Exchange Pre-Departure Information

Passports

If you have never held a passport or your passport has expired you will need to apply for a new passport ASAP as you can not apply for a student visa without a current passport. Even in quiet times, it can take a few weeks for your passport application to be processed.and during busy periods, there can be long delays. Passport application forms can be completed online ( https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/Forms/EntryPoint.aspx ) or can be picked up from your local Australia Post Office.

Completed passport application forms will need to be printed and personally lodged by the applicant at an Australia Post office. You CANNOT lodge your application online . You will need to sign the completed form in black ink and submit it along with two new colour photographs of yourself (with your name printed on the back of one photo) and all requested supporting documentation. You also need to book an appointment to lodge your application, as an interview will be required. Contact your nearest Australia Post office for additional details on the interview requirement.

It is essential that you ensure your passport is valid not only for the duration of the exchange, but for six months beyond the end of your stay. Re-check the regulations for your host country and renew ASAP if necessary as overseas Immigration authorities may refuse entry to you if you do not meet their regulations regarding passport validity.

Additional information can be obtained on the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Passports website https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/index.aspx

Visas

You will need to obtain a student visa to study in another country and only the country you plan to study in can provide up-to-date information about their visa requirements. You may also need to obtain transit or visitors visas for any country(s) you plan on travelling to during your exchange. It is essential that you obtain all appropriate visa(s), including transit visas where these are required prior to your departure from Australia . Otherwise, you may be refused entry into a country. 

At the time you lodge your ECU exchange application, you should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the country(s) in which you intend to study or visit to obtain information on applying for any appropriate visa(s). You may begin this process once you have been accepted by the host institution. Make sure that you provide all required information when applying for any visas as incorrect or missing information WILL delay the processing of your application. The Australian Government is unable to intervene in any cases in which an Australian has been refused a visa or denied entry.

There are many different types of visas available. You should ensure that you obtain the correct visa which will allow you to study in that country.  The validity and type of visa issued must be strictly adhered to.  Failure to depart the country by the due date may result in a fine and future problems with authorities.  In addition, working in a country without the appropriate work permit can land you in trouble with the local authorities and may even result in deportation or jail time. Remember: if there is a problem with your visa, deportation is at YOUR expense.

International students going on exchange must obtain a letter from the ECU Study Abroad & Exchange Office and present that letter to DIMA 28 days prior to departing Australia . Failure to do so may result in your Australian Student Visa being cancelled. Please contact the ECU Study Abroad & Exchange Office for more information.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has updated addresses and information of all countries represented in Australia : www.dfat.gov.au/geo/