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Student Hub: International students

Coronavirus Updates for International Students

Study in Australia is sharing daily updates related to the Coronavirus outbreak for international students.  Please know that you are not alone and the Australian community is here to support you.  The safety of the public, and all students, is the Australian Government's number one priority.

 

We are committed to helping you through your study journey. Our understanding Student Support staff and dedicated Success Coaches are there to support you with orientation, integration, industry placements and internships.

We place a strong emphasis on personal responsibility - we expect students to be self-directed and take a key role in shaping their education.

Your campus Student Services team will be able to assist you with a wide range of enquiries and point you in the right direction for help with academic skills and English language courses.

Online international student guide

Residential address

Your residential address is the place where you live. You must:

  • Let us know your residential address in Australia within 7 days of arriving in Australia.
  • Let us know your new residential address within 7 days if you move.

Log in to My Account to update your address.

Health care

Work

  • 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​

Course Requirements

  • You must complete your course by the date shown on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
  • You must enrol into at least one on-campus subject each mandatory study period
  • No more than one third of your course can be completed using online subjects/classes

Leave of Absence

Taking a Leave of Absence means taking a break from study while remaining enrolled. It is also called deferring.

International students cannot take a Leave of Absence unless there are compassionate or compelling circumstances.

These are generally circumstances that:

  • Are beyond your control; and
  • Have an impact upon your course progress or wellbeing

For a full list of limited circumstances please refer to the Enrolment and Attendance Policy. 

You'll need to complete the appropriate Application for Leave of Absence (Deferral) form below:

Overseas student transfer

International students may transfer to another Australian institution. Generally you cannot transfer between colleges or universities before completing 6 months in your principal course.

Transferring in your first six months

There are situations where a transfer request will be granted because it is in your best interest,or due to compelling circumstances. You will need to seek approval for release in your first six months, and have a valid enrolmentoffer from another registered provider.

We can only approve the request in limited circumstances as outlined in the following documents:

Will this affect my Student Visa?

We advise you to contact Immigration (Department of Home Affairs) for advice on if you need a new student visa. See more information at:

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

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 visitthe OSHC page on the Department of Health website.

In an emergency, call 000 and ask for an ambulance.

You can also visit the emergency department at your nearest public hospital.

You will not have to pay for most emergency services in public hospitals when you show your OSHC card.

Some private hospitals also offer emergency services but require an up-front payment before treating you.

For emergency and safety information, please visit your campus page or the Study in Australia website.

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

iOS app | Android app | Windows app

There are a number of accommodation options for students in Australia. 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.

Please ask your Student Services team for help with your search for accommodation.

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
  • For more help contact Student Services on your campus.

Different types of accommodation

Popular accommodation options for international students in Australia include:

  • Private rental or share house
  • Homestay
  • Residential colleges or private student accommodation
  • Youth hostel and other short stay or budget accommodation

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

Renting and share houses

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.

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 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 Tennants' Union, Authority or Information Service in your state.

Homestay

A homestay gives you the opportunity to live with a family in their home, which can be a good option for younger students. You will have all the comforts of an established home, often with meals and cleaning included. Homestay accommodation can be organised through  the Australian Homestay Network (AHN).

Host families are thoroughly screened to ensure they can provide a suitable living environment for students. The “host” provides accommodation and support for an agreed-upon period of time and rate.

Homestays are designed to support international students and help improve their language skills and at times study skills. Students learn to understand the culture and customs of the region in which they are studying. Many of our students make life-long friends with their host.

Residential colleges and private student accommodation

Residential colleges are on and near campus student accommodation.

Rooms are furnished, meals are usually fully catered and colleges often provide access to facilities such as recreational rooms, TV and lounge areas, gymnasiums and BBQ areas. There is often study support and tutors available.

Students studying at Leura Blue Mountains Hospitality school will live in twin share hotel style furnished rooms.

If you study in Adelaide you can choose to live at one of three colleges near campus.

Private student accommodation are apartment blocks that specialise in student accommodation.

