Departure To Australia: 3 Essential Things To Prepare Before You Fly

If you are planning your departure to Australia for studies, you can be sure that a great adventure awaits you! And hopefully, many encounters with koala bears and ocean views.

To help you get started, we’ve broken down the 3 most important things you need to prepare before your departure to Australia.

1. Secure Your Student Visa & Prerequisites

Before you can legally enter and study in Australia, you need an approved Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this electronically via the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal.

Important Updates You Need to Know:

• Visa Fees: As of July 1, 2025, the application fee for a Student Visa has increased to AUD 2,000.

• Genuine Student (GS) Requirement: The old Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement has been replaced by the new Genuine Student requirement. You will now need to answer targeted questions detailing your study intentions and how the course benefits your future.

• Financial Capacity: You must prove you have sufficient funds to cover your stay, which is currently set at a minimum of AUD 29,710 per year for living costs (excluding tuition).

• Processing Time: Processing times can fluctuate wildly, so we highly recommend starting your visa application at least 2 to 3 months before your intake date.

With a student visa, you can stay in Australia for the duration of your course and work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester, and unlimited hours during semester breaks.

Before you hit “submit” on your visa application, you must have two critical documents:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (COE): After you accept your university offer, sign the agreement, and pay your first-semester tuition, the university will issue a COE. This document contains a unique online code necessary for your visa application. Talk to Uni Enrol to help you handle your application hassle-free.

• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): OSHC is mandatory health insurance that helps cover hospital and medical costs, pharmaceuticals, and ambulance services while you study. Popular government-approved providers include BUPA, Medibank, Allianz Care, and NIB. Costs vary, but basic single coverage starts at roughly AUD 450 to AUD 600 per year.

2. Pack Smart: Your Departure Checklist

Once your visa is approved, you are almost ready to fly! But what exactly should you pack? Moving to a new country means balancing what you need with what you can simply buy when you arrive.

Crucial Documents to Hand-Carry: Do not put these in your checked luggage! You will need them for customs, university registration, and setting up your life (like opening a bank account or renting a room).

• Valid Passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• Printed Student Visa Grant Letter
• University Offer Letter and COE
• OSHC Policy details
• Driver’s license (if you plan to drive)
• Debit/Credit cards and some Australian cash (AUD 300 – 500) for immediate expenses upon landing.

Clothing & Personal Items:

• Dress for Four Seasons: Depending on where you are studying (e.g., Melbourne gets famously cold, while Brisbane is warmer), Australia has four distinct seasons. Bring a high-quality winter jacket, some layered clothing, and comfortable walking shoes.

• Beat Homesickness: Bring a few lightweight items that remind you of home—polaroid photos of friends, your favorite journal, or a small keepsake.

• Beware of Biosecurity: Australia has some of the strictest customs and biosecurity laws in the world. Do not bring fresh fruits, meats, or homemade dairy products. If you are bringing traditional snacks or spices from home, you must declare them on your Incoming Passenger Card to avoid massive fines.

3. Mentally Prepare & Build Your Community

The thought of newfound independence is exhilarating, but navigating a new country far from your friends and family can trigger culture shock and homesickness. Preparation isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about mental readiness.

• Spend Quality Time Back Home: Before you leave, soak up as much time as possible with your loved ones. Once you arrive in Australia, set up a regular video-call schedule to stay in touch without letting it interfere with your new routine.

• Do Your Local Research: Familiarise yourself with your new city using Google Maps. Look up public transport routes (like getting an Opal card in Sydney or a Myki card in Melbourne), nearby grocery stores, and campus facilities. Knowing what to expect reduces arrival anxiety.

• Connect Before You Fly: You are not alone! Australia is home to a massive international student community. Look up Malaysian or international student societies at your university on Instagram or Facebook and join their groups. Many associations host welcome BBQs and orientation events specifically designed to help you make friends in your first week.

If you have not made up your mind here are 10 reasons why you should study in Australia!

Why Study In Australia: Top 10 Reasons For Malaysian Students

Book A Free Consultation

Drop by Uni Enrol Study Abroad Office and let us help you plan your perfect pathway to study in Australia together! 🎓

Find us at B-02-03, Level 2, Sunway Geo Avenue, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor. Our friendly counsellors are highly experienced with Australian higher education options and are ready to help you discover scholarships, compare universities, and submit your application.

We also specialise in:

• Study in the UK
• Study in Ireland
• Study in New Zealand

About the Author:

Ken Hoong is the co-founder of Uni Enrol and a contributing writer. Drawing on his close work with Uni Enrol’s counsellors, he brings keen insight into Malaysia’s evolving private higher education landscape and the shifting preferences of students in learning and career choices.