International FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Sydney has a warm, sunny climate. Summer (December to February) is around 26°C, and winter (June to September) is milder at around 15°C. You will not need heavy snow clothing, but a warm jacket is handy for winter mornings.

Almost certainly. Sydney is a multicultural city with food from all over the world, including Lebanese, Thai, Chinese, Indian and more. There are also many international supermarkets where you can buy familiar ingredients from home.

Australia has very strict biosecurity rules about bringing in fresh food, fruit and seeds. Before you pack anything, check the Australian Border Force website so you know what is allowed.

You have choices. Homestay lets you live with an Australian family and includes a room and meals, from around $420 per week in 2026. You can also find your own share house or rental. Our team can help you organise a homestay and give you tips for finding your own place.

As a guide, most international students spend around $450 to $750 per week on living costs, and the Australian Government asks you to show access to living funds when you apply for your visa. Living in the Jannali area is generally cheaper than the Sydney city centre. Tuition, airfares and health cover are extra. Always check the current figures on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Most of our courses need IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. The Graduate Certificate needs IELTS 6.5. Each course page lists its exact requirements, so you can check before you apply.

Our courses are for adults aged 18 and over. There is no upper age limit, so it is never too late to build new skills.

Most do. Work placement is your chance to practise your new skills in a real Australian workplace, and we organise it for you. Placement is unpaid and is a required part of those courses. The hours for each course are listed on the course page.

Attendance matters, both for your student visa and for your success. You are expected to attend at least 80% of your classes. If your attendance starts to drop, we send you a friendly reminder early, so we can support you before it becomes a problem.

If you are unwell for more than a day, see a doctor, even if you do not need medicine, and ask for a medical certificate. Keep it, as it can explain your absence if your attendance drops. If you are unsure, talk to your trainer or the Academic Manager. We would rather you rest and recover.

Please tell us early. We have dedicated learning support to help you with your studies, alongside your trainers and the international team. Together, we help you build your skills and stay on track. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Anyone on our team. You can talk to a friend, another student, your trainer or the International Manager. We also have our own Wellbeing Team, including a student counsellor you can book time with. No problem is too big or too small, so please just ask. We are here for you.

A lot, and all at no extra cost. You have our own Wellbeing Team with a student counsellor for your health and wellbeing, learning support for your studies, plus academic guidance and orientation. From your first day to graduation, we are beside you.

We have some bilingual staff who can help if you need extra support, so you never feel stuck.

Yes. Every international student must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the length of their student visa. You buy it before you arrive, and our team can point you to approved providers.

Please tell us your new address and contact details as soon as you can, within 7 days of moving. Keeping your details up to date is part of your visa conditions, and it helps us reach you when we need to.

Yes, student visa holders can work limited hours during term and more during holidays. The exact number of hours is set by the Australian Government and can change, so always check the current limit on the Department of Home Affairs website before you start work.

Yes, and we help you with the practical steps. You can open an Australian bank account and apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) once you arrive, and our team gives you guidance on how.

Sydney has an easy public transport network of trains, buses and ferries, all using an Opal card. Our Jannali campus is less than a 10-minute walk from Jannali train station, and Sydney city is about 35 minutes away by train.
Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and has a warm climate. Summer is from December – February and the average temperature is 26°C/78°F during this time. Winter is from June – September and temperatures average around 15°C/59°F.