Plan your arrival in Melbourne
After you have accepted your offer to study with us, you can start getting excited for your arrival in Melbourne.
Moving to Australia for university is an exciting step, and there are a number of things you must do before you leave your home country. We’ve got some advice to help plan your arrival so the transition will be less stressful, and you will give yourself the best opportunity to settle into your new home.
Here are our tips for international students arriving in Melbourne.
Before you fly to Australia
After your application has been processed, your deposit has been paid and your student visa has been issued, you can book your flight to Melbourne. We recommend that you arrive in Melbourne two to four weeks before starting your course. This will give you time to organise accommodation and settle in before you begin your classes.
Student travel insurance
We advise you to purchase student travel insurance when you book your flights. Your travel insurance should cover you for two or three days after you arrive in Australia, in case you experience delays. Your travel agent should be able to help you organise this.
‘Make the most of your experiences in Melbourne, because it will be one of the best experiences in your life.’ - Aida, Mexico City
Arriving in Melbourne from overseas
All international flights into Melbourne arrive at Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine.
You will be given an incoming passenger card on the plane, which you will need to fill in. Flight attendants can assist you if you are unsure which sections apply to you.
When you arrive at the airport, you will need your passport and incoming passenger card for the entry control point. Once you have passed through the entry control point, you will collect your baggage and exit the terminal via customs and quarantine.
Quarantine, customs and goods to declare
All international passengers will need to pass Australian customs and quarantine before entering the country. Australia’s regulations are strict. This means you may not be able to bring certain items into the country.
If you are carrying any restricted or quarantine items, including food, medication, wooden material, plant material or animal products, you must declare them.
Learn more about what to declare via the Department of Home Affairs and the Australian Department of Agriculture.
Australia Awards Students
If you're an Australia Awards Student, Student Contact Officers are available to support you with any issues you might have during your time at Swinburne. Learn more about our range of arrival and support services for Australia Awards Students including what to do before before arriving in Australia.
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Arriving in Melbourne
There are many different options for getting from Melbourne Airport to the Melbourne CBD, including our free transport service.
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Money and living costs in Australia
Living in Melbourne, like many cities around the world, can be relatively expensive at times, but there are ways to manage your money to make it go further. Find out what you need to get started and get by in Australia.
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Bringing your family to Melbourne
We know how important family is and how having them nearby can help you settle into Melbourne life. We’ve put together some things for you to consider when making the decision.
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Applying for student visas in Australia
Find out about applying for your student visa. You must have accepted your offer to study with us and paid your deposit before you submit an Australian student visa application.
