Work Permit:  If you were granted a Student visa on or after 26 April 2008, you and your dependent family members will already have Permission to Work automatically included with your visa. If you were granted a Student visa before 26 April 2008 and have not yet applied for Permission to Work, you and your family members may only apply for Permission to Work after you have started your course in Australia.  If you have been granted Permission to Work, there are restrictions on the number of hours you can work.  Students are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours a week during the term and unlimited hours during recognised periods of vacation.  For further information about work permits, visit the DIAC website: www.immi.gov.au

Tax File Number information: You need to obtain a Tax File Number (TFN) to work in Australia. You can obtain a TFN through the Australian Tax Office, visit the ATO website www.ato.gov.au. You will need to contact them about their requirements and processes.

Overseas Health Cover (OHSC):  All new international students pay for OSHC before being issued with a student visa.  Please contact Medibank Private  www.medibank.com.au for further details.

Renewing your Student Visa: You may wish to extend your stay in Australia for further study, staying for graduation, or a holiday. For further information about visas, visit the DIAC website: www.immi.gov.au

Driving in Australia: International students can, however, apply for a NSW driver's licence test and drive on a NSW licence. For more information on this you can ring the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) on 13 22 13 or www.rta.nsw.gov.au

Mail / postage:  Australia Post shops are in most suburbs. Services include lettergram and facsimile, letter and parcel posting, money orders and a bill paying service, including electricity, telephone, gas and water bills.  For further information, please refer to www.austpost.com.au

VIP Higher Car Services: Sydney's limousine, shuttle bus, coach tour and maxi taxi experts. www.bookvip.com.au

Public Transport: www.131500.com.au provides bus/train/ferry timetables and fares in Sydney.

Muslim students: For further information regarding the Halal foods available in Sydney  www.afic.com.au