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 My Account 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.

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 TUA Academic Progression Policy
  • Refer to the THINK Academic Progression Policy

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 https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/student-visa  

If you already have a phone when you arrive in Australia you may want to just buy a sim card with a phone plan which you can put into your current mobile phone. There are two types of mobile phone accounts you can choose from:

If you already have a phone when you arrive in Australia you may want to just buy a sim card with a phone plan which you can put into your current mobile phone. There are two types of mobile phone accounts you can choose from:

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.

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.

To see what is best suited to your budget have a look at some of the phone providers below:

• Optus
• Vodaphone
• Telstra
• JB Hi-Fi

The below companies only sell phone plans. They do not sell mobile phones. You can order a SIM card from them and put it in any phone.

• Belong
• ALDI Mobile
• Amaysim

Firstly, check to see if your accommodation provider offers internet access with your accommodation. If not, 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 pay each month for a certain data allowance. Ask the providers you are considering for details of plans that might suit you.

Providers

You can compare internet providers. Some of the main internet providers are:

• Optus
• Vodaphone
• Telstra

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.

Study Australia also has helpful information about mobile phones and internet.

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.

• You can set up a bank account before or after you arrive.
• To open an account you will need to have your Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), passport, Letter of Offer and other forms of identification.
• You may also need an Australian Tax File Number (TFN). You can find information about getting a TFN at the Australian Tax Office website.
• You can also read advice from the Australian Government’s Moneysmart website.

There are three types of international student bank accounts available: Transaction account, Savings account and Student account

• The transaction account is the most common account that can be used for daily expenses, deposits, money access, shopping, paying off bills, and withdrawing money from an ATM.
• The savings account is a ready to go account, which is linked to your everyday bank account. It is different from the transaction account as it allows you to earn interest on your balance.
• The student account comes with the same features as a transaction account but has some extra perks. For example, you don't pay any fees when you deposit cash or withdraw from an ATM on a monthly or annual basis.

In Australia, most international students prefer to open a transaction account as it is easy to maintain. It gives them the freedom to access the account and manage their finances easily without any hassle.

Some bank options

• Westpac
• St George
• ING
• Commonwealth Bank

Opening a bank account in Australia is a simple and quick process. You can either visit a bank or open it online before coming to Australia. Most banks in Australia allow you to open an account up to three months before you arrive in Australia through an online application form on their website.

Pro Tip: Keep a close watch over exchange rates and make sure to transfer money at the time when you will get the maximum value for your currency. Also, it is a good idea to change some of your currency into Australian dollars before your arrival as you might need it in case of emergency.

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.

For more information, click here.

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.

The key things to remember are:

• 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.

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

Temporary relaxation of working hours for student visa holders

To support the supply of certain services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Home Affairs and Australian Border Force will take a flexible approach to student visa holders, including those working beyond their usual work limitations, in some sectors – please note this is not across al industries. To see which industries this applies to please visit the Department of Home Affairs.

You must have a Tax File Number (TFN) to legally be employed in Australia part time or full time. You do not need to pay to receive a TFN. Please read more on the Australian Tax Office website.
 

Work conditions for student visa holders

Department of Home Affairs web page listing work conditions you must comply with.

Workplace rights for all visa holders working in Australia

All workers in Australia have rights and protections at work. This includes foreign nationals. Your employer must comply with Australian workplace and immigration laws.

Fair Work Australia - International Student fact sheet

You have the right to fair pay and a safe working environment. Fair Work Australia makes sure that these rights are protected.

Recording your work hours

International students get the same pay and conditions as Australian employees. Many international students work part time or casually to help support themselves while studying in Australia. It is a good idea to keep track of the hours your worked, check your pay and other entitlements. An easy way to keep track of the hours you work you can use the Work Ombudsman Record my Hours app.

Superannuation

If you receive superannuation (retirement savings) while working in Australia you may be able to claim it back when you leave.

