When preparing to depart your home country, there are many things to consider and decisions that need to be made in terms of what to bring with you and what to leave behind. This section includes a Preparation checklist and a What to Bring checklist. The preparation checklist includes such things as ensuring your passport is current and valid, obtaining your student visa and ensuring you have considered transferring funds from your home country. The what to bring section reminds you to bring such things as all essential documents and any prescriptions for medications you may need during your stay in Australia. Please see below for more details:
| Preparation checklist |
| Receive UQ offer package |
This includes an offer from the University which will contain your UQ Student ID number (which will enable you to log onto the accommodation website to book airport reception and temporary accommodation if you choose to use this service). |
| Ensure your passport is current and valid |
Please ensure that your passport is valid for the duration of your visa. If your passport needs to be renewed during your stay in Australia, please confirm the renewal process with authorities in your home country before your departure to Australia. |
| Obtain a student visa |
This student visa will entitle you to enter Australia and remain as a student for the duration of your program. For all visa enquiries and applications, please contact your local Australian Embassy, High Commission or Diplomatic Mission |
| Attend a pre-departure briefing |
Only if offered in your home country |
| Request airport reception and temporary accommodation |
If you would like to book airport reception and temporary accommodation through UQ Accommodation Services, click here. Please note that you will need your UQ Student ID Number. |
| Register for the Jump Start Academic Preparation Program (JSAPP) |
Register for the Jump Start Academic Preparation Program (JSAPP) online. The JSAPP is optional but strongly recommended for new International Students. |
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Register for a three-week English Course before Semester begins
(Please note: This is free of charge and optional)
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ESP:ACS is a three-week intensive English language program which is provided at no additional cost for all new UQ degree-enrolled international students. Eligible students must have been accepted into a UQ degree program and already met the minimum English language entry requirements. ESP:ACS is highly recommended for incoming students from a non-English speaking background. Registration by the due date is required. See more information |
| Change money to Australian currency |
It is important to change some money into Australian currency (we recommend at least AUD$250). More information available here |
| Setting up an Australian bank account |
Talk to your home country bank about transferring funds into an Australian bank account after you arrive, Also see: Banking and Finance
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Understand your scholarship conditions
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Read and understand your scholarship conditions (if applicable)
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| Know your home Government / Employer's conditions |
Your Government may have rules about matters such as renewal of passports, taking money overseas, taxes, voting in elections, marriage overseas and bond money. Moreover, your Government or employer may have conditions about the continuation of your salary while in Australia and your family joining you as your dependents while you are studying. Please confirm your entitlements and conditions (if any), prior to your departure.
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Your passport will serve as your main form of Identification while you are in Australia. However, also consider bringing the following:
| What to bring with you |
| Essential documents |
This includes: valid passport with student visa; letter of offer; copy of Confirmation of Enrolment (COE); receipt of payment (tuition fees and overseas student health cover); letter of scholarship award (if applicable); original copies of academic transcripts (if applicable); other personal information (e.g. drivers license, ID card etc)
Travel tip: Photocopy all important documents (passport, credit cards, travel insurance, drivers licence etc) before you leave home. Leave a copy with someone at home and keep another copy with you, separate from the originals.
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| Home country drivers licence |
Even if you are not planning to drive while in Australia, this is a useful form of photo ID to carry with you. Driving in Queensland. |
| Immunisation record |
This is important to carry with you, particularly as some UQ programs may require you to take certain vaccinations (eg Medicine and Veterinary Science) |
| Any prescriptions for medications |
Please bring any prescriptions for medications that you need to take regularly, prescriptions for glasses and a spare pair of glasses. Consider getting a dental check-up before your departure, as dental services are not covered under the basic OSHC. See here for more information on your OSHC.
Due to pharmaceutical standards in Australia, prescriptions written outside Australia will not be recognised by pharmacists here. However, your home prescriptions will be useful should you need to discuss your medical history with a doctor after arrival.
Please note: You must declare all drugs and medicines including prescription medicines and some medicinal products may require an import permit or quarantine clearance. If you are carrying any drugs or medicine, it is advisable to have a letter or a prescription from your doctor or practitioner describing your medication and medical condition. Visit the Customs website for more information.
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| References for tenancy applications |
If you are wanting to rent property while in Australia, many application forms ask for rental references. This is to prove that you will be a reliable tenant. If you cannot get references or if you have never rented before, you might be asked to provide anything that you think might prove this. For more information, click here. |
| Favourite photographs |
Bringing photographs and small things to decorate your room from home may help ease the transition into a new culture. |
| National dress and accessories |
You may want to bring your national dress and accessories for festive occasions. |
| Home country information |
If you envisage undertaking a thesis, you may like to bring some statistics / information about your home country in your particular field of study. |
| A computer |
If you plan to bring a computer with you, you are advised to carry it in your baggage and to carry laptops in your hand luggage. Also see: Things to consider
Please note: You may be able to bring such items as desktop or laptop computers and similar electronic equipment duty free into Australia, provided Customs is satisfied these items are intended to be taken with you on departure. For more information visit the Customs website.
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| Hand luggage essentials |
- Essential documents and Australian money (as outlined above)
- UQ after hours telephone numbers in case of emergency (3365 1234 (24 hours); or free call 24 hours: 1800 800 123)
Please refer to the Australian Quarantine website for information on what you cannot take into Australia.
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