Pre-departure Guide

Once you have been accepted to study at Oban College and have received confirmation of your student visa, the next step is to start planning for your arrival. Once you know your travel details you should advise the College. Students will need to make their own travel arrangements to Australia. Please try to arrive at least 1-2 weeks before the start of Student Orientation to allow enough time for settling-in, adjusting to the climate and overcoming jetlag. Orientation is compulsory, if for some reason you can not attend on your orientation day, you must contact your campus prior to the date to discuss other options.

Airport information links

Adelaide International Airport Visit: www.adelaideairport.com.au.
Brisbane International Airport Visit www.bne.com.au or www.goldcoastairport.com.au
Melbourne International Airport Visit www.melbourneairport.com.au

Perth International Airport Visit www.perthairport.com.au
Sydney International Airport Visit www.sydneyairport.com.au

Here is a checklist to help you plan your departure
    •  Arrange your student visa
    •  Make contact with your college
    •  Complete required forms with the College:
      • You will need your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) which you will have received from Oban College.
    •  Make all payments due to the College
    •  Arrange for immunisations and medications from doctor (if needed and ensure you carry immunisations records for COVID19)
    •  Apply for a credit card and/or arrange sufficient funds:
      • There are money exchange places available at Australian airports and in cities, but it is recommended to have some Australian currency on you prior to leaving your home country.
    •  Confirm overseas access to your funds with your bank
    •  Make travel arrangements:
      • Make sure you are aware of the date and time of your flight. Keep your flight details in a safe and secure place, with your passport and visa.
    •  Travel insurance / OSHC:
      • This is a requirement for entry to Australia, so make sure you have your health cover policy arranged before you leave home. You should also consider travel insurance, which covers things your OSHC may not – such as cancelled flights, lost documents, dental or optical care, etc. You may want to have a list of emergency contact details for family, as well as your Embassy, accommodation and Oban College details. If you have used an education agent, keep their contact details on you, in case you need to contact them once you arrive in Australia.
    •  Advise the College of your travel details
    • Arrange accommodation:
      • Make sure you have the address of where you will be staying as well as their phone number and payment confirmation (if you have already paid for your accommodation).
    •  Arrange transport from airport to accommodation:
      • Whether you are taking public transport, a taxi, or you are being picked up from the airport by your education provider, it is important that you have all the details including the time, the route and, if your travel has been arranged by your college, their contact details. If you need a map to assist you in getting to your accommodation from the airport, they will be available at the airport, or you can print one prior to leaving.
    •  Pack bags being sure to include the following:
      • Name and contact details of a College representative
      • Enough currency for taxis, buses, phone calls etc. in the event of an emergency
      • Important documents:
        • THIS HANDBOOK
        • Passport
        • Your signed Letter of Offer & Agreement
        • Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoe)
        • Original or Certified copies of qualifications & certificates
        • Travel insurance policy / OSHC details
        • ID cards, driver’s licence, birth certificate (or Certified copy)
        • Receipts of payments made to the College
        • Medical records and / or prescriptions
If you are travelling with your family, you will need to include their documents as well. Keep all documents in your carry-on luggage. In case you lose the originals, make copies that can be left behind with family and sent to you.
Customs and Border Protection

You need to be aware of what you cannot bring into Australia and therefore what you should not pack. It is illegal to carry drugs including marijuana, cannabis, heroin, cocaine and amphetamines in and out of Australia. There are a number of items that you must declare upon your arrival in Australia including:

  •  Firearms, weapons and ammunition.
  •  Currency amounts of AU $10,000 or more (or foreign equivalent).
  •  Some medicines.

Australian Customs Services and quarantine are considered to be quite strict. If you’re in doubt about whether your goods are prohibited or not, declare it anyway on the Incoming Passenger Card which you will receive on the plane. Students have received on the spot fines for not declaring items.

For further information visit the Australian Customs website: www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/overview and the following hyperlinks.

You should also be aware that as a routine part of their work, Customs and Border Protection officers may question travellers at any time, and trained dogs may also be used to detect illegal drugs or prohibited imports. If you are in doubt, declare your goods or ask a Customs and Border Protection officer for advice. Declaring goods does not necessarily mean your baggage will be examined.

People who deliberately break Australian Customs and Border Protection regulations could be fined or taken to court. You can also find information at the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

Individuals and Travellers
Various other information on living in Australia
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Students are often surprised by how strict the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) biosecurity requirements can be.

Live animals, plants, plant material, animal products and some food from overseas could introduce some of the world’s most serious pests and diseases into Australia, devastating our valuable agriculture and tourism industries and unique environment.

So, it’s important to remember that when you’re packing to not bring fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry, pork, eggs, nuts, dairy goods and live plants and seeds, as they will not be allowed into the country, and you would receive a fine.

You can also find information on what you can bring or send to Australia at the Australian Border Force Website.