Living in Australia
Getting set up
From the airport
Transport & driving
Accommodation
Mobile phone & internet
Employment
Money & finance
Childcare & schools
From the airport
Pre-booked airport pick up with Meet & Greet option
If you would like to organise for an Airport Pick Up with the option of a Meet and Greet service before you arrive in Australia we recommend Hughes for all locations. A chauffeur will await you inside the airport holding a sign with your name and assist you with your luggage.
To make a booking, go to Hughes – Australia’s Chauffeur Services.
If you need to make changes to your booking simply login to your Hughes Limousines account.
Please note: If you need to change your booking within 24 hours of your original arrival time, you will need to contact Hughes by phone or email. The contact details can be found in your Booking Confirmation email.
On arrival at the airport, look out for the driver holding the sign as shown here.
Airport transfers
Find information on travelling from the airport and around your new home city below. You can also refer to the public transport options section.
- Adelaide Airport transport options - find public transport, shuttle and taxi information here.
- Uber from the airport.
- Brisbane Airport - find public transport, taxi, ride share and other transport options here.
- Gold Coast Airport transport options – find public transport such as train, shuttle and taxi information here.
- Uber from Brisbane airport or Gold Coast airport.
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 CBD - Southern Cross Station (30 - 45 min, $19.95). Check the Skybus site for updated prices and timetables.
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 - Tains 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.
- Uber from the airport.
Mobile phone and home internet guide
Mobile phone
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
Making international calls
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.
Internet
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.
You can compare internet providers. Some of the main internet providers are:
More information
Study Australia also has helpful information about mobile phones and internet.
Public transport and driving
Public transport
Find information on travelling from the airport and around your new home city below.
Note: International students are not usually entitled to student travel concessions (discounted city public transport tickets).
- Adelaide Metro - maps and journey planner tool to plan your trips around Adelaide.
- A Metro Card is an electronic smart card and is the best option for frequent public transport.
- Transport Apps - download an app like TripGo to plan your journey and get real time traffic and timetable information.
- Brisbane Public Transport
- The Go Card is an electronic smart card that is in use on all Translink bus, train, ferry and tram services in greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast regions.
- The journey planner or MyTranslink (the official Queensland Government app) can help you plan your trips.
- 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.
- 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.
Driving in Australia
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 or obtain an international driver’s license.
Requirements differ from state to state so make sure to read up on the state you will be spending the most time in.
- Queensland - Overseas Driver's Licence
- New South Wales - Overseas Driver's Licence
- South Australia - Overseas Driver's Licence
- Victoria - Overseas Driver's Licence
Childcare & schools
Childcare
If you are planning to bring children to Australia who are younger than school age, you may wish to enrol them into childcare (please note this is not a visa requirement).
Childcare facilities are located throughout Australia, but please be aware fees can vary dramatically and most temporary residents are not eligible for any government subsidies. Waitlists can be very long, especially for children under 2 years. Search for childcare facilities in Australia.
There are a range of care and play-based learning options and some providers also offer before and after school care. You may wish to submit multiple applications to increase your chances of being accepted.
Schools
To bring school age children with you when you study in Australia, you will need to arrange for them to attend school.
You must provide evidence of school enrolment for your dependent school age children in your student visa application or when they apply as a subsequent entrant (if joining you at a later time).
Please check your student visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.
You can also find relevant state and territory information on the Study Australia website.
City-based information
Children between 6 and 16 years of age are considered school age children. School enrolment information can be found on the South Australian Government Schools website.
Childcare information can be found on the South Australian Government website.
Children between 6 and 16 years of age are considered school age children. School enrolment information can be found on the Education Queensland International website.
Childcare information can be found on the Queensland Government website.
Children between 5 and 17 years of age are considered school age children. School enrolment information can be found on the Victorian Government Schools website.
Childcare information can be found on the Victorian Government website.
Children between 5 and 17 years of age are considered school age children. School enrolment information can be found on the NSW Department of Education International Students website.
Childcare information can be found on the NSW Government website.
Employment
Getting ready to work in Australia
As an international student working in Australia, you have the same protections as any Australian in the workplace. Here are some things you need to know, and a checklist to make sure you are well prepared. Check the Work right Fact Sheet
Until 30 June 2023, all ongoing students as well as new student arrivals and secondary applicants are able to work full time in any sector of the economy and work before their course of study commences.
