It's important we have your correct contact details in case we need to get in touch with you. These include your current mobile number, email address and residential address (place where you live). You must:

• Notify us of your Australian contact details within 7 days of arriving in Australia.
• Notify us within 7 days if you change any of your contact details.

Log in to your Student Portal to update your address.

• You must maintain adequate arrangements for Overseas Student Health Cover during your stay in Australia.
• Here is an urgent update from our partner provider ahm regarding Overseas Health Cover during the COVID-19 Pandemic:
  • Coronavirus Health Information Line: Call 1800 020 080 if you are seeking information. The line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
  • A Student Mental Health support line is also running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  If you are an ahm member, call 1800 006 745

• You cannot work until you have started your course in Australia.
• You cannot work more than 40 hours per fortnight during a Study Period.*
• No work limits apply during college or university breaks.

*You are temporarily allowed to work more than 40 hours per fortnight if you are employed in certain sectors. Eligibility criteria can be found on the COVID-19 international travel and exemption information page.

For a full list of Student Visa Conditions, please see Department of Home Affairs - Student Visa Conditions​

• Full time study load = enrolment into a minimum of 8 subjects over 3 trimesters. 
• Pay course fees on time. 
• You must enrol into at least one face to face subject each trimester.*
• No more than one third of your course can be completed online.*
• Maintain satisfactory course progression - pass minimum of 50% of subjects.
  • Refer to the Torrens University Academic Progression Policy
  • Refer to the Think Education Academic Progression Policy
• ELICOS students must attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled contact hours within a study period.

Home Affairs is taking a flexible approach where COVID‑19 restrictions have prevented Student visa conditions being met. You will not be in breach of your Student visa conditions if you:

• have an approved course deferral
• are studying online.

Please stay up to date with student visa restrictions and requirements by regularly checking the Department of Home Affairs website.

Updated: 15 December 2021

It has been announced that From 15 December 2021, international students can travel to Australia without
seeking a travel exemption to participating states or territories.

To be permitted to enter Australia international students will need to satisfy the eligibility requirements outlined in the
official statement released by the Prime Minister of Australia.

Importantly, students entering Australia will also be subject to the quarantine arrangements of the state/territory they
are travelling to. For more information on current state/territory based requirements, please click here. Check the latest information on travel restrictions.

We are very excited to start welcoming our international students back into the country and will be in touch with more information shortly. In the meantime, please be sure to check the Department of Home Affairs website for official updates from the Australian government.

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What do I need to do before arriving back in Australia?

Please go through this check list and make sure that you have all the required documents to enter Australia and understand the requirements you will need to meet once arriving.

You will need

• A valid student visa
• A vaccination certificate
• A negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure
• To complete an Australian Travel Declaration (ATD) within 72 hours of departure
• To check quarantine requirements of the state you will be arriving in
• Organise your accommodation and transport for when you arrive in Australia

Will I need any documentation from Torrens University before booking my flight to Australia?

We won’t require any documentation beyond what the Australian government requests from you.

Your family members may need to provide an invitation letter when they apply for a visitor visa to visit you in Australia. The invitation letter is a letter that you write, not a letter from the University.

We can supply you with a Confirmation of Enrolment Letter to confirm your enrolment with us by contacting Student Services.

Please contact your Agent and refer to the Department of Home Affairs website, Student Visa - including family process.

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced the Student Visa Fee Waiver initiative. They will waive the visa application fee to allow students to submit a further student visa application if you held a student visa on or after 1 February 2020 and couldn’t complete their course in their original visa validity because of the impacts of COVID-19. This includes students who:

• deferred study as they were unable to enter Australia because of travel restrictions
• were forced to reduce to a part-time study load
• were unable to complete their work-based training or placements.

This measure is not intended for students who are applying for a new student visa because of ordinary reasons (including if you have failed a course or a unit of study, deferred for personal reasons or voluntarily reduced your study load.)

