Congratulations on receiving your study visa. You must be on cloud nine as you prepare to fly. But have you also made a list of the essential documents required for your travel? Are you wondering what to take with you and what to leave behind? Remember that moving to a new country for studies involves a variety of administrative procedures and requirements. It’s essential to gather and organise all the necessary documents before your departure.

Ensure you have your passport, study visa, acceptance letter, financial documents, health insurance, medical records, academic transcripts, and language proficiency certificates among the items on your checklist.

Visa Form

Once your visa is approved, you must have your visa form with you, as it is the most crucial document. This is important because the form contains your preliminary information, which you have submitted to the Australian High Commission. All your future applications, whether for a work permit or permanent residency (PR), will be assessed based on the information in your visa form. In fact, as you begin your journey, it’s essential to be aware of the details you initially provided in the visa form. Therefore, make sure to save an electronic copy in your email.

Visa Approval Letter

You’ve successfully received your visa approval letter, typically provided in an electronic format. Notably, there won’t be a physical sticker placed on your passport for your trip to Australia. Instead, it’s the paper visa documentation that you must have on you. Additionally, you can conveniently track your visa status using the My VEVO app, accessible on both iOS and Android platforms.

Taking the time to thoroughly review your visa approval letter is crucial. All the necessary DOs and DON’Ts will be outlined in your visa conditions. It’s worth emphasising that disregarding these conditions has led many students to face steep consequences, often resulting in unexpected expenses upon visa rejection after arrival in Australia. If you require guidance to understand these visa conditions, don’t hesitate to consult your visa counsellors or consultants.

Financial Planning and Healthcare

Maintaining a decent lifestyle while studying in Australia depends on managing your funds. Once you are there, open a local bank account to avoid expensive transaction fees and exchange rates. Set up online banking and become familiar with Australian currency for simple money management. Additionally, you should keep $100 AUD in Australian cash in your wallet or purse just to get you through the first few days.

Apart from financial planning, you must also learn about health insurance in Australia. Australian healthcare is of high quality. However,  it can be expensive for foreign students. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a requirement for the duration of your visit. Make sure you are aware of all the services your health insurance will cover, such as doctor visits, prescriptions, and unexpected expenses.

Items to Pack and Declare

Packing can be a daunting task, but remember to pack light and practical. Bring essential clothing suitable for the Australian climate, your laptop, power adapters, headphones, grooming kits, footwear, bath towels, and any special items that will make you feel at home. Don’t forget to carry important documents, like academic certificates, in your carry-on baggage.

Given your restricted luggage space, we advise leaving all of your bulky belongings at home, including furniture, pillows, and linens, as well as kitchenware like toasters and rice cookers. It’s likely that you can find the same item—or something quite similar—at a variety of shops across Australia.

Please remember that if you are bringing basic, over-the-counter medications, you must declare them on the incoming passenger card form. This form is provided for you to complete while flying to Australia. For prescription medicines, you must have a prescription with you and also declare them on the card. If you’re unable to bring a prescription for flu and cold medicines, you can obtain an invoice from your local pharmacy.

Also, make note that certain items should be avoided from your packing list to ensure a smooth journey. These exclusions encompass perishable goods like fruits and vegetables, living plants, items classified as weapons, and any illegal substances.

The Bottom Line

Beginning your journey to study in Australia is an exciting chapter in your life. By following this comprehensive pre-departure checklist, you’re setting yourself up for a successful and enriching experience. Remember, preparation is key, but it also leaves room for spontaneity and growth. Your time in Australia will not only contribute to your education but also shape you as an individual. So, pack your bags with anticipation and readiness to embrace the Australian way of life.