New to
Australia?
Everything you need to know!
Pre-Arrival Information
Australia is a natural wonderland of beautiful beaches, crystal blue waters, amazing ancient rock formations and pristine rainforests.
It is the sixth largest country in the world and has the lowest population density per square kilometre.
Australia is made up of six states and two territories:
- Western Australia (WA)
- Northern Territory (NT)
- South Australia (SA)
- New South Wales(NSW)
- Victoria (VIC)
- Tasmania (TAS)
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – our nation’s capital
Physical Parameters
Covering a total area of 7.69 million square kilometres, mainland Australia is the world’s largest island but smallest continent.
The continent stretches about 3700 kilometres from north to south and 4000 kilometres from east to west, making it the sixth-largest nation after Russia, Canada, China, the United States and Brazil.
Climate
The majority of the Australia mainland has temperate weather for most of the year. The northern states of Australia are typically warm all the time, with the southern states experiencing cool winters but rarely sub-zero temperatures.
Government
Australia has three levels of government – the Federal Australian Government, the governments of the six states and two territories, and around 700 local government authorities.
Australia has been a nation with a single national government since 1 January 1901. Although it is divided into states and territories which have their own state governments, all these states are united as one nation.
Australia follows a Westminster system of government and law, which is inherited from the British who originally colonised the country.
Society
Australian society is made up of people from a rich variety of cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds; this is a defining feature of modern Australian society.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have inhabited Australia for tens of thousands of years. Most Australians are immigrants or the descendants of immigrants who arrived during the past two hundred years from more than 200 countries.
Language and Religion
The most common language in Australia is English, and the most practiced religion is Christianity, although foreign languages and other religions are common.
Regardless of where in the world you’re from, you’re sure to find someone who speaks your language and shares your culture!
Why Australia?
Australia is a vibrant and lovely country, rich in natural resources and natural beauty. Australia has some of the world’s most beautiful natural environments, with diverse wildlife, spectacular landscapes and golden beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, is a jewel In Australia’s backyard.
The country’s many national parks and World Heritage Areas are home to unique species of flora and fauna. They are also home to some of the deadliest animals in the world (snakes, spiders, crocodiles and sharks). Australia also has some of the most interesting native animals- including kangaroos, koala bears, wombats and more unique animals such as the Australian dingo.
The multicultural lifestyle here is easy-going, without the stress associated with a fast-paced environment. While the standard of living and the quality of life is high, the cost of living is surprisingly affordable. Both in big cities and small towns, Australians have a laid-back lifestyle, and are ready to lend a hand when times are tough – or have fun when things are going well!
There are plenty of opportunities available for both leisure and pleasure. Australia is a great place for work as well as study. Australians don’t want to live anywhere else in the world!
World Class Education
The quality and diversity of the education system in Australia attracts many international students to pursue their studies in this country. Degrees from Australian universities are recognised everywhere, and an education from an Australian University is considered on par with the best in the world.
Facts And Figures
Did you know…?
- Australian cities are consistently ranked in the world’s ten most liveable cities
- Australia has the third-highest number of international students in the world behind the United Kingdom and the United States (despite having a population of only 24 million)
- Australia has seven of the top 100 universities in the world
- There are over 22,000 educational courses across 1,100 institutions
- Australia has five of the 30 best cities in the world for students based on parameters like student mix, affordability, quality of life, and employer activity
- The country has more than 260 languages spoken in Australian homes (besides English, the most common are Mandarin, Italian, Arabic, Cantonese and Greek)
- Australia had, until 2020, experienced more than 20 years of continued economic growth and withstood the 2008 global financial crisis better than most advanced economies
- Australians love their sports! There are more than 120 certified sports organisations around the country, covering popular activities such as AFL, cricket, football (soccer), rugby league, golf, tennis, netball and hockey to name just a few
- They also have world-class infrastructure, being in the top 40 cities with the best infrastructure in the world
Life in Australia?
According to the Australian Government, you will need around AUD $21,041 per person per year for living expenses as a student visa holder. The exact cost, however, is dependent on your own lifestyle, and you should budget for roughly AUD $25,900 per year per adult. Keep in mind that your living expenses are separate from your tuition.
Living expenses vary depending on circumstances such as the type of accommodation you select, its location, the number of people you live with, and your lifestyle.
Living In Melbourne
Over several years, Melbourne, Australia, has been ranked as one of the world’s top three Most Liveable Cities. Cosmopolitan and stylish, Melbourne is a dynamic, artsy city that is well known for its diversity in culture and food. Sports lovers will have plenty of company here, and you’ll find that the city exudes effortless charm and laid-back appeal.
Accommodation
If you need to rent apartments, units, or houses in Melbourne Australia, you must choose between the two categories of apartments renting: furnished and unfurnished.
People who plan to live in Melbourne for long periods of time usually opt for the unfurnished Melbourne apartments. The leases on these apartments usually begin at a minimum of 6 months, and you can ask for a lease of one year if you wish. This guarantees that the owner will ask you to evacuate the rental should they wish to increase the rent.
