Pre-departure checklist
• Complete and submit all relevant forms and documents to your school for the course of study or programme.

• Ensure that you are satisfied with the certifications/qualifications offered by the university/college and that it meets your needs/areas of interest.

• Take note of the entry requirements into each school/course. It varies from institution to institution.

• You must meet minimum academic requirements. Besides this, a sufficient level of English language proficiency for entry to Australian education and training institutions is also necessary. Almost all Institutions will assess whether you meet the selection criteria set for your proposed course of study. They will look at the level and course details of the study you have completed in Australia or your home country.

When accepted by the university
• Obtain a student visa, which is valid for the duration of the course of study indicated on the Confirmation of Enrollment form provided by the Australian Institution.

• Visa Application must be submitted to the Australian High Commission minimum 10-12 weeks before the actual course commencement dates.

• According to a provision passed by the government from 15 the October 2007, all applicants over 18 years of age are required to sign a values statement when applying for selected visas. The statement requires applicants to confirm that they will respect the Australian way of life and obey the laws of Australia before being granted a visa. For more information on this consult: http://www.immi.gov.au/living-in-australia/values/index.htm8 [1].

• Check that you have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months.

• Make accommodation arrangements and submit all necessary applications before the stipulated deadline. Some students may choose to organize temporary accommodation for the first few days/weeks to allow sufficient time to adjust to Australian living environment and explore various housing options on-site. Some schools/institutions either provide, or are able to assist students in securing accommodation in Australia.

Do check with your selected school/institution if you wish to use such facilities.

• Arrange for a meet and greet service. Most educational institutions offer a meet and greet service. Remember to take down the contact details upon confirmation of service.

• Most educational institutions offer an Orientation programme to help international students adjust to living in Australia. Confirm the time and details of the programme with your educational institution.

• Complete your travel arrangements, preferably with a reputable travel agency. Check with the appropriate airlines on the baggage check-in allowance, as well as the Customs procedures at the Airports in Australia.

• Australia has a special system of health cover for international students in Australia called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and you are required to have this for the duration of your student visa in Australia. You are required to pay for it before coming to Australia.

For more information on it you can consult: http://www.medibank.com.au/Overseas-Students/About-OSHC/What-is-covered [2].... https://www.oshcworldcare.com.au

• Being in the southern hemisphere Australia's summer starts in December and winter in June. Nearly a third of Australia is in the tropics where the temperature on an average is in the mid 20 degrees Celsius. The southern areas are in a temperate zone. So pack your bags accordingly.

Final pre-departure checklist:
Do you have all essential documents with you?
• Valid passport

• Receipts of payments (tuition fees, health coverage, travel insurance, etc).

• Letter of scholarship award (if applicable).

• Original/certified copy of your academic transcripts, education certificates, birth certificates, and all other supporting documents required for application/collection of Student's Pass.

• Other personal identification documents e.g. Driver's license, I.D. card, etc.

• Some cash in Australian Dollar - Make sure you bring enough money to cover the first few days/week of stay in Australia. It is advisable to carry a small amount of cash, together with larger amounts in bank draft or traveler’s cheque for the initial period. Take note that bank drafts drawn on overseas banks take about 3 weeks to clear before being deposited into one's account.

• Request for temporary accommodation.

• Request for airport reception.

• Handy contact list containing telephone numbers of friends/relatives, International Student Office within school, accommodation provider, airport reception, etc.