International students checklist

We are looking forward to welcome you to our ANU community. To help you prepare for your arrival, we have put together some information about arrival preparation and things to consider when you arrive in Canberra. We strongly encourage all commencing international students to review this information prior to coming to Australia.

Once you've accepted your offer

ORGANISE YOUR VISA AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

After you have accepted your offer to study at ANU, you will then receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) which is required to apply for a student visa. It is important to understand that ANU does NOT grant or cancel visas.  

The Department of Home Affairs have sole discretion over all visas. Visa applications can be made online or through an agent of your choosing. For more information about Student Visas, visit the following pages:  

Hold a Valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

It is a condition of an Australian student visa that the students holds valid OSHC for the entire duration of their study in Australia. OSHC is a private health care arrangement which helps cover the costs of medical treatments should you get sick or have an accident. For more information on the OSHC, visit the following pages:  

Have a Valid Passport

Before travelling make sure you check your passport is valid for at least six months prior to your arrival in Australia. There are a number of embassies and consulates located in Canberra who may be able to assist you with passport renewal.  

However, bear in mind that processing time and services may vary. You will need to contact your embassy or consulate directly for further information on passport renewal process.  

Before you arrive 

ORGANISE YOUR ACCOMMODATION

It is important to allow enough time to organise your accommodation in Canberra. If you are applying for one of the residences on campus, make sure to complete and submit your application before the deadline through the accommodation page.  

ANU accommodation guarantee has been extended to all ANU students, new and returning for Semester 1 2025 if application is submitted before 31 January 2025. For more details, visit the ANU Accommodation Guarantee page.  

If you are looking to live off-campus, there are several options you can consider. The rental market in Canberra can be very competitive, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to secure an accommodation. For tips on finding off-campus accommodation and information on things to look out for, visit the below pages:  

PLAN YOUR TRAVELS

ANU offers a free pick-up service for all first-year, first-semester commencing domestic and international students arriving in Canberra. You will be able to find further information about the operational hours and registration form on the Canberra Welcome Service page.

There are several options to get to Canberra:  

  • Domestic flight
  • Bus from Sydney or Melbourne
  • Train from Sydney  
  • Private Transport

By Air – Domestic Flight

Domestic flights are available into Canberra. Depending on where you are travelling from inside Australia to Canberra the flight time can vary as well as whether there are direct flights. Estimated flight from Sydney to Canberra or Melbourne to Canberra is about one hour.  

If you opt to take a domestic flight to Canberra, you will need to make your way from the International Terminal to the Domestic Terminal. International customs will need to be cleared at your arrival airport before you can take your domestic flight. This means that you will need to take your luggage with you between the International and Domestic Terminal.  

Please note that Sydney Airport is one of the biggest airports in Australia and it is not possible to walk between the International and Domestic Terminals. There are free shuttle buses operating between the two that you will be able to take.  

Melbourne Airport is smaller in comparison and you are able to walk between the International Terminal and Domestic Terminal.  

By Bus

Bus to Canberra is available from Sydney or Melbourne. It is approximately 3.5 hours from Sydney to Canberra and 7.5 hours from Melbourne to Canberra. 

The three companies that have bus services to Canberra are:  

CREATE A PACKING LIST

Canberra has a range of affordable retail stores and multicultural grocery stores that offer a range of items that you may wish to purchase. Most retail and supermarket chains in Australia do have online stores that you will be able to browse to understand prices and items available in Australia. You can buy most items in Canberra, so prioritise bringing the essentials like:  

  • Scanned copy of your travel documents, including visa, passport and eCoE  
  • Australian Currency*
  • Snacks and select food from home*
  • Toiletry products you may need
  • Prescribed medication *
  • Climate appropriate clothing  
  • Universal travel adaptor

*Australia has strict biosecurity control. It is important that you understand what you can and cannot bring into Australia. There are limits on certain items you bring such as cash and the types of food that you can bring in.  

You will be able to find more information about biosecurity at the following links:

EXPLORE YOUR COURSE OPTIONS

All students must complete enrolment to commence study in your courses. Enrolment is done via the Interactive Student Information system (ISIS).  

Once you have competed enrolment, you will be able to access your course materials via Web Access to Teaching and Learning Environment (WATTLE) and obtain your ANU Student ID card.  

Before you enrol

Familiarise yourself with your degree before enrolling by having a look at the Programs and Courses page. To find your program page, in the search bar, type in your program name and select your program from the results list. Ensure to select the year that you are commencing your studies in from the dropdown menu next to Academic Year on the top right. You can explore your course options by looking under the ‘Study’ tab.  