A quick guide to the cost of living in Melbourne could be obtained by clicking the button below.
More information about living in Melbourne
Weather and Seasons
Melbourne has very unpredictable weather, there can even be four seasons in one day! In winter, the lowest temperature might be 10°C during the daytime. In summer, Melbourne residents experience two or three 40°C days, followed by a cool change.
Summer is experienced in Melbourne between December to February, Autumn is from March to May, Winter is from June to August, and Spring is from September to November.
Melbourne has a moderate, oceanic climate and is colder than other mainland Australian state capital cities in the winter.
Read MoreLiving in Perth
Perth is the capital of Western Australia and is Australia’s fourth largest city. Perth is free of the congestion and pollution in cities like Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, with an easy-going lifestyle that’s second to none. Life in this beautiful city unfolds on the banks of the gorgeous Swan River. With its clean air, beautiful beaches, wide open spaces, relaxed lifestyle and a multicultural society that welcomes people from all over the world, Perth is one of the most pleasing places to be in!
More information about living in Perth
Weather and Seasons
Perth’s weather is one of our best features. Warm summers and mild winters let you make the most of the great outdoors. Perth receives moderate though highly seasonal rainfall, making it the fourth wettest Australian capital city after Darwin, Sydney and Brisbane.
Summers are generally hot and dry, lasting from December to late March, with February generally being the hottest month of the year.
Winters are relatively cool and wet, making Perth a classic example of a Mediterranean climate.
Read MoreLiving in Sydney
With a spectacular location around a glorious harbour, Sydney, Australia is draped around a coastal basin with the Pacific Ocean to the east and the rugged Blue Mountains to the west. One of the friendliest cities in Australia, Sydney offers visitors and students a plethora of attractions and activities. The cost of living in Sydney is not high considering that it is one of the best cities in the world.
More information about living in Sydney
Weather and Seasons
The climate of Sydney is temperate, with warm summers and mild winters, and rainfall spread throughout the year. Average minimum temperatures in the winter months of June through to August are around 9°C (47-48 °F).
The summer season is from December to February.
Read MoreLiving and Education Costs in Australia
When planning for the cost of living and studying in Australia, international students must consider varying tuition fees determined by their chosen education provider, level of study, and study location. It’s crucial to meticulously assess these factors to ensure financial preparedness for an enriching academic experience in Australia.
For further information click here
Working in Australia?
Australia offers great employment opportunities and is a wonderful place to call your home. The lifestyle is stress-free, there are plenty of employment opportunities available and the Australian Government welcomes skilled workers in any discipline with a passion to do their best.
To work, you must have a valid Australian visa with work rights, and a range of temporary and permanent skilled visas are available. In keeping with Australian laws, all employees are provided with basic rights and protection in the workplace. To get updated relevant information please visit .
The Fair Work Ombudsman
The Fair Work Ombudsman is an independent statutory office. Their services are free to all workers and employers in Australia. They aim to:
- Promote harmonious, productive and cooperative workplace relations
- Ensure compliance with Australian workplace laws
- Monitor certain 457 and 482 subclass visa arrangements
They have outlined the Fair Work Information Statement, which provides new employees with information about their conditions of employment.
The Statement has information on:
- The National Employment Standards
- Right to request flexible working arrangements
- Modern awards
- Making agreements under the Fair Work Act 2009
- Individual flexibility arrangements
- Freedom of association and workplace rights (general protections)
- Termination of employment
- Right of entry
- The role of the Fair Work Ombudsman and the Fair Work Commission
Click here to download the Fair Work Information Statement.
Employee Entitlement
There are rules about what employees get at work, such as what hours they work and how often they have to have a break. These rules can be set out in different places such as an award, registered agreement or an employment contract.
Bullying & harassment
Find out what bullying at work is, who is protected and how to get help.
Click here to know more.
Protections at work
Learn what employee rights are protected at work and where to get help.
Click here to know more.
After Graduation
If you have completed your graduation from an Australian educational institute, you’ll find that there are several options open to you.
- You could continue your studies and pursue a higher level of qualification.
- Or, you can opt to switch to another field of study
- You could choose to put your new education to work in Australia, or go back to your country of origin
If you wish to work or study in Australia, then you must check if your visa permits remains valid, or else apply for a new visa. Please visit the DIBP Website (Department of Immigration and Border Protection) to check your visa status and conditions.
Student Visa Options
There are different classes of Student Visas for Australia. They vary depending on the type of study (eg: English language course, graduate degree, vocational training, higher education, etc.) you are planning to undertake.
Read MoreInternational Student Visa Conditions
For a full list of mandatory and discretionary student visa conditions click on the link below.
Read MoreCRICOS
The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) is an Australian government register that lists all Australian education providers offering courses to people studying in Australia on student visas and the courses offered.
What Does It Mean To Be A CRICOS Provider?
Education institutions must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in order to enroll and deliver education services to students in Australia on a student visa.
As a CRICOS provider, HCI has met, and continues to meet, the requirements of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
International Student Handbook