Everything you need after you land in Australia
From enrolling in Medicare to opening a bank account, getting your TFN, and planning your 485 Graduate Visa — your complete guide to settling in Australia.
What do you need help with?
Pick a category to get started.
PhD & Graduate Programs
Explore Australian PhD programs with Research Training Program (RTP) stipends and 485 Graduate Visa pathways.
- RTP stipend ($32K+/yr)
- Regional study bonuses
- 485 Graduate Visa (4 yrs PhD)
- Go8 university programs
Housing & Accommodation
Find student accommodation in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and beyond. Rent data and platform guides.
- City rent comparisons in AUD
- Domain, Flatmates.com.au
- Lease & bond tips
- Student suburb guides
Banking & Finance
Open an Australian bank account before or right after arrival. CBA, ANZ, Westpac, NAB, and Up Bank compared.
- Pre-arrival account opening
- TFN application (free)
- Superannuation basics
- Credit building from zero
Phone, Medicare & Daily Life
Medicare enrollment, Australian SIM cards, Myki/Opal transit passes, and daily life essentials.
- Medicare enrollment
- Best SIMs (Optus, Telstra, Amaysim)
- OSHC for students
- Opal & Myki transit apps
Australian Employer Directory
Companies that sponsor Subclass 482 TSS and 186 visas — with hiring history and salary data.
- 482 & 186 sponsors
- AUD salary benchmarks
- 485 friendly employers
- Sector breakdowns
Step-by-Step Guides
From 485 Graduate Visa application to filing your ATO tax return — practical guides for life in Australia.
- 485 visa application
- TFN & ATO tax guide
- SkillSelect EOI guide
- Superannuation withdrawal
Your settlement timeline
A practical checklist for your first few months in Australia.
Before you arrive
- Apply for student accommodation early (popular cities fill fast)
- Check Medicare eligibility based on your home country's agreement
- Carry AUD 500 cash for first days
Week 1
- Get an Australian SIM card (Optus, Telstra, or Amaysim)
- Open a bank account (CBA, ANZ, or Up Bank — many allow pre-arrival)
- Apply for your TFN (Tax File Number) online via ATO — free
Month 1
- Enroll in Medicare if eligible (present passport + visa at Medicare centre)
- Check your OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is active
- Get an Opal / Myki / go card for public transport
Month 3+
- Start planning your 485 Graduate Visa (apply within 6 months of graduation)
- Begin SkillSelect EOI if targeting PR (189/190)
- Lodge your first ATO tax return if you had income
Also check out our free tools
Processing times, visa calculators, tax guides, credit builder, and more — all built for Australia.