Medicare-eligible countries (reciprocal agreements): United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Italy, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Slovenia, Malta. If you're from one of these, enrol at a Medicare service centre with your passport and visa.
All other international students: You are NOT covered by Medicare. Your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is a visa condition — keep your OSHC card and policy number saved on your phone. You'll need it at every medical appointment.
Same rules — reciprocal agreement countries eligible, others need OSHC. Brisbane has excellent public hospitals — Princess Alexandra (near UQ), Royal Brisbane, Mater.
Dental and optical are NOT covered by Medicare (even if you have it). Check your OSHC policy — some cover basic dental. University health centres often offer student discounts on dental check-ups. The TAFE/university student services office can point you to reduced-cost options.
Chemist Warehouse and Priceline are the major pharmacy chains — very common, usually cheap for over-the-counter medicines. With Medicare, prescriptions under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are heavily subsidised. Without Medicare, prescriptions are at full cost — factor this into your budget.
Common medicines: Paracetamol (Panadol), ibuprofen (Nurofen), antihistamines, and cold medicines are all available without prescription at supermarkets and pharmacies.
Find a GP in QLD
Queensland Health
Services Australia — Medicare enrolment
Get a go card at convenience stores, train stations, or online at translink.com.au. Top it up at stations, online, or via the TransLink app. Touch on AND off — forgetting to touch off charges you the maximum fare.
Fare zones: Brisbane uses a zone-based system with 23 zones. Most inner-city travel (South Bank, CBD, Fortitude Valley, West End) is in the inner zones. Daily and off-peak caps apply.
Uber and DiDi are the dominant ride-share apps in Brisbane. Both are generally safe — always check the driver's name, photo, and licence plate before getting in. Share your trip details with a friend for late-night rides.
Taxis are available but more expensive than ride-share. 13CABS and Silver Service are the main operators.
Many Brisbane universities have good cycling infrastructure. Hire e-scooters (Lime, Neuron, Beam) are available in inner areas — scan via app, wear a helmet (legally required in Australia), and park responsibly or you'll be fined.
TransLink journey planner
go card concession
Most major banks let you open an account online before you arrive — you activate it in-branch with your passport and student visa. This is the easiest approach as you won't have a local address yet.
What you'll get: A BSB number (6-digit branch code) and account number. You need both for rent payments and to receive wages. Your debit card usually arrives within 5–7 business days.
Wise (wise.com) is the cheapest way to send money internationally — mid-market exchange rate, low transparent fees. Far cheaper than bank transfers. You can also receive money from home via Wise.
Remitly and Western Union are alternatives, popular in some communities. Always compare rates before sending large amounts.
Groceries
Woolworths and Coles are the main supermarkets. Aldi is significantly cheaper for basics — great for students on a budget. IGA is local/convenience but pricier. Budget $60–100/week for food if you cook at home.
Coffee culture
Australia has a serious café culture — a flat white or latte costs $5–7. 7-Eleven has $1 coffee (it's actually decent). Starbucks exists but Australians strongly prefer independent cafés.
Eating out
A meal at a café or restaurant: $18–35. Asian restaurants (very common near universities) often $12–20. Uber Eats / DoorDash: adds $5–10 in delivery fees. Cooking at home saves significant money.
Alcohol
Alcohol is expensive in Australia. Bottle shops (BWS, Dan Murphy's, First Choice) are cheaper than ordering at bars and pubs. A beer at a pub: $10–14. A bottle of wine at Dan Murphy's: from $12–15.
Tipping
Tipping is NOT expected in Australia — unlike the US. Service staff are paid proper minimum wages. Tipping is appreciated if service was genuinely exceptional but never mandatory or expected.
How many hours: Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester (this was temporarily increased post-COVID — check your specific visa conditions at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au as rules continue to evolve). During official university vacation periods, there is no hour limit.
Minimum wage: Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world — currently around $23.23/hour for adults (indexed annually). Casual workers get a loading on top of this.
