Top 10 Tips for International Students Studying in Australia

Produced for @empowervmedia
Edited & fact-checked by @jorgebscomm

A person with long dark hair, wearing a brown bikini, lies on a sandy beach reading a book. Their back is to the camera, facing the ocean, which has gentle waves lapping the shore under a bright, clear sky. The left side of the image is dominated by bright white sky, suggesting strong sunshine.

Australia can be a wonderful place to study and grow. (📷:lastworldblog)

Australia is a top destination for international students, offering high-quality universities, a welcoming multicultural environment and world-class student cities. In year-to-date April 2025, the country hosted nearly 800,000 international student enrolments, underlining its global appeal. If you’re planning to study down under (or have just arrived), these ten tips will help you prepare, settle in smoothly and make the most of your Aussie experience.

Tip 1: Plan Ahead – Visa, Health Cover and Finances

Start preparing well before you leave. You’ll need a student visa (subclass 500) and must purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of your stay. OSHC is essentially health insurance for international students, and it’s mandatory for visa approval and renewal. Buy your OSHC early and ensure it covers your entire course, so you are protected against unexpected medical costs.

'Australian Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)' ▶️1m08s

Also open an Australian bank account and apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) soon after you arrive. This lets you work and earn money at the correct tax rate (without a TFN you’ll be taxed more). A local bank account makes paying rent, utilities and everyday bills easier and cheaper. Make a checklist of all visa conditions, OSHC rules and banking tasks, and tick them off before classes start. Being organised from the start saves headaches later on.

Tip 2: Budget Wisely and Seek Funding

Australia’s cost of living can be high, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Estimate your living expenses (rent, groceries, transport and fun) before you go (Study Australia’s cost calculator can help). Try to secure scholarships, grants or student discounts if you can, but also be realistic about having enough savings.

An overhead flat lay illustration of a person's hands using a "BUDGET CALCULATOR" on a clipboard, surrounded by various financial items. These items include a calculator, bills, coins, a credit card, a smartphone displaying "CHECK BALANCE," a magnifying glass over a bar graph, a coffee cup, eyeglasses, and paper documents, all set against a light blue background, depicting the process of managing finances.

Australia’s cost of living can be high. (📷:surrey.ac.uk)

Part-time work can ease financial pressure. Your student visa allows you to work during study breaks and up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time. This extra income helps pay bills and gives you valuable Australian work experience. Look for on-campus jobs (libraries, labs, cafeterias) or roles off-campus (retail, hospitality, tutoring). Working while you study is a great way to gain experience, build networks and enjoy the local culture. Just remember to balance work with studies and abide by the 48-hour limit to focus on your learning.

Tip 3: Find the Right Accommodation

Deciding where to live is a big deal. International students often share houses or rent student apartments together to lower costs. Check your university’s housing portal or websites like flatmates.com.au to find flatmates and rooms. Universities also offer on-campus dorms and residential colleges that include meals and support services – these can be safe, social options for new students. Homestay programs (living with an Australian family) are popular for younger students, offering immersion in daily life.

Four young adults are relaxing and engaging in various activities in a bright, modern living room. A man with glasses sits on a windowsill looking at his phone, another man with a top knot reads a book on a couch, and a woman works on a laptop at a table in the background. Another person is reclining on a sofa with a drink, out of focus. The room is decorated with plants, framed art, and a skateboard.

International students often share houses or rent student apartments together to lower costs. (📷:harringtonhousing)

Every option has pros and cons (price, location, bills included, etc.), so explore your choices early. Before signing a lease, remember Australians usually require a bond (security deposit) and a couple weeks’ rent in advance. Read any tenancy agreements carefully, and know your rights as a renter (for example, bills and maintenance should be clearly outlined). Wherever you live, choose a place within reach of campus or public transport to save commuting time and money.

Tip 4: Get to Know Your Campus and Community

Once you’re here, spend time orienting yourself. Visit your campus before classes start to learn the layout and public transport options. Most universities and colleges have an Orientation Week (“O-Week”) filled with information sessions, campus tours and social events. Attend orientation and mingle – it’s the best way to meet fellow students, join clubs and feel more at home on campus.

