At the airport

Australia is strict on what you can bring into the country, so make sure you check the list of prohibited items to avoid a fine or prosecution. At the airport, officers will conduct a quarantine inspection of passengers and screening of luggage.

Airport pickup

As an Australia Awards scholar, you're eligible for a free airport pickup service to take you to your accommodation. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Make sure you book your free airport pickup at least four days before you arrive. Once you’ve booked it, we'll send you a confirmation email with all the details.

Register your arrival

After you've arrived, we’ll email you a form to register your arrival. You’ll need to attach a copy of your passport (the photo page) and boarding pass to the form. We’ll also email you an arrival pack with details of your scholarship payments, the Introductory Academic Program (IAP), and an enrolment and orientation schedule.

Banking

If you’ve opened a bank account online, you can activate it by visiting the bank with proof of identification.

You must provide us with the account details so that we can arrange your payments. Check your arrival pack for instructions.

Tax file number (TFN)

During your time in Australia as an AAS student, you’ll need to have a tax file number (TFN). This is your personal reference number for the Australian tax and superannuation systems. You’ll need it when you start or change jobs, and it helps minimise the amount of tax you pay on interest or dividends from savings accounts or investments.

Apply for one through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

You'll need to provide your TFN:

• when lodging your income tax return
• to your employer and bank.

Make sure you keep your TFN secure to protect yourself from identity fraud. Only disclose it to people and organisations that require it for legitimate reasons, such as your employer, bank, superannuation fund and university.