Best job sites for students
Seek.com.au — Australia's largest job board. Indeed.com.au — good for casual and part-time. Jora.com — aggregates listings. Gumtree Jobs — casual and short-term work. Check your university's career centre — they have student-specific listings and job fairs.
Common student jobs
Hospitality (cafés, restaurants, bars — RSA certificate needed for bar work), retail, aged care support, tutoring, food delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash), childcare support, campus jobs at your own university.
What you need to start work
Tax File Number (TFN) — apply at ato.gov.au, takes 1–4 weeks. Australian bank account for wages. Your visa details (your employer needs to check your work rights via VEVO — vevo.homeaffairs.gov.au).
What to wear
Smart casual for most entry-level and hospitality roles. Business casual for office or professional roles. When in doubt, slightly overdress — it shows respect. Ask when booking the interview if you're unsure.
Australian interview style
Australians value directness, friendliness, and genuine answers over formal deference. Make eye contact, use a firm handshake, and don't be overly formal. A conversational tone is fine — Australians can find excessive formality uncomfortable.
Résumé tips
Keep it to 1–2 pages. Include a short personal statement. List experience most recent first. Include referees — most Australian employers will call them. Don't include a photo (unlike many Asian and European countries — it's not standard in Australia).
Punctuality
Being on time is essential — arrive 5–10 minutes early. Texting if you're running late (even 5 minutes) is expected and appreciated. Ghosting an interview (not showing up without notice) will follow you in small industry communities.
Common interview questions
"Tell me about yourself", "Why do you want this job?", "Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation" (STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result). Practise these — Australian employers use behavioural questions frequently.
Fair Work Ombudsman — Visa holders & migrants
Know your rights and report wage theft anonymously
ATO — Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
You need this before starting work — apply online
Seek.com.au — Australia's largest job board
Indeed.com.au — casual & part-time
Strong for hospitality, retail, and entry-level roles
Jora — job aggregator
Pulls listings from multiple boards — good for finding casual roles
Sidekicker — flexible shifts
On-demand hospitality, events, and warehouse shifts — popular with students
Airtasker — task-based work
One-off jobs: moving, cleaning, deliveries, odd jobs — get paid same day
Workforce Australia — government job board
Official government job listings including apprenticeships and traineeships
Barista certificate
A barista certificate (1–2 day course, ~$150–250) opens the door to café work across Australia. Café and hospitality jobs are among the easiest for international students to find and are widely available near campuses. Look for courses at local training colleges or search "barista course [your city]" on Google.
RSA — Responsible Service of Alcohol
Required by law to serve alcohol in any licensed venue in Australia. The online RSA course takes around 3–4 hours and costs ~$20–50 depending on the provider. Once you have it, you're eligible for bar, restaurant, and events work. Each state has its own accredited providers — search "RSA [your state]" to find one.
Resident Advisor / Resident Assistant (RA)
Many purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) providers offer Resident Advisor or Resident Assistant roles — typically providing reduced or free rent in exchange for helping manage the building community. Ask the resident manager at your accommodation for more information and an application form. Read the contract carefully — RA roles involve real responsibilities including after-hours duties, social programming, and being on call. It's a genuine job, not just a discount.
Fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and other agricultural work is available across regional Australia. It can be attractive to students on working holiday visas — but understand the rules and risks before you go.
Visa work conditions still apply
On a student visa, work hour limits apply even for farm work. Working more than 48 hours per fortnight is a visa condition breach and can affect your future visa applications. Check your specific conditions at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au or call 131 881.
Know the payment risks
Farm work exploitation is well-documented in Australia. Red flags: being paid "piece rates" that work out below minimum wage, accommodation costs deducted from pay, being paid cash with no payslip, or being asked to use an ABN instead of being employed. You are entitled to a payslip every pay period. No payslip = red flag.
Working outside visa conditions — serious consequences
Working more hours than your visa allows, or working when your visa doesn't permit it, can result in visa cancellation, deportation, and a ban on future Australian visas. No job is worth this. Report pressure to work illegally to the Fair Work Ombudsman — it's anonymous.
