Coming to Australia

Accepting your offer

●	Successful applicants will be sent a Letter of Offer listing the course they have been accepted into, start and completion dates, tuition fees payable and the cost of overseas student health cover. An information pack will also be included, outlining the process for accepting the offer and providing information about living in Australia.
●	Complete and return to the International Programs Office the Acceptance Advice Form included with the Letter of Offer along with any tuition fees payable.
●	On receipt of the above, South West TAFE will forward an official receipt for any tuition fees paid and a copy of the electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) letter.
●	Lodge student visa application at the Australian Consulate, Embassy, High Commission or Australian Education Centre in the home country.

Useful links
www.immi.gov.au/students
www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

Visa and immigration
TAFE courses are shorter in duration, so international students only need to apply for and satisfy the financial requirements for a visa for one or two years.

International students who complete two years of studies in a regional area such as Warrnambool can gain additional points towards a permanent resident visa application.

Useful links
www.immi.gov.au/skilled/index.htm

Overseas student health cover
The Australian Government requires all international students to have overseas student health cover.  This health cover provides students with medical and hospital treatment while in Australia.  South West TAFE will assist students in taking out health cover membership with Medibank Private.  The annual cost for a single person is A$342.

Useful links
www.medibank.com.au/productandservices/overseas/students/default.asp

Arrival
South West TAFE staff can arrange pick-up from Melbourne Airport and transport back to Warrnambool.  The trip takes around three and a half hours by road.  Depending on the time of arrival, there may be an opportunity to do a little sightseeing on the way to Warrnambool.

It is essential that students requiring airport collection notify South West TAFE at least two weeks in advance.  This service may incur a small fee.

Useful links
www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/GuideForTravellers.pdf