For the Torrens University Enrolment Policy,  Procedure for Requesting Completion of the Department of Home Affairs Form 1545; Student Visa Extension; go to the Torrens University Policies and Forms page.

The Department of Home Affairs changed temporarily the requirements for a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa for those who have been affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions:

• online study undertaken outside Australia will count towards the Australian Study Requirement for existing and new student visa holders
• graduates can apply for and be granted a Temporary Graduate visa outside Australia (where they have met all the requirements).

For the Torrens University Enrolment Policy, Procedure for Requesting Completion of the Department of Home Affairs Form 1545; Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) go to the Torrens University Policies and Forms page.

At this stage no supporting letters will be issued to students for travel exemption applications. This is a decision made by the Australian Government and not Torrens University. For updated travel restrictions and exemptions please continue to check the Department of Home Affairs website for more details.

COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia, even if you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This includes people without a Medicare card, overseas visitors, international students, migrant workers and asylum seekers.

Find out at how and where to get the vaccine at the Department of Health vaccination site.

Q: Do I need to be vaccinated to travel to Australia?

A: For up to date information on traveling to Australia from overseas vaccination information visit the Department of Home Affairs Page.

 

Q: How do I know if my vaccine from outside of Australia is acceptable and approved in Australia?

A: To qualify as fully vaccinated, you need to have received the recommended schedule of doses of a vaccine that Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved or recognised. 

Vaccination certificate and Vaccines currently recognised and approved in Australia information can be found here.

 

Q: What evidence do I need to provide to show that I have been fully vaccinated?

A: You will require a International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate for more information view the Australian Passport Office.

 

Q: What if I have a mix of vaccines?

A: Students who have received two different TGA approved vaccines will be considered as fully vaccinated at this stage, view smartraveller.gov.au

However please check the Department of Home Affairs regularly for any changes.

 

Q: What if I don’t have a recognised vaccine?

A; If you are unable to meet the proof of vaccination requirements, you will not qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller.  You will need to follow the current border processes when leaving or coming to Australia.

No, it will not affect your current student visa. You can continue studies in the online learning environment according to advice from the University.  Any remote/online study done due to COVID-19 will also be counted towards the Australian study requirements for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWR) as long as you have a valid visa during this study.

This means that if you start studying online it will be counted towards your study requirements for PSWR as long as you hold a student visa whilst undertaking this study.  The Australian Government has recently advised that study completed Online Offshore will count towards the requirements for a Post-Study Work Visa for existing and new student visa holders. 

For further information, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs - General Student Visa Information

Australian Government announced changes to student visa arrangements to ensure International students are not further disadvantaged by COVID-19.

If your Student Visa is about to expire, you are unable to return home, you do not meet the requirements for another visa or you do not have access to sufficient funds to pay a further visa application then you may be eligible for the new COVID-19 Temporary Activity Visa. Please contact your Agent for more details.

Read the latest updates on your student visa working restrictions.

Any Student Visa holder who is currently offshore and travels to Australia between 19 January 2022 and 19 March 2022 will be eligible for a refund of their visa application charge (VAC). The current VAC for a Student visa is AUD630. Further information on how to apply for a refund is at Getting a refund​.

COVID Disaster Payment Initiative

The Australia Government are offering a disaster payment to people who have lost work hours as a result of the lockdown either because they are in a hotspot or their work was in a hotspot. International students are eligible for this payment so long as they met the rest of the eligibility criteria. Find out more and learn how to claim.

Assistance with food for international students

If you have lost your job and are struggling to feed yourself and your family, Foodbank is an organisation that works to feed everyone across Australia, including international students, for more information visit Foodbank.

You can also reach out to Oz Harvest who will assist you to find local charities to assist with discounted or free food and groceries.

Emergency accommodation for international students

If you are an international student in Australia experiencing financial hardship you may be eligible to participate in the International Student Support Network (ISSN) homestay program.

