UPDATE: From 12:01am on Saturday 11 March, people travelling to Australia from China, including Hong Kong and Macau, will not be required to show evidence of a negative pre-departure test for COVID-19.

From this date, you do not need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to meet Australia's travel requirements. Some countries, airlines and vessel operators may require a pre-departure test result at check-in before you can board your flight or ship. Check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling or transiting through, and your airline or vessel operator’s requirements.

Visit the Smartraveller website for more information.

Welcoming international students back to Victoria

International students make an invaluable contribution to our state’s culture, community, and economy.

Eligible student visa holders can travel to Australia, regardless of vaccination status.

The Australian Government has announced the temporary relaxation of student visa work limits across all sectors of the economy.

To be able to travel to Australia, students must hold an eligible visa.

All travellers arriving in Victoria  are strongly recommended to:

  • Get a rapid antigen test, or a PCR test if you don’t have access to a rapid antigen test, within 24 hours of arriving in Australia;
  • You are not required to self-quarantine whilst awaiting a result, as long as you have no symptoms.

Please visit our Information for overseas travellers page for more information on what you need to do before and after you arrive in Australia if you are fully vaccinated or have a valid medical exemption.

Student arrivals checklist 

Follow the links below to make sure you’re prepared to travel to Victoria. If you have any questions, check the relevant website,  or contact your education provider.

Student arrivals checklist

Before you leave

  1. Ensure your passport and student visa are valid
  2. Check what you can bring into Australia in your luggage
  3. Check your internet and mobile phone access
    • You will need access to wifi or phone data to receive your COVID-19 test results in Victoria
    • Activate global roaming on your mobile phone for at least four days or set up an Australian mobile phone number
    • Pack a universal travel plug or adaptor
  4. Arrange your accommodation

When you arrive in Victoria

  1. Transport from the airport
    • Melbourne Airport | Ground transport options
    • Ask your education provider if you need assistance with transport from the airport.
  2. You are strongly recommended to get a COVID-19 PCR test, or a rapid antigen test, within 24 hours after arrival
  3. Enjoy student life in Melbourne and Victoria!

Useful links

Frequently asked questions for students studying overseas

Information for returning students

When can students arrive in Victoria?

Eligible student visa holders can arrive in Australia from Wednesday 6 July 2022 regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status.

There is no vaccination, quarantine, permit or testing requirement to enter Victoria. For more information about what you need to do after entering Victoria, including how to find your nearest free COVID-19 testing centre and information about rapid antigen tests, please refer to the Information for overseas travellers page.

What do I need to do to travel from overseas to Victoria?

Find detailed information about what you need to do before and after you arrive in Victoria on the Information for overseas travellers page.

Will arriving students need to be vaccinated?

No, students no longer need to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status when entering Australia, effective from Wednesday 6 July 2022.

What COVID-19 testing requirements are there for students once they arrive in Victoria?

Since 17 April 2022, travellers entering Australia (vaccinated or unvaccinated) are no longer required to have negative pre-departure tests.

International travellers, including international students, are strongly recommended to undertake a rapid antigen rest or PCR test within 24 hours of arriving in Australia. However, they are not required to self-quarantine while awaiting a result.

For more information about what you need to do after entering Victoria, including how to find your nearest free COVID-19 testing centre and information about rapid antigen tests, please refer to the Information for overseas travellers page.

Will returning students be required to quarantine on arrival in Victoria?

No. International travellers, including international students, are strongly recommended to undertake a rapid antigen rest or PCR test within 24 hours of arriving in Australia. However, they are not required to self-quarantine while awaiting a result.

Please refer to the Information for overseas travellers page for more information.

Will students need to show proof of vaccination to gain entry to university campuses or businesses once in Victoria?

Under current work health and safety laws, all employers or businesses must manage the risk of COVID-19 to protect their workers and customers. This can include mandating vaccinations.

Requirements for proof of vaccination for students are set by each university, TAFE and adult educational institute and may differ. Please check with your institute to ensure you are clear about its vaccination policies.

You are strongly encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you are eligible. Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations reduces your risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death.

COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia. This includes people without a Medicare card, overseas visitors, international students, migrant workers and asylum seekers.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, including how to book them, visit COVID-19 vaccines.

Support for online students

How can I make the most of studying online?

We invite you to join our free online Study Melbourne events to build your employability and leadership skills, and to connect with others while you study online:

  • Study Melbourne Hubs – offering in person and virtual opportunities to connect with the student community and Victorian education institutions in key locations around the globe
  • Career Catalyst.– sign up for these free and exclusive webinars, workshops, and initiatives to help you develop your professional skills, build industry connections, and launch your career.
  • Future Founders Program.– join this free, year-long entrepreneurship program to introduce students to Victoria’s start-up ecosystem, increase their skills and networks and inspire budding entrepreneurs,
  • Leadership Labs – our highly successful international student leadership program, focussing on social entrepreneurship and with mentors from the social enterprise sector.

Do I need to keep my OSHC if I am studying from overseas?

Please contact your OSHC provider directly to discuss options to manage your overseas student health cover.

Will my Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) be affected if I am overseas?

Contact your education provider with any questions about your start dates, attendance, fee matters, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and other issues relating to your study.

Where can I get help with accommodation issues in Victoria?

Study Melbourne's International Student Accommodation Legal Service offers free and confidential help for international students experiencing accommodation issues in Victoria. This service is also available for students who are currently overseas and have accommodation in Victoria.

To make an appointment contact info@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au or call 1800 056 449 (from within Australia).

Will my visa be affected if I reduce my study load?

Please contact your education provider for more information about your studies and ongoing course delivery.

Can I change my study load while I am offshore?

Please contact your education provider for information about flexible course delivery options.

What can I do if I am struggling with studying online?

We understand that it has been a challenging time for you studying online instead of on-campus.

Read our tips on adjusting to studying online

We also invite you to join our free online Study Melbourne events to build your employability and leadership skills, and to connect with others who are also studying online.

Study Melbourne Empowered

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Travel, Visas & Consular Assistance

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