Four smiling young adults, wearing matching yellow "O-WEEK" t-shirts and lanyards with space-themed designs, stand in front of a large yellow banner that reads "FIND O-WEEK YOUR DREAM OPPORTUNITIES." They are raising their hands and holding prop fans, suggesting an energetic and welcoming atmosphere at a university orientation event. The background shows a sunny outdoor setting with trees and other event tents.

Most universities and colleges have an Orientation Week. (📷:unsw.edu.au)

Joining student clubs or sports teams related to your hobbies or culture can help you make friends and integrate quickly. Campus clubs are inclusive and a lot of fun, whether you’re into gaming, dance, music or volunteering. Being active in student life not only combats homesickness, but also builds communication skills and professional connections. Even after classes begin, keep an eye out for campus fairs and workshops; getting involved in any way keeps you connected to the student community.

Tip 5: Use the Support Services Available

You are not alone – Australian education providers offer extensive support services for international students. This includes academic help (tutoring, writing centers), English language support, counselling, legal advice and career guidance. All international students can access help for their health, safety and wellbeing. For example, if you ever feel overwhelmed or need medical help, universities have free or low-cost counseling and health clinics.

A motion-blurred image of people walking down a well-lit hallway with "Student Services" prominently displayed in large black letters on a frosted glass wall. The blurred figures suggest activity and movement within a university or college building.

Australian education providers offer extensive support services for international students. (📷:ivleader)

Make a note of these services on campus. If in doubt, ask your international student office or student union for contacts and workshops. For instance, many campuses host “study skill” workshops to help with assignments or exam prep. Don’t hesitate to seek help early – teachers and advisors are there to guide you. Knowing about and using these resources can greatly ease challenges like language barriers or academic pressure.

Tip 6: Understand Your Work Rights

It’s great to work in Australia, but it’s also important to know your rights. Australian labour laws apply to you just as they do to local workers. This means employers must pay at least the minimum wage and cannot exploit your visa status. If you feel unfairly treated (like unpaid overtime or harassment), you can report it without fear of losing your visa. The Fair Work Ombudsman is a government agency that helps workers in such cases.

A wooden gavel rests on a small stand in the foreground, with a group of blurred miniature people figurines behind it. In the background, an out-of-focus Australian flag is visible against a yellow backdrop, symbolizing Australian law and justice for the people.

Australian labour laws apply to you just as they do to local workers. (📷:workrightsaustralia)

Keep records of your hours and pay, and know that you cannot be forced to work more than the visa limit of 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. During semester breaks you can work unlimited hours. Any paid work should be properly documented (always get a payslip). By knowing the rules and your rights ahead of time, you can work confidently and safely in Australia.

Tip 7: Embrace Australian Culture and Language

Living in Australia is not just about studying; it’s also a cultural adventure. Australians have a relaxed, friendly style. Don’t be shy to strike up conversations (even with strangers in line at a cafe); a lot of Aussies love to chat. They use slang and humor in daily speech, so take time to learn a few common phrases. For example, “How’s it going?” means “How are you?”, and “arvo” means afternoon. It will make you feel more included when you understand the lingo.

An infographic titled "Embracing Australian Culture" on a light orange background. It's divided into two main sections: "Friendly Aussies & Slang" featuring an illustration of a waving person and speech bubbles translating "How's it going?" and "arvo" (afternoon), with text advising to learn Aussie slang. The second section, "Multicultural & Open-Minded," shows three silhouettes of people and illustrations of Vegemite, a meat pie, and slices of bread. It advises welcoming international students, trying Australian food, sharing customs, and maintaining an open-minded and respectful attitude.

(📷:empowervmedia)

Most locals are very welcoming to international students. Australia is proud of its multicultural population, so you will find people from many backgrounds. Try some Aussie food (meats pies, Vegemite on toast, tim tams for a sweet snack) and enjoy local customs. At the same time, share your own culture (universities often celebrate international festivals). Being open-minded and respectful goes a long way. If you ever feel lost, keep a sense of humor and be willing to ask questions (Aussies admire humility and a positive attitude).

