Before you leave
Once you have accepted your offer to study at Deakin, you will need to make certain preparations before you can come to Australia. In addition, there are several considerations you will need to take into account that could affect your stay in Australia.
Under-18 students
Under Australian law, students under the age of 18 are regarded as minors and there are special visa requirements regarding their welfare during their time in Australia. This means that if you have not turned 18, you must be placed in the care of a guardian while studying in Australia. Parents can nominate a guardian or arrangements can be made with a professional carer and guardian organisation.
Relevant information and forms are sent out to parents and students with the Letter of Offer prior to enrolment. Complete and return the forms to Deakin International as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made for a professional carer if necessary.
Once you arrive, you should contact an International Student Adviser on your campus.
Health issues
Before leaving your country, find out from your doctor if you have any allergies and the different types of medication and immunisations that you were given in the past. You are encouraged to have this information stated in writing and/or conveyed to someone (e.g. a relative, friend, housemate, doctor) who can readily provide that information should you become ill in Australia.
Deakin University's Health Services provides health consultations for students as well as a range of services relating to diet, lifestyle, exercise, women's health, men's health, stress management, immunisation and travel.
Students with disabilities
Deakin University provides support to students with disabilities or medical conditions which could affect their studies. Students who wish to receive support must register with the Disability Resource Centre with supporting documents presented in English. These documents must be provided by a qualified professional and should include information on your condition, how your studies may be affected, and whether your condition is permanent, temporary or fluctuating.
Students who have a Learning Disability must provide a valid report from a psychologist or other qualified professional trained in administering standardized tests and assessing learning disabilities.
Additional information is available from the Australian Learning Disability Association.
Passport renewal
Before departing for Australia, make sure your passport is current and valid for at least another six months.
Once here, you can renew your passport at your Government's consulate or embassy if you need to. Note, however, that it can often take several months to renew a passport so you should do so at least two months before the expiry date.
Australian immigration officials cannot issue visas to expired or invalid passports. In addition, your passport must continue to be valid for a further six months after your course completion date.
For more information, contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Family members/dependents
Family members/dependents are eligible to stay with you while you are studying in Australia if their details have been included on your student visa application. If you are successful in your visa application, your family members/dependents will be issued with a similar visa that will have similar restrictions for them. However, spouses of postgraduate students will be eligible to work full time under their visa.
Note: in the present context, the term 'family member/dependent' only covers a student's spouse, de facto spouse or unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age. For more information, contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Family members who were not included on your student visa application and who would like to come to Australia subsequently will need to apply separately for their visas.
Customs
Australia has strict regulations that prevent visitors and residents from bringing unauthorised goods into the country, including drugs, agricultural products, foodstuff, animals and other prohibited items. Penalties are severe for anyone caught doing so.
Contact the Australian Customs Service for detailed information on what you can and cannot bring with you into the country.