Some families offer free or discounted accommodation in exchange for childcare, babysitting, tutoring, or household help. These arrangements exist in a largely unregulated space and carry real risks.
No formal contract = no formal protection
Without a written agreement, you have very limited legal protection if the arrangement goes wrong — whether that's being asked to work excessive hours, being evicted without notice, or dealing with inappropriate behaviour. Always insist on a written agreement covering: hours required, duties, notice period, and whether accommodation is the only compensation or includes cash.
Safety first
Meet the family in a public place before agreeing to move in. Tell a friend or your university's international student support office where you'll be living. Check that background checks exist if the role involves being alone with children. Trust your instincts — if something feels uncomfortable, you are not obligated to stay.
Is it actually worth it?
Run the numbers. If you're providing 20+ hours of childcare per week for a room worth $200/wk, you're effectively earning $10/hour — well below minimum wage. Formal au pair agencies provide more structure, but still make sure you understand exactly what's expected before committing.
Employment scams targeting international students are widespread in Australia, particularly on Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and informal job boards. Know the warning signs.
Red flags
Salary far above market rate for simple work. Job offer with no interview. Employer asks you to click a link to "verify" your identity. Upfront payment required for a "starter kit", "training materials", or "background check." Bank details requested before a contract is signed. Job described vaguely (e.g. "data entry from home — $800/wk"). You're asked to receive money and transfer it elsewhere — this is money laundering, a serious criminal offence.
Safe job searching
Use reputable platforms: Seek.com.au, Indeed, LinkedIn, your university's student jobs board, or in-person at a business you've visited. Legitimate employers won't ask for money, will interview you before hiring, and will provide a written contract before your first shift. If a Gumtree or Facebook post seems too good to be true, it is.
Scamwatch — ACCC
Report scams and find current scam alerts
IDCARE — 1800 595 160
Identity theft & cyber support
Agriculture Workforce — agriculture.gov.au
Official info on farm & seasonal work in Australia
The red and yellow flags mark the safest swimming area, patrolled by lifesavers. Never swim outside the flags, even if you're a strong swimmer. Australian beaches can have rip currents that pull even experienced swimmers offshore rapidly.
Brisbane itself is on a river, not the ocean. The Gold Coast (1 hour south — Surfers Paradise, Burleigh) and Sunshine Coast (1 hour north — Noosa, Mooloolaba) are the closest patrolled beaches. Always swim between the red and yellow flags. Stinger season (October–May) in North Queensland — less relevant for Brisbane but be aware.
Surf Life Saving Australia — Beach safety guide
Cancer Council — Sun safety for Australia
Hitchhiking (getting a lift from a stranger) happens in Australia, particularly in rural areas. It is not illegal in most states, but carries real personal safety risks and is not recommended — especially for students new to the country and unfamiliar with the area.
The risks
Getting into an unknown person's vehicle means limited control over where you end up, no record of who you're with, and no easy way to leave if you feel unsafe. Remote areas have poor phone coverage, making it difficult to call for help. Incidents involving hitchhikers do occur.
Safer alternatives
For intercity travel: Greyhound or FlixBus coaches, trains, or BlaBlaCar (registered ride-sharing). Locally, Uber and DiDi are safe, regulated, and trackable. If you do hitchhike, always tell someone your route and share your live location on your phone.
getting help fast.
000 — Police, Fire, Ambulance
Australia's triple zero. In QLD, ambulance is subsidised — check your OSHC covers any gaps.
131 444 — Police non-emergency
For reporting crimes that don't require an immediate response.
1800 022 222 — Healthdirect (24/7 nurse line)
Speak to a registered nurse any time. Helps decide hospital, GP, or home care.
132 500 — SES (storm & flood)
Queensland floods. Never drive through floodwater. 24/7. Call 000 if life is at risk.
13 11 14 — Lifeline (24/7)
Free, confidential. You don't need to be in crisis to call.
