Students are often surprised by how strict Australian Customs and Quarantine can be. If you're in doubt about whether your goods are prohibited or not, always declare it! You can do this by correctly filling out the Incoming Passenger Card, which you receive on the plane. Students have received on-the-spot fines for not declaring items. Learn what items you can and can’t bring into Australia by reading the Department of Agriculture and Resources Studying in Australia: Australia's biosecurity requirements guide.

Baggage allowances flying into Australia will vary according to your carrier, flight class and country of origin. Please check with your carrier prior to departure. Economy passengers are generally permitted more luggage allowance for international flights, as compared to domestic flights within Australia. This will significantly limit the number of things you can bring, especially if you will fly within Australia to get to your final destination. Therefore, it is essential to think the packing process through very carefully. You will be able to purchase most things upon arrival in Australia, but the price may be higher than in your own country.
You should prepare a folder of documents to bring with you to Australia, including:
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.
On most campuses, students usually dress informally. Jeans or pants with t-shirts or blouses and sneakers are an almost standard dress. Shorts are often worn during the summer months, and sandals are the most common footwear. It is acceptable and common for both men and women to wear shorts and sleeveless t-shirts, particularly during the hotter months. A sports coat or suit and tie for men and appropriate dress for women is necessary for some functions such as formal dinners, a graduation ceremony, student dances or balls. For festive occasions, you may want to bring traditional dress and accessories.
Depending on the location of your campus, it is a good idea to make sure you have appropriate clothes to suit the climate. Some states may be much colder than your home country!
You will be able to purchase most things upon arrival in Australia, but the price may be higher than in your own country. This list will give you an idea of what items to bring:
You will need to make sure you have enough funds to support yourself when you first arrive. It is recommended that you have approximately AU$3000 (at least) available for the first two to three weeks to pay for short-term accommodation, transport and set-up costs. You should bring this money as a combination of cash and a prepaid or international credit card that can be accessed in Australia.
Please note that it is not safe to bring large sums of money with you! Lost credit cards can be replaced, but very few travel insurance companies will replace lost or stolen cash. You may also want to set up an Australian bank account prior to your arrival and deposit money into it while you are still in your home country.
CQUniversity Australia is a trading name of Central Queensland University
ABN: 39 181 103 288
RTO Code: 40939
CRICOS: 00219C
TEQSA: PRV12073