MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 1

MIT PRE-DEPARTURE

GUIDE

Melbourne, Australia

CRICOS 01545C

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 2

Table of Contents

Welcome to Melbourne Institute of Technology ............................. 4

Introduction ................................................................................... 4

Preparing to Depart to Australia ..................................................... 5

Student arrival and enrolment information ................................ 5

Checklist of Items to bring with you from overseas ..................... 5

Have you got all the information you need? ............................... 5

Pre-Departure Checklist ................................................................. 6

Cost of living .................................................................................. 6

What to bring to Australia .............................................................. 6

Customs and Quarantine Regulations ............................................. 6

Items not to bring: ..................................................................... 7

Arriving at Melbourne Airport ........................................................ 8

Melbourne Airport Information .................................................. 8

Documents required for customs clearance ................................ 8

Arrival procedures ...................................................................... 8

Airport Reception .......................................................................... 9

MIT airport pick-up service ......................................................... 9

Your own transport arrangement ............................................... 9

Taxis .......................................................................................... 9

Skybus ....................................................................................... 9

What to do if you are lost ......................................................... 10

Emergency Accommodation ..................................................... 10

Part 2 – Arriving at Melbourne Institute of Technology ................. 11

Orientation at MIT ....................................................................... 11

What to bring on your first day .................................................... 12

How do you get Overseas Student Health Cover? ...................... 12

OSHC Application Procedure .................................................... 12

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 3

Medical, Optical and Dental Check-Ups .................................... 12

Bank Account ........................................................................... 13

Living in Melbourne ..................................................................... 14

An Introduction to Australia ..................................................... 14

Melbourne ............................................................................... 15

Transport ................................................................................. 16

Accommodation........................................................................... 17

Homestay ................................................................................. 17

Alternative Accommodation ..................................................... 17

Hostels ..................................................................................... 17

Unilodge .................................................................................. 18

Renting a flat or a unit .............................................................. 18

Australian regulations for students .............................................. 19

Work ........................................................................................ 19

Consulate Contact Details ......................................................... 19

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 4

Part 1 – Pre-Departure

Welcome to Melbourne Institute of Technology

Congratulations on choosing Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT) to pursue your education. We hope that you will find your time at MIT both rewarding and enjoyable. MIT has provided a friendly environment for many international students since 1996. We are alert to the needs of international students and offer many different avenues of support throughout the duration of your study. Students from many countries have found MIT to be the best Institute for them to gain the education they need for a successful career. With our highly qualified and experienced teaching staff, we aim to provide students with knowledge they can take into the work place. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to MIT.

Introduction

This Pre-Departure Guide is intended to help you prepare for your trip to Australia, provide you with information about living in Australia and, particularly, for study at MIT. You will experience many differences coming from your home country to Australia. There will be changes in the types of food, the climate and the general way of life. It is helpful to know some of the differences and changes you will experience so you can plan effectively for this important transition. This guide will provide you with some step-by-step information to help you prepare effectively. Part One of the guide will outline the steps to take before leaving your home country and include information on settling in Australia. Part Two will assist you in the steps you need to take upon arrival in Australia and what you need to do before you commence your classes.

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 5

Preparing to Depart to Australia

Making a checklist before you depart ensures you have all the items you need, and that arrangements are finalised. Student arrival and enrolment information

It is important that you arrive at MIT on the starting date displayed on your Offer Letter to ensure that you do not miss any classes. Effective 1st July 2012, legislation under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS) states that students who fail to enrol within 5 business days of course commencement will be reported to DEEWR and have their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) cancelled. Tip: Keep your documents in a re-sealable folder in your carry-on luggage for easy access while travelling and to keep them safe from damage. Remember to scan these documents and save an electronic copy, or leave another set of documents with your friends/family in case you lose any copies.

Checklist of Items to bring with you from overseas

A valid passport and a current Visa

Any details of accommodation or airport pick-up that have been pre-arranged

Letter of Offer from MIT

Copy of your eCoE or CoE from MIT

Receipts for any payments already made to MIT

Original Academic and English Proficiency Transcripts and Certificates

Identification papers and official documentation such as birth certificate, driver’s license, proof of citizenship etc.