ISSN homestays include a private room,meals, utilities and support from one of our committed AHN host families. For more details email your International Student Advisors. Please include your student ID number, phone number and which state you are currently in and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

Free food hampers

Foodbank are helping to assist international students in NSW by providing free of food hampers. Each hamper is valued at $80 and packed with items such as instant meals and coffee, plus pantry staples such as breakfast cereal, long-life milk, rice and sauces.

Complete the application form or call Foodbank NSW & ACT on (02) 9756 3099 to find your closest distribution centre. 

International Student Welfare Hub

Study NSW and the Australian international education sector are working to support the health, wellbeing, and academic success of international students. For information on vaccinations, NSW government advice and other support measures visit the International Student Welfare Hub.

Lighthouse Support International Student Directory

In partnership with the City of Melbourne, Insider Guides have created the Lighthouse Support International Student Directory. Lighthouse Support provides centralised up-to-date COVID-19 information, food, legal aid and financial resources and support for students living in Melbourne.

Financial and other support for COVID-19

The Victorian Government is offering one off payments to people who have to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID - 19. Find out about the financial support available to people and businesses affected by COVID-19 on their website.

Heart & Soul Group

For pick up or delivery of free and discounted fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery and pantry items visit the Heart & Soul Group.

StudyAdelaide COVID Information Page

StudyAdelaide will be updating the information provided on the COVID-19 Information for International Students page regularly to help you stay informed, safe, and supported throughout the global pandemic.

Please refer to the above Australia wide initiatives.

Hear from a current student at Torrens University about their experiences of moving to Australia and also receive the most up to date links to Government Information and University resources:

• Returning to Australia and eligibility requirements
• Vaccination and quarantine requirements
• International Student Guide – pre arrival checklist
• Welcome to Australia Information:
  • accommodation
  • opening a bank account in Australia
  • public transport
  • culture shock
  • cost of living
  • much more

There will also be time to ask questions at the end of the session. Please refer to the virtual support sessions calendar above for session days, times and link to join the sessions.

Your International Student Guide has helpful hints for before you arrive in Australia, such as:

• COVID-19 Torrens University Australia advice
• Arriving in Australia
• University life
• Living in Australia
• International student visas
• Returning home
• Accommodation list
• Before leaving home checklist
• Getting started checklist
• Study planner

Download the guide today!

Torrens University International Student Guide

Think Education International Student Guide

• access digital learning resources
• access video and audio recordings
• submit and complete online assessments
• participate in classroom discussion and collaboration via online communication and collaboration tools.

Computer hardware	Access to a desktop or laptop computer - You will not be able to properly engage in your studies or your classes if you are trying to access Blackboard through a mobile or tablet device. Speakers or headset Microphone Web camera
Operating system	Mac users: OSX 10.8 and above PC users: Windows 7 and above
Internet	A reliable, high-speed broadband internet connection, with sufficient upload and download capacity. Contact your internet service provider if you have concerns about your data allowance or internet speed.
Web browser	The recommended web browser to access Blackboard (your Learning Portal) is Firefox, in addition some audio PowerPoints will require Google Chrome.
Software	Office software to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Office 365 is available as a free download as part of your student account. There may also be software required for your specific course. Your Learning Facilitator will advise you of this when you start studying.

The Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an official document issued to international students who intend on studying at an Australian education provider. It confirms that you have accepted a place in a course, and have paid your tuition fees and Overseas Student Health Cover premium (OSHC).

When do I get my CoE?

Once you have confirmed your enrolment. First, you will need to sign your Offer Letter, pay your tuition fees and purchase your OSHC, then you will receive your CoE.

Who do I contact about my CoE?

Before you commence your studies with us you will need to refer to your agent. Once you have commenced your studies you can contact Student Services for more information. 

How do I get a copy of my CoE?

You should be given a copy of your CoE from your agent when you commence your studies. If you cannot find it or never received it please contact your International Student Advisor and they will be able to issue you with a copy. 

How do I extend my CoE?

We require the following information and documents to submit your CoE extension application for review.

