Moving to Australia

Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure. There’s a lot to know and learn to prepare you for your move, and this page outlines some key information you’ll need to know.

It’s also a good idea to look through the Pre-departure guide so you can find out more about becoming a student in Australia and at Notre Dame.

Study NSW and Study Perth are also great sources of information.

• Living in Australia

  Interested in finding out a bit more about Sydney and Perth? Our Living in Australia page covers what you can expect from campus facilities to climate and accommodation options can be found on our Accommodation page.

• Banking 

  If you’re planning on staying in Australia for a while, it’s a good idea to open a bank account. To open a bank account in Australia, you’ll need to provide:

  • written confirmation of your enrolment at Notre Dame;
  • your student card;
  • visa details, and;
  • your passport.

• Money: ATMs and EFTPOS

  ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) are operated by a bank or credit union which dispense money and allow limited transactions, 24 hours per day.

  EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) is widely used across Australia in supermarkets, shops, pharmacies, cafes, restaurants and bars.

  Your credit cards and bankcards are valuable. Keep them in a safe place!

• Public transport

  Information on public transport in Sydney and Perth is available on our Living in Australia page.

• Mobile/cell phones

  Mobile phones in Australia are readily available and can be purchased at mobile phone distributors as well as the Post Office, electronic stores, and other retail outlets. It is strongly recommended that you speak with mobile phone providers for details of charges for both domestic and international calls and text messages.

  Pre-paid

  Each month, you purchase credit with a certain amount of ‘talk time'. This can include Pre-Paid Caps, which give larger amounts of phone credit and usage.

  Plans

  You can sign up for one- or two-year plans with a mobile phone company, which sometimes comes with a free phone. When purchasing a plan, you might have to provide a copy of your visa as proof that you will stay in Australia and be able to pay the plan off. Major providers are Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone.

• Internet

  At home NBN/DSL connections

  An internet ‘cap plan’ is where you pay a set amount for usage allocation and speed. Most are through a home phone line; some have cable in selected areas. Most cap plans start at about $50 a month. You can purchase a wireless router to share your internet connection with people in your house. Some of the internet providers are iiNet, Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone.

  Mobile 3G, 4G and 5G wireless internet

  If there is 3G,4G or 5G wireless internet coverage in your area, you can purchase a portable wireless device that will enable you access to wireless internet. There are usage allocations and speed variances depending on the plan or product you purchase and your location. Wireless internet is available from mobile phone providers.

• Health care

  Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

  Medical insurance is compulsory for international students while studying in Australia, regardless of home country coverage.

  However, you do not need OSHC if you are:

  • A Norwegian student covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme;
  • A Swedish student covered by the National Board of Student Aid or by Kammarkollegiet, or;
  • A Belgian student covered under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia

  For all other international students, you need to have adequate medical insurance or health cover from an Australian Health Fund. There are currently five providers which are approved by the Australian Government:

  • Bupa
  • Allianz
  • Medibank Private
  • AHM
  • NIB

  Bupa is Australia’s largest health care provider and Notre Dame partners with Bupa as our preferred provider. All new international students enrolled at Notre Dame will be covered by Bupa, unless proof of other cover is provided.

  The costs of your OSHC are invoiced to you for payment with your first year’s fees before you arrive in Australia. If you are a Study Abroad student, you will be charged for this in accordance with an arrangement that Notre Dame has with your home University.

  OSHC is effective from one week before the Orientation Week and is valid for the length of your visa. If you intend to arrive in Australia before the cover starts, please notify the Admissions Office so that appropriate health cover can be arranged.

  Changing or extending your studies

  If you change or extend your study program, it is your responsibility to ensure that you remain covered as long as your length of visa. If you do not have sufficient OSHC coverage, your visa could be cancelled and you will not be covered for any medical bills that you incur during the lapsed time.

  Renewing your cover

  You’ll need to make sure to renew your cover before it expires. Renewals for students with Bupa OSHC can be arranged through the international students office or through Bupa OSHC directly.

  For more information, you can contact the international students team at international.students@nd.edu.au

• Visas 

  A student visa is required before entering Australia and before the commencement of your program. You will also need to maintain your visa while you’re studying in Australia.

  Our page on Applying for a visa has details on what you need to know.