Your campus provides free and confidential counselling to all face-to-face and online students who are currently enrolled and located in Australia and New Zealand. This non-judgmental service does not diagnose; we only listen and help you explore areas of concern and work on strategies that can assist you.

Attending counselling does not mean there is anything wrong with you; it simply provides a confidential and neutral place to freely express your needs and concerns. Counselling sessions are not registered on your academic record.

Counselling is simply a place to get some support and assistance that will help you get through your studies.

Visit the Counselling page to get in touch.

This article lists international counselling and support services.

Find information on travelling from the airport and around your new home city below:

Sydney

Sydney Airport is about 8km from the city. Travel options include train, shuttle bus/mini-van, taxi or car.

• Sydney airport transport options- Find public transport, shuttle and taxi information here.
• Airport Link rains travel to the city every 10 - 15 minutes. You will need either an Opal card or a debit card to use public transport. You can purchase Opal cards at the airport train station. 
• Taxis - the airport taxi rank is outside the arrivals hall. Get a fare estimate here.
• Uber has a pick up zone at the airport
• Transport NSW- Find timetables and maps. You will need either an Opal card or a debit card to use public transport.
• Transport Apps - download an app like TripGo to plan your journey and get real time traffic and timetable information

Melbourne

Tullamarine, Melbourne's main airport, is 23km from the city. There is no train to Tullamarine.

• Melbourne airport - taxis and ride share (including Uber)
• Skybus runs from the Airport to:
  • Melbourne City (30 - 45 min, $18)
  • Southbank & Docklands (40 - 80 min, $18)
  • St Kilda (60 - 75 min, $37)
  • Check the Skybus site for updated prices and timetables.
• Public Transport Victoria (PTV)- find timetables, maps and journey planner tool to plan your trips around Melbourne and Victoria. You will need a Myki card to use public transport.
• Transport Apps - download an app like TripGo to plan your journey and get real time traffic and timetable information

Brisbane

• Brisbane Airport - find public transport, taxi, ride share and other transport options here.
• Brisbane Airtrain - trains to the city leave every 15 - 30 minutes. The trip takes 20 minutes.
• Taxis are available outside the Domestic and International Terminals. At peak times, Kerbside Officers are on hand to assist.
• Uber picks up from Brisbane Airport.
• Brisbane Public Transport

Adelaide

• Adelaide Airport transport options - find public transport, shuttle and taxi information here.
• A Metro card is an electronic smart card and is the best option for frequent public transport. 
• Adelaide Metro - maps and journey planner tool to plan your trips around Adelaide.
• Transport Apps - download an app like TripGo to plan your journey and get real time traffic and timetable information.

Student Concession prices

International students are not usually entitled to student travel concessions (discounted city public transport tickets).

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If you plan on driving in Australia during your time living here you will likely need to change your license over to an Australian one. To learn more about how to do this please check the links below, the requirements differ from state to state so make sure to read up on the state you will be spending the most time you in.

• Queensland - Overseas Driver's Licence
• New South Wales - Overseas Driver's Licence
• South Australia - Overseas Driver's Licence
• Victoria - Overseas Driver's Licence.  

We offer two types of English courses for international students.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

Improve your academic English skills before beginning your main course.

You can start this course on any Monday and continue until you have reached your goals.

General English

Study a General English course to become more confident with English and learn more about Australian culture, customs and speech before you start to study.

Find out more about our English language courses.

Gone are the days of learning being confined to a classroom! From traditional to creative, here are our 10 favourite ways to practise and perfect your English reading skills.

Watch this video on Australia's best and weirdest slang words.

Wherever you are in Australia, if there's a life-threatening emergency, use your mobile phone to call 000 (zero zero zero).

