Q. Can I Go to Australia Before My Intake?

Yes. It is possible to go to Australia before your intake or the beginning of your course. You must have an Australian student visa (subclass 500) that allows a student to come to the country three months (or 90 days) prior to the proposed intake.

This multi-entry student visa, a temporary visa, allows the holder to study and work for limited hours as per current rules. It also permits travel in and out of Australia for a period of five years from the date of issue. 

Coming to Australia early for a student has advantages. He or she will have time to figure out accommodation and banking processes and also get acclimatized to the new environment.

If you plan to arrive in Australia early before your course commences, ensure that you: 

• Are in possession of a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your / university/ college or course provider. 
• Have OSHC medical cover. This health insurance must comply with the rules of the Australian Government.

The OSHC is a prerequisite condition for a student visa. The OSHC medical insurance cover must be available right from the time you enter Australia and cover the entire period of study, including before your course start date.

If your college or university is arranging the OSHC, and you decide to arrive in Australia early, the cover may not start at the same time as your arrival in the country. So, you must inform your OSHC provider and inform them of your early arrival date in Australia. The provider will adjust the dates of the health coverage accordingly. 

For longer periods of visits, like six months before the commencement of your course, a tourist visa will be required.