1300 22 4636 — Beyond Blue (24/7)
Mental health support for anxiety and depression.
Queensland Mental Health Commission — 1800 64 2255
QLD's dedicated mental health line. 24/7 access to support and referral.
University counselling
QUT, UQ and Griffith all have free student counselling. Find yours on your uni's website.
Major hospitals
Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital (Herston — near QUT Kelvin Grove), Princess Alexandra (Woolloongabba — near UQ). Both are excellent teaching hospitals.
DVConnect Womensline — 1800 811 811
QLD domestic violence line. 24/7. Free, confidential.
1800 RESPECT — 1800 737 732
National sexual assault and domestic violence support. 24/7.
Lifeline — 13 11 14
Crisis support
Legal drinking age: 18 in all Australian states and territories. This is strictly enforced at licensed venues (bars, restaurants, bottle shops). You will be asked for ID — your passport, Australian driver's licence, or an Australian Proof of Age card (KeyPass) are accepted. International driver's licences are accepted in some venues but not all.
Buying alcohol: Only from licensed venues — bottle shops (BWS, Dan Murphy's, Liquorland, First Choice), bars, restaurants, and some supermarkets with liquor licences. Dan Murphy's is the cheapest major chain.
Smoking prohibited in enclosed public places, outdoor dining areas, near playgrounds, at public transport stops, and within 5 metres of building entrances in Queensland. E-cigarettes are treated similarly to tobacco — same restrictions apply. Heavy fines for breaches.
Cannabis is illegal for recreational use across Australia (the ACT has partial decriminalisation for personal use — but not other states). Possession can result in criminal charges. Medical cannabis requires a prescription and is separate.
Other recreational drugs are illegal. If you're experiencing a drug-related emergency: call 000 — medical staff are focused on helping, not prosecution, in genuine emergencies.
Australian police conduct random roadside drug tests — separate from breath testing for alcohol. A Roadside Drug Test (RDT) involves a saliva swab, typically checking for THC (cannabis), methamphetamine, and MDMA.
THC stays detectable longer than you think
Unlike alcohol, which leaves your system in hours, THC can remain detectable in saliva for up to 24–36 hours after use — sometimes longer in regular users. A swab test can return positive the morning after using cannabis the night before. "I haven't smoked since last night" is not a defence.
Consequences
A positive drug driving test typically means immediate licence suspension, a court appearance, significant fines, and a criminal record. For international students on a visa, a conviction can have serious implications for future visa applications and renewals. This is not a minor offence.
The simple rule
Do not drive if you've used any drug — including cannabis — in the past 24–48 hours. If in doubt, don't drive. Use Uber, DiDi, or public transport. The cost of a ride is nothing compared to the cost of a drug driving conviction.
"Tall poppy syndrome"
Australians are suspicious of people who brag or seem arrogant. Self-deprecating humour is valued — don't take yourself too seriously. This is one of the most important cultural codes to understand.
Direct but friendly
Australians are very direct — they say what they mean and don't expect you to read between the lines. This can feel blunt to people from more indirect cultures. It's rarely rude — it's usually honest.
Sport is a religion
AFL (Australian Rules Football) in Victoria, NRL (rugby league) in NSW and QLD, cricket everywhere in summer. Understanding the basics of at least one code makes social conversations significantly easier. AFL finals in September are a big deal in Melbourne.
Australian slang
Arvo (afternoon), servo (petrol station), bottle-o (bottle shop), rego (car registration), brekky (breakfast), sanga (sandwich), sickie (sick day), reckon (think/believe), heaps (a lot), she'll be right (it'll be fine), no worries (you're welcome / it's fine).
BBQ culture
The backyard BBQ (barbie) is a genuine Australian institution. If invited to someone's house for a BBQ, bring something — beer, wine, or food to put on the grill. BYO (Bring Your Own) restaurants let you bring your own alcohol — cheaper and common in multicultural areas.