 

It's a free call, even from your mobile. An operator will answer and will ask which of the following services you need:

	Police	Police officers cannot be bribed and are not corrupt in Australia. They are safe and ready to help anyone who needs assistance from them. For example, they can help you if your life or property is being threatened, you have been hit/ punched by another person, had your car stolen or in a car crash.
	Fire	You can ask for the fire brigade if you can see a fire anywhere. In your house, car or on your street They will come out and put out the fire for you.
	Ambulance	You can ask for an ambulance if you are having a medical problem like chest pain, uncontrollable life-threatening bleeding, sudden collapse and being in a car accident as some examples.

If you're not sure which service you need just tell the operator what you are calling about and they will help guide you. If you don't speak English, tell the operator your language and you will be connected to a translator who will be able to assist.

When calling:

1. You will hear a short recorded message stating that you have dialled the emergency number and then a Telstra operator will ask which service you require - police, fire or ambulance?
2. You must stay on the line.
3. Respond with the service you need and the state (Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland) you are in. (If you are using a mobile telephone you will be asked for the city and state you are in).
4. Your call will then be connected to the emergency service you need. Requests for an ambulance will be connected to the Emergency Operations Centre at your location.

It is important to remain calm. The operator will ask questions:

• What is the exact address of the emergency?
• What is the phone number you are calling from?
• What is the problem, tell me exactly what happened?
• How old is the person?
• Are they conscious?
• Are they breathing?

They can even help you perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other first-aid treatments while you wait for the ambulance to arrive.

For further information refer to the Study Australia website.

Mental health emergency - call 13 14 65

For assistance in a mental health emergency, contact the mental health triage service on 13 14 65. They are available 24 hours, seven days a week.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment and your life or property is in danger, you can contact police, fire or ambulance on 106 directly through a TTY (also known as a teletypewriter or textphone). It is not possible to contact emergency services using the Short Message Service (SMS) on your mobile telephone.

The Australian 106 Text Emergency Relay Service is provided as part of the National Relay Service (NRS). The service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and calls made using the 106 service are given priority over other NRS calls.

Using the 106 Text Emergency Relay Service

• Dial 106, which is a toll-free number
• You will be asked if you want police (type PPP), fire (FFF) or ambulance (type AAA). Note Speak and Listen (or voice carry over) users just need to say 'police', 'fire' or 'ambulance' to the relay officer
• The relay officer will dial the correct service and stay on the line to relay your conversation
• As a TTY is connected to a fixed line, the emergency service can locate where you are calling from
• You will be asked to confirm your address
• The 106 service can only be dialled from a TTY, it cannot be used by:
  • an ordinary phone
  • text message (SMS)
  • on a mobile phone
  • or internet relay

If you have further questions you can contact the National Relay Service Help Desk (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST).

This official app from the Triple Zero Awareness Working Group for iOS, Android and Windows devices to help you

• know when to call Triple Zero
• know who to call in non-emergency situations and how to get help

Download it now

iOS app | Android app | Windows app

As a student at Torrens University, and as an international student in Australia you have rights. For assistance with workplace rights, consumer rights, and university rights please see below.

To access the complaint policies and forms of required to submit a complaint please visit Torrens Univeristy - Policies and Forms or Think Education - Policies and Forms.

• The Overseas Students Ombudsman investigates complaints about problems that overseas students have with private education and training in Australia. For more information, go to Ombudsman - How we can help overseas students or call on 1300 362 072
• Human Rights Commission
• Consumer Rights
• Tuition Protection Service - This is an initiative of the Australian Government to assist international students whose education providers are unable to fully deliver their course of study.
• Study Australia Legal Advice

• Work conditions for student visa holders - Department of Home Affairs web page listing work conditions you must comply with.
• Workplace rights for all visa holders working in Australia - All workers in Australia have rights and protections at work. This includes foreign nationals. Your employer must comply with Australian workplace and immigration laws.
• Fair Work Australia - International Student fact sheet - You have the right to fair pay and a safe working environment. Fair Work Australia makes sure that these rights are protected.