For awardees commencing studies in semester 1, it is likely you will be required to depart for Australia between late December of previous year or January of your intake year.
For semester 2 awardees, it is likely you will be required to depart for Australia between late April and May. Australia Awards will coordinate your travel arrangements and keep you updated throughout the process.
Your host institution
Prior to your departure, Australia Awards will introduce you to your host institution student contact officer (SCO). This officer will remain your contact point while on scholarship in Australia, and will coordinate your arrival and answer any questions you have.
Introductory Academic Program
It is compulsory for all awardees to attend their Introductory Academic Program (IAP). IAP is hosted at your university campus during orientation week, it typically runs for four to six weeks.
IAP is designed by your educational institution to prepare you, as an international student, for study at their educational institution. It covers a range of topics to help set you up for success.
Temporary accommodation
Should you require it, temporary accommodation can be arranged for you when you first arrive in Australia. This will allow you to settle into your environment and identify longer term accommodation in person. It should be noted that temporary and long-term accommodation is the cost of the Awardee.
Families
Awardees who intend to bring family with them are strongly encouraged to come to Australia on their own for at least the first six months. This will allow the awardee to attend the Introductory Academic Program and become established in their program of studies without the distraction of family responsibilities.
Awardees are responsible, including financially responsible, for their family members who accompany them to Australia. For more information, refer to the Families factsheet.
Preparation
The key to a smooth mobilisation to Australia is research and preparation. We encourage you to visit the following resources to best prepare yourself for life and study in Australia:
- Australia Awards On Track Pre-Departure Publication is a guide to help awardees settle into life in Australia.
- Study in Australia provides information for international students on living and studying in Australia
- Department of Home Affairs has information on local services, public transport and accommodation by state / territory.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics for information on economic, social and environmental matters
- Australian Bureau of Meteorology provides the latest weather forecasts as well as information on severe weather warnings.
- Google maps will help you pinpoint your new city or certain locations.
- Australian Border Force: to learn more about what you can and can’t take to Australia.
Academic Preparedness
Study Australia offers a free Academic Readiness Microcredential. The aim of these short online training courses is to support international student’s prepare for their Australian education experience. Students learn how the Australian education experience is designed to protect them and ensure the quality of their education. Modules include: Introduction to the Australian Education System, Academic Standards, Methods of Teaching and Learning & Mindset Preparation. The training is free, and takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete. It is recommended for all Awardees. Click this link to access the training Academic Readiness Microcredential.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your travel to Australia, please contact Australia Awards for support.