Credit cards if available

Some Australian currency for the first few days ($300 - $500)

Your medical records, immunization records and prescriptions

Marriage certificate if your spouse is coming with you

Receipts of goods you may bring with you to Australia to assist with assessing customs duty/sales tax

Photos of your family and friends as well as any items to make your new surroundings feel more comfortable and familiar

Subject outlines and curriculum of any previous studies that you may want to apply for credit transfer from.

Have you got all the information you need?

Have you arranged accommodation? Ensure you have the address with you as a confirmation of where you will be living

Who will be picking you up from the airport? Do you need to arrange transport to your new home?

If you have selected homestay or accommodation arranged by MIT, are all application forms completed including flight details? Have you received your confirmation from MIT via email? If not email studentservices@mit.edu.au

If you are required to make arrangements for guardianship, have you completed the paperwork and has your guardian been arranged? Proof of this will be required

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 6

by the government, ensure you keep records of this process with you when travelling

Pre-Departure Checklist

Have you:

Organised all travel arrangements and packed your documents into folders – as mentioned above – in your hand luggage?

Returned your airport pick-up and accommodation form(s) to MIT?

Checked Customs and Quarantine regulations and packed any items you need to declare separately (refer to Customs and Quarantine regulations)

Organised to have some cash available on you on arrival in Melbourne?

Purchased padlocks for your luggage, and secured your luggage for travel?

Have you clearly labelled your luggage (name and contact details) and marked your cases to easily identify them? You may want to attach a sticker or coloured ribbon so that you can see your luggage quickly and easily.

Made arrangements for accommodation, if you have not asked MIT to make them on your behalf?

Written down your accommodation address and kept it in your hand luggage? Make sure that you keep this address on you for easy reference when you arrive. If you have any difficulties, please contact MIT on (03) 8600 6700 during work hours (9am – 5pm).

Arranged for someone to pick you up from the airport, if MIT has not arranged it for you?

Packed this pre-departure guide?

Cost of living

The estimated cost of living in Australia as of 1st July 2012 is $18,610 per year. For more information, please visit the DIBP website: http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Stud/More/Student-Visa-Living-Costs-and-Evidence-of-Funds# . Accommodation expenses are outlined in this guide.

What to bring to Australia

It is very useful to bring as many personal items as possible with you. International students

often find some of these items more expensive in Melbourne compared with their home

country. Some suggested items include clothes, toiletries, bilingual dictionary, laptop,

phone, camera and chargers. Please note that Australia has 240 volts and AC 50 cycle

electricity and a three-point plug is used in power points.

Customs and Quarantine Regulations

Australia's quarantine laws are very strict. Many foodstuffs, plants, animal products and some medicines may not be imported into Australia to keep it free from agricultural pests and harmful insects. You are required to declare such items on the incoming passenger card you receive on the plane before you disembark. It is not wise to bring food to Australia. The import of almost all food stuff, especially fresh food, is not allowed by Australian Customs. Melbourne is a multicultural city where you can find all kinds of food.

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 7

It is advisable to buy your winter clothing when you arrive in Melbourne as winter clothes bought from overseas may not be suitable to winter weather in Melbourne. Winter clothes purchased overseas are sometimes found to be either too warm or not warm enough for Melbourne winters. Students can easily find affordable winter clothes in department stores or clothing shops. Items not to bring:

Beans, peas, cereal seed

Egg and products containing eggs

Fresh food and vegetables

Meat – uncanned and all pork products

Milk and milk products

Popping corn and raw unroasted nuts

Salmon and trout products

Live animals

Live plants

Biological materials

Stuffing material (straw, raw cotton, etc.)

Soil, sand

The following items should be declared:

Biscuits, cakes, confectionery

Dried fruit and vegetables

Other food

Tea, coffee, juice and other drinks

Stuffed animals

Clean bones, horns, feathers, seashells

Wool, animal hair

Flowers

Handicrafts

Seed

Wood ware, bamboo

Herbal or prescription medicines The items above are not a full list of items that are either restricted or prohibited; MIT highly recommends that students check the immigration website for a more current list of items. For more information, please refer to the Customs Regulations: http://australia.gov.au/topics/tourism-and-travel/customs-and-quarantine or go to the Australian Customs and Border Protection website: http://www.customs.gov.au/ *Note: Passengers arriving in Australia must strictly follow Customs Regulations. Failure to do so may result in severe fines and/or imprisonment.

