International Students: Travel To Australia Made Easy

Australia is a top global study destination, with approximately 700,000 international students choosing to study there. In 2023, Australia imposed border control regulations on international students, including mandatory vaccination and quarantine requirements. As of 2024, international students can enter Australia with relative ease, although certain states may have specific requirements, such as rapid antigen testing. Students should be aware of the necessary documentation, such as a passport and visa, and stay updated on the latest travel advice and local laws and customs.

Visa requirements

International students wishing to travel to Australia must comply with visa requirements. In 2025, Australia introduced tougher student visa requirements, which have led to a high number of withdrawals of visa applications. However, the demand for Australian education remains high.

To obtain a visa, students must demonstrate that they are law-abiding citizens of high character who respect Australia's laws and customs. They must also ensure they have all the necessary documents, such as a passport, and any other necessary paperwork. Students must also be vaccinated and agree to the terms of their visa. Additionally, they should be aware of any local laws and customs and check government websites for the most up-to-date advice on travel restrictions and requirements.

International students can enter Australia 90 days before their degree starts. They can work without restrictions during official school breaks, and Monday through Sunday is the standard workweek. However, overworking can lead to revoked student visas.

Students travelling to Australia should also be aware of any quarantine and testing requirements, which may vary by state. For example, in 2023, travellers were required to spend 14 days in quarantine upon arrival to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In 2024, the state of Queensland announced that fully vaccinated international travellers would only need to take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival, while unvaccinated travellers would still need to quarantine for 14 days.

Quarantine rules

One of the designated quarantine facilities during this time was the Howard Springs quarantine camp in Australia's Northern Territory. This facility, a former construction workers' camp, provided basic accommodations and institutional food. Despite the simplicity of the accommodations, many individuals found solace in the surrounding nature, including eucalyptus trees, blue skies, and native wildlife.

For those quarantining in Sydney hotels, the experience was somewhat different. They were allowed to order care packages, restaurant deliveries, and even a bottle of wine each day. This flexibility in receiving outside items made the quarantine period more bearable for those in the hotels.

The process of reaching Australia and undergoing the necessary quarantine procedures could be lengthy and arduous. In one instance, an individual travelling from Moscow to Australia spent four days en route, including three days in pre-flight quarantine in Frankfurt, Germany, to take a coronavirus test approved by Qantas, the Australian carrier.

The quarantine rules and procedures were extensive, with a 39-page booklet outlining the expectations and protocols. This comprehensive approach to quarantine reflected Australia's commitment to a zero-tolerance strategy for COVID-19.

Vaccination status

As of 2023, Australia imposed border control regulations on all international students, including mandatory vaccination. The Australian government's websites provide the latest regulations and updates for travellers. It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have completed all relevant documentation and requirements to enter Australia.

International students should be aware of the quarantine requirements and other specific guidelines. In 2023, travellers were required to spend 14 days in quarantine upon arrival to protect the health and safety of Australians and prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, in 2024, some states, such as Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia, started to relax the rules on travelling across states. For example, from 22 January, fully vaccinated international travellers to Queensland were not required to quarantine on arrival but had to take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours. In contrast, unvaccinated travellers still needed to quarantine for 14 days.

International students should stay updated on the quarantine and testing requirements for each state, as they may vary. For instance, in 2022, international students travelling to England no longer needed a pre-departure COVID-19 test, and from 9 January, they could take a rapid lateral flow test on the second day after arrival instead of a PCR test. These changes applied only to fully vaccinated travellers.

Additionally, students must complete the online Travel Declaration at least 72 hours before departing for Australia. This declaration provides travellers with information about the travel rules and health requirements of their destination. It is also essential to have the correct documentation, such as a passport, visa, and any other necessary paperwork. Students should also be aware of the local laws and customs at their destination and the airline or transport company's rules and regulations.

Travel insurance

Australia is a top global study destination, with approximately 700,000 international students currently enrolled in its educational institutions. If you are an international student studying in Australia, it is important to consider purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Travel insurance can provide you with peace of mind and protect you financially in the event of unexpected situations.

There are several travel insurance options available for international students in Australia, each offering different levels of coverage and benefits. For instance, nib travel insurance provides 24/7 emergency assistance and covers overseas medical bills and repatriation to Australia. They also offer cover for some coronavirus-related events. Australia Post travel insurance includes access to their Virtual Care service, which provides telehealth consultations in multiple languages. Additionally, Medibank Travel Insurance offers a range of plans, including cover for overseas hospital treatment, medical evacuation, lost passports and traveller's cheques, and cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.

When choosing a travel insurance plan, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination to understand the coverage, limitations, and exclusions of the policy. Consider the duration of your trip, the countries you will be visiting, and any activities you plan to participate in. For example, if you intend to engage in snow sports or cruise holidays, you may need to purchase additional coverage.

Safety and security

Australia is a relatively safe country compared to most other nations, with one of the lowest homicide rates in the world. The country is also known for its social cohesion, welcoming people from diverse backgrounds and respecting their traditions, faiths, and lifestyles.

Several Australian cities are listed among the cities with the best quality of life globally, including Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Brisbane. People can comfortably go out at any time without worrying about their safety. Australia also has strict gun control laws, and the use of guns is not permitted except for specific purposes such as hunting.

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring the security of international students, implementing initiatives to enhance their safety. International students can contribute to a better society by reporting any crimes they witness. They can contact the crime prevention line anonymously at 1800 333 000 to provide detailed information about the location, time, and characteristics of the people involved. Additionally, international students can rest assured that their life safety is a priority for the Australian authorities.

To ensure your safety on campus, it is recommended to save the phone number for campus security or utilize any available mobile apps that provide a direct line to security services. These services may offer security escorts, well-lit paths, emergency telephones, and shuttle buses to public transport stations. When exploring Australia's natural environment, always swim at beaches patrolled by surf lifesavers and stick to areas marked by red and yellow flags.

It is also important to familiarize yourself with Australian laws, which are strictly enforced by police officers. For instance, drinking alcohol in public places outside of licensed venues is illegal in most states. If you plan to drive, make sure you learn the road rules specific to the state or territory you are in.

Frequently asked questions