The apartments are purpose built for students and only students may live there. They offer safe and secure independent living and are furnished. Single and twin rooms may be available and usually have ensuite bathrooms and small kitchens.

Student accommodation is located conveniently to universities and colleges, public transport, shops and restaurants. You wil live in a community of like minded students and there may be study support and communal areas for recreation or study on site.

All host cities have student apartments available to rent. Some of the well known groups include Unilodge, Urban Nest and Iglu. Find links to these and other accommodation search sites in the Useful links section below.

Both you and your landlord or host have legal responsibilities.

Your responsibilities include:

  • paying your expenses on time
  • day to day cleaning and maintenance

You have the right by law to:

  • Feel secure in your property
  • Have a home with properly maintained and working faclilities

Problems with your accommodation

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 Tennants' Services on this list complied by consumer advocacy group Choice.

Useful links

Short term accommodation

Find short term accommodation for when you first arrive, such as youth hostels, short stay and budget accommodation:

Student accommodation

Residential colleges in Adelaide

Foreign language websites

Find Australianaccommodation or share houses advertised on foreign language websites

Work conditions for student visa holders

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.

 

More information about working on a student visa

English language courses

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.

For more information on the above courses click here

​

The student counselling service is free and confidential.

We can help you with:

  • Confusion and anxiety from being in a new and unfamiliar environment
  • Balancing commitments, goal setting
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Homesickness or understanding Australian culture
  • Depression
  • Any other personal topics or issues to help you succeed
  • Other special needs that may impact on your studies

Visit the Counselling page to get in touch.

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.

 

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)
  • 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 - translink.com.au

 

Adelaide

  • Adelaide Airport transport options -find public transport, shuttle and taxi information here
  • 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)

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

If you have any problems with your home stay, 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

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 all of the above people . 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.

Kent St. Campus

Campus Director - Level 3 Kim Sabey
Student Support Services - Level 3 Rose Lennon
Erin Lu
Rudhra Nathan
Harriet Kesby

Leura Campus

Campus Director Melinda McLeod
Operations Manager Kimberley Roberts

Pyrmont Campus

Campus Director  Georgie Bellas
Student Support Services Winny Prasetyowati
Patricia Ribeiro De Melo

The Rocks

Campus Director -3rd Floor David Whyte
Student Support Services Vihari Yaganti
Carla Hafouri
Jennie Geng
Hannah Chesterton

Town Hall Campus

Campus Director - 4th Floor Darren O'Connell
Student Services Team - 4th Floor Janice Chen
Emma Davoren
Campus Life Assistant Sussan Mah

Ultimo Campus

Campus Director - 1st Floor Rebecca Murphy
Student Services Team - 1st Floor Wendy Ma
Stef How
Lachlan Prestridge
Christina Sieman
Shonelle Wombey

Wakefield Campus - Adelaide

Campus Director Eloise Pascoe
Senior Student Services Advisor Kerri Lord

Bowen Terrace Campus - Brisbane 

Campus Director - 1st Floor Kirstyn Fitzgerald
Senior Student Services Advisor Sharon Toso

Flinders St. Campus - Melbourne

Campus Director Terese McAleese
Senior Student Services Advisor Erin McLeod

Fitzroy Campus - Melbourne

Campus Director Karen Scott
Senior Student Services Advisor Jacob Cusumano

Gotha Campus - Brisbane 

Campus Director Kirstyn Fitzgerald
Senior Student Services Advisor Sharon Toso
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Download the international student guide

Your International Student Guide contains lots of vital information that can ease you into your new life here in Australia.  For help in settling into your studies and life, please click on either the Torrens University or Think Education guide below.  You may wish to download a copy to keep for easy reference

     

Tips from other students

New opportunity for Sydney students

Torrens is now a proud sponsor of the International Student Welcome desk at the Sydney airport.  If you would like to be involved, you can learn more and apply on the Study NSW page.  The volunteer position description provides insight into what will be expected of you as an ambassador.