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 8

Arriving at Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport Information

Melbourne airport is located about 20 kilometres northeast of Melbourne City. Documents required for customs clearance

When you arrive make sure you have the following documents ready for clearance:

Your Passport

Completed Incoming Passenger Card (this card will be given to you during your flight). Be sure to have completed it correctly and if you are unsure of any items, ask the flight attendants. You will need to complete and sign the declaration section prior to going through customs.

Arrival procedures

After getting off the plane, follow the ‘baggage claim’ or ‘arrival’ sign, where you will approach the Immigration section. Queue at the Immigration section (a Customs Officer will advise you to queue in the appropriate section). Make sure you have your passport and Incoming Passenger Card ready before approaching the Immigration Control point. Once your passport has been stamped, check the luggage belt (carousel) number on the screen and proceed to the luggage hall to collect your luggage. After collecting your luggage, follow either the GREEN channel where you have “Nothing to Declare” or the RED channel where you have “Goods to Declare” for baggage examination. If you have something to declare, you may need to show the items to the Customs Officer, so ensure the item is easy to get to. It is recommended that these items are all packed in the same luggage. Once your passport has been processed you will enter the Arrivals Hall where you can find airport pick-up services either arranged by MIT or from your own arrangements. Please note that your baggage may be examined by Customs whether you take the red or the green channel as a routine check. Customs Officers may question you at any time. If you are in doubt, declare your goods or ask a Customs Officer for advice. Declaring goods does not necessarily mean your baggage will be examined or that you will have any duty to pay. For more information on Melbourne Airport visit: http://melbourneairport.com.au/

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 9

Airport Reception

MIT airport pick-up service

Students who have asked for homestay arrangements to be made and requested airport pickup are picked up by a company named ToGoTo. They are a professional airport pick-up company that MIT uses for our students. When you pass the Exit door leading to the Arrival Hall please look for the driver holding a sign with your name and the MIT logo or enquire for them at the Information Desk. If, after a while, you cannot locate them, or they cannot locate you, please call the ToGoTo staff on 0409 503 646 (Ellen) or 0419 433 922 (Heather) The drivers from ToGoTo will then drive you to your homestay/appropriate accommodation in Melbourne. You can now relax and enjoy the Melbourne atmosphere and rest so you may be fresh to start your first day at MIT. Your own transport arrangement

Make sure you have the contact name and number of the company/person you have arranged to meet up with. At this stage you should make your way to the Arrivals Hall and keep a look out for the person picking you up. If you cannot find the company/person after a while, then you should make your way to the Information Desk or the nearest public phone and call them or use your mobile if you have one. You will need some Australian currency to use a public phone. Taxis

Taxis are available at each terminal. To catch a taxi, follow the signs & head to the taxi queue. It costs approximately AUS $58 to get to Melbourne City. For more information, please visit: www.melbourneairport.com.au . You can use a credit card to pay for the fare. Skybus

SkyBus offers an express bus service from the airport to the city centre. This service operates 24/7, including most public holidays. Buses run every 10 minutes throughout the day.

You can board SkyBus at either end of the express route:

At Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine). They are at terminals T1 (Qantas Domestic and Jetstar Domestic) and T3 (Virgin Australia Domestic Regional Express).

In the heart of Melbourne at Southern Cross Station. The SkyBus terminal is on the corner of Bourke and Spencer Streets

Tickets can be purchased on arrival at the bus stop or purchased online at www.skybus.com.au . You can use a credit card to pay for the tickets.

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 10

What to do if you are lost

If you are lost, go to a public phone nearby to call for assistance. (Please note that local calls cost approximately 50 cents per call and mobile call costs will depend on the duration of your call). MIT Office: 03 8600 6700 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 PM) ToGoTo: 0409 503 646 (Ellen) or 0419 433 922 (Heather) Emergency Accommodation

For students who find themselves in need for emergency accommodation, Melbourne Institute of Technology suggests you contact Space Hotel. Space Hotel will accommodate the student for a short term period at a reasonable price. Space Hotel is located at: 380 Russell St Melbourne VIC 3000

Space Hotel is attended 24 hours a day on Free Call 1800 670 611.

