Mobile Phones

Could you provide some information about mobile phones?

There are many different types of packages and mobile phone deals around. Make sure you have done some research before deciding to purchase a phone and secure a contract with any mobile phone dealer.

Make sure the deal is flexible, good, cheap and comes with a reliable mobile phone. There are Pre-paid mobile phones as well…. ask us before you buy!

What insurance do I need to take out?

All students applying for student visas must take out the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSCH). Starting from AU$74 for 3 months insurance (AU$274 for one year), you will be covered for most medical expenses in public hospitals, clinics and specialists. Dental and optometry costs are not included.

Supplementary travel insurance is highly recommended to cover lost baggage, cancellation of plane tickets and repatriation.

Which funds are offering Overseas Student Health Cover?

• Medibank Private 

• Teachers Union Health Fund Limited, subcontracting to Worldcare Assist

• BUPA OSHC 

What kind of travel insurance should I choose

Visitors to Australia are strongly advised to take out travel insurance. Most travel insurance policies will cover medical expenses (including hospitalisation), cancellation charges, luggage, personal effects, travel documents, money, hijacking, death, disability, loss of income, personal liability and some additional expenses. Please contact Australien Ausbildung in case of any recommendations.

As a Non-Australian can I invest in Australia?

It depends on what you wish to invest in. Except in rare circumstances acquisitions of residential real estate require prior foreign investment approval before you can purchase. Certain acquisitions of commercial real estate also require prior foreign investment approval.

Acquisitions of shares or other assets of businesses also require prior foreign investment approval in certain instances based on the size and type of investment. For further information you may go to www.firb.gov.au

I am a university student and want to buy a property to live in while at university. Is that allowed?

Yes, but you need to apply for approval. There is a $300,000 limit for the acquisition of residential real estate by students. You need to be over 18 years of age, be attending a recognised tertiary institution and hold a student visa valid for at least the next 12 months.

Students need to provide a letter from their tertiary institution confirming the course they are attending and the duration of that course. The property also needs to be close to the tertiary institution.

Can I, as an international student, go to an auction and buy right away? Do I need prior approval to bid at the auction?

The nature of auction sales is that bids are made without conditions. If you make a bid and have not previously obtained FIRB approval, then you will already have broken the law. It is in your own best interests to get prior approval from the Government. Do I have to pay tax once I have invested in Australia?

We are unable to provide any advice on tax matters. You should speak to a tax accountant or the Australian Taxation Office in your state capital for any queries.

I'm a foreign citizen and am interested in buying a small business. Do I require approval?

Generally, you won’t need to. Acquisitions of businesses or developed commercial properties with a value less than $50 million do not require approval unless they are in a sensitive sector, contain residential real estate, or an accommodation facility.

Which languages do you translate?

We translate the most common and widely used languages. These include, Japanese, French, Dutch, Spanish, German, Chinese (both traditional and simplified), Korean, Italian, Czech, Portuguese, Finnish, Danish and Swedish.

How do I know if the translation will be accurate or not?

Native speakers of the language that is being translated do all translations by hand. The translators are accredited and do not use translation software.