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• Commencing

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  • Arrival and Orientation
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Pre Departure

Arrange Your Student Visa

In order to apply for a student visa at an Australian Diplomatic Post, you will need to obtain a student visa application form, either from the Australian Diplomatic Post or an official overseas representative of the University in your country.
You will need to complete all relevant sections of the student visa application form and attach and submit all relevant documentation and visa application fee.
More information on your visa requirements can be found on the Your Student Visa page or you can have a look at the website of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for visa-related information.

School Aged Dependants

If any school age children accompany you to Australia, you will be required to pay full school fees for them, whether they are enrolled in a government or non-government school. It is best to try to arrange this prior to arriving in Australia.
You can have a look at the website for the NSW Public Schools to obtain information about how to enrol your child in a NSW Government School.

Health Insurance

You need to pay a fee for medical insurance in Australia before you can be issued with a visa.
The Australian Government requires all those on a student visa to have approved health cover for the duration of their visa.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is deducted from your tuition fee deposit for the first year of study. After that first year, you pay the OSHC yourself annually.
Students will receive their Worldcare Health Cover cards within 2-3 weeks of their arrival. Students will recieve an email in the studentmail account notifying them when cards are ready for collection. For more information please email www.oshcworldcare.com.au or telephone on 136742 for general enquiries or, in case of emergency, please call 1800 814 781. This number is available 24 hours a day. These numbers are only able to be used within Australia.
Students on certain scholarships and those with reciprocal health insurance arrangements in their home country are exempt from this requirement.
If you are a Norwegian student, for example, you are exempt from health cover as this is provided under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

Before Leaving Home

• Have a thorough medical and dental check-up.
• Make photocopies of your passport, visa and any other important documents. Leave a set at home and put another set in your luggage.
• If you need airport or train reception in Newcastle or bus transport from Sydney contact International Student Support at least 14 days before arriving by email at international-support@newcastle.edu.au.
• If you require assistance arranging temporary accommodation and/or airport reception please email international-support@newcastle.edu.au
• Check which campus offers most of your courses and select the most suitable accommodation.
• Open a credit card account. Credit cards are not usually issued to overseas students in Australia.
• Enquire about schooling or childcare for your children if they are travelling with you.
• Pay your tuition fees.

What you should Bring

• Documents
  • a valid passport
  • your Student Visa and entry permit. If you have applied online and obtained an E Visa, please bring along a hard copy of your Overseas Student Confirmation of Enrolment which states the visa expiry date
  • your letter of offer from the University of Newcastle
  • a copy of your Overseas Student Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)
  • the receipt of your tuition payment
  • certified copies of your academic qualifications, English proficiency and if you are applying for credit for previous study - details of course outlines, assessment method, contact hours, course duration and textbooks used
  • evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your study, for example a scholarship offer or bank statement
  • some form of identification such as driver’s licence, certified copies of your birth certificate or ID card
  • telephone numbers of the Student Support Service (+612) 4921 7304 and the University (+612) 4921 5000
  • optical and medical prescriptions
• Pack light and manageable bags and suitcases, preferably two or three smaller ones rather than one large one. Pack a change of clothes in your hand-luggage.
• Clothing and personal items
• If your accommodation is off-campus you will need to bring (or purchase on arrival) bed sheets and pillowcases.
• Money and financial arrangements
  • Bring enough funds to cover initial expenses, such as accommodation (rent, bond, utilities, and furnishings), study materials, personal effects, food and transport. You will probably need at least AUD500 in cash and AUD1,000 in travellers’ cheques. There are currency exchange facilities at Sydney airport but not at the Newcastle airport.
  • Automatic Teller Machines are readily available and accept major international credit cards.
  • We suggest you open an account at either the on-campus bank or at a bank close to your accommodation after you arrive. International credit cards, such as MasterCard, Visa and American Express, are accepted in Australia but it can take up to two weeks to clear an overseas bank draft.