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Pre-arrival information

We are excited to welcome our international students back to campus. Here are the steps you need to take to study in Australia.

Pre-arrival information

On this page

Enrolling for 2023
Travel and your student visa
Predeparture information sessions
Booking flights to Australia 
Planning your accommodation
Arriving in Australia 
Orientation and connecting at Deakin
Where to get assistance


Enrolling for 2023

Your course information, course map and requirements can be found in the 2023 University Handbook. If you need some help or advice to select your units, book a course advice appointment with a student adviser.

You can enrol in the units through StudentConnect.

Commencing students

If you are a newly commencing student, you'll receive an email with all the information you need about activating your account and enrolling into your units. After you've enrolled, visit our Get Started site to find out what's next!

Studying on campus

If you are enrolled as an on-campus international student on a student visa, you are required to enrol into a full-time study load of eight credit points per academic year or equivalent to complete your course within the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). International students on a student visa are required to arrive onshore in Australia to commence on-campus studies before the Orientation week.

As an on-campus international student, you should also understand and comply with your student visa conditions and your enrolment conditions. You cannot study your course from offshore.

The Department of Home Affairs requires students to submit a student visa application as soon as a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is granted. You must follow the regular enrolment requirements applicable to student visa holders.


Travel and your visa

To understand your travel obligation, view the Entering Australia - what to expect at the border website.

Students who cannot travel to Australia

All International students on a student visa are required to arrive onshore in Australia to commence on-campus studies before the Orientation week.

If your visa application is pending

If you are unable to commence your studies onshore, prior to Friday Week 2 of the Trimester, you will be reported to the Department of Home Affairs by way of cancellation of your CoE due to non-commencement in week 3 of the study period.

Therefore, it is important if you are not able to arrive onshore due to your visa not being granted or other compassionate circumstances, you should immediately apply to defer your offer by contacting Deakin’s International Admissions team on the email provided to you on your offer letter.

More information can be found on the How to defer webpage.


Predeparture information sessions

Join us for an International Student Pre-Departure Sessions. These sessions include essential information and resources to ensure a smooth transition to your studies in Australia and at Deakin.  Register to attend today.


Booking flights to Australia

You may find that flights may be difficult to secure due to high demand. Consider undertaking your search for flights well in advance of your intended departure date. Continue to check the website prior to purchasing any flights.


Planning your accommodation

When planning your accommodation in Australia, we recommend you initially book your short-term accommodation or stay with someone you already know in Australia. This gives you the opportunity to personally inspect and secure long-term accommodation and make sure you are signing a lease/accommodation agreement with a legitimate provider. It is also important to know the distance of the accommodation from campus and the services and public transport available.


Arriving in Australia

Free airport pickup

We can help you make arrangements to be picked up from Tullamarine or Avalon airports. This is a free service and you can register for it by completing our  Airport pickup online form.

Updating your personal details

According to your student visa requirements 8533, it is essential that you keep your home and postal address up to date in StudentConnect all the time. Your home address is your permanent home; the postal address is where you are during the Trimester.


Orientation and connecting at Deakin

Once you've completed all your arrival requirements, look into all these ways to start connecting back into the community.

student ambassador leading an on campus tour for international students

Where to get assistance

Student Central

  • Student Central is the starting point to assist you with the ability to prioritise the support you need.

Financial support

  • As per your student visa financial requirement, all international students must have enough money to pay for your travel, study costs, living expenses and your stay in Australia.
  • Financial advice and support is available through Study Melbourne, visit the employment and finances webpage for further information.
  • In emergency situations only, there is a range of financial assistance available – see the financial assistance webpage for more information. You can contact a financial assistance officer through Student Central.

Health and wellbeing support

Deakin offers a range of services to support your physical and mental health and wellbeing.

  • Deakin Medical Centre – initial consultations are free with your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
  • Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS) – free and confidential support from qualified counsellors and social workers.
  • Disability support – if you have a disability, health or mental health condition that affects your study or participation in uni life, the Disability Resource Centre (DRC) can help with information and services.
  • Multifaith chaplains – offering compassionate support to everyone, whether you’re religious or not. We also have prayer rooms located on campus for your convenience.

Need help?

Our student advisers are here to help you with course advice, enrolment and general enquiries.