You will need to provide:

• Copy of your Passport.
• Copy of your current Visa.
• Personal written statement explaining why you need a COE extension, how many subjects you have left to complete and why you haven’t completed your course in given time frame.
• Study plan provided by your Success Coach - you can request one via email.

Please submit all the above together to Student Services.

Please note, once this has been submitted it may take up to 10 business days for an outcome.

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This insurance helps you meet the costs of medical and hospital care you may need while in Australia such as:

• Visiting the doctor
• Ambulance and emergency treatment in hospital
• Some hospital treatment
• Some medicines

You must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your visa at the time of admission into your course.

OSHC must be purchased from an approved Australian insurance provider.

Different insurers may offer different levels of cover, so compare policies to choose the one that is right for you. You may want to take out extra insurance such as dental, physiotherapy and optometry services.

For more information and a list of insurance providers visit the OSHC page on the Department of Health website.

Having issues converting your lecture or workshop times to your current time zone?

If yes, please use the Time Zone Converter.

With a landmass close to 7.7 million square kilometres, Australia is the world's sixth-largest country and is divided into three separate time zones.

Time zone	City	UTC time
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) Queensland, New South Wales (except Broken Hill), Victoria, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory	Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra	UTC+10:00
Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) South Australia and the town of Broken Hill in western New South Wales,  Northern Territory	Adelaide, Broken Hill, Darwin	UTC+09:30
Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) Western Australia	Perth	UTC+08:00

Time zones during daylight saving Time (first Sunday in October – first Sunday in April)

Time zone	City	UTC time
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) Queensland	Brisbane	UTC+10:00
Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) New South Wales (except Broken Hill), Victoria, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory	Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra	UTC+11:00
Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT) South Australia and the town of Broken Hill in western New South Wales	Adelaide, Broken Hill	UTC+10:30
Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) Northern Territory	Darwin	UTC+09:30
Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) Western Australia	Perth	UTC+08:00

Studying in Australia can be exciting and offer new experiences. Unortunately, sometimes international students are targeted by scammers. Study Melbourne has a great guide to what to look out for and how to protect yourself against student scams.

There are tuition fee payment scams being reported at the moment.

Find out:

• How to avoid tuition payment scams
• 6 steps to avoid payment scams

The COVID-19 vaccination free, however scammers will seek to exploit South Australians during the rollout, so be on the lookout for fraudulent phone calls, messages and advertisements. Do not give out your personal information.

Learn how to protect yourself.

Torrens University has been made aware of an Instant Study Loan Scam. Please only use the official and safe channels that are available on the bottom of your Offer Letter to pay your tuition fees.

If you have any concerns that you maybe being scammed, please email us or visit the SAPOL site.

You will receive a special Under 18 email, prior to arriving on campus, that will provide you with details on where to find and how to contact the people listed below. This email will also contain important information to keep with you at all times in case of an emergency.

Your point of contact during campus business hours is Student Services, who will provide you with all areas of guidance and support in settling you into your studies and Australia. Please contact your Campus Director, whose number is located on your under 18's email, if you are in an emergency situation outside of normal campus business hours.

If you arrive before your course start date or orientation day, please feel welcome to visit the campus and contact your Campus Student Services team.

If you have any problems with your homestay, study, or life in Australia, you can get help from any of the following people:

• During usual business hours: Your International Student contact person is your Campus Director or Senior Student Services Advisor and their team of student services advisors
• Outside of usual business hours, in case of an emergency or a critical incident, your contact is the Campus Director
• Success coaches
• Academic learning support and learning advisors
• Student Counsellor

Popular accommodation options for international students in Australia include:

• Purpose built Student Accommodation – private rooms or share rooms
• Homestay
• Private rental or share houses
• Short term accommodation - hotel or hostels

Accommodation costs will depend on the city you'll live in and what type of accommodation you choose. Visit Study in Australia for more information about accommodation for international students.

Scape offers short stays or long-term student accommodation in Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. They offer private or share rooms. Each Scape property is central located and has a regular event calendar, hosting events and activities to help you explore your new city and meet your fellow residents.