If you need additional advice speak with college advisors from your Academic College. Some colleges provide course advice via emails to your ANU email accounts. Refer to the Academic college pages below for your relevant Academic College to view available study Plans, program planning advice, and contact information:  

When you are ready to enrol

All students must enrol into their courses by the second teaching week of the semester. If you do not enrol into your courses, you will not be able to attend and access your course materials. For more information on how to enrol, please refer to Student Central’s Enrolment Information.  

REGISTER AND ATTEND OUR PRE-ARRIVAL SESSIONS

To help you prepare for ANU, we will be hosting some Pre-arrival Sessions covering several topics including student administration, international student requirements, and accommodation.  

In the live sessions, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have from our team of experts. If the session is at a time that you are not able to attend, it is recommended that you still register as the recording will be sent to all students that have registered after the session. 

SAVE THE DATE FOR O-WEEK

O-week occurs each semester the week prior to the commencement of classes in Week 1. O-week is filled with a range of fun and informative events to support students with opportunities to connect with other students, meet your colleges, and find out about support services offered at ANU.  

Many of the events running during O-week require registration so make sure you check out the O-week events page to reserve your place! 

WHO TO CONTACT FOR HELP WITH ADMINISTRATION

ANU Student Central is your first point of contact for anything relating to student administration, advice and support services.
 
Our friendly team can help you with a range of enquiries from enrolling in your course and understanding fees and invoices, to getting your student ID card, graduation documents and more.

COMPLETE THE ESSENTIAL MODULES

Before you begin your studies at ANU, you will need to complete these essential modules. They’ll help you settle in, understand academic integrity, respect others and feel safe on campus. There are various online modules designed to help you prepare for your time in the University.

BUILD YOUR TIMETABLE AND SIGN UP FOR TUTORIALS

MyTimetable is the ANU official timetabling system used to enable students to view their timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, and self-allocate to small teaching activities/tutorials that allow for better planning of their time.  

Visit Access and Support for MyTimetable for helpful information to assist you with understanding MyTimetable.  

SIGN UP FOR A STUDENT MENTOR

Set4ANU is an 8-week fun and free program designed to assist new first-semester students as they transition to life at ANU.  

Participating student mentees are connected to a later year student mentor who can help them make new friends, answer questions, and share their knowledge and networks to help mentees settle into your study at ANU. To find out more and sign up for a mentor, visit the Set4ANU page.  

During O-Week...and beyond

YOUR FIRST TWO WEEKS...

  • Pay your service and amenities fee (SSAF)
  • If you have a disability, medical condition or will be a recognised primary carer during your time at ANU, you can organise a meeting with Accessibility to discuss the support you can receive during your studies.  

GET YOUR STUDENT CARD

As an ANU Student, you will need an ANU Student Card to get around the University, and as a form of ID when you are on campus! During O-week, Student Central will have a dedicated area for students to go get their ANU Student Card. For times and locations, visit the Orientation Week Event Page.

Student Central will take your picture when you arrive to get a student card so look sharp! There is no option to upload a preferred photo for your Student Card.  

Note: You must be enrolled into your courses to be eligible to receive a student card. You student status of full-time or part-time on your student card will be based on the number of enrolled courses you have at the time of the student card being printed.  

Not sure if you have have enrolled? Check the Enrol for the first time as a coursework student page for more information or contact Student Central. 

SET UP AN AUSTRALIAN BANK ACCOUNT

To open a bank account in Australia, you will be required to provide a list of documentations, including:

  • Passport
  • Confirmation of enrolment
  • Proof of address or residence
  • Other documentations as requested by the bank

Most banks will have the information of documentation requirements for opening an account and you should check your preferred bank’s webpages for more information.  

There are a number of banks available to choose from in Australian which are listed the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) page. For convenience, the following banks have branches near the campus:  

SET UP YOUR MOBILE PHONE

If you are looking to purchase a SIM card, a good place to start is Canberra Centre which is located in walking distance of ANU. You will need to have a form of ID with you to open a mobile phone account.  

There are a number of phone providers in Australia and you are able to check their webpages to compare plans for one that would best suit you. 

GET YOUR OSHC CARD

It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Australian health care system as it may be different to that at home. As an International Student, as a condition of an Australian student visa that the student holds a valid OSHC for the entire duration of their study in Australia. It is important to understand your OSHC policy cover. 

If you have indicated that you would like the university to organise the OSHC along with your acceptance for ANU, this would have been organised through Allianz.

TAKE A TOUR    

During Orientation Week, we offer a number of tours to help first-year, first semester students find their way around some key areas of the ANU Acton campus. To get more information about the tours on offer and the tour schedule, please visit the Orientation Week Event Page.

MEET YOUR COLLEGE    

During Orientation Week, Academic Colleges will host induction sessions. They also host a range of events outside of these induction sessions to assist you with meeting your cohort and learning about your Academic College. Visit the Orientation Week Event Page to find the times and to register.

NOTE: these sessions are often not recorded and it is strongly recommended that you arrive in time to attend them.