International Students

Why study in Australia — and North Sydney

Australia's vocational education system is nationally regulated, competency-based and built with industry — and protected for international students by the ESOS framework. Thames's campus sits in the heart of North Sydney: a major business district minutes from the Sydney CBD, walking distance to North Sydney station, Luna Park and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

How to apply

Choose your qualification, check its entry and English requirements, then apply directly or through a registered education agent with your documents. Successful applicants receive a Letter of Offer; after acceptance and payment as set out in the offer, you receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your visa application. See the full enrolment journey or start an application.

Entry & English requirements

Entry requirements vary by qualification — generally age 18+, schooling equivalent to Australian Year 12 (or relevant experience for higher-level qualifications), and English proficiency evidenced by IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL or an equivalent accepted test or pathway. Confirm the current requirement for your course with admissions before applying.

Genuine Student requirement

Student-visa applicants must meet the Australian Government's Genuine Student requirement — showing that you genuinely intend to study, understand your course and living arrangements, and can explain how the course fits your circumstances. Details are on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Fees, OSHC & CoE

Tuition and non-tuition fees are set out in your Letter of Offer before you accept. International students must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa — you can arrange it yourself or ask the college about options when you apply. Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is issued after you accept your offer and pay as required.

Student visas

Full-time international students generally hold a Student visa (subclass 500). The college cannot provide migration advice — for visa requirements, conditions and processing, use the official sources: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and studyaustralia.gov.au.

Visa information on this page is general only. Always rely on the Department of Home Affairs for current student-visa requirements.

Pre-arrival, accommodation & transport

Before you fly: confirm your CoE and OSHC, arrange your first weeks of accommodation, and keep digital and printed copies of your documents. Accommodation: students typically choose between homestay, share houses and private rentals — start with reputable platforms and never pay a bond without verifying a listing. Transport: North Sydney is exceptionally well connected — train from the airport via Central to North Sydney station, plus buses and the Milsons Point ferry. An Opal card (or contactless payment) covers trains, buses and ferries.

Cost of living

Plan a realistic budget covering rent, food, transport, phone/data, OSHC and study materials. The Australian Government publishes cost-of-living guidance for student-visa purposes — check the current figures at studyaustralia.gov.au, as they change over time.

Orientation & starting well

Every intake begins with orientation: meeting your trainers, touring the campus and neighbourhood, setting up your My Thames portal access, and understanding assessment, attendance and support services. You'll leave day one knowing exactly who to ask for help.

Working while studying

Student-visa holders have work rights subject to the conditions of their visa, which the Australian Government sets and updates. Check your current entitlements on the Department of Home Affairs website, and remember course progress comes first — it's a visa condition.

Student support & wellbeing

Thames provides academic support, additional classes where needed, reasonable adjustments, and wellbeing assistance — plus critical-incident support for serious situations. If anything affects your studies, talk to us early; small problems are easiest to fix before they grow.

Course progress, attendance & your enrolment

International students must maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance as a condition of their visa. Thames monitors progress, tells you early if you're at risk, and supports you back on track. Rules also govern deferring, suspending or cancelling your enrolment, and transfers between providers — ask student services or see our policies.

Complaints, appeals & your rights

Under the ESOS framework you're entitled to accurate information, a written agreement, fee protections, and fair complaints and appeals processes. Raise concerns with the college first; if unresolved, external avenues including the Overseas Students Ombudsman are available at no cost. Read your rights at dewr.gov.au/esos-framework.

Emergency contacts

In an emergency in Australia call 000 (police, fire, ambulance). For non-urgent police matters call 131 444. The college's contact details are on our contact page — save them in your phone before you arrive, along with your country's consulate in Sydney.