Studying in Australia can be exciting and offer new experiences. Unfortunately, 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.

Check the ACCC guide to protecting yourself from scams.

Stay up to date with current scams by checking the ACCC Scam Watch website.

Some examples of scams targeting international students are:

• Chinese authority scams
• Ransom and fraud
• Visa and immigration status
• Course fee/tuition payments
• Social media or online forums
• Rental conditions

Little Black Book of Scams

To access student sites and resources, you will need access to a desktop computer or laptop.

You will not be able to properly engage in your studies or your classes with a mobile device or tablet.

• 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.

Before you arrive please ensure you have a look at the International Student Guide (at the top of this page) as it contains a lot of vital information, to help you settle into your studies and life in Australia.

Plus visit our Living In Australia page for information on accommodation, emergencies, opening a bank account in Australia and much more.

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

You can either select your own approved Australian insurance OHSC provider or request the university do it for you at the time you enrol at Torrens University.

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

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 zones during daylight saving

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 Support 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 Student Support 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
• list the subjects you have yet to complete, including the subject code and subject name

Please submit all the above together to Student Support 

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

Why would I need a CoE Extension?

You need a CoE Extension as it appears your CoE is expiring soon or has expired due to:

• Failed multiple subjects.
• Study underload - you must study a 100% full-time study load, which is an Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL) of 1.0, per academic year.
• Delay in nursing placement (Nursing students only).

International students on a student visa require a CoE to study onshore in Australia.

If you believe you do not require a CoE Extension, please provide us with a reason in writing.

• If there is a change in your visa status (e.g. you have been granted a Permanent Residency), please send us a copy of the Immigration Grant Notification so we can update your account accordingly.
• If you decide to study offshore, please submit a Course Transfer Form along with your flight itinerary.

Did you miss campus Orientation as you were waiting for your Student Visa?

Don't worry...

You can request a campus tour where you can view the campus facilities, meet support staff and have your questions answered.

You can also check your campus page for useful information.

To organise a tour please contact us or head to the Student Services desk on campus.

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 Support, who will provide you with all areas of guidance and support in settling you into your studies and Australia.

If you arrive before your course start date or Orientation day, please feel welcome to visit the campus and contact your Campus Support Team.

Contact details

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.

* Update - Student Visa Work Allowances

• 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.​

This revised cap will help international students to support themselves through their studies, while maintaining study as the primary purpose of their visa.

For more information visit Work restrictions for student visa holders.

Any questions? Email your International Student Wellbeing Coordinators.

• 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.

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