• Population: 26 million
• Capital: Canberra
• Demographics: Australia's population has the highest proportion of foreign-born nationals in the world for countries with over 10 million residents. Australia is also home to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who make up 3.3% of the overall population.
• Type of government: Australia's government is a federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy, meaning that even though they are independent and self-governed, they are still recognized as a Commonwealth of the United Kingdom.
• Currency: Australian Dollar
• Common foods: Fairy bread, meat pies, chicken parmigiana, and barbecue

As of 2011, 76.8% of the population speaks English. The 2nd most popular language is Mandarin. It is common for local people to speak English, although in a different dialect, as it is an official language.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

• U.S. Citizens will need a student visa to study in Australia. Coordinators will usually reach out after program acceptance with specific details about the visa application process, but you can read about the list of required documents.
• Non-U.S. citizens should check with the Australian embassy to determine any special regulations pertaining entry into Australia.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• There are 3 mobile plan providers in Australia: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone. All three providers offer the option to purchase a prepaid SIM card for use in your own cell phone, and this is recommended to be the best option for long-term stays in Australia.
• Read more about cell phones, providers, SIM cards, and data plans in Australia here.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• Internet infrastructure is relatively developed in Australia, with more populated areas and larger cities boasting nearly 100% network coverage, and slightly more sporadic coverage in the Outback and less populated regions. Public WiFi is available in major cities at most hotels and restaurants, with no guarantee for WiFi coverage in desolate areas.

Electricity

• Australian outlets use Type I plugs with 3 semi-flat prongs arranged in an angled triangle, instead of two flat prongs like in the US. This means you will need to buy a plug adapter to use any electronic devices or appliances brought from the U.S.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.
• Dual purpose plug adapters/voltage converters can be purchased on Amazon in multi-packs for relatively affordable prices.

Banking Tips

• Some of the main local banks found in Australia include National Australia Bank, ANZ, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and Westpac.
• Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Australia, but it is always a good idea to have at least a small amount of local currency available in cash for smaller daily purchases and in case of emergencies.
• Consult your local US bank before travelling to Australia about international transaction fees, ATM and cash withdraw tips, as well as to notify them of your travels so your credit and debit accounts do not get blocked.
• ATMs are widely available in major cities for cash.

Geography

• Placed in between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia maintains its record as the oldest, flattest and driest inhabited continent on the face of the Earth.
• The country is home to vast biodiversity and is infamous for its copious amount of poisonous or dangerous animals and insects.
• The center of the country remains a hot desert climate, and so the majority of the population lives on the coast where the temperatures are less extreme and more moderate.

Climate

• Australia's climate varies greatly depending on the area of the continent in which you are in. The northern section is characterized by a more tropical climate, with hot and humid summers and warm and dry winters, whereas the south is generally cooler, with mild summers and rainy winters.
• Because Australia is located in the southern hemisphere, seasons are the opposite: December and January are the hottest, and July and August the coolest. Temperatures in the south average about 28 degrees Celsius in the summer, and 8 degrees Celsius in the winter.
• The desert and bush in the Australian "outback", or the mainland area most central to the continent, receive little to no rainfall every year, and can sometimes reach extreme temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius. As such, this is the least populated area of the country.

Packing

• It is recommended to pack lighter clothing in layers and rain gear for the northern regions of Australia, and to be prepared for slightly milder and cooler temperatures in the south--especially in the evenings--with moderate clothing, sweaters, and jackets. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and head gear are a must no matter where you are.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling within Australia

• All of Australia's major cities have a developed system of reliable public bus services, with suburban lines extending outside of city limits near the largest cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and more.
• All major cities also have taxi and rideshare services such as Uber that can be a quick way to travel within a major city, but not always the most affordable.
• Other forms of public transportation in Australia include train, ferry, and tram. Many large cities now use electronic public transport passes or reusable transport cards for ease of reloading them when you need to ride. Read tips on how to navigate public transportation in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and more.
• Common airlines: Qantas, Virgin Australia Airlines, Jetstar, Tigerair, REX, and more.

Cities with international airports

• Sydney Airport (a.k.a Mascot/Kingsford) (SYD)
• Melbourne (a.k.a Tullamarine) (MEL)
• Brisbane (BNE)
• Perth (PER)

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.