Finishing your studies as an international student
Nearing the end of your study abroad program at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ? As you prepare to finish your studies, here’s what you need to know.Ìý
Prepare for what's next with confidence
If you're close to completing your studies, it's time to start considering your next steps.
Whether it's further study at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, returning home or applying for a new visa to work in Australia, support is available.Ìý
💡 Attend an information sessionÂ
Come along to prepare for life after graduating! Sessions cover a range of topics to assist you with continuing your study at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç or working in Australia after graduation.
You'll learn how you can apply for a new student visa or a post-study work visa and learn more about your post-study work rights.Ìý
Check back later for the date and time of the next information session.
🎓 Get ready for graduation
If you wish to stay in Australia to attend your graduation, you'll need to contact the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs (concerning immigration) to apply for a or to discuss your visa options. Please have your graduation date and your Award and Enrolment Statement (completion letter) ready before you contact the Department of Home Affairs.Ìý
You may also need to meet the English language requirement at the time of application. If you don’t have existing evidence to meet the English language requirement, you’ll need to book an English language test. Make sure you do this in advance to receive your results in time.Ìý
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You can invite your family to Australia to attend your graduation ceremony. To support their visa application, you'll need to write a letter of invitation stating that you'd like them to attend your graduation in Australia.Ìý
You'll also need to share your Award Statement as evidence that you have completed your studies.Ìý
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After all of your hard work, it's time to celebrate and we're here to help.Ìý
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- Update your contact details on . Your ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç email address will expire so please ensure your alternate email address is up to date.
- Check that your name is spelled correctly on myºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. If not, complete the Correction of Personal Details ´Ú´Ç°ù³¾.Ìý
- Pay any outstanding debts you have with ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, including library fines, to ensure you can receive your transcript and graduate.Ìý
- Order copies of your Award Statement (free) and/or Academic Transcript ($35 for two copies) if you need them right away. Do this once your grades have been finalised and your graduation status has been updated to 'Awarded' on myºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ.Ìý
- Make time to say goodbye to friends, academics and other staff. Don't forget to exchange contact details so you can stay in touch!
- Join the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Alumni network.Ìý
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- Review your lease and check how much notice you need to give to your landlord. You'll usually need to give at least four weeks' notice in writing.Ìý
- Arrange for your bond to be returned. You can discuss this with your landlord or agent, or complete the  form and return it to Fair Trading. You do not need your landlord or agent's signature.Ìý
- Clean your accommodation and organise a time for an inspection and to return your keys.Ìý
- For your utilities (internet, electricity and gas), contact the companies to have these services disconnected and give them your forwarding address for your final bill.Ìý
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- Close bank accounts of contact your bank for advice on account options to avoid bank fees and charges.
- Pay any outstanding balances on your credit cards and bills.Ìý
- Ask the Post Office to redirect your mail or ask a friend to forward your mail to you.Ìý
- Submit any medical claims. Collect your personal and family medical records from your doctor. Check your Overseas Student Health Cover - you may be entitled to a refund.Ìý
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- Give the required notice to your employers and arrange to collect your final pay.Ìý
- If you're leaving Australia permanently and are not receiving Australian-sourced income, you may be eligible to lodge an early tax return. Learn more via the  (ATO). Make sure you provide a forwarding address to the ATO.Ìý
- You may also be able to access your superannuation. You'll need to submit the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment form once you've left Australia permanently and your visa is inactive. To apply, you'll need details of your super fund including the name, account number, your TFN, your employer's details and a copy of your passport.Ìý
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- Use the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Careers & Employment service and resources available to you.Ìý
- Prepare your resume
- Register with professional bodies and associations where appropriate.Ìý
- Organise personal and professional references from your employer, supervisor or lecturers.Ìý
- Build professional networks.
- Take home samples of your work to build a portfolio.Ìý
- Join the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Alumni Network.Ìý
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- Book your flight home. When you're choosing your departure date, consider your last exam day and the release of results. Don't forget to check if student discounts are available for your flights.Ìý
- Make sure you have a valid visa and passport.Ìý
- Let your family and friends know when you'll arrive home - and buy them some fun souvenirs!
- Check any last-minute tourist activities off your list and take lots of photos.Ìý
- Make arrangements to get to the airport early, especially if you have a lot of luggage.Ìý
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- Return any borrowed items and allow at least four weeks to sell or give away items you're not taking home with you. Dumping waste on streets, footpaths and beside bins is a crime in Australia - you can organise a clean-up with your local council for unwanted belongings.Ìý
- Consult your embassy or consulate about customs regulations.Ìý
- Investigate options for unaccompanied and excess baggage with your airline.Ìý
- Consider methods and costs of shipping your belongings home. Tip: search 'transport and forwarding agents', 'baggage agents' or 'air cargo services'.
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- If you've joined sports clubs or community groups in Australia, inform them of your upcoming departure.Ìý
- If you have children, remember to collect their school records.Ìý
See also
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Have a question?
Contact us for advice on all things ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, including faculty-specific questions, essential services, and even support and development. We’re here to help.