Planning your arrival
Leaving your home country and travelling to study and live abroad can be challenging, especially if this is your first time away from home. Depending on your circumstances and what type of student you are, you may need to prepare differently.
Click. Connect. Communicate.
Before you leave home, click into the University’s Meeting Place to connect and communicate online with other students starting at the University from your country and all over the world. Swap stories, ask questions and get ready for Melbourne together!
Predeparture briefings
We hold pre-departure briefings in some countries. These information sessions help you prepare before arriving. See the list of countries and dates.
When should I arrive in Melbourne?
We recommend booking a flight as early as possible and arrive a few weeks before enrolment. This gives you time to adjust and arrange suitable accommodation. Due to the current low vacancy rate in Melbourne's rental market, you should try to secure housing as early as possible.
Airport pickup and temporary accommodation
If you do not have family or friends in Melbourne, you can arrange for airport pickup and temporary accommodation.
What you can bring
Australia has strict quarantine laws to protect its valuable agriculture industries and unique environment. Before you get off the plane, you will need to complete an Incoming Passenger Card. You must declare whether you are carrying any items of quarantine concern, including all food, plant material and animal products. If in doubt, declare! Do not take any risks!
If you are using prescribed medication, contact the nearest Australian diplomatic mission to confirm that the medicines and the amount are permitted. You should also bring a letter from your doctor with details of the medication and what it is for.
You can bring an unlimited amount of Australian or foreign currency into Australia, but if you bring more than AUD$10,000 (or equivalent), you must declare this on your Incoming Passenger Card.
Read the What Can't I take into Australia brochure from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service. The website also has information in other languages.
Take the packing your bag quiz for a quick measure of what you know. Please keep in mind that the quiz does not provide extensive information.
Important Documents to Bring
Some important documents which you should bring with you to Melbourne include:
- Valid passport with current student visa
- Letter of offer from the University of Melbourne
- Acceptance form
- Letter of scholarship award (if applicable)
- Certified copies of results transcripts from your previous educational institution
- Medical records (especially your and your dependents' vaccination history if they are travelling with you)
- Other official forms of identification (eg. certified copies of your birth certificate, international driver's licence)
- Information Guide for International Students
Emergency contact details for family and friends
Call us if there is an emergency or if you need assistance from the University:
Tel: +61 3 8344 4505 (office hours)
Tel: +61 3 8344 6666 (after hours)
Fax: +61 3 9349 3204
Email: iss-info@unimelb.edu.au