Preparing for study
In this section
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Studying in Australia can offer a lot of exciting opportunities, but it can feel overwhelming at first. If you experience culture shock or homesickness we can help.
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If you’re looking to further develop your English proficiency while you study, we encourage you to join the English language development sessions available to you at Deakin.
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As a Deakin international student, you can work part-time within your visa limits, and we'll assist you in securing a job and ensuring a rewarding work experience.
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Whether you’re out exploring, shopping or commuting to class, there are many ways to travel around Melbourne and regional Victoria.
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Australia is home to many religions, with churches, mosques and spiritual centres throughout the country.
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Your Orientation includes an International Student Welcome to help you settle into life in Australia and support your studies at Deakin.

Prepare for life in Australia as an international student at Deakin University.
Your first study period will be exciting yet overwhelming. In this part, you’ll discover key events and support services to ease your transition.
Most international students go through some form of culture shock or homesickness when they first arrive in a new country.
Know that it’s normal to miss home. Stay in touch with family and friends for support. There are lots of events you can attend during orientation and throughout your study. This will help you feel part of Deakin’s student community. Join our International Students at Deakin Facebook Group. It will help you feel connected to other international students who might have similar feelings, interests and questions as you.
Strong English language skills will help you in your studies and day to day life in Australia.
If English is your second language, the Deakin University English Language Institute have short courses that will help you improve your English to support your studies. If you’re looking to further develop your English, Developing Strategies for English Language Learners is a free four-week program where you’ll learn more about strategies you can use to develop your academic English while you complete your degree.
As an international student at Deakin, you can work part-time according to the conditions of your visa. It’s important to follow the rules. Here, you’ll find out how much you’re allowed to work and links to where you can find jobs online.
There are many ways to travel around Melbourne and regional Victoria. Find out more information on the different ways you can travel to and from our campuses on our transport webpage.
The international student travel pass can help you save on public transport.
Australia is home to many religions, with churches, mosques and spiritual centres throughout the country. We have multi-faith chaplains who are available to help guide your spiritual wellbeing.
Prayer rooms are accessible on the Burwood and Waurn Ponds campuses. They offer a quiet and peaceful environment for you to take time for personal reflections or to practice your faith.
The final step in preparing to study in Australia is attending our orientation program. It kicks off with the International Student Welcome during Prepare Week, which is designed to help you adjust to life in Australia and start your studies successfully at Deakin. During OWeek, you’ll attend sessions focused on your studies, including Faculty meet and greets, course introductions and more. In Week One, sessions will address key topics for international students, such as your visa, BUPA overseas health cover and work rights.
Be sure to keep connected with Deakin staff and students. Don’t forget about our International Student Connect program that runs throughout the trimester. It’s a great opportunity to engage with students just like you.

Prepare for life in Australia as an international student at Deakin University.
Your first study period will be exciting yet overwhelming. In this part, you’ll discover key events and support services to ease your transition.
Most international students go through some form of culture shock or homesickness when they first arrive in a new country.
Know that it’s normal to miss home. Stay in touch with family and friends for support. There are lots of events you can attend during orientation and throughout your study. This will help you feel part of Deakin’s student community. Join our International Students at Deakin Facebook Group. It will help you feel connected to other international students who might have similar feelings, interests and questions as you.
Strong English language skills will help you in your studies and day to day life in Australia.
If English is your second language, the Deakin University English Language Institute have short courses that will help you improve your English to support your studies. If you’re looking to further develop your English, Developing Strategies for English Language Learners is a free four-week program where you’ll learn more about strategies you can use to develop your academic English while you complete your degree.
As an international student at Deakin, you can work part-time according to the conditions of your visa. It’s important to follow the rules. Here, you’ll find out how much you’re allowed to work and links to where you can find jobs online.
There are many ways to travel around Melbourne and regional Victoria. Find out more information on the different ways you can travel to and from our campuses on our transport webpage.
The international student travel pass can help you save on public transport.
Australia is home to many religions, with churches, mosques and spiritual centres throughout the country. We have multi-faith chaplains who are available to help guide your spiritual wellbeing.
Prayer rooms are accessible on the Burwood and Waurn Ponds campuses. They offer a quiet and peaceful environment for you to take time for personal reflections or to practice your faith.
The final step in preparing to study in Australia is attending our orientation program. It kicks off with the International Student Welcome during Prepare Week, which is designed to help you adjust to life in Australia and start your studies successfully at Deakin. During OWeek, you’ll attend sessions focused on your studies, including Faculty meet and greets, course introductions and more. In Week One, sessions will address key topics for international students, such as your visa, BUPA overseas health cover and work rights.
Be sure to keep connected with Deakin staff and students. Don’t forget about our International Student Connect program that runs throughout the trimester. It’s a great opportunity to engage with students just like you.