Relocating to Australia

Visas can take several weeks to be processed, so apply online as soon as possible. You’ll need your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), evidence of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and English language level, identity documents and more. Use this document checklist to find out what you need to attach.

Attend an online pre‑departure information and enrolment session to prepare for your move to Australia and starting at Federation. You’ll get guidance on travel, student life, accommodation, and support services. We’ll also guide you step by step on how to choose and enrol in your units (subjects), so you’re ready to start as soon as you arrive.

Activate your account to access all Federation systems with one secure login. Once activated, you can enrol in units and manage your timetable.

Don’t book a flight until you have your visa – refunds can be hard to get. Once you have approval to study in Australia, arrange to arrive at least a week before Orientation so you can take a few days to get over the jet lag and settle in. If you’d like an airport pick-up, try to get a flight that is scheduled to land during business hours (9 am to 5 pm).

We offer a free airport pickup service to International Students. To arrange a pickup, please complete the application form at least 5 business days before you depart. Contact airportservice@federation.edu.au if you have any questions.

Getting used to a new currency can be tricky. Keep your finances on track by planning your regular expenses: uni tuition, accommodation, food and groceries, insurance, household goods, travel and entertainment. 

If you bring your children with you to Australia, they must be enrolled full time at school. Tuition fees are the same for all government schools in Victoria, but private schools set their own amount. Fee exemptions may apply if you’re a research student or a scholarship recipient. Explore the list of accredited international student schools in Victoria.

Living on campus is so convenient. You don’t have to think about buying furniture or white goods. Your utilities and internet are included in the weekly rental. And your commute to class only takes a few minutes.

If you’d prefer to live off campus, you could rent an individual room in a share house, or an entire house or apartment with a group of friends. However, you’ll need to arrange any private accommodation yourself. We can offer you advice, but we can’t apply for housing on your behalf.

Make sure you understand your rights as a tenant. Look for properties that are managed by real estate companies. (Domain and realestate.com.au are easy to use.) When you find somewhere suitable, inspect it in person before you sign anything or pay a fee. If your application is approved, you and your landlord must sign an official rental contact before you move in. You will also be required to pay a bond (deposit) through the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (not directly to your landlord). If you're not sure about something, get in touch with us or contact Consumer Affairs. 

Make sure you bring:

• copies of important documents (for example, birth certificate, passport, driver’s licence and visa)
• laptop, mobile phone & chargers
• emergency contact list
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• accommodation details
• cash, travel card or credit card 
• toiletries & medication
• clothes to suit hot and cold weather.

There are also items you should leave at home, such as plants, seeds, eggs and live animals. Australia has strict customs laws. Find out what you can and can’t bring into the country.

Once you have activated your account and before you start your course at Federation University, you must complete the online International Student Essentials program.

It is a visa requirement and you can find it on Moodle, our learning management system. It will take about an hour to complete and gives you the information you need to live and study in Australia, as an international student. You can refer to it at any point during your studies.

If you don’t meet the English language entry requirements for your preferred course, you may be eligible to enrol in English for Academic Purposes. This 10-week course is designed to improve your writing, speaking, vocabulary, grammar, assignment preparation and note taking.

There are four main banks in Australia: ANZ, CommBank, NAB and Westpac. There are also smaller community banks (like Bendigo) and international banks (like Wise). 

Most student accounts are free, although there may be fees for international transactions. You’ll need to present some form of ID to open a bank account, like your birth certificate or passport.

Getting a bank card

You’ll need to visit your chosen bank in person to get your bank card. Take your passport, visa and an official letter with your name and new address (like a lease agreement or utility bill) to prove your identity.

It is important to get an Australian mobile number as soon as you arrive in Australia.

You can purchase a SIM card from a local telecommunications provider once you are in Australia. Many providers offer prepaid plans that include calls, text messages and data. If your phone supports it, you may also choose to use an eSIM or digital service.

Why it’s important:

• It makes it easier for friends, classmates and University staff to contact you.
• Many services in Australia, including banking and accommodation, require an Australian number for verification.
• Some official services require a local number for secure access.
• Using a local plan helps you avoid expensive international roaming charges.

Staying connected with the University:

• The University may contact you about enrolment, orientation, timetable changes or urgent updates.
• Updates about your enrolment, academic progress and visa requirements may be sent by SMS or phone.
• As an international student, the University must be able to contact you as part of its responsibilities under student visa conditions.
• In emergencies, having a local number allows the University to reach you quickly.

You can buy food and groceries from Aldi, Coles, Woolworths (known as Woolies) and IGA. Online shopping and home delivery are only available at Coles and Woolworths. Need homewares or clothing? Try Kmart, Target, Big W, Myer or IKEA. Online shopping and home delivery are available.

Payment methods 

You can pay for goods and services with Australian cash, your Australian bank card, a travel card or a credit card from your home country (if it’s set up to allow payments overseas). However, some businesses don’t accept cash (including Federation University). 

Rounding prices 

When shopping, total prices are rounded up or down to the nearest five cents. For example, if an item is $1.99 you pay $2, and if an item is $1.96 you pay $1.95.  

Public transport

It’s easy to get around using public transport. You can plan your trip via the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website or with the PTV app. You’ll need a Myki card to use train, tram and bus services in Victoria. You can buy one at any newsagent or train station, and you can top it up at train stations, some tram stops or online. Fare information is available on the PTV website.

Driving

You can convert your overseas licence to a Victorian licence within six months of living in Victoria. Visit VicRoads to start the process. If you don't have an overseas licence, you can apply for a Victorian licence (valid Australia-wide). To get one you must pass a learner permit test ,complete 120 hours of supervised driving (if you’re under 21) and apply for a probationary driver licence. If you don't follow the road rules you could get fined or lose your licence. Find out more about Australian road rules.

If you decide to buy a car, make sure you also have enough money for insurance, servicing, repairs and registration. Any car you buy must come with a roadworthy certificate to show that it’s safe to drive. It’s illegal to drive a car that isn’t roadworthy. You must also pay to register your car with VicRoads before you can use it.

You must pay to use any of the toll roads in Melbourne. As you approach one, you’ll see blue signs with yellow lettering. Plan ahead by buying a temporary pass or opening an account with the relevant toll road corporation. If you drive on a toll road accidentally, you’ll be sent a fine.  

It’s important to understand your rights as an employee in Australia. Find out how you should be treated at work and what to do if you have workplace issues.

Before you can work in Australia, you must get a Tax File Number (TFN) for tax and superannuation purposes. Foreign passport holders, permanent migrants and temporary visitors can apply for a TFN online.

We can help you plan your career, find a job, write your resume and cover letter, prepare for interviews and understand workplace culture in Australia. Find out more about our career support services.  

Getting involved in local community events outside of Federation will help you experience different aspects of Australian culture.

Study Melbourne is a government organization that hosts free events for international students. Search the website to find a list of activities happening near you.

Local councils put on free community events and provide recreation facilities like swimming pools and parks. Find out what’s happening in your local area.

• City of Ballarat (If you’re at Mt Helen, SMB, Gillies St or Camp St Campus)
• Latrobe City Council (If you’re at Gippsland Campus)
• City of Casey (If you’re at Berwick Campus)
• Horsham Rural City Council (If you’re at Wimmera Campus)

Local libraries offer more than just books. They provide computer access, study spaces, training sessions and free events. Find out more about your local library.

• Libraries in Ballarat 
• Libraries in Berwick 
• Libraries in Churchill (Gippsland)
• Libraries in Horsham (Wimmera)