With residents from countries from across the globe, you'll meet a diverse network of friends who will enrich your Scape experience.

We have a number of rooms available to Torrens University students.

For an incredible trimester accommodation room prices for Torrens University students only:

• Under 18 years old students
• Over 18 years old students

Some Scape properties do offer dual occupancy:

• Sydney - Darling Square, Darlington and Glebe accept dual occupancies
• Melbourne - Swanston Street
• Brisbane - South Bank, Scape South Bank and Atira Merviale.
• Adelaide – North Terrace

State	Accommodation service
New South Wales	Falcon Lodge Iglu Sydney Student Living Glenferrie Lodge
Queensland	Iglu Altitude Apartments Brisbane Students Atira Southbank Campus
South Australia	Unilodge Torrens Valley International Residence Atira Y Suites
Victoria	Iglu Metro Student Accommodation Together co-living Birch Ridge

With the homestay option, you’ll have the opportunity to live with a local family, experience Australian culture and get to know the area you’ll be living in. Your Homestay host will also help you with important things such as airport pickup, local networks, shopping, banking, transport, culture and improving your English skills.

Host families are thoroughly screened to ensure they can provide a suitable living environment for students.

2Stay is a well-respected accommodation provider and has offered accommodation solutions for international students to the major cities in Australia.

Providing a home away from home and offering an outstanding and enriching experience to all guests are our main goals.

Or Homestay accommodation can be organised through the Australian Homestay Network (AHN). Australian Homestay Network provides the highest quality homestay experiences in Australia, ensuring that each of our guests begins their Australian experience on the right foot.

Once you have settled in Australia you may choose to share an apartment or house with other students. These are normally rented through a real estate agent.

Search for rental accommodation on websites like realestate.com.au or domain.com.au. Search for share houses at Flatmates.com.au.

In Australia, you always inspect a property before renting it.

ATTENTION: Please be safe at all times, take a friend with you to view private or shared accommodation.

Read the Top 9 tips for sharing a house with others

Things to know about renting a property from a real estate agent:

• When you find a place you like, you must fill out and submit a rental application form - this can often be done online through the agent's website. You will usually have to sign a lease for a minimum of 12 months.
• The agent may require a reference letter, proof of identification and evidence of your ability to pay rent.
• Most rental properties are unfurnished. You will need to pay for household goods, gas, electricity and telephone connection.
• Rent is usually priced per week and the cost will depend on the type of property, number of bedrooms and location.
• You will need to pay a month's rent (bond) in advance and a bond equivalent of up to six weeks rent when renting a property.
• Permanent accommodation usually takes three to four weeks to arrange, depending on the type of accommodation required.
• For further information on renting a property please refer to the Tenants' Union, Authority for Information Service in your state.

Hotels can be an expensive choice but allows you privacy in your own room while you familiarise yourself with your new city in a safe environment before exploring other accommodation options.

• Hotels.com
• Bookings.com
• Tripadvisor

Hostels are a much cheaper option but this often comes with shared rooms, cooking and laundry areas.

• Hostelworld
• YHA Australia
• Tripadvisor

Things you should consider when choosing where to live include:

• How far will you have to travel to campus? Is it easily accessible by public transport, such as bus or train?
• Find out what shopping centres, hospitals and emergency services, and other facilities are nearby.
• Always confirm the total cost and any other expenses you may be required to pay, such as a bond and utility fees.

Remember:

• Don’t rely on photos on a website, make sure you visit the accommodation
• Avoid paying a deposit on a place you have never seen
• Never give out personal details to someone you’ve never met in exchange for more information about a property
• Be aware of your rights as a tenant and get advice from the proper channels

Your responsibilities include:

• paying your expenses on time
• day to day cleaning and maintenance
• notifying the landlord or host of any issues with water, power or gas supply, or any other damage to the accommodation.

You have the right by law to:

• feel secure in your property
• have a home with properly maintained and 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.

If you are renting, organisations such as Tenants' Unions and consumer advocates can help. Find your state's Fair Trading and Tenants' Services.