1
Choose Your Course
Browse our course guide and find the qualification that matches your goals and experience.
2
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application form and submit your supporting documentation.
3
Complete LLN Test
All new students are required to complete an LLN assessment prior to enrolment.
4
Receive Your Letter of Offer
Once your application is assessed and approved, you will receive a Letter of Offer.
5
Accept Your Offer & Pay Your Fees
Sign and return your Written Agreement and pay the required initial tuition fees.
6
Apply for Your Student Visa
International students must apply for an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500).
7
Attend Orientation
Orientation is mandatory for all new students and takes place on your first day of study.
What You Need
General Entry Requirements
Entry requirements vary by course. Always check the individual course page for specific requirements.
Academic Requirements
Minimum completion of Year 10 (for Certificate III programs)
Minimum completion of Year 11/12 or equivalent (for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs)
Non-school leavers may be selected on the basis of vocational experience, previous study and LLN assessment results
LLN Assessment
All students must complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment prior to enrollment. Results are used to identify support needs, not as a pass/fail barrier to entry.
Age Requirement
All students must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of enrolment (or turning 18 prior to commencement)
English Proficiency
IELTS overall score of 6.0 (or equivalent), with no individual band below 5.5
Accepted equivalents include: PTE Academic, TOEFL, Cambridge English, OET, or evidence of 5+ years of study in an English-speaking country
Test results must be no more than 2 years old at time of application
Getting Ready
New Student Checklist
Use this bullet list to make sure you have everything in order before your first day.
Before Enrollment
☐ Chosen your course and reviewed the course page and Course Guide
☐ Confirmed you meet the entry requirements
☐ Completed the online application form
☐ Submitted supporting documentation (ID, qualifications, English proficiency evidence)
☐ Completed your LLN assessment
☐ Reviewed and signed your Letter of Offer and Written Agreement
☐ Paid your initial tuition fees via the Payment Portal
☐ Created your Unique Student Identifier (USI) — see below
For International Students
☐ Received your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
☐ Applied for your Australian Student Visa (subclass 500)
☐ Arranged Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — see below
☐ Arranged accommodation in Sydney
☐ Reviewed your student visa conditions
Before Your First Day
☐ Confirmed your orientation date, time and location
☐ Obtained your required uniform or equipment (trades and hospitality students — see your course guide)
☐ Downloaded the Academia of Trade Student Handbook
☐ Familiarised yourself with the campus location and transport options
Your First Day
Orientation
Orientation takes place on the first day of your course at our Parramatta campus and is designed to set you up for success from day one.
Orientation Covers
Facilities, resources and services available to students
Your rights and responsibilities as a student at Academia of Trade
Emergency evacuation procedures and safety information
Legal, emergency and health services information
Policies on course progress, attendance, deferral, suspension, cancellation, fees and refunds, complaints and appeals
Student visa conditions relating to course progress and attendance (international students)
Evaluation of your individual support needs
Campus tour
Critical incident and critical incident reporting procedures
Assistance with creating your USI (if not already completed)
Question and answer session
If You Need Support
If you have any questions about orientation, contact our student services team.
Student Visa
Your Student Visa & Conditions
Apply for an Australian Student Visa (subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs.
Applying For Your Visa
You can apply for your student visa through the Department of Home Affairs website: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
You may choose to use the services of a Registered Migration Agent or complete the application independently.
Your Visa Conditions
Satisfy attendance and course progress requirements and remain enrolled in your principal course
Only work in accordance with the work hours permitted on your visa (see Work Rights section)
Maintain approved Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay in Australia
Inform Academia of Trade of your current Australian address, contact details and emergency contacts within 7 days of any change
Complete your course within the duration specified in your eCoE
Maintain a valid visa for the duration of your studies
Important
Failure to comply with your visa conditions may result in your enrolment being reported to the Department of Home Affairs, which may affect your visa. Always contact us if your circumstances change.