- From 1 July 2023, work restrictions for all other student visa holders will be re-introduced and capped at the increased rate of 48 hours per fortnight.
- Student visa holders already working in the aged care sector on 9 May 2023 can continue to work unrestricted hours in the aged care sector until 31 December 2023.
As an international student you must continue to balance your study and work commitments even though there is flexibility in the number of hours you can work.
Students must still:
- maintain their course enrolment
- ensure satisfactory course attendance, and
- ensure satisfactory course progress.
Please stay up to date with student visa restrictions and requirements around working conditions by regularly checking the Department of Home Affairs website.
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.
Available jobs are listed on different platforms. Some may request you to create an profile with information about your working experiences and skills, before applying for any position.
For other job applications, you will be asked to email your update resume/CV and cover letter.
Either way, your Success Coach will be able to support you and work together on your employability outcomes.
Casual jobs
Torrens University platform
Volunteer opportunities
Looking for a part-time or casual job?
then look no further than StudyAdelaide’s international student Job Shop.
You can even apply before leaving your home country.
Searching for jobs in NSW? Well, your job hunt just got a lot easier!
The NSW Government has launched NSW Jobs Connect for International Student, in partnership with SEEK, one of Australia’s largest employment marketplaces, that will connect international students directly with NSW employers.
Money
Australian currency
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.
Cost of living
Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation.
Find out about some of the costs associated with living and studying in Australia (all costs are in Australian dollars).
Food and household products
In Australia, we have many options to purchase food like greengrocers, fruit shops, corner stores, convenience stores and specialty shops. For your main staples, the biggest and most affordable place to purchase is from supermarkets.
Supermarkets are everywhere in Australia so it won’t be hard to find one close to your accommodation. Here are the main ones in Australia:
Bank accounts
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. 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. Or you can visit a bnak in person when you arrive.
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.
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.
There are three types of international student bank accounts available:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Accommodation
Purpose built student accommodation
Amber offers a platform to search for all student accommodation Australia wide. They offer free expert assistance, 100% verified listings and price-match guarantee while minimizing the hassles of paperwork.
Just search – Torrens University and your state to find suitable accommodation close to your campus.
Visit the Amber Student website to view accommodation options.
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.
They have a number of rooms available to Torrens University students.
Homestay
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.
Host families are thoroughly screened to ensure they can provide a suitable living environment for students.
Homestay accommodation can be organised through the Australian Homestay Network (AHN).
Private rental and share accommodation
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:
- realestate.com.au,
- domain.com.au.
- Flatmates.com.au
- Flatmate Finders
- You can also use individual real estate websites in your city such as LJ Hooker and Gary J Smith to search for suitable properties according to preferences such as property type, location and price.
Attention: safety and warnings
Please be safe at all times, take a friend with you to view private or shared accommodation.
To avoid complicated or unfair rental arrangements, stay away from unregulated private rentals that are not arranged through a real estate agent, like Facebook Marketplace.
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. 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.
- You will need to pay a month's rent (bond) in advance.
Further resources
- Read the Top 9 tips for sharing a house with others
- Check your Rental Rights
Problems with your accommodation
If there are any problems with your accommodation talk to your agent or landlord (if renting), or go to:
- NSW - NSW Fair Trading or Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services
- QLD - Tenants Queensland and Residential Tenancies Authority
- SA - Consumer and Business Services (CBS) and RentRightSA
- VIC - Consumer Affairs Victoria
Short term accommodation
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.
Hostels are a much cheaper option but this often comes with shared rooms, cooking and laundry areas.
Australian life and culture
Culture shock
Connect with community
Sex & dating
Events & activities
Bike safety
Beach & water safety
Connecting with the community
Social connections are important to help you feel settled. Getting involved in your local community is also a great way to explore Australia and Australian culture.
There are many different cultural groups and religious centres that can make you feel welcome.
Multicultural NSW
Multicultural NSW promotes community harmony and social cohesion in one of the most culturally diverse states in the world.
Chinese community
Nepalese Community
Indian community
Brazilian community
Japanese community
Chinese community
Nepalese Community
Indian community
African community
Latin American community
Community Centres SA
Community Centres SA provide a link for local people and offer a huge array of activities for individuals, families, children and youth, older people, and cultural groups.