• Schooling for Dependent’s information

  International students' children who come to Australia must attend school while residing in Australia and may be enrolled in either a government or non-government school. There are fees and expenses required for both. Please see the information below and important links to ensure you are well informed on the processes for visa, placement in schools, the school fees and the forms and documentation required to enrol your child in school.

  It is important that you are aware of the conditions regarding dependant schooling before you arrive in Australia.

  Western Australia – Perth/Fremantle

  The Western Australian Government agency TAFE International WA (TIWA) is responsible for placing international students' children in government schools. Unless you are an Australia Awards, UNDA or other Commonwealth of Australia scholarship holder you are not guaranteed a place in the nearest school to where you live.

  TAFE International WA  Study at School web page provides further information so you can be informed about the educational and school structure in Western Australia. It is important you know your visa class to determine your child's access to the public school system.

  TAFE International's school placement rules vary for different visa categories because of Western Australian law and government policy.

  In addition to tuition fees (which are waived for Masters and PhD students), there are other fees and expenses that need to be paid by all students. These may include a Voluntary Fee. You are expected to pay these fees directly to the school as they provide value-added resources to your child's school. These charges are approximately AU$60 per year, per child, for primary school and between AU$235 and AU$500 for secondary school students.

  Note: All fees are reviewed annually and fee increases will be published. You will also need to pay for additional items such as uniforms, books, excursions, sporting events and even may need to lease or purchase a notebook computer.

  English language requirements

  The University recommends you commence your child's English language development prior to arrival in Australia. If your child cannot speak English sufficiently, the school may require that they attend an intensive English Language course. In this case you will need to pay between AU$1500 and AU$3000 per child. For further information, contact TAFE International Western Australia on (+618) 9218 2100.

  Dependants with special needs

  If your child has special needs (that is, learning difficulties or a disability) they may be required to attend a school designed to meet their specific needs. Costs may be significant and it is advised that you disclose your child's requirements prior to arrival.

  Before arrival

  Before your dependant arrives in Perth, you will need a Confirmation of Placement (CoP) from TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) to secure your child’s dependant visa. To receive a Confirmation of Placement (CoP), you must complete the online form.

  CoP Application Form

  You will need to provide:

  • a copy of the child/children's passport details page
  • a copy of the Primary Visa Holder's passport details page
  • a copy of the electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) for the Primary Visa Holder (UNDA student)

  This Confirmation of Placement does not guarantee you an enrolment in a public primary or secondary school.

  Visas

  Visas for dependent children must be obtained through the Department of Home Affairs at your nearest Australian Embassy.

  Documents

  It is essential to bring your dependant's immunisation records, birth certificates and the latest original school report AND copies translated into English by a professional translator.

  Sydney, New South Wales

  In New South Wales schooling/education is compulsory for all children at ages 5 to 17 years. By law all children must be enrolled in school by their 6th birthday. Below are some helpful links:

  • NSW Department of Education
  • Fees
  • School Locator
  • Application Process

  Early Childhood Education and Care For all other Childcare and Education Fees and Charges, please enquire to individual Centres or NSW Department of Education.

  NSW Public Schools: As an international student studying in New South Wales you can enrol your dependent children in NSW government schools (Public Schools). Your dependent children can only be enrolled while you are studying full‐time in New South Wales and your children's enrolment must not exceed the period stated on the visa. If your dependent children are enrolled in a NSW Public School you will be liable to pay the Temporary Visa Holders Education Fee.

  The only exceptions are dependents of international students who have a full scholarship from the Australian Government or a publicly funded Australian higher education institution. For more information on exemption and application process, contact DE International - NSW Department of Education.

  If you wish to enrol your child of school age in a NSW Public School, you must contact the NSW Department of Education (DoE) regarding enrolment of primary and secondary school children or the International Student Centre – NSW Department of Education.

  Association of Independent Schools – The Association can assist with alternative options to primary and high schools.

  Family Assistance Office (FAO) The Family Assistance Office provides information about how to claim Child Care Benefit. Child Care Benefits can be claimed by families who use approved or registered childcare centres. Child Care Benefit (CCB) or Child Care Rebate does not apply when engaging the services of a private nanny.

Contact us

Our International Students team is here to help you with the information or assistance required.