Information to help prepare your child to study overseas at Curtin University.
Seeing your child head off to study overseas at Curtin University is an exciting time as a parent. Not only will they gain an internationally recognised qualification, they will also gain independence, maturity, new friendships and valuable life experience.
But it’s also normal to worry about your child during this time – you want them to be safe, happy and successful while they’re studying and living in Australia.
To support you, we’ve compiled an essential parents’ guide full of information to help you prepare your child to settle into Perth and thrive at Curtin.
In this article you’ll find advice on:
- Australia student visas
- pre-departure essentials
- arriving in Perth
- support for your child at university
- working in Australia
- things to do in Perth.
What to know about Australia student visas
Before your child departs
Use this quick guide below to make sure your child has the essential things they need before they travel overseas and start their studies at Curtin.
For detailed departure information, download our pre-departure guide.
1. Apply for a student visa
All international students must have a visa to study at an Australian university. Read the information above on ‘What to know about Australia student visas’.
2. Book flights and pack
Once your child has their student visa, they can book their flights to Perth! Your child should make sure they book flights that will arrive in Perth well before their classes start and give them time to attend any orientation events.
3. Organise accommodation
Curtin offers many on-campus accommodation options for international students in Perth. From the fully catered and supportive environment of St Catherine’s College to the independent living options offered by UniLodge – there are diverse housing options for your child to choose from, depending on their budget and living preferences.
Your child will need to organise their on-campus accommodation before travelling to Perth.
If your child is considering other options to living on-campus, our Accommodation Coaches can help them find suitable housing.
Arriving in Perth
Personalised welcome service
As soon as your child lands at Perth International Airport, they can be greeted by a StudyPerth Airport member, who will make them feel welcome and answer any questions they might have. Your child will also receive a Welcome Pack full of complimentary items to help them settle into Perth.
Register for an airport welcome.
Airport transfer service
Curtin offers all newly arriving international students a one-off transport service from the airport to their Perth accommodation. Your child just needs to let us know when they will be arriving, and we will organise the rest.
Learn more about airport pick-up service.
Australia’s airport customs and biosecurity
Australia has strict customs and quarantine laws. It’s important your child understands what items they can bring into the country but need to declare to customs officials, and what items are prohibited.
Read more about Australia’s customs and quarantine laws.
Support for your child
Curtin offers a range of support services to international students to ensure they graduate with an internationally recognised degree while enjoying their time in Perth.
Working in Australia
Working while studying is a great way for your child to earn an income, practise their English and gain life experience. However, there are conditions to working in Australia that your child will need to follow. Conditions include:
- Your child can only commence work in Australia after their course starts.
- Your child can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during any study period. This includes volunteer work (unless they are a PhD or masters by research student).
- Outside of study periods, your child can work unrestricted hours.
- Work-integrated Learning (WIL) activities do not count towards the 48 hours limit, as long as the activities are a registered, mandatory part of the course.
Visit the work conditions for student visa holders on the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.
Your child also has the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia. Learn more about these rights.
Things to do while visiting your child in Perth
Perth is a sunny, safe and relaxed city, known for its beautiful parks and stunning beaches, as well as diverse food and entertainment options.
Once your child has settled into Perth and gained some independence, it’s a great time for you to visit and explore some of the city’s attractions together. Here’s four to get your started:
Kings Park and Botanic Gardens
Stroll through one the world’s largest and most beautiful parks with stunning city views. Time your visit during spring and be awed by spectacular flora found only in Western Australia.
Cottesloe Beach
Perth’s most iconic beach offers white sand, shady pines, ultramarine water and multiple food and drink choices.
Fremantle
Revel in the effortlessly cool vibes of Fremantle, famous for its historic buildings and Fremantle Markets, as well as quieter beaches like Leighton Beach and Port Beach.
East Vic Park food strip
Just five minutes from Curtin, this strip along Albany Highway offers a staggering array of cuisines including Lebanese, Nepalese, Uyghur, Filipino, Chinese, Korean and Texan – take your pick and sate your senses.
Did you know?
- Perth shares its time zone (GMT8+) with a quarter of the world’s population, which includes the cities of Beijing, Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
- Perth’s dialling code is +61 8.
- There are currently 120 foreign consulates in Perth. These include embassies for China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Singapore.
My child’s at Curtin, now what?
Nothing beats personal insight into what university life is like – your child might like to watch ‘I’m at Curtin, now what?’ – a series of YouTube videos hosted by Celena and Devna, two international students who give authentic advice on living in Perth.
As a parent, seeing your child head off to study at a university in a different country is a big milestone. But you can feel assured that we will support your child throughout their student journey, and make sure they have what they need to do well at Curtin University and beyond.
