Frequently Asked Questions

- Meet other international students through our student activities and excursions

Visit one of our offices and find out how you can access these services

Does IDP Student Services Australia charge for providing services?
No. Our services are free for international students.

How can I find shared accommodation?
Below are a few suggestions to help you make your search for accommodation easier and more productive.

- Before you start searching for a flatmate you should decide which suburb you would like to live in, how much rent you can afford to pay and the qualities of your perfect flatmate.

- Check the accommodation advertised on the notice boards at your education institution.

- Also check local newspapers and websites, e.g. www.domain.com.au and your institution’s housing service.

- Ensure you inspect the place before you move in. If you do not live in the area you should ask a friend to go with you. It is safer and your friend can provide you with a second opinion.

- Do not pay money to secure the place unless you are absolutely sure you will move in.

- Ensure you discuss with your potential flatmate the responsibilities regarding rent and household expenses.

Remember not to sign anything you do not fully understand. This is especially important when signing leases and legal agreements.

Where can I find a part-time job?

As an international student, a condition of your student visa is that you cannot work more than 20 hours a week during semester time. Most of the work available to international students is in retail and hospitality, which offers flexible hours. There are job search resources for all students, so you should find out how they can help.

Networking with other international students is a good way to let others know that you are looking for work so they can pass the message around. You can also check the ‘vacancies’ section in your local community newspapers and supermarket boards.

Many large companies, especially big retailers (department stores), list their vacancies on their websites.

Can I apply for an IELTS test through IDP Student Services Australia?
Yes. IDP Student Services Australia facilitates IELTS test applications. Please visit one of the nearest branches in your state (except NT and TAS).

Can I apply to go to University if completed a TAFE diploma?
Yes. Most universities recognise TAFE diplomas as a pathway to a Bachelor degree.

Is it possible to obtain a credit for previous study?
Students who have completed previous tertiary study may apply to the university for a credit. They must present the course syllabus of their previous study and complete a separate credit application form. The credit assessment will generally take longer than the application assessment.

Is it possible to obtain a credit transfer before my results are published?
Institutions will usually assess credit transfer applications following your final results and after a completion statement has been received. However, some institutions are able to provide conditional exemptions based on interim transcripts (unofficial results). You will need to submit your application with your interim transcript at one of our offices.

How can I transfer to another institution before I finish my current study?
You should contact your current education provider for information. In most circumstances, the new education provider will be restricted from enrolling you if you have not completed six months of the course for which your visa was granted.

If you want to change providers before completing the first six months of your course, you must contact your current education provider for permission and a release letter. Our education counsellors will explain the process to you.

If you want to change your level of qualification, you will need to apply for a new student visa because your visa subclass will change.

Should you need further information, visit the DIAC website or contact one of our offices.

How can I lodge the application for university through IDP Student Services Australia? When shall I lodge the application?
After attending counselling at our office and short-listing the institutions of your choice, you will need to submit an application for each institution with a completed set of certified academic transcripts. The Australian academic year begins in either February or July. However, some courses are available throughout the year and some are only available for certain semesters.

Students are encouraged to apply at least three to four months in advance to provide sufficient time to process the student visa and to assist the university in their curriculum planning. More importantly, some universities set a quota for certain courses, and early application is advised to prevent disappointment.

I have completed a course in Australia and would like to enrol in another one. My previous IELTS result has expired. Do I need to sit the IELTS test again?
This depends on the course you have completed and what you wish to study next. Some institutions will require you to take an IELTS test. However, most institutions will not require you to provide an IELTS result if you provide your academic transcript and certificate.

I would like to change to a course that can get me permanent residency (PR) visa. What suggestions do you have?
The Australian immigration policy is reviewed annually and no guarantee is given that the courses listed on the current Skilled Occupations List (SOL) will prevail at the time of your PR lodgement. You are strongly encouraged to study the course in which you are interested or that can improve your knowledge and skills for your future career.

Can I get a scholarship from my university?
Scholarships offered differ depending on the university, with most focused on financial support for postgraduate research students. The majority of international students pay full-fees. Student loans are not available in Australia for international students.

How can I apply to extend my visa in Australia?
Our counsellors can provide you with information on preparing your visa application which can be lodged online if you are an onshore student.

For further information, please visit the DIAC website.

Can I lodge an application to extend my student visa if my previous student visa expired?
International students should lodge applications to extend their student visas before the visa expiry date. You will still be able to lodge the application within 28 days after the visa expires. However, if your visa expired more than 28 days before, it is unlikely that your application will be successful. In this instance, you will have to leave Australia.

I am holding a visa subclass 572 to study a diploma course and the visa lasts for two years. If I decide to transfer to a degree program at a university after six months of diploma study, what should I do about my visa?
International students should study on visas which are consistent with their courses. Your visa category is decided according to the education sector of your main course of study (principal course). If you change your education sector, you should change your visa category as well.

The process of changing visa category is similar to applying for a new student visa. You will need to meet English and financial requirements. In your situation, you will need to change your visa from visa subclass 572 to visa subclass 573. Our education counsellors can assist you with course applications and visa assistance.
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/assessment-levels.pdf

How do I calculate the funds I need to present to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) if I am going to renew my student visa soon?
International students are required to show that they have genuine access to sufficient funds to be granted a student visa. This includes tuition fees, living expenses and return airfare to your home country. Depending on the passport you hold and the course you are going to study, you may need to show that the funds have been with the bank for a certain period of time. You may also need to demonstrate that you have the access to these funds.

For further information please visit the DIAC website.