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 11

Part 2 – Arriving at Melbourne Institute of Technology

Orientation at MIT

ELICOS students Once you arrive at MIT, visit the Student Services staff on Level 2M. They will greet you and register you. It is important to bring your current CoE, contact details (address, telephone number & email address), passport and Student Visa on your first day. Arrival time is 9am for your first day. If you are going to be late, please contact MIT Melbourne reception on (03) 8600 6700. You will be provided with an Orientation Pack, which contains useful information about MIT and Melbourne. You will then be shown around the Language Centre and a time will be given to you for the library induction. In order to arrange for your Oversea Health Cover (OSHC) and Student ID card, you will be required to: 1. Complete your registration, which will be given to you by MIT staff at the time of

orientation. 2. Have a photo taken and a Student ID card issued. If you wish to open a bank account, please bring your passport and eCoE/CoE with you. MIT staff will be more than happy to assist you with information on how this is done and where to locate banks. Mainstream students Orientation is Compulsory for all Students. During Orientation students will attend important sessions covering how to study and achieve the best results at MIT, information on how to seek assistance with looking for work, and general information on survival skills while studying in Australia. It is compulsory for all students to attend these sessions. It is compulsory for international students to take out Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) during their stay in Australia. The OSHC is administered by a private health insurance agency, such as BUPA or Allianz. Students are asked to pay for the full period of their study, but in some instances the cover may expire before the course is completed. Once you are in Australia it is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain this insurance by paying the premiums, as a condition of your Student Visa. Please refer to Page 12 of this document for more information.

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 12

What to bring on your first day

Here is a list of items to bring along on your first day:

Passport eCoE/CoE Student Visa Original Academic Transcripts for credit transfer applications Australian contact details, mobile phone number, address, email address. Evidence of OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) cover if you have purchased it.

You can bring the OSHC card that was issued to you A pen

How do you get Overseas Student Health Cover?

International students are required as a condition of their Student Visa to maintain private health insurance for the duration of their visa. Before you come to Australia, simply pay your OSHC premium to MIT in accordance with your Offer Letter. MIT will then forward the premium to BUPA on your behalf, once you arrive and after you complete the registration form given to you at the Orientation session. OSHC Application Procedure

Upon arrival at MIT, you are required to complete the appropriate health cover form. When it is confirmed that you have paid for the membership, payment and your details will be sent to BUPA. Your OSHC card will then be sent to MIT for you to pick up from Level 2M Reception. BUPA staff are also available during the Orientation programs to answer questions you may have. To find out more information about BUPA visit: http://www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/cover/oshc Medical, Optical and Dental Check-Ups

You are advised to have a thorough medical, optical and dental check-up before leaving your country. Make sure you bring any optical or medical prescriptions with you. OSHC covers none of these services, unless you arrange to pay for ‘extras’ cover.

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 13

Bank Account

When arriving in Melbourne, you are advised to open a bank account as soon as possible, this will avoid the need to supply extra documents to the bank to provide identification. The bank will request the following information from you:

Your passport and Visa.

A copy of your eCoE/CoE with your Student ID Number.

Cash or bank cheque to be deposited into your new account.

The Bank will then issue your PIN (Personal Identification Number) followed by your new Bank Card. Each bank will differ slightly on how the cards and PIN is made available.

Assistance for MIT students is available from MIT Student Services staff at any time during business hours. If you need assistance with completing any procedure, please speak with our friendly staff located on Level 2M. Most banks in Australia work on a similar basis and the regulations are also similar with regards to fees and charges, but it is always good to do some research before deciding which bank you would like to use. Below are the websites to some of the larger banks in Australia: Commonwealth Bank of Australia: http://www.commbank.com.au/ National Australia Bank: http://www.nab.com.au/ ANZ Bank: http://www.anz.com/ Westpac http://www.westpac.com.au/

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 14

Living in Melbourne

An Introduction to Australia

Australia is a country with cultural diversity and richness developed through the migration of people from across the world and from the Aboriginal people who were the original inhabitants of the land. Whilst early white settlement in Australia was primarily European, since the 1950s there has been an increase in the number of migrants with additional migration from South-East Asia since the 1970s. The Australian Government supports multiculturalism and equal opportunity for all Australians regardless of race, language, sex, ethnic origin or religion.

Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/pacific/australia/ Australia has an area of 7,713,364 square kilometres and is nearly equal in size to the United States of America. The population of Australia is relatively small with approximately 24 million people who mostly live around the coastal fringe of the country. Australia is a much urbanised country with nearly half of the nation’s population living in Sydney and Melbourne. The interior of Australia is very sparsely populated and much of the country in the interior is farmland or desert. Australia is a federation of six states (New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania) and two territories (Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory). The capital city of Australia is Canberra, located in the Australian Capital Territory. The Government, led by the Prime Minister, consists of a House of Representatives and a Senate. A Premier heads each State Government.

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 15

Melbourne

Melbourne is the capital of the State of Victoria and is the second largest city in Australia with a population of over 5.2 million and is a vibrant cosmopolitan and multicultural city. Shopping in Melbourne is an adventure. For those with refined tastes, Melbourne also boasts some of the finest restaurants providing every cuisine from around the world. Melbourne is regarded as the sporting capital of Australia for its world class events, including the Melbourne Grand Prix, Australian Open and International Cricket Series. Melbourne is all about lifestyle and has been voted as the world’s most liveable city for five years running from 2011 to 2015. For up to date information on Melbourne events visit: http://www.visitmelbourne.com/

Nightlife is another of Melbourne’s attractions. Melbourne boasts some excellent discotheques and a world-class entertainment complex. Whether it’s strolling along the streets at night or walking along the enjoyable Yarra River edge, you can be sure to have a relaxing and fun experience.

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 16

Transport

MIT is in the heart of Melbourne City and accessible to all kinds of public transport. Getting around this town is easy, whether it be by tram, train, bus, taxi, bicycle, walking, car, boat or ferry. Melbourne's public transport system is known as Metro and you can change from tram to train to bus all on one Myki ticket. You may purchase a Myki ticket at any manned train station. Generally, the public transport systems operate between 5.00 am and midnight Monday to Thursday, and all night on weekends. For up to date timetables visit: http://www.metrotrains.com.au/ or http://ptv.vic.gov.au/ One of the easiest ways to see the city is by tram. The CBD (Central Business District) is now a Free Tram Zone, therefore you do not need to pay for travelling within this area. Take not that if your tram leaves the Free Tram Zone, you will need to touch on your Myki. You may also like to catch a free City Circle Tram (burgundy coloured) anywhere along Flinders, Spring, Spencer or La Trobe Streets. It runs at 10 minute intervals, seven days a week, between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm. Traffic is free flowing and competitively priced car rentals are available from numerous outlets (remember Australian motor vehicles are right-hand drive). If you prefer to use a taxi, you can go to a taxi rank within the CBD or book by telephone. Taxi’s are usually coloured bright yellow or have a prominent yellow and black stripe. Tip: Australia has a metric system of weights and measures. Speed and distances are measured in kilometres (km), goods in kilograms (kg) and litres (l) and temperature in degrees Celsius (C).

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 17

Accommodation

Homestay

As mentioned earlier in this guide, this form of accommodation is highly recommended to students, particularly in the first few months of their time in Australia. What is homestay? Homestay is when you stay with a family in their home (in the suburbs) which are usually about 20-30 minutes from the city by train. Homestay is a fantastic opportunity to really experience the Australian lifestyle and the different cultures first hand and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of people who live in Australia. Your host family can also help you plan sightseeing and other activities during your stay in Australia. The family provides you with your own bedroom and you are welcome to share the other facilities of the home - the bathroom, living room, kitchen, laundry, etc. It is different to a guesthouse or 'bed and breakfast' establishment in that you are treated like a member of the family. Remember, as it is a family situation, respect and co-operation is required. The minimum time you can spend with a Host Family is two weeks. Payment is required prior to arrival. Two weeks’ notice is required prior to departure. No formal contract is entered and no bond is required. To ensure our students' accommodations are comfortable and safe MIT has selected appropriate hosts within Melbourne. MIT can find an appropriate Homestay for you: simply fill in the appropriate form and send it back to MIT once you pay the fees. Please email Student Services at studentservices@mit.edu.au for more information or an application form. Alternatively, you can find a copy of the application form on the MIT website: http://www.mit.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/Homestay_Airport_Pickup_Application.pdf Full Board Homestay The current cost is AUS$270 per week. The host family will provide three meals per day (with one cooked meal, usually at dinner) including breakfast (self-serve), lunch (self-serve) and dinner, seven days per week. You will have a single furnished room, unless otherwise requested. The Homestay fee also covers charges for electricity and gas but not telephone calls. If you wish to share the room with another student, the cost will vary and arrangements will need to be made with the host. Alternative Accommodation