Public holidays
Most businesses close on public holidays. Key ones: New Year's Day, Australia Day (26 Jan — contested), Easter (4 days), ANZAC Day (25 April — very significant, dawn services), Queen's/King's Birthday, Christmas (25 Dec), Boxing Day (26 Dec). State-specific holidays also apply.
ANZAC Day — 25 April
Australia's most significant day of national remembrance — honouring soldiers who served and died in wars. Dawn services are held at war memorials across every city. It's observed respectfully — pubs close until midday, Two-Up (a traditional gambling game) is legally played at pubs in the afternoon. Treat it with the same reverence you'd give a significant national day in your home country.
Prepaid SIMs (no contract) are ideal to start — no credit check, no lock-in, easy to top up.
📶 How internet works in Australian share houses
Most homes connect via the NBN (National Broadband Network) — Australia's national fixed-line internet infrastructure. The key things to know:
- NBN connection takes 1–2 weeks to activate after you sign up. Don't leave it until move-in day.
- Each address can only have one active NBN plan. If the previous tenant had a plan, it needs to be cancelled before you can start a new one — this can add delays.
- You need a compatible modem/router. Most providers include one, but confirm before signing up.
- Check what NBN type your address has before choosing a plan — speeds vary significantly between connection types (FTTP, FTTN, HFC).
🏠 Share house internet — who pays?
In most share houses, internet is either split equally between housemates or included in the rent (less common). Clarify this before you move in:
- Ask your landlord or property manager whether internet is included
- If not, agree with housemates upfront on who sets up the plan and how costs are split
- Average NBN plan in Brisbane: $60–$90/month for a reliable 50–100Mbps connection
- Split 3 ways that's roughly $20–30/person/month — worth factoring into your budget
📊 Brisbane NBN providers worth comparing
Use a comparison site like WhistleOut or Finder to check current deals at your specific address. Providers commonly used by students:
- Aussie Broadband — consistently rated best for customer service, good student value
- Superloop — competitive pricing, good for share houses
- TPG / iiNet — widely available, budget-friendly plans
- Belong — simple month-to-month plans, no lock-in contracts
- Telstra — most reliable but typically more expensive
Tip: Look for no lock-in contracts if you're unsure how long you'll stay.
📱 Mobile data as a backup
While waiting for NBN to connect, or if your share house internet isn't reliable, Australian mobile data is reasonably priced:
- Woolworths Mobile / Boost / Belong — good prepaid options with large data inclusions
- Most plans include 50–200GB/month for $30–$50
- Use your phone as a hotspot while NBN is being connected
- Check coverage at your address — Telstra has the best regional coverage, but Optus and Vodafone are fine for inner Brisbane
✅ Internet setup checklist
- Check NBN availability at your address (nbnco.com.au)
- Confirm with housemates who is setting up the plan
- Sign up at least 2 weeks before move-in
- Confirm modem/router is included or source one
- Set up a mobile hotspot as backup for the activation period
- Split costs clearly — add to your shared expenses app or house agreement
Funnel-web spider (Sydney mainly)
Shiny black, aggressive, highly venomous. Found in gardens, under rocks, occasionally in shoes or clothing left outside. If bitten: call 000 immediately, apply pressure bandage (not tourniquet), keep still. Antivenom is widely available in hospitals — deaths are very rare with prompt treatment.
Redback spider (all states)
Small black spider with a red stripe on the abdomen. Found in dark, dry spots — under outdoor furniture, in garden sheds, in outdoor toilet blocks. Painful bite but rarely life-threatening for healthy adults. Seek medical attention — antivenom available.
Most other spiders
Huntsman spiders (very large, fast, but harmless — they eat insects), daddy long-legs, garden spiders — all are harmless to humans. Huntsmans commonly get inside houses — they're beneficial. Put a glass over them and release outside if you prefer.
Several highly venomous species exist in Australia — eastern brown, tiger snake, red-bellied black snake. In urban areas, sightings are rare but possible near parks and bushland edges.
