Student Support Services

Services provided by the International student centre

• Pre-departure information and assistance
• Airport Reception and Airport Pickup
• Accommodation and settling-in support
• Course advice and enrolment assistance
• Orientation program
• Social activities program
• Academic and language support
• Counseling Services

Pre-departure information and assistance

The University provides information and advice about how to prepare for arrival in Australia and what to expect on arrival. A pre-departure kit is sent to all students before they leave their home country. However students may contact the international office via email for more information. Please Click below link to download pre-departure information kit.

[ Download Pre-departure information kit - Sydney ]

Airport reception and airport pickup

New students arriving from overseas are met at Sydney International Airport by friendly staff or senior students and are transferred by car or bus to the arranged accommodation. Student are taken to their accommodation and assisted with basic needs such as changing money, telephoning home, buying food and any other items.

Students are required to make a request for this service at least two weeks in advance. (Conditions and charges apply. Contact the international office for details)

Accommodation and settling-in support

Our student support staff will help organize accommodation for students in advance of their arrival. Every effort is made to enable students to acquire the accommodation best suited to their needs. Staff will assist students to settle quickly and successfully into their accommodation and to familiarise themselves with local shopping, opening a bank account, and getting to know the city, surrounds and the local transportation system.

Several options are available for International students, including rental accommodation, shared accommodation, home stay etc. Most international students prefer to share rental accommodation to reduce cost. IIBIT staff can assist students to find accommodation. Although accommodation is available easily, beginning of each term is a busy time; it is advisable to be prepared to wait for at least two weeks.

Homestay living – placement with an Australian family who provides accommodation and meals is a good option for international students. Approximate cost of Homestay living in Sydney is between AUD$100 and AUD$150. IIBIT keeps a list of real estate agents and homestay providers to make necessary arrangements.

Students are required to make a request for this service at least two weeks in advance. (Conditions and charges apply. Contact the international office for details)

Course advice and enrolment assistance

Students are introduced to academic staff of the University and especially to their course coordinator, and are provided with course advice and assistance with their enrolment.

Orientation program

An orientation program is conducted before classes begin and is compulsory for all newly arriving international students. The program includes and introduction to IIBIT, its services and facilities as well as an introduction to Australian culture, society and life. Students are also introduced to the academic culture and rules of the University that are necessary for successful study.

Social activities program

An ongoing social activities program runs throughout each semester and provides opportunities for students to enjoy a range of activities outside study. These include occasional weekend or daylong excursions to various locations, including the Blue Mountains and the South Coast.

Academic and language support

Continuing study assistance is provided by specially trained staff on a one-to-one basis, to assist students with note taking, essay writing, assignment preparation, seminar and tutorial presentations, using the library resources and English language skills.

Counseling services

IIBIT Counseling Service is free, confidential and voluntary. Counselors help students with:

• Personal skills such as motivation, time management, exam preparation, oral presentations, working in groups.
• Understanding the way the University works, interpreting ‘official language’, knowing who to ask about what.
• Dealing with difficult personal situations.

General Information

[ Download information for Students March 2009 ]