They are friendly places where anyone can meet new friends, learn new skills and become involved in the local community. Community Centres are longstanding and trusted local organisations and are the ideal spaces to ensure your needs are met. If you would like to connect with your local community centre you can search for a location near you.
Salvation Army
Salvation Army Adelaide value and include people of all cultures, languages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions and intersex status. We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive. We are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children.
SAcommunity
People of all religions are free to worship in Australia.
Search for local churches, mosque, temples or other places of worship.
Brazilian community
Nepalese community
Indian community
Nigerian community
Victoria Multicultural Commission
As the main link between communities and government, the Victoria Multicultural Commission engages with multicultural and multifaith groups to understand the issues they face. The VMC then work together to identify and recommend potential solutions to government, policymakers and community organisations to make public services more inclusive and accessible.
Multicultural Communities profiles can be found on the VMC website as well.
Nepalese community
Indian community
Nigerian community
Vietnamese community
Colombian community
Brazilian community
Sex and dating
When we talk about the international student experience, it’s easy to focus on things like academics, visas and budgeting. Sure, these details are crucial to think about to ensure your educational success. But it’s equally important to discuss the things that affect your personal life and wellbeing.
Read more about Sex and Dating Culture in Australia.
Check out our Safer Communites pages for information about support and services we offer.
Culture shock
When you leave home to travel to your new country, you naturally take your own personality and cultural ways with you. When you arrive in a new country with a different culture you can experience a wide variety of feelings and reactions. For example, you may feel confused, nervous, irritable, uncertain and dependent on others.
If you experience these things, then you probably have culture shock.
Australians have particular attitudes, customs and habits that might take some getting used to. It could be something small (such as restaurants closing at 9pm because locals eat dinner early, or how the bin system works) to bigger cultural differences (like the way people speak to and interact with one another). Clothing, food, teaching and learning styles, and people’s behaviours may also be completely different from what you’re accustomed to.
The culture shock might be disorienting at first, as you’re settling into a new way of life. But you’re not alone! It will just take a little time to adjust.
To overcome culture shock:
- Talk to other international students for support
- Stay in touch with family and friends back home
- Do some activities that are familiar to you
- Lastly, join your campus Student Representative Council (SRC) to meet other students, join there social media pages for up to date information and attend events throughout the year. Email Online SRC for more information.
Learn more about Culture Shock
Getting help
Emergencies
English language support
Complaints & legal help
Counselling
Contacting the consulate
Other organisations
Emergencies
000 emergency calls
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:
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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. |
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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. |
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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:
- 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?
- You must stay on the line.
- 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).
- 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.
Do you have a mental health emergency?
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.
Hearing or speech impairment
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).
Emergency+ app
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
Complaints & legal assistance
Student Complaints Policy
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.
Policies:
Legal assistance
- 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.
When to contact the consulate
Contact your country's consulate if you want to:
- renew or replace your passport or other official documents
- report to your country any births, deaths, marriages, divorces and adoptions that happened in Australia.
Your consulate may also be able to help if you:
- are in distress or emergency situations where the Australian authorities cannot help
- are arrested, seriously injured or a victim of crime
- need information about social security in your country
- have questions about national service obligations in your country
- need to contact your family in an emergency
- need travel advice for travel to your country.
See the list of consulates on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website. Consulates open during normal Australian business hours.
English Language Support
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.
You can also attend one of our helpful workshops run by the Torrens University Language Centre (TULC).
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.
Other organisations
Here are some other helpful organisations dedicated to assisting international students.
Study Australia is the offical Australian Government website for international students. Register for the student newsletter for the latest news, events and resources for international students.
The state sites have information on events, and activities to help you connect with other students and enjoy all your state has to offer.
Study Adelaide | Study Melbourne | Study NSW | Study Brisbane
Student who are not in Australia are not eiliglbe to access the free student counselling in Australia.
If you need assistance, check the comprehensive list to find counselling and support services, suicide hotlines, crisis lines, and helplines from all around the world.
Insider Guides has resources, webinars, advice and conversations on the student journey.
You can also download the guides for your city.
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The Council of International Student Australia (CISA) is the national peak student representative organisation for international students studying at the postgraduate, undergraduate, private college, TAFE, ELICOS and foundation level.