If you see a snake
Stop, stand still, let it move away. Do not approach, provoke, or try to catch it. Snakes bite in self-defence — give them space and they will leave. Back away slowly when it's safe to do so.
If bitten
Call 000 immediately. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage starting at the bite site and wrapping the entire limb — this is Australian standard first aid for snakebite. Keep the person calm and still. Do NOT cut the bite or try to suck venom. Antivenom is available at all hospitals.
Kangaroos and wallabies: Common in parks and suburban edges, especially at dawn/dusk. Generally harmless if not approached too closely. Do not feed them — it's bad for their health and they can scratch.
Possums: Common in suburban gardens and roof spaces at night. Noisy but harmless. Loud screeching at 2am is a possum fight, not a murder.
Magpies (September–November): Magpie swooping season — males protect nests by dive-bombing passers-by. Wearing sunglasses on the back of your head, carrying an open umbrella, or taking an alternate route are all effective. The swooping season lasts about 6 weeks.
Ibis (everywhere): Large white birds known as "bin chickens" — they rummage through rubbish. They're a beloved Australian joke. Don't feed them.
Red Cross — Snakebite first aid guide
Poisons Information Centre — 13 11 26 (24/7)
Call for advice on any suspected poisoning including bites and stings
Australia has some insects worth knowing about — and Brisbane's subtropical climate means more of them year-round than southern cities.
Mosquitoes
Brisbane's warm, humid climate makes mosquitoes a year-round issue. Ross River Fever is present in QLD. Use DEET-based repellent at dawn and dusk, especially near rivers, parks, and the bay.
Green ants & bull ants
Green ants (weaver ants) are common in Queensland and can sting. Bull ants are large, aggressive, and painful. Wear shoes in gardens.
Wasps & paper wasps
Paper wasps build nests under eaves — common in Brisbane. Don't swat European wasps. Report nests to your landlord or council for removal.
Cockroaches
Brisbane's climate is ideal year-round. Native species are large but harmless. German cockroaches (small) are the pest species — landlord's responsibility to treat.
Cane toads
Not an insect, but worth knowing — cane toads are common in Brisbane gardens after rain. Toxic to pets. Harmless to humans unless you touch eyes after handling.
Feeling overwhelmed, homesick, or isolated in the first weeks or months is extremely common — it doesn't mean you made the wrong decision coming here. Almost every international student goes through a difficult adjustment period. It genuinely does get better.
Your university support services
Every Australian university has free counselling and mental health support for students. It's confidential, professional, and specifically designed for the pressures of student life. Find it in your student portal under Student Services or Student Wellbeing.
Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7)
Free, confidential crisis support by phone. For when you need to talk to someone immediately — about anything.
Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636
Mental health support, information, and online chat. Excellent resources for anxiety and depression.
International student support
Most universities have dedicated international student advisers who understand the specific challenges of adjusting to life in Australia. They can help with academic, visa, financial, and personal issues.
Academic writing support
Australian universities have free writing centres and academic skills units. If academic writing in English is challenging — use them. There's no shame in asking for help and they exist precisely for this reason.
Library resources
Your student library card gives you access to a vast range of online databases, journals, and textbooks — for free. Avoid buying textbooks until you've checked if they're available in the library or on course reserve.
Study groups
Joining a study group — from your classes, your residential building, or your university's student union — dramatically improves academic performance and social connection at the same time. Look for groups in your student portal or ask in lectures.
Free online resources
Khan Academy (maths, sciences), Coursera (supplementary courses), Grammarly (writing), Zotero (referencing), Notion (notes and organisation). Many are free or heavily discounted with a student email.
The best ways international students report making genuine friends in Australia: attending O-Week (orientation week) events, joining student clubs related to your interests or nationality, living in share housing (as opposed to isolation in a studio), casual part-time work, and sporting teams at university.
Most universities have cultural and national student associations — Indian Students Association, Chinese Students Association, Vietnamese Students Association, etc — which provide immediate community with people who understand your experience.
Beyond Blue — Mental health support
1300 22 4636 · Online chat available