Health Cover
Overseas Student Health Cover
International students studying in Australia on a Student Visa are required by the Australian Government to hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay in Australia.
What Is OSHC?
OSHC is health insurance that covers you for medical and hospital expenses while you are in Australia. It is a visa requirement and must be maintained continuously from the date you arrive until you leave Australia after completing your studies.
How To Arrange OSHC
You must arrange OSHC before your student visa is granted. Academia of Trade can assist you in arranging OSHC through an approved provider, or you may arrange it directly. Approved OSHC providers in Australia include Allianz Care, Bupa, CBHS International Health, Medibank, and nib OSHC.
For more information on OSHC requirements, visit: privatehealth.gov.au or speak to our admissions team.
What Does OSHC Cover?
OSHC typically covers visits to the doctor (GP), hospital treatment, emergency ambulance, and some pharmaceuticals. It does not cover all medical costs — you may still have out-of-pocket expenses for some services.
Unique Student Identifier
What Is USI & Why Do You Need One?
Without a valid USI, Academia of Trade cannot issue your qualification or Statement of Attainment.
Why You Need One
Creating a USI is free and only takes a few minutes. Visit usi.gov.au to create yours. You will need a form of identity, such as a passport, driver's licence or birth certificate, to verify your identity online.
For information on USI exemptions, visit: usi.gov.au/about/privacy-and-unique-student-identifier/individual-exemptions-students
If you have trouble creating your USI, our student services team will assist you during orientation on your first day.
Your New Student Life
Studying In Australia
Here's what you need to know to settle in and make the most of your time here.
Cost Of Living
The Australian Government estimates that international students need approximately $29,710 per year to cover living costs (as of May 2024). This includes accommodation, food, transport, study materials, clothing and personal expenses. Sydney is one of Australia's more expensive cities — budget carefully, particularly for accommodation.
Accommodation
Options in Sydney include private rentals, share houses, homestay with an Australian family, and purpose-built student accommodation. We recommend beginning your accommodation search well before your arrival. Speak to our student services team for guidance on reputable accommodation platforms and areas near our Parramatta campus.
Banking
You can open an Australian bank account before you arrive. Most major banks allow international students to open an account online in advance. Bring your passport and visa documents to complete the process in-branch if needed.
Transport
Sydney uses an Opal card system for public transport (buses, trains, ferries and light rail). Our Parramatta campus is a short walk from Parramatta train station. You can load your Opal card at convenience stores, train stations and online.
Healthcare
Your OSHC covers most GP visits and hospital treatment. To find a GP, search healthdirect.gov.au or speak to our student services team. In an emergency, call 000 (police, fire, ambulance).
Emergency Contacts
Police / Fire / Ambulance: 000 Mental Health Crisis Line: 1800 011 511 International Student Wellbeing: 1300 78 99 78 (Study NSW)
Working In Australia
Work Rights for International Students
You are permitted to work while your course is in session — subject to specific conditions.
How Many Hours?
From 1 July 2023, there is no longer a fixed cap on the number of hours international students can work while studying. However, the Australian Government continues to review these arrangements.
We strongly recommend checking the current conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website at the time of your enrolment: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Your Rights As A Worker
All workers in Australia — including international students — are protected by the Fair Work Act. This means you are entitled to the minimum wage, fair working conditions, and freedom from exploitation.
If you believe your workplace rights are being violated, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman at fairwork.gov.au or call 13 13 94.
During Scheduled Course Breaks
During official holiday periods as defined in your course schedule, you may work unlimited hours.
Important Conditions
Your work rights apply only while your Student Visa is valid
You must not work before your course commences
Work rights for Student Visa holders differ from other visa subclasses — do not rely on information intended for other visa types
Undeclared or unlawful work can affect your visa status — always confirm your entitlements before commencing employment
Nationally recognised vocational training
CRICOS 03940J
RTO 45739
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
© 2026 Academia of Trade
CRICOS: 03940J | RTO: 45739