Tip 8: Stay Healthy and Safe

Your health matters. Besides your OSHC (see Tip 1), know where local medical centres and pharmacies are. OSHC means visits to a doctor (GP) or hospital will be subsidised – just remember to get a claim number from your insurer if you have to go. If you feel unwell, see a doctor early; waiting can make things worse (and more expensive). On-campus health clinics are often very affordable for students.

An infographic titled "It's a WONDERFUL (College) LIFE: CAMPUS SAFETY TIPS FOR STUDENTS." It is divided into three main sections: ON CAMPUS: Features illustrations of campus buildings, a bus, and sports courts, providing tips like walking in well-lit areas, reporting suspicious activity, knowing emergency phone locations, using campus shuttle services, not listening to loud music, and informing roommates about your whereabouts. IN THE DORM: Shows a dorm room layout with a bed, desk, and window, offering advice such as closing blinds, keeping records of valuables, never sleeping in an unlocked room, and programming emergency numbers. It also warns against leaving important documents unsecured. AT PARTIES: Depicts a party scene with a pool table and drinks, giving tips like monitoring drink intake, not leaving drinks unattended, picking a designated driver, and ensuring verbal and sober consent for sexual activity.

(📷:elearninginfographics)

Australia is generally a safe country, but it pays to be careful. Learn basic first-aid and remember that the emergency number is 000 (for police, fire or ambulance). Always wear a helmet if you cycle, carry photo ID at all times, and lock your bike or apartment. If you ever travel long distances (like road-tripping between cities), familiarise yourself with Australian road rules and weather conditions. Also, Australia has very strong sun (use sunscreen daily and stay hydrated). If you ever face bullying or feel unsafe, talk to campus security or local authorities. Help is available for your health, safety and wellbeing whenever you need it.

Tip 9: Balance Study and Exploration

Studying abroad is an academic opportunity and a life adventure. Australia’s landscapes and cities are incredible (six Australian cities ranked among the world’s top student cities, acording to the latest QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2026). Plan weekend trips to explore iconic sights: snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, hike in the Blue Mountains, visit the cultural festivals in your city, or relax on famous beaches. Even short road trips during breaks can create lifelong memories.

An over-under shot of the ocean, showing a large white multi-deck boat filled with people above the waterline under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Below the waterline, two scuba divers explore a vibrant coral reef, with schools of fish swimming around them. One diver is exhaling bubbles.

Plan weekend trips to explore iconic sights like the Great Barrier Reef. (📷:thetourspecialists)

However, don’t let travel disrupt your studies. Make study schedules and stick to deadlines. Universities often have study breaks that are perfect for travel. Use those breaks wisely to enjoy Australia and rest. Finally, connect travel with learning: join local volunteering or environmental programs, or learn about Indigenous cultures. In this way you will fully embrace student life in Australia while keeping your studies on track.

Tip 10: Be Flexible, Persistent and Ask for Help

Adjusting to a new country can be tough. You may face homesickness, language hiccups or academic pressure. Remember that nearly every international student goes through similar challenges. Stay resilient and be willing to adapt your study habits (for example, Australian courses often emphasise critical thinking and group work). If a study method isn’t working, seek a tutor or discuss it with your lecturers.

A group of diverse university students stands outdoors, smiling and looking upwards or to the side, with a light-colored building in the background. The student in the foreground on the left has blonde hair and is smiling, holding a cup. The student in the center has dark braided hair and is also smiling, holding books. Another smiling male student with a backpack and a skateboard is on the far right. Other students are partially visible behind them.

Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well-equipped to thrive academically and personally in your Australian adventure. (📷:schoolfinder)

Don’t be afraid to ask questions – whether it’s in class, during orientation, or on forums. Australians generally appreciate when newcomers show initiative. Celebrate your small wins (like cooking your first meal or getting a good grade) and stay in touch with friends and family back home for support. Over time, you will find your groove. By staying open-minded and seeking support when needed, you’ll turn challenges into growth and make your time in Australia a truly rewarding experience.

⭐⭐⭐

Search This Blog

CAMPUS LIFE