Preparing to study overseas is an exciting journey, but there’s a lot to organise before you take off. This Pre-Departure Checklist covers all the essentials, from organising important travel documents and sorting out your visa, to managing your finances, completing health checks, and packing wisely for your big adventure.

To make things easier, you can:

  • Tick off each step as you go
  • Print the checklist to keep with you for reference
Checklist Table
Task Details Completed Checklist
Documentation & Visa Preparation
Check Visa Status Ensure student visa is approved and valid. Review visa conditions.
University Offer Letter & Acceptance Ensure offer letter from the university is received and accepted.
Passport Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months. Make photocopies.
Travel Insurance Purchase travel insurance. Carry a copy of the policy and emergency contacts.
Health Requirements Complete any health check-ups required by the university or visa regulations.
Medical History & Vaccinations Get required vaccinations and bring medical records if necessary.
Copies Have printed and digital copies of all required documents.
Finances & Payments
Funds for Travel & Living Expenses Ensure enough funds for initial travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
Notify Your Bank Inform the bank about travel plans and set up an Australian bank account.
Budgeting Prepare a budget for monthly expenses (rent, food, transport, entertainment).
Accommodation & Housing
Secure Accommodation Confirm accommodation (at least temporary) is booked for your arrival.
Accommodation Documents Confirm check-in details.
Travel Arrangements
Flight Booking Book flight to Australia. Check it has sufficient luggage allowance.
Transport from the Airport Confirm transport from the airport (some universities offer this for free).
Communicate with your Education Provider Inform your University/Education provider in Australia of your travel dates.
Temporary Payment Methods Take $500-$1,000 AUD in cash (if possible) or a Credit/Debit/Travel card for any immediate purchases.
Health & Well-Being
Vaccinations Ensure any required vaccinations are completed.
Arrange Health Insurance Verify that Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is arranged.
Packing Essentials
Passport Pack your passport.
Phone Pack your phone.
Wallet/Bag Pack your bag/wallet with required ID/cards.
Clothing Pack seasonally appropriate clothes (based on the climate of your destination city).
Electrical Items Pack power adapters for Australian plugs and electronics (laptop, phone, charger, etc.).
Personal Care & Hygiene Pack basic toiletries and any needed medications.
Final Checks Before Departure
Double-Check Documents Ensure all documents are ready: visa, passport, insurance, CoE, and health documents.
Confirm Travel Details Reconfirm flight, accommodation booking, and transportation from the airport.
Leave Copies of Documents Make photocopies or digital copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance).

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