Pre-Departure Guide for International Students: Everything You Need Before Travelling to Australia
- Study in Australia Group
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Preparing to study abroad is exciting, but before you board your flight, it’s essential to make sure you’ve completed all the key steps for a smooth arrival in Australia. Whether you’re heading to Sydney, Melbourne, or another city, this pre-departure guide for international students covers everything from health insurance and travel documents to passenger cards and SIM cards.
Health Insurance
If you plan to arrive in Australia earlier than your official course start date, you must ensure your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) begins before you arrive. Contact your education agency as soon as possible to arrange additional health insurance cover for the extra days.
Having valid OSHC from the moment you enter Australia is a visa requirement. It ensures you’re protected if you need medical care during your stay.
Documents - International student pre-departure guide
Before you travel, make sure you have the following documents:
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Student visa
Keep these files easily accessible on your phone, as airlines or border officers may request to see them before you board or upon arrival. Printed copies are also recommended in case your phone battery runs low during your journey.
Tip: Save your CoE, OSHC, and visa in a dedicated folder on your phone or cloud storage for quick access.
Incoming Passenger Card (IPC) - International student pre-departure guide
Every traveller entering Australia must complete an Incoming Passenger Card (IPC), which will be provided during your flight or by the Australian Border Force at the airport. The IPC must be completed in English.
You’ll be asked to provide information such as:
Your family name, given names, and passport number
Your flight number and intended address in Australia
Whether you plan to live in Australia for more than 12 months
Declarations related to customs and quarantine
On the back of the card, you’ll also need to include:
The country you departed from
Your date of birth and occupation
Nationality as shown in your passport
Emergency contact details, either in Australia or your home country. It’s a good idea to have the phone number and email address of a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, ready for this section.
Important: Passport and Visa Information
Your student visa is linked to the passport that was used for your visa application. If you plan to apply for a new passport before traveling, please notify your education agency as soon as possible. Allow sufficient time for your study abroad agency and the Department of Home Affairs to update your details.
Please note that airlines usually conduct a VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) check to confirm that the passport holder has a valid Australian visa. If the VEVO check does not show a valid visa under your passport number, you are not allowed to board your flight.
Arrange Your eSIM Before You Travel
Stay connected from the moment you land by setting up an international eSIM before you travel. We recommend Maya Mobile - it’s fast, reliable, and easy to activate. You can install it from home and have instant access to mobile data for navigation, communication, and checking your accommodation details upon arrival. Once you’re settled, you can easily switch to a local Australian SIM card.
Final Tips for a Smooth Departure and Arrival
Double-check your flight details and baggage allowance.
Keep essential documents (passport, visa, OSHC, CoE) in your hand luggage.
Bring some Australian dollars for immediate expenses such as transport and meals.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Uber, and your university’s student portal before you travel.
We wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you to Australia. With the right preparation, your study journey abroad will begin smoothly and confidently.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and does not constitute migration or legal advice. Always refer to the Department of Home Affairs for the latest requirements.
