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Arrival in Australia

After you arrive in Australia

After you have arrived in Australia:

  • Contact your family and friends back home to let them know you've arrived safely in Australia.

  • Purchase and activate an Australian sim card for your mobile

  • Set up an Australian bank account

  • Update your contact details with APIC

  • Start to explore and get to know your new community

  • Apply for your Unique Student Identifier (USI)

  • Apply for a Tax File Number if you are planning on working during your studies

  • Attend your Orientation

  • Commence your studies

Opening an Australian Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Australia means that your money is easily accessible, and you can avoid the expense of international banking fees. You'll need an Australian bank account if you plan to work in Australia. 

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Finding the best bank and account that suits you will involve a little research. Australia has four big banks; Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, NAB and ANZ which are commonly referred to as the "Big Four", however there many other banks and credit unions that you can choose from.

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Most banks require you to be onshore and have an Australian residential address before you can apply to open a bank account, others may allow you to open an account in advance of your arrival to Australia. 

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Finder.com.au is a website that compares financial products in including bank accounts, and they provide some information for international students that may assist in choosing the right bank and account type.   

Update your Contact Details

Updating your contact details with APIC

Please check and update your contact telephone number/s and emergency contact details via your Student Portal. Even if you are living in temporary accommodation following your arrival in Australia you must update your contact information. Student visa holders MUST notify the Institute of residential address within 7 days of arriving in Australia (​visa condition 8533).

Explore your new home

Now that you have arrived, it's time to explore your new home and community for the during of your studies. 

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Sydney, New South Wales

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Brisbane, Queensland

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Melbourne, Victoria

 

 

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Unique Student Identifier (USI)

Students studying in Australia need to have a Unique Student Identifier number or USI. All higher education students, including international students studying in Australia, must have a USI to graduate and receive their award. Your USI is your individual Australian education identification number for life. You need a USI if you are:

  • an International student who is onshore in Australia and has a valid visa

  • a new or continuing domestic student

  • a student who has completed their studies and will graduate from 2023 

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The process of applying is simple, the online tutorial video which is available here overviews the process. For further information about USI's please click here. Please apply for your USI using the link below.

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Tip for students who have a single name: when you apply for your USI, insert a dash (-) in the first name field and enter your name in the last name field.

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Once you have received your USI, you need to record the number in your Student Portal.

Applying for an Australian Tax File Number and Tax Returns

Tax File Number

If you are planning on working during your stay in Australia, you need to have an Australian Tax File Number. Taxes are managed through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The tax you pay depends on how much you earn.

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A tax file number (TFN) is your unique reference number to our tax system.  When you start work, your employer will ask you to complete a tax file number declaration form. If you do not provide a TFN your employment will be taxed at the highest personal income tax rate, which will mean less money in your wages.

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You can apply for your TFN online via the ATO website. 

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Taxation Returns

If you pay too much tax you are entitled to a refund.  To get a refund you will need to lodge a tax return.  You can lodge online using e-tax (free), by mailing a paper tax return, or by paying a registered tax agent to complete and lodge the return for you. Tax returns are lodged at the end of the Australian financial/tax year (1 July to 30 June).

How to contact your Student Services Team

Student Services contact information is available by selecting Student Services from the Student Support menu of APIC's Student Hub. Contact details are also included within email communications.  

Attend Orientation

​Tuesday 26 November 2024

2:00pm AEDT*   - Sydney & Melbourne Students

1:00pm AEST** - Brisbane Students

* Australian Eastern Daylight Time ** Australian Eastern Standard Time 

Orientation is conducted the week before classes commence. Every student is required to attend Orientation prior to commencing their APIC studies.

 

Orientation for the Mid Trimester 3, 2024 Intake is scheduled for Tuesday 26 November 2024 and will be conducted via an online Zoom webinar commencing at 2:00pm AEDT for Sydney and Melbourne students, or 1:00pm AEST for Brisbane students. Email notifications will provide the exact time in your time zone.  â€‹

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Orientation is an opportunity for you to learn about your rights, safety and wellbeing in Australia, your requirements as a student, the support services APIC provides, and to connect with your academic team and classmates. Orientation provides all the information you need to know to commence your course.

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Orientation for the Mid-Trimester 3, 2024 intake will be conducted online via Zoom. More information including the Zoom link will be shared with you in advance. â€‹  

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Mid-Trimester 3, 2024 Commences

2

MON

DECEMBER

Classes for the Mid-Trimester 3, 2024 intake commence the week beginning Monday 2 December 2024.

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