International students
- International students
- Before you arrive
- Arrival day
- What happens next
- Under 18 student visa holders
Before you arrive
Congratulations on accepting your offer to study at the University of Sydney! Now it’s time to plan and prepare for your big move to Sydney. Here’s all the things to sort out before you arrive.
Talk to someone to help you prepare
If you have any questions about how to prepare for life in Sydney or at university, you can speak with one of our Peer Support Advisors who are current University students or fill out the Living in Sydney enquiry form.
We are running informational webinars that will help you prepare for your journey to Sydney. Current students and staff will share advice on what you might need to do before you leave your home country, how to find accommodation and tips and tricks on navigating life in Australia.
Register to attend one of the webinars on the following dates.
Pre-arrival information sessions for Semester 1, 2025. Times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST):
Thursday 7 November, 5 - 6 pm
Wednesday 20 November, 9:30 - 10:30am
Thursday 5 December, 4 - 5 pm
- Apply for your student visa Once you’ve accepted your unconditional offer from us and received an ‘electronic confirmation of enrolment’, it’s time to obtain your student visa. Your visa can take a while to process, so apply as soon as possible. Find out more about how to apply for your visa.
- Organise your health cover Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is health insurance for international students that helps to cover medical costs in Australia. It is a condition of your student visa that you maintain OSHC for the duration of your studies. Find out more about how to arrange your OSHC.
- Plan when to arriveIf you can, arrive in Sydney at least three weeks before semester starts. This will give you time to settle in, meet people, and do some sightseeing. You'll also be in time to attend our Welcome Program, which starts 3 weeks before classes. Don't forget to check the University’s study dates.
- Plan your airport transport Once you’ve booked your flights, plan your transport from the airport. The University offers a free airport shuttle service to central Sydney locations for new, enrolled international students. Alternately, you can arrange your own transport.
Stay safe from scams
Scammers might target international students studying in Australia. We have information about some common scams so that you can study safely and know what to do if you encounter a scam. Find out about how to avoid common scams.
Airport shuttle
As a new international student, you will be able to book your seat for the free airport shuttle bus. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and departs from Sydney Airport’s international and domestic terminals.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a free seat on the bus you need to:
- be a new international student
- have completed enrolment in Sydney Student
- arrive at Sydney Airport’s international or domestic terminals for Semester 1, 2025
- pre-book at least 48 hours before you arrive.
Unfortunately extra people you're travelling with, such as family members, aren't eligible for a free seat and will need to pay for themselves.
How to book
The online booking portal is not currently open. If you are interested in using this service, please submit an Expression of Interest and we’ll contact you once the booking portal has opened.
Destinations
The service area covers several suburbs in the Greater Sydney region. To check if your address is within the service area, open the booking form and select the "i" symbol next to the destination address field. Once you type your destination address, the green button at the bottom of the booking form will display 'Book - Free' if your address is valid and within the free service area.
If you need help completing the booking form, or your destination is not listed or supported, use the live chat option on the 2airport website.
Luggage
Each passenger is allowed 2 carry-on items and 2 baggage items. If you bring more than this, you'll need to pay for the extra bags yourself.
Booking changes
You'll be able to make changes to your booking using the link that will be in your confirmation email.
More information
If you have any questions about the free airport shuttle service, please contact the University online by completing the Living in Sydney enquiry form.
Accommodation and living costs
Have you thought about where you'd like to live once you get to Sydney and how much it will cost? Before you leave home, explore all the housing options available so you can find the right one for you, know how to protect yourself when renting, and work out how much money you'll need while you study. You'll find links to useful resources and websites on our Accommodation and living costs page.
More ways to get ready
Check our these resources for some more great tips and tricks:
Complete the Discover NSW Arrive Program
To help navigate this important life change, complete Study NSW’s Discover NSW Arrive Program. This online guide equips international students beginning their study journey in New South Wales (NSW) with all the tips and tricks they’ll need for a smooth transition.
The program includes interactive workshops and quizzes that provide a realistic view of life and study in NSW, laying a strong foundation for your Australian adventure.
Be aware of scams
Anybody can be scammed, and most people will be targeted at some point in their lives. Knowing what to look for and what to do if you’ve been scammed can help you stay safe or reduce the impact of a scam.
This can be particularly important as you search for accommodation, look for a job or even set up your finances in Sydney. Find out more about common scams and how to avoid them.
Welcome to Semester 1, 2025
Whether you're starting your university adventure or are returning for another year, we're thrilled to welcome you to another semester. Learn more about getting started our University, moving to Sydney and our on-campus welcome activities.
Last updated: 05 November 2024