MIT can assist with other types of accommodation – other than rental agreements – on request. This type of accommodation requires some research so may take some time to arrange. Students will need to communicate with the Student Services Officer to make enquiries. Hostels

Alternatively, students may want to choose a student hostel – below are some of the options in the city:

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 18

Unilodge

Unilodge offers students furnished studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments across Melbourne. Designed and built specifically for students, residents of Unilodge can appreciate state of art security, the on-site business centre, and the support of an experienced management team. Living at Unilodge gives students access to Melbourne's best education, lifestyle and entertainment. For more information, please visit Unilodge’s homepage: http://www.unilodge.com.au Renting a flat or a unit

Renting is another option for students to consider when staying in Melbourne. Students normally rent a flat or a unit and share with other friends, which can save money. The average price for renting near the city is varies dramatically and can range from approximately $160 per week for a one-bedroom property to well over $250 per week. You can obtain further information regarding renting when you arrive from the Student Services Team on Level 2M . There are many responsibilities involved with renting a property. Below is a list of steps to ensure you have a comfortable and stress-free stay in Melbourne: Find a location as close to the city/public transport and public conveniences as possible. This will save time and gives you more available time to do other activities. There are lists of vacant properties in the local newspapers and Internet Real Estate Listings. You may also want to visit real estate agents directly for property information. You may also want to consider shared accommodation and can arrange this before arriving. Please visit the following websites for more information: www.realestate.com.au www.flatmates.com.au http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-real-estate/melbourne/c9296l3001317r50 Prepare a budget that you will need to spend for the property. A bond payment equivalent to 4 weeks rent is usually required plus 1 week’s rent in advance. (Subject to agent’s requirements). For example, if rent is $160 per week, the cost to move into a new place would be $160 x 4 = $640 plus $160 (1 week’s rent in advance), so the total amount required would be approximately $800. You may want to lease a furnished property, which will cost considerably more. Fully-furnished accommodation usually includes the following:

Bed

Refrigerator

Cooking facilities

Washing and drying facilities

Kitchen table and chairs

Couch Also remember, once you have signed an agreement, you must follow the rules and regulations. MIT staff can assist you with the necessary directions.

MIT Pre Departure Guide – Revised May 2016 Page 19

Australian regulations for students

Work

When students apply for their Visa they are also given permission to work once have they have enrolled and commenced their course. With the work permit issued by the Department of Immigration, and Border Protection (DIBP), you are allowed to work part time up to 40 hours a fortnight while studying and full-time when on vacation (See: http://www.immi.gov.au ). You should be aware that any opportunity for part–time employment means you will be competing with local students who may have better English and/or local knowledge. You should also consider the demands of your classes and private studies. The competing demands of work and study can lead to anxiety and study problems, particularly around exam time. Student Visa Regulations

You must be enrolled as a full-time student

English Language Students must attend a minimum of 80% of classes

Maintain satisfactory course progress

If you miss classes you will be required to explain the absence. If you are ill, you must notify the lecturer and administration as soon as possible and obtain a certificate from the registered doctor.

You must have a current passport and renew it at your governments. Consulate or embassy at least six months before the date of expiry. Australian Immigration officials will not issue Visas beyond the expiry date of your passport.

Consulate Contact Details

China (03) 9822 0604

Indonesia (03) 9525 2755

India (03) 9682 7836

Pakistan (02) 6290 1676

Nepalese (03) 9650 8338

Sri Lanka (03) 9290 4200

Thailand (03) 9533 9100

Vietnam (02) 6286 5660

Bangladesh (02) 6290 0511

Columbia (02) 9955 0311

Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection 131 881