Sydney pre-departure planner
One date in, a full countdown out. We line up what to do before you fly to Sydney and during your first fortnight, with a suggested date on each step. Your ticks are remembered on this device only — no account needed.
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You need a valid Confirmation of Enrolment when your visa is decided. The deposit amount is on your university's invoice.
Read the official page -
OSHC is a condition of applying for the subclass 500 visa and must last your whole stay. It starts the day you land in Sydney, not the day classes begin — use your arrival date as the start date.
Read the official page -
Home Affairs tells offshore applicants to apply with enough time before the course starts; its processing-time guide shows recent timings.
Read the official page -
Go by the due date on your fee invoice, and allow a few working days for an overseas transfer to arrive.
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Book something short so you can inspect rentals in person. Never send a bond for a room you haven't seen.
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You'll need data at Sydney Airport for maps, rides and one-time passcodes. Check that your phone supports eSIM.
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Passport, visa grant, CoE, OSHC certificate, offer letter and fee receipts — printed, and saved offline on your phone.
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Home Affairs: don't enter Australia before your OSHC begins. You may be refused entry if you can't prove you have health cover.
Read the official page -
Bring your passport; each bank publishes its own ID checklist, so look it up first.
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The ATO lets you apply online once you're in Australia on a visa with work rights. During term, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight (Home Affairs).
Read the official page -
Take a written lease and keep a receipt for any bond.
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Once you've settled, update your Sydney address in your student portal.