TRANSPORT
Buses, trains, trams, and ferries are all possible modes of transportation in Australia, and you may even drive yourself.
Buses, trains, trams, and ferries are among the transit choices accessible in Australia. Depending on where you reside, you will have different access to various transportation services. You'll also have access to private and public automobile services, ranging from taxis to rented limos, to get you from point A to point B.
Some larger educational institutions will also have their own transportation system, which is especially beneficial if you need to leave campus late at night or live in a remote location.
The cost of public transportation varies based on where you reside in Australia and the kind of transportation you use. To view the complete variety of services offered, timeframes, and prices connected with them, go to the relevant state or territory government website for where you live.
Below you'll find information about transportation concessions in each state and territory, as well as links to related websites.
Concessions on transportation
ACT
On presentation of a formal student identity card or following successful application for a MyWay Students Concession Card, the Australian Capital Territory Government offers foreign students transportation subsidies. Visit the Transport Canberra website for additional information about getting a Student Concession Card in the ACT.
NSW
In most cases, international students in NSW are not entitled to transportation discounts. The Transport NSW website has further information on travelling about Sydney and New South Wales.
A limited proportion of overseas students may be eligible for transportation reductions if their studies are entirely sponsored by Australian government scholarships. For further information about eligibility, contact your education provider directly.
NT
On presentation of a valid student card, students in the Northern Territory's elementary, middle, and senior schools travel for free. On presentation of a valid student card, university and VET students are entitled to three hours of free bus travel on any scheduled public bus route. The NT Department of Transport's website has all the necessary information.
QLD
International students enrolled full-time in a Queensland education institution in a programme authorised by Centrelink for Austudy, Abstudy, or Youth Allowance reasons are eligible for public transportation discounts. Concession fares in Queensland may be found in full on the Translink website.
SA
On production of an official student identity card, the South Australian government gives transportation savings to all overseas students. Adelaide Metro has further information about fares and terms & conditions.
VIC
Victoria features a well-developed tram, railway, and bus infrastructure, as well as an easy-to-use Myki single-ticket system.
Students who are enrolled in an authorised abroad exchange programme, have refugee status, or possess an Australian Development Scholarship may be eligible for a discounted card.
Please verify with your educational institution to see whether you qualify.
Study Melbourne has more thorough information on Victoria's transportation system.
TAS
International students studying in Tasmania are entitled to the same travel benefits as domestic students. Visit the Tasmanian Government Discounts & Concessions website for further information on transportation concessions.
WA
International students in Western Australia who are studying full-time are eligible for public transportation discounts. With an integrated bus, railway, and ferry network, Transperth offers public transportation throughout the Perth metropolitan region. This implies that students may travel any bus, rail, or ferry with just one ticket and transfer between services within a set time frame.
Visit the Transperth website for information on current concession passes.
Driving
If you have a valid driver's licence in your home country, you may be eligible to drive in Australia without having to take any additional examinations. However, if you want to stay in Australia for more than three months, several state and territory governments will require you to obtain an Australian driver's licence. The state or territory government in where you live manages your licence requirements and any driving limitations. To learn more, go to the website of the relevant state or territory government or go to australia.gov.au.
After you've been accepted to a school and received confirmation of your student visa, the next step is to begin making preparations for your arrival. Use the checklist below to prepare for your flight.
PASSPORT AND VISA- Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months before entering Australia, and that you have all of your visa paperwork. Making duplicates of your passport is also a smart idea in case you misplace it. Learn more about visas and how to comply with them.
Documents relating to student enrolling and orientation- Your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) and student information pack, both of which you should have received from your university, are required. More information on entrance criteria may be found here, or you may contact your educational institution directly.
OSHC - Overseas Student Health Coverage- This is a must for entering Australia, so make sure you have a health insurance coverage in place before you depart. More information about insurance may be found here.
Insurance for Travel - You should also think about travel insurance, which will cover things that your OSHC won't, such cancelled flights, missing papers, dental or optical care, and so on. For further information, contact your education or travel agency.
Ticket prices – Make sure your flight arrival date allows you enough time to adjust to your new location and institution. Keep your travel information, as well as your passport and visa, in a safe and secure location.
Contact information - You should have a list of emergency contact information for family members, as well as information about your embassy, lodging, and institution. Keep the contact information for your education agent on your phone in case you need to contact them once you are in Australia.
The Australian dollar — Money exchange facilities are accessible in Australian airports and cities, however it is advisable to have some Australian cash on hand before departing your home country. You may also wish to visit a bank or create a bank account after you arrive in Australia.
Getting to and from the airport – It is critical that you have all of the facts, including the time, the route, and, if your travel has been planned by your school, their contact information, whether you are taking public transportation, a cab, or being picked up from the airport by your education provider. If you require a map to aid you in navigating from the airport to your lodging, one will be available at the airport. In order to travel about, all Australian cities offer a variety of transportation alternatives.
Details on where to stay – Before you arrive, make sure you've booked and verified your accommodations, making a note of the address and phone number where you'll be staying.
Internet and phone - Once you arrive in Australia, your mobile phone operator may not enable you to make calls or access to the internet. Or it might allow for very pricey worldwide roaming. The most cost-effective alternative is to get an Australian SIM card when you arrive. If you don't buy one at your destination airport, you'll have to wait until you get there. If you plan on renting while studying, Australia offers a variety of phone and internet options.
Working out a plan - You have the option of working while studying in Australia. This can help you save money while also gaining essential language and cultural exposure. Check to see whether your visa allows you to work in Australia. Learn all you need to know about working as an international student in Australia.
What you can bring into Australia (and what you can't) - Australia has strong border restrictions, and you must be aware of what you are not permitted to carry into the country. The regulations governing biosecurity in Australia have been reinforced, with enhanced fines for all travellers who fail to disclose high-risk biosecurity commodities accurately at the Australian border. This implies that you must declare when you arrive in Australia.
- Any food, plant matter, or animal products
- Firearms, guns, and ammo - A$10,000 (or international equivalent) in currency
- Some medications