Do’s AND Don’ts For International Students In Australia!

Are you a student who is aspiring to study abroad in Australia? Check out this guide that highlights the DO’S AND DON’TS For International Students In Australia! Everyone aspires to study abroad which of course is exciting, and Australia has emerged as the top destination for pursuing higher education.

That’s because this land is home to many stunning landscapes and world-class universities and is a dream destination for countless international students.

But when you travel across to top-class universities to pursue higher studies, you require certain guidelines to look at to have a smooth and successful journey.

As you move out on this educational journey, it’s essential to be equipped with the knowledge and awareness of what you should and shouldn’t do during your stay.

If you are thinking of moving out and studying in Australia, there are some dos and don’ts that govern your stay.

In this article, we will provide you valuable guidance on essential actions to take and also the mistakes to avoid so that you can stay compliant with the visa regulations and enjoy a fulfilling study experience in Australia.

DO’s For International Students In Australia

01. Follow Visa Conditions And Stay Compliant:

As an international student, you must abide by the rules laid forth in your visa when you visit Australia.

Therefore, you must ensure that you fully comprehend the visa criteria and that you adhere to them during your time in Australia. To prevent needless legal complexities, you must adhere to visa requirements.

02. Keep Your Education Provider/DIBP Informed:

Next is maintaining open communication with your education provider and the Department of Home Affairs (formerly known as the Department of Immigration and Border Protection) regarding any changes in your circumstances.

Promptly inform them about any updates, such as changes in your contact details, a program of study, or living arrangements.

03. Secure Important Documents:

It is important to safeguard your crucial documents such as your passport, visa, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy.

You must also ensure to keep digital and physical copies both in a safe place and maintain their backups online.

If you lose these documents, you might end up in a major inconvenience which may lead to immigration complications.

04. Stay Accessible And Check Emails Regularly:

Always have your contact information, emails, and phone numbers updated with your education provider and other relevant authorities.

Make sure you check your emails, as all the important information regarding your visa or study program may be communicated via this medium.

05. Monitor Document Expiry Dates:

Be aware of the expiration dates of your visa, CoE, and OHSC policy. It is important to initiate the renewal process well in advance to avoid any disruption to your stay in Australia.

Make sure you mark these dates on your calendar or set reminders to stay proactive.

06. Obtain Permission Before Traveling Overseas:

This is something many miss out on! Make sure to obtain appropriate permission from your education provider if you are planning to travel outside Australia during your study period.

Also if you fail to inform the Department of Home Affairs or you fail to seek permission and don’t comply with the necessary procedures, it may affect your visa status.

07. Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):

It is paramount to have a valid OSHC throughout your stay in Australia. OSHC provides health insurance coverage and is also a mandatory requirement for international students.

You must regularly review and renew this policy to avoid any gaps in coverage.

08. Submit Tax Returns On Time:

At times international students do have tax obligations in Australia. This usually depends on their income and duration of stay. And if you are one of those, then you have to familiarize yourself with the Australian tax regulations and obligations.

You have to see that you submit your tax returns timely. For this, you can rely on top tax accountants or seek the help of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for any queries related to your tax obligations.

09. Follow Safety Guidelines:

Speaking of security, you have to undermine everything. Be it your personal safety or the security of your possession, everything needs to be looked after. You have to know about safety guidelines and follow local laws.

You have to take necessary precautions as well and stay informed about emergency contact numbers and services available in your area.

10. Seek Professional Advice From Registered Experts:

It’s best to seek guidance from registered experts, such as Migration Agents, Education Agents, or legal professionals when it comes to matters about visas, immigration, or legal issues.

These experts know to offer you accurate advice and assist you in navigating complex processes.

DON’TS For International Students In Australia

01. Avoid Fraud, Scams, And Crimes:

Be it any country you travel to, make sure you are aware and cautious of any scams, fraudulent schemes, and criminal activities targeting international students.

You must protect your personal information, such as your bank details and passwords. If you notice any suspicious activity, make sure you report it to the concerned authorities.

02. Don’t Share Sensitive Information:

Always avoid sharing any of your sensitive information with unknown people or even with unauthorized entities.

When you do offer your personal details to anyone online or over the phone, remain cautious especially when it comes to financial transactions or identity verification.

03. Don’t Ignore Any Information Emails, Requests, Or Warning Letters Issued By Your Education Provider Or Any Government Department:

Never ever do this. Make sure you attend to any emails, requests, or warning letters from education providers or government departments promptly.

Don’t ignore or neglect key communications which can lead to unintended consequences such as visa cancellation or other legal complications.

04. Don’t Violate Visa Conditions:

Always respect and comply with the conditions specified in your visa. If you engage in activities prohibited by your visa, such as working more hours than permitted or undertaking unauthorized employment, you can end up in visa cancellation.

05. Travel Light And Avoid Displaying Valuables:

If you travel, make sure to don’t carry excessive cash or valuables to minimise the risk of theft or loss. If you display expensive jewellery, gadgets, or other valuable items in public, it can attract unwanted attention and make you vulnerable to theft.

06. Don’t Overstay Your Visa:

This is to mention as you all know that you have left a country if your visa expires. And if you have to stay more, make sure you apply for a visa extension.

If you overstay your visa, it can have severe consequences such as future immigration issues and difficulties in obtaining visas for other countries.

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CONCLUSION:

We hope that these dos and don’ts as an international student in Australia help you to be aware and give you a successful and rewarding study experience. You must always make sure to abide by them and avoid the pitfalls highlighted in this article.

That’s going to help you navigate your journey smoothly and maintain compliance with visa regulations.

Also, remember to seek advice from registered experts when required and prioritize personal safety and well-being throughout your stay.