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Studying in Australia - Essential Preparation Checklist

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Mike Smith
Studying in Australia - Essential Preparation Checklist

Australia is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries on earth. With unique flora and fauna, stunning coastlines, bustling, modern cities and some of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the world, Australia attracts over 5 million visitors every year. Its universities are placed high in world rankings and have excellent reputation for research.

If you're planning to study in Australia, you probably already know that it's a top five study destination and that well over 500,000 international students from all over the world are studying in Australia at any time. While you'll probably need more specific advice for your Australian study journey, we've prepared an essential preparation checklist to help you identify the major milestones and plan for your studies in Australia.

12 Months

Start researching Australian universities and programs. Consider issues such as the courses your want to take, prerequisites, duration of your course, and course and living expenses.
Talk with advisors or companies facilitating studying in Australia for specialist advice and finding the right program at the right university.
Check with your university and your destination university about credit transfers where appropriate.
Talk with students who have returned from studying abroad about their experience.
Check with your local country authorities to see if you're eligible for financial aid.
Get all your academic transcripts and academic references in order.
Drafting your statements of intent where appropriate.
9 Months
Submit your application to the institutions.
Renew your passport and identity documents if required.
Double check you will have fulfilled the student visa requirements for your destination country by the time you lodge your visa application. These may include financial, academic, character, and health requirements.
Read up on Australia. Think about how you want to spend holidays and short-breaks, if you want to do sightseeing on weekend trips or visit other Australian cities.
6 Months
Apply for your student visa. You can apply earlier if you've already received your letter of from your education institution or Australian university.
Have a comprehensive health check done even if it's not required for your visa application.
Apply for an international student identity card from the ISIC website. This card is recognised in Australia and other countries. You'll be amazed at the great savings you'll make on travel, food, entertainment, shopping and others by showing this card at time of purchase.


3 Months


Give notice to your work and other commitments.


Have all your vaccinations done if required.


Book your flights. Make sure you arrive early enough to attend orientation.
Pay your fees.


Contact a local Australian bank and open an account for use in Australia if appropriate.


Organise a credit card that can be used in Australia for emergencies.
Organise your overseas student health cover if it's not already been taken care of through your course provider.


Take care of any legal issues, such as power of attorney while you're away. You may need to provide authorised contact person details to companies and government bodies if they need to contact you while you're away.


Note down all the important dates for the year ahead in your diary. Include semester dates, holiday breaks, due dates for fees, subject selection deadlines, and of course, exam dates.


Start organising accommodation if you haven't already finalised it.


1 Month
If you take any medication, make sure you have stocked up with a ready supply.
Organise how your mail will be taken care of when you are away. Have a family member or friend pick up your mail and let them know if they need to forward any important correspondence to you in Australia. More here Master of Professional Accounting in Australia


Buy power point adapters so you can use your notebook, phone, or other gadgets immediately.


Find out more about your university or course provider, your campus, and how you will commute.


Make a note of the location of your embassy office in Australia in case of emergencies.

 

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