Student Visa (Subclass 500) Settlement Guide

First Week20 minutes online

Apply for your TFN (Tax File Number)

A TFN is your unique tax ID in Australia. You need it to work, open bank accounts, and lodge tax returns. Without it, you'll be taxed at the highest rate.

First Week15 minutes online

Create a myGov account

myGov is your gateway to Australian government services. You'll use it for Medicare, Centrelink, tax returns, and more. Think of it as your digital government ID.

Open an Australian bank account

You need a local bank account to get paid, pay rent, and manage daily expenses. Most banks have accounts designed for newcomers.

First Week30-60 minutes

First Week15 minutes online

Activate your OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover)

Student visa holders don't get Medicare. Instead, you must have OSHC - private health insurance that covers medical costs during your studies.

First Week5 minutes online

Check your visa conditions in VEVO

VEVO (Visa Entitlement Verification Online) shows your exact visa conditions - work rights, study rights, expiry dates, and travel conditions.

First Week30 minutes reading

Know your workplace rights

Australian workplace law protects all workers, regardless of visa type. You have rights to minimum wage, breaks, leave, and safe conditions.

Get an Opal card for Sydney transport

The Opal card is your ticket to Sydney's buses, trains, ferries, and light rail. Tap on and off, and fares are automatically calculated.

Get a myki card for Melbourne transport

myki is Melbourne's public transport card. Use it on trains, trams, and buses across the city and regional Victoria.

Get a go card for Brisbane transport

go card is South East Queensland's travel card. Use it on Translink buses, trains, ferries, and trams in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast.

Get a SmartRider for Perth transport

SmartRider is Perth's transport card for buses, trains, and ferries. It gives you discounted fares compared to cash tickets.

Get a metroCARD for Adelaide transport

metroCARD is Adelaide's public transport card for buses, trains, and trams. It's cheaper and more convenient than paper tickets.

Know the emergency number: 000

000 is Australia's emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance. Call only in life-threatening or time-critical situations.

First Week2 minutes

Save Lifeline for mental health crises

Lifeline is a 24/7 crisis support service. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or suicidal, call them. It's free and confidential.

Access Beyond Blue for anxiety and depression

Beyond Blue provides information and support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Their counsellors understand the challenges of starting over.

First WeekVaries

First Week15 minutes reading

Learn to spot Australian scams

Scammers often target newcomers who don't know Australian systems. Learn the warning signs and report suspicious contacts.

Know about free interpreting services

TIS National provides free interpreters for government services, medical appointments, and some other situations. Don't let language hold you back.

First Week5 minutes to understand

Understand the 48-hour fortnight work rule

Student visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. Unlimited hours during official breaks.

First Week10 minutes online

Create your USI (Unique Student Identifier)

A USI is your personal education ID number. You need it to enrol in any course in Australia. It's free and stays with you for life.

Save Kids Helpline for under 25s

Kids Helpline is a free, confidential counselling service for anyone under 25. Available 24/7 by phone, chat, or email.

Know 1800RESPECT for domestic violence support

1800RESPECT is Australia's national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. Free, confidential, 24/7.

Save the Police Assistance Line: 131 444

For non-emergency police matters, call 131 444 instead of 000. Use it for reporting theft, damage, or suspicious activity.

Save the Fair Work hotline: 13 13 94

Fair Work provides free advice about pay, conditions, and workplace issues. Your visa won't be affected by calling.

Attend your university orientation

Orientation week (O-week) introduces you to campus, services, and other students. Don't miss it.

First Week1 week

First Week2 minutes to set up, then automatic

Track your work hours with the Fair Work app

The Record My Hours app lets you track when you work, including breaks. It's evidence if there's a pay dispute.

First Week30 minutes research

Choose a mobile phone plan

Australia has three networks (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) and many providers using them. Prepaid is easiest for newcomers.

First Month

23 tasks

First Month15 minutes research

Check overseas licence rules for your visa

Temporary visa holders can usually drive on their overseas licence in NSW without transferring. But rules vary by state and visa type.

Understand rental bonds in NSW

When you rent in NSW, you'll pay a bond (usually 4 weeks rent). This is held by NSW Fair Trading, not your landlord.

Know your tenants' rights in NSW

Tenants Union NSW provides free advice on rental issues, disputes, and your rights as a renter.

Know your tenants' rights in Victoria

Tenants Victoria provides free advice for renters in Melbourne and across the state.

Know your tenants' rights in Queensland

The RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority) manages bonds and provides advice for Queensland renters.

Check your pay rate with the Fair Work calculator

The Pay Calculator shows your minimum legal pay rate based on your job, age, and employment type.

First Month5 minutes

First Month5 minutes to check

Know the minimum wage

As of July 2025, Australia's national minimum wage is $24.10 per hour (or $915.90 per week for full-time). Casuals get 25% loading on top.

First Month5 minutes online

Update your address in ImmiAccount

You must notify the Department of Home Affairs within 14 days of changing your address. Do it online through ImmiAccount.

Understand rental bonds in Victoria

Victorian bonds are held by the RTBA (Residential Tenancies Bond Authority). Your landlord doesn't hold it.

Understand rental bonds in Queensland

QLD bonds are lodged with the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority). Maximum is 4 weeks rent.

Understand rental bonds in Western Australia

WA bonds are held by the Bond Administrator at DMIRS. Maximum is 4 weeks rent.

Understand rental bonds in South Australia

SA bonds are held by CBS (Consumer and Business Services). Maximum is 4 weeks rent.

Understand Sydney's rental market

Sydney has Australia's most expensive rentals. Know median prices before you search to budget correctly.

Understand Melbourne's rental market

Melbourne offers better value than Sydney. Inner suburbs are popular but outer suburbs are much cheaper.

Understand Brisbane's rental market

Brisbane is more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne. The rental market has tightened recently.

Understand Perth's rental market

Perth has the most affordable capital city rentals. But availability can be tight.

Understand Adelaide's rental market

Adelaide has Australia's most affordable capital city rentals. Great value for newcomers.

Register on Australian job sites

Create profiles on Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn. These are where most Australian jobs are advertised.

First Month1 hour

First Month15 minutes to prepare

Communicate your visa work rights to employers

Be upfront about your visa type and work rights. It's not a disadvantage if presented correctly.

First Month30 minutes research

Set up home internet

Most Australian homes use NBN. Compare providers carefully - prices and quality vary significantly.

First Month1 hour to explore

Access student support services

Universities have extensive support services: academic skills, counselling, career advice, disability support, and more.

Know your tenants' rights in Western Australia

WA tenant protections are managed by Consumer Protection WA. Know your rights for repairs, rent increases, and evictions.

Know your tenants' rights in South Australia

SA tenant rights are managed by Consumer and Business Services (CBS). They handle bonds, disputes, and tenancy advice.

First 3 Months

14 tasks

First 3 Months20 minutes online

Compare electricity and gas providers

Australia has many energy retailers with varying rates. Compare plans to find the best deal for your usage.

Understand course progress requirements

Student visa holders must maintain satisfactory course progress. Failing too many units can lead to visa cancellation.

First 3 MonthsOngoing

First 3 Months30 minutes to apply

Check transport concessions for students

Most states offer discounted public transport for students. You usually need to apply with your student ID and proof of enrolment.

Format your resume for Australia

Australian resumes are different from other countries. Keep it to 2-3 pages, focus on achievements, and include a career summary.

First 3 Months1-2 hours

First 3 Months30 minutes per application

Write Australian-style cover letters

Cover letters are expected for most professional jobs in Australia. They should be brief, tailored, and address the selection criteria.

First 3 Months10 minutes research

Find an after-hours doctor service

Medical issues don't always happen during business hours. Know your local after-hours GP options.

Find your local pharmacy (chemist)

Pharmacists can help with minor ailments without a GP appointment. Know where your nearest one is.

First 3 Months5 minutes

First 3 Months2-4 hours/month

Volunteer to build Australian connections

Volunteering is a great way to meet people, gain local experience, and contribute to your community.

First 3 Months2-4 hours/event

Attend industry networking events

Many jobs in Australia come through connections. Networking events help you build your professional network.

First 3 Months3-hour test + preparation

Take an English test if needed

Many visas and professional registrations require proof of English. IELTS and PTE are the most common tests.

First 3 Months3-5 days turnaround

Get documents translated by NAATI

For official purposes (driver licence, visa applications), you need translations by NAATI-accredited translators.

First 3 Months30 minutes to find and call

Know where to get free legal help

Each state has Legal Aid services offering free legal advice for those who can't afford lawyers.

First 3 Months20 minutes reading

Know your consumer rights

Australian consumer law is strong. You have rights when things are faulty, not as described, or services aren't delivered.

First 3 Months1-2 hours reading

Learn Australian road rules

Australia has unique road rules. Even experienced drivers should review them before driving here.

First 6 Months

9 tasks

First 6 Months2+ hours research

Plan your PR pathway early

If you want permanent residency, start planning now. Some visas require specific work experience, regional work, or employer sponsorship.

Calculate your skilled migration points

General Skilled Migration (189, 190, 491 visas) uses a points test. Calculate yours to see if you're competitive.

First 6 Months30 minutes

First 6 Months1-2 hours to apply, weeks/months for processing

Get your skills assessed

For most skilled visas, you need a skills assessment from the relevant authority for your occupation.

Get travel insurance for overseas trips

When leaving Australia for holidays, get travel insurance. Medicare doesn't cover you overseas.

First 6 Months20 minutes

Update your resume with Australian experience

After 6 months, you have Australian experience to add. Refresh your resume with local roles, achievements, and referees.

First 6 Months1 hour

First 6 Months2-3 hours/month

Join a community or cultural association

Connecting with others from your background or interests helps with belonging and mental health. Many associations exist across Australia.

First 6 Months15 minutes to apply

Get a National Police Check

Many jobs, volunteer roles, and visa applications require a National Police Check. It shows any criminal history in Australia.

Get your RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol)

If you work or want to work in hospitality, you need an RSA certificate. It's mandatory for serving alcohol in Australia.

First 6 Months3-4 hours

Review your energy plan

Energy plan discounts often expire after 12 months. Check if you're still on a good deal or if it's time to switch.

First 6 Months20 minutes

First Year

4 tasks

First Year30 minutes application

Claim your super when leaving Australia (DASP)

If you're leaving Australia permanently, you can claim your super money. It's called the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP).

Lodge your annual tax return

Australian tax year runs July 1 to June 30. Lodge your tax return by October 31 to avoid penalties.

First Year30-60 minutes

Review your settlement progress and next visa steps

After a year, take stock of what you've achieved and plan your next steps. Are you on track for your goals?

First Year1 hour