To help you get settled into Sydney, this section contains information and links to cover you from your arrival in Sydney; to finding accommodation, starting your studies; events and sightseeing in Sydney; starting a bank account and more.
Please contact the Student Centre if you have any questions: studentinfo@aftrs.edu.au or +61 2 98095 6444
Below are some valuable websites for international students to read relating to administrative and living requirements of studying in Australia.
Preparing to Study in Australia
| Study Australia | The official Australian Government website for international students |
| Department of Home Affairs | Student Visas in Australia & working in Australia on a Student visa |
| Australian Visa Offices overseas | Australian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate-General offices outside Australia. |
| Overseas Student Health Cover | Providers of OSHC in Australia |
| Cost of living calculator | Study Australia cost of living calculator |
| Online budget calculator | Online budget calculators can be a useful tool to assist you with budgeting and ensure you are financially prepared for coming to Australia |
Student Resources on Living in Sydney
| Study NSW | Website set up by NSW Government to assist international students with living, studying, and working in NSW. |
| City of Sydney : Studying and working in Sydney | Resources for international students |
| Insider Guide: International Student Resources | Insider Guides are comprehensive, free guides for international students, carefully researched and created by expert locals and fellow international students. Learn more about your new Australian city and how to enjoy your time studying in Australia |
Arriving in Australia
| Sydney International Airport | Information for international arrivals into Sydney International Airport |
| Australian Border Force Website | What you can and cannot bring into the country |
| Student Accommodation Guide | Information on Rental & Shared Housing, Private Student Accommodation, Residential Colleges as well as short term accommodation |
| Renting in Sydney | Before moving into a new home in NSW, there are some key steps you should take as listed on the Study NSW website |
| Public Transport in NSW | |
| Taxi companies |
Legal & Health Services
| Find a health service | Health Direct- Search for a doctor (GP) , pharmacy or emergency department close to AFTRS or where you are living |
| Seeing a Doctor (GP) | Services Australia information on seeing a Doctor in Australia |
| Legal Rights and Protections | Study Australia Find out about the laws in place to protect International Students |
| Redfern Legal Centre | Free statewide legal advice and support to NSW international students. |
In Australia, you call Triple Zero (000) for emergency assistance such as Police, Ambulance or Fire.
Sydney International Airport is located about 8km south of Sydney’s city centre and has convenient transport to the city by both road, rail and buses.
When you arrive in Sydney, visit the International Student Welcome Desk in the International Arrivals terminal. Staffed by international student volunteers, this friendly service welcomes thousands of commencing students to NSW each year.
More information on Sydney International Airport for International Arrivals can be found here.
Transport from the Airport is available via:
Australia is known for its strict customs and biosecurity laws.
Some day-to-day items you often take with you during other travel overseas, may be prohibited and incur a penalty if you try to bring it into Australia.
Please Australian Border Force Website on what you can and cannot bring into the country.
We suggest you start looking into housing as soon as you can, and possibly secure a place to stay prior to your arrival.
While AFTRS doesn’t provide dedicated student accommodation on campus, or residential colleges, we have provided information and advice on off-campus options in vibrant surrounding suburbs.
The Student Accommodation Guide has information on Rental & Shared Housing, Private Student Accommodation, Residential Colleges as well as short term accommodation and home share options.
If you would like to share with current AFTRS students or alumni, once you have Accepted your offer, you can join the on Facebook: ↗ AFTRS ACCOMMODATION GROUP
The iconic Bondi Beach is just 2kms to the east of AFTRS and the Sydney CBD a mere 2kms in the other direction where you’ll find Chinatown, Darling Harbour, the Rocks and Circular Quay. The inner city suburbs of Darlinghurst, Redfern, Paddington and Surry Hills are in close proximity to the AFTRS campus and the inner west suburbs of Newtown and Marrickville just beyond. The sprawling Centennial Parklands surround the Entertainment Quarter and the EQ itself is home to food markets and cinemas. A world-class city, Sydney is home to a multitude of festivals and events throughout the year.
Please contact the Student Centre if you would like anymore information on Accommodation options.
Before moving into a new home in NSW, there are some key steps you should take as listed on the Study NSW website:
Student Living: Find the Perfect Student Accommodation in Sydney & NSW
Learn the range of renting guidelines at Fair Trading NSW and Tenants NSW.
Online budget calculators can be a useful tool to assist you with budgeting and ensure you are financially prepared for coming to Australia. In addition to weekly expenses, you may also have establishment costs on arrival.
These include security deposits, temporary accommodation, linen and basic homewares.
A good online budget calculator to use is from Money Smart:
Study Australia also provides a Cost of Living Calculator which can help plan the costs of living in Australia
The Australian Government has outlined the amount of funds student visa applicants will need to meet the financial capacity requirement of their stay in Australia:
The 12-month living costs, as of 1 October 2023, are:
students or guardians - AUD24,505
partners coming with you - AUD8,574
a child coming with you - AUD3,670.
Public Transport
Travelling around Sydney can be done via public transport and you can travel to most places using trains, buses, light rail and ferries.
Public transport is accessible using an Opal Card, which you can top up with money before you travel, and you tap on/off as you travel. These can be purchased at the Airport as well as at newsagents and convenience stores around Sydney.
International Students are not eligible for a student concession Opal Card.
Taxis and Uber are also popular options in and around Sydney.
There are a number of cab companies in Sydney such as 13cabs and Silver Service Cabs.
Bicycles
A lot of Sydneysiders also ride bicycles (bikes).
AFTRS is within cycling distance from areas such as North Sydney, Bondi, Botany, and the Inner West and is connected to many cycleways and low traffic cycle routes.
Details on cycle routes and maps can be found on the City of Sydney website.
Helmets are required for all bicycle riders in Sydney as outlined on the Transport NSW site.
AFTRS bike rack spaces are located at the front of the AFTRS building.
International students have the same workplace rights as anyone else working in Australia. You may get a part-time or casual job to help pay your living expenses while you study in NSW.
From 1 July 2023, student visa holders can work no more than 48 hours a fortnight while studying. To learn more, visit Department of Home Affairs website
It is important to check your visa rules to ensure you are allowed to work before you start looking for a job. Check Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO).
Information and advice about working in Australia is provided by the Australian Government’s Fair Work Ombudsman and on Study NSW website
If you are being paid to work in Australia, you will be required to pay tax and get a Tax File number.
To set up a bank account in Australia, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following, depending on the bank:
Some banks will allow you to open up an account shortly before you arrive, and you will need to visit a branch once you arrive in Australia and provide identification documents and tax residency details before you can use your new account.
For comprehensive information about opening a bank account in Australia visit this comparison site and contact the banks directly
The main banks in Australia include:
When you first arrive in Sydney, it is important for you to set up an Australian contact number.
Study Australia site contains information on Health Services and support options for International Students.
In Australia, if you need to see a doctor, you will make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP).
A GP is a doctor with broad knowledge of health issues, and they are the first person you see for non emergency health care including physical and mental issues. They can then refer you to a medical specialist you might need.
Using your OSHC
Before any medical appointments, find out what health services your OSHC policy covers and if there are any waiting periods.
Find a health service | healthdirect
