Internet
Many internet providers in Australia are also mobile or fixed phone carriers, and they offer pre-paid or contract internet plans similar to the above. If you choose a contract service, you will receive a modem, and just like a phone service, you pay a monthly rate to get a certain data allowance. Ask the providers you are considering for details of plans that might suit you.
Making international calls
To make international telephone calls from Australia, dial 0011 followed by the country code, the area code (if required) and the telephone number. To call Australia from overseas, dial 61 followed by the area code and telephone number. To make calls from one location to another within Australia, dial the area code (if required) followed by the telephone number.
You can read more about telephone, internet and mobile phone services in Australia at: www.communications.gov.au
Some Australian mobile phone and internet services providers websites:
