International Students

A month before your semester start date, NIC will email you your orientation details including the day and time of your orientation session. The NIC orientation takes approximately 5 hours.
When you come to Australia, make sure you bring copies of all documentation with you, including your passport, visa and credit cards. Keep the originals in your hand luggage and leave a copy of all of your important documents with someone at home. Before you leave you should also consider the following.

• Accommodation reference – if you plan to rent accommodation, try and bring references from people who know you e.g. family friends or schoolteachers as this will make signing a tenancy agreement a lot easier.
• Medical records – bring your medical records and medical prescription with a letter from your doctor if you need to take medication. You should also bring a English translation of these documents.
• Passport photos – you might want to bring a few extra passport photos, as they may be useful if you need to get membership cards or visas for overseas holidays.
• Money – you should bring enough Australian currency in cash for your first few days and have access to $1,500 to $3,500 in bank draft/travellers' cheques (in your own name) to establish yourself.
• Living costs - Living in Australia is cost effective when compared to other western countries. An international student in Newcastle will require approximately AU$13,500 for living expenses each year (not including tuition fees).

Use this checklist to make sure you have all the documents you need

• Airline tickets and a valid passport with student visa.
• NIC's letter of offer with your Conformation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Receipts of any related payments you have made including tuition fees, health cover, etc.
• Original or certified copies of your academic transcript.
• English translation of prescriptions for any medications you are carrying.
• Personal identification such as driver's licence or identity card, including English translation.