International Students 

Congratulations on being granted your Student (subclass 500) visa! This page guides you from visa grant to your first day at Access Recognised Training Australia, so you arrive prepared, on time and stress-free. You’ll find clear steps on travel and accommodation, OSHC, creating your USI, enrolment and orientation, work rights, and what to bring.​

 

This information is general in nature. We’re not migration agents, always refer to your own visa grant notice and the Department of Home Affairs for official requirements.

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If you have any questions at any stage, our International Student Support team is here to help.

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Pre-Arrival Checklist

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1) Confirm Your Visa Grant Notice Conditions

• Use VEVO to review visa status, work rights, period of stay etc.

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2) Confirm Accommodation Arrangements 

• If preferred, secure short-term accommodation for your first 1–2 weeks e.g hotel/hostel/serviced apartment or flexible student residence. Many students like to  inspect long-term options in person after they land;

• If you’ve already found long-term accommodation, confirm your lease arrangements (start date, bond and rent payments), move-in date,  access/keys; and

• Save your accommodation address.

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3) Book Travel & Plan Your Arrival​

• Aim to arrive one week before Orientation Day;

• We recommended you book your ticket all the way to Canberra (CBR) with a connection in Sydney (or Melbourne/Brisbane). This is usually the simplest option because your bags are checked through and you’re protected if your first flight is delayed; 

• Sydney Airport transfer steps: Arrive T1 (International) → clear immigration & collect baggage → transfer to T2/T3 (Domestic) → re-check bags. Allow 2–3 hours;

• Alternative to flying from Sydney is coach transport (e.g. Murrays, Greyhound) to Canberra (3–3.5 hrs). Pre-book your seat; and 

• Before arriving at Canberra Airport (CBR) plan how you’ll get from the airport to your accommodation (rideshare/taxi, public transport or a friend). Most airport transfer options can be arranged when you arrive.

Tips: ​

• Consider travel insurance for delays/missed connections;

• Flight schedules and routes change. Always confirm current options with your airline or agent. If your plans change, please let us know so we can support your arrival;

• Australia has strict biosecurity rules, do not bring fresh food, meat, seeds or plant products. Declare anything you’re unsure about;

• Baggage allowances can change on the domestic leg, please check your booking to avoid excess fees; and 

• Keep a printed + digital copy of your passport, visa grant notice, OSHC details, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) in your hand luggage.

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4) What to Pack 

Clothing - Canberra has hot summers and cold winters, pack layers:

• Summer (Dec–Feb): light breathable clothes, hat, sunglasses, swimwear;

• Autumn/Spring: light jumper/cardigan, long pants, rain jacket;

• Winter (Jun–Aug): warm coat, thermals, scarf, beanie, gloves, waterproof jacket;

• Footwear: everyday sneakers, sandals, formal/interview shoes,  commercial-kitchen-appropriate shoes or clogs; 

• Modest/professional outfit for presentations/interviews, closed-toe shoes for practical classes/work; and

• Basic toiletries. 

Technology and Power - Australia uses a Type I plug, 230 V / 50 Hz:

• Laptop/MacBook/Chromebook (Windows 10/11 or macOS 12+) + chargers, USB stick/external drive (cloud backup recommended);

• Smart Phone (you can get an Australian SIM/eSIM on arrival); and 

• Bring a Type I adapter; most phone/laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100–240 V). Avoid bringing single-voltage 110/120 V appliances unless you have a suitable transformer

 

5) Money Matters

• Bring a small amount of AUD (about $250–$500) for incidentals;

• Travel with at least two debit/credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) enabled for international and online use. Turn on SMS/email fraud alerts and tell your bank you’re travelling;

• Consider a multi-currency account/card (e.g. Wise/Revolut) for better FX rates. When paying by card, choose AUD to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees; and

• Budget for start-up costs e.g. short-stay accommodation, airport transport, groceries, SIM/eSIM, MyWay+ top-up, and if renting privately, bond (up to 4 weeks’ rent) + first rent in advance.

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Post-Arrival Checklist 

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1) Create your USI (Unique Student Identifier)

• Create your USI after you arrive in Australia using your passport and visa; and 

• Send your USI to Access or provide it on Orientation Day.​

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2) Working in Australia 

• If you plan to work whilst in Australia in addition to completing your studies you will need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). 

• Most Student (subclass 500) visas allow up to 48 hours/fortnight of paid work during study periods and unlimited during scheduled term breaks. Always check your visa conditions.

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3) Open a Bank Account ​​

• Most students choose one of Australia’s Big 4 banks i.e Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac or NAB.  These banks offer student accounts with no or low monthly fees, excellent mobile banking, large ATM networks, and international transfer options; and 

• If you’ll send money overseas often, a multi-currency account like Wise can be more cost-effective for currency conversion and transfers.

Tip: compare fees, transfer rates and ATM access before you decide.

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4) Public Transport Access

• Set up a MyWay+ account and download the app. After you receive your student ID, add your student concession to your account to receive the student discount.

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5) Attend Orientation Day 

• Bring passport, visa grant notice, CoE, current residential address and your USI; and 

• We’ll finalise enrolment, timetable and support information.

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6) Attend Classes

• Ensure you meet all your ongoing visa obligations i.e maintain full-time enrolment, attend classes and make satisfactory progress.

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