Important information about <strong>Australia</strong> Photo courtesy of Tourism Queensland
Arriving in <strong>Australia</strong> On arrival in <strong>Australia</strong>, <strong>students</strong> must have originals or certified copies of all essential documents, including: • passport with a valid Student Visa • Letter of Offer and Confirmation of Enrolment issued by <strong>SkillsTech</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> • educational qualifications, birth certificate and medical records. Travellers arriving in and departing from <strong>Australia</strong> are required under <strong>Australia</strong>n law to identify themselves and provide certain information by completing a passenger card. <strong>Australia</strong>’s strict quarantine laws require any food, plant material or animal products to be declared. A list of prohibited items is available on the <strong>Australia</strong>n Quarantine and Inspection Service website at www.daff.gov.au Travellers arriving with more than $10,000 AUD in cash will need to complete a cash declaration form. The normal allowable weight of luggage for an economy class passenger on an international flight is 20 kg. Living in Brisbane Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and the third-largest city in <strong>Australia</strong>. Brisbane has a subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers and mild, clear winters. Summer months are December to February with typical temperatures between 21 and 30°C. Winter months are June to August with typical temperatures between 9 and 22°C. Brisbane has a range of sport and recreation opportunities including water sports (swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing), football (rugby union, rugby league, soccer, <strong>Australia</strong>n rules), netball, badminton, volleyball, basketball, tennis, squash, cricket, martial arts, aerobics and many more. Brisbane city and the suburbs offer various restaurants, places of worship, movie theatres, performing arts, museums, art galleries and tourist attractions. All <strong>SkillsTech</strong> <strong>Australia</strong> training centres are close to Brisbane city and less than an hour’s drive from the world-famous Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, renowned for endless beaches and numerous tourist attractions. For further information about Brisbane, visit: • www.ourbrisbane.com • www.brisbane.qld.gov.au • www.brisbane.citysearch.com.au • www.thingstodo.com.au • www.lonelyplanet.com Living costs <strong>Australia</strong> offers value for money. Living expenses and tuition costs in <strong>Australia</strong> are lower than in other English-speaking countries, and Brisbane is generally more affordable than other cities in <strong>Australia</strong>. Ongoing expenses Once <strong>students</strong> have established their accommodation and extras, such as telephone and electricity, they will need to budget for ongoing costs. Usually, ongoing expenses will fall into four categories, including: • utilities (landline telephone, electricity and gas – every three months) • living (rent, food, transportation, entertainment – weekly) • education (photocopying, printing – as required) • unexpected (return home, family visits, health costs not covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). The cost of living in Brisbane varies greatly, depending on personal needs and tastes. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship suggests <strong>students</strong> need a minimum of $1,500 per month, more may be required if <strong>students</strong> are renting a house or apartment on their own. Electricity In <strong>Australia</strong>, electricity is 220–240 volts AC. Electrical sockets require three-pin plugs. Most large hotels feature universal outlets for 240V or 100V shavers, but for any other electrical device <strong>students</strong> will need to use an adaptor. Adaptors can be purchased from many department stores and luggage shops. <strong>International</strong> Student Prospectus 2012/13 34
Change language