This information is especially relevant to those international students arriving in Sydney for the first time.
College location
APIC´s North Sydney Learning Centre is located in the heart of North Sydney Central Business District on Sydney Harbour´s northern shore. It is a few minutes’ walk from North Sydney Station and Bus Stops. In addition to being close to major transport routes and on the expressway to Sydney Airport, the Centre is also surrounded by cafes, food courts, banks, parks and shopping malls. Sydney’s Central Business District can be reached by train, bus or taxi in minutes. There are many pleasant parks and open spaces, as well as recreational facilities within the walking distance of the College premises.
Living in Sydney
Please refer to Living in Sydney document for information on accommodation, climate, eating and retail and financial institutions.
Fees & Living Expenses
For International Students, refer to Study Fees and Overseas Student Health Cover
The College estimates that a single international student in Sydney requires a minimum of AUD$17,000 - AUD$20,000 to cover living expenses in each year of study. Upon arrival you should have a minimum of AUD$2,000, in addition to the monthly average, to cover the initial cost of books and establishment expenses, such as rental bond payment and basic furniture items.
Health Care & Insurance
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a compulsory health insurance policy designed to provide affordable access to medical and hospital treatment for students or their family dependents while studying in Australia. OSHC will also contribute to the cost of most prescription drugs and emergency ambulance transport.
APIC is able to assist international students to organize OSHC. Please Contact Us or see Department of Health and Ageing website for full information about registered OSHC providers, complete details of what is covered and OSHC eligibility.
Student Visa
For information on your Student Visa and details of all visa conditions, refer to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website or contact your nearest Australian Diplomatic Mission.
Working while you study
Permission to work allows you to work up to 20 hours a week on a casual basis during course time and full-time during vacation periods. Family members can also work up to 20 hours a week throughout the year. In the case of students who have commenced a masters or doctorate course, family members can work unlimited hours. Students and their family members must not undertake work until the student has commenced their course of study in Australia.
Student Support
APIC has trained and experienced staff, who can provide professional advice and respond promptly to the needs of students. Students receive an end-to-end service, from needs analysis to training, mentoring and performance assessment, certification and continuous professional development support.
Safe travelling
While public transport in Australia is comparatively safe, you should still exercise the same caution as you would at home. Here are few general tips to help keep you safe on public transport such as buses, trams and trains:
- Whenever possible travel in groups. Risk is created by travelling alone.
- Keep valuables such as mobile phones, laptops and iPods out of sight and stay aware of your surroundings when travelling on public transport.
- Outside of peak times and at night travel in the front carriage of the train with the driver or sit in the guard’s compartment. Where possible do not travel in empty carriages.
- Check Public Transport timetables in advance. Avoid long waits on platforms and around Public Transport hubs. If you do have a long wait stay in well lit areas or near open shops.
- Walk in well lit areas even if it means your trip is longer.
- Avoid short cuts through dark isolated areas.
- If you feel threatened in any way while walking on the street go to a shop or a house with its lights on (if at night) and ask for police to be contacted.
Useful Links
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