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Studying in Australia with Family: What to Expect
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Introduction – Why Many Students Choose on Studying in Australia with Family
Studying in Australia is a big dream for many international students. Australia is a great country with top universities, beautiful cities, and lots of opportunities. But when students move to Australia for their studies, they often miss their families a lot which is also known as homesick which nearly all students have to face. That’s why many students choose in studying in australia with family, bring along their family members with them like their husband or wife, and even their children to live with them in Australia while they study and work.
Having your family with you can make life much easier and most importantly happier. As you won’t feel alone in a new big country. You will get your desired love, support, and someone to talk to when things get hard. Your family also gets to experience a new country, culture, and lifestyle with you.
But bringing your family is not always simple. There are some important things you need to know for this like getting the right visa, finding a place to live, and making sure your children can go to school. You also need to plan your money, because living with a family in Australia can be more expensive than living alone.
This is where our Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC) can really help. We are experts in helping international students who choose on studying in Australia with family. We will guide you through the full process starting from applying for visas to finding the right housing and schools. They make things easier, so you can focus on your studies and enjoy your new life in Australia with your loved ones.
With good planning and the right support, studying in Australia with family can be a wonderful experience like no other. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make it happen.
Studying in Australia with Family: Visa and Legal Requirements
If you're planning to study in Australia not alone but studying in Australia with family along with you, then there are some important rules you need to follow. The Australian government allows many international students to bring their partner (husband or wife) and also children while they study, but you need to apply for the correct visa and show that you can support them.
Who Can You Bring?
As a student, you can bring:
- Your spouse or partner (married or in a de facto relationship)
- Your children (if they are under 18 years old)
These family members are called dependents.
What Visa Do You Need?
Your family members need to apply for a Student Dependent Visa under your Subclass 500 Student Visa. You can include them:
- In your original student visa application, or
- You can add them later after your visa has been granted.
What Documents Do You Need?
You must provide some important documents to the Department of Home Affairs:
- Proof of relationship
- Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Birth certificates (for children)
- Proof of living together if not married (for de facto partners)
- Proof of funds
- You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Australia (covering living costs, rent, food, school for kids, etc.)
- Enrolment confirmation
- A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university or college
- Health insurance
- You must get Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for yourself and your family, and if you are confused about what OSHC is then you can read our article on “OSHC” where we have gone into full detail into what it is, why you need it and more.
Health Insurance Is a Must
Your family also needs health insurance while they are in Australia. You can get a family OSHC plan, and we GECC will help you find an affordable and trusted option.
How GECC Can Help You
We have years of experience helping international students in Australia bring their families.
We will:
- Guide you step-by-step through the visa application
- Help you prepare the right documents ensuring there is no mistakes done
- Explain how much money you’ll need to show
- Help you get OSHC for your family
- Support you even after you arrive in Australia
Studying in Australia with Family: Housing, Schools, and Daily Life for Families
When you move to Australia for studying in australia with family as an international student, it’s very important for you to plan where you will live, where your children will go to school, and how daily life will work for everyone there. Well you won’t need to care too much as life in Australia is safe, clean, and family-friendly, but still you need to be prepared.
Housing Options for Students with Family
Finding the right home is the first step after reaching Australia. If you’re coming alone, a shared apartment or student housing may be enough for you. But with a family, you’ll need more space and especially privacy.
Here are some common types of housing:
- Rental homes or apartments: This one is best for families. You can rent a 1 or 2-bedroom unit close to your university, but do mind the rent cost though.
- Off-campus housing: Many students live in suburbs where it’s quieter and cheaper.
- Short-term stays: You can stay in a hotel or Airbnb for a few weeks until you find a permanent home, but it will cost you a decent amount so make sure you have cash ready.
Tip: You can ask us at the Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC) for help in finding family-friendly accommodation near your university.
Schooling for Children
If your children are coming with you, they must also go to school in Australia (if they are of school age). And it's also very good for their future too as Australia has excellent schools.
There are two main types:
- Public schools: They are usually cheaper. Some may also charge international fees.
- Private schools: They are more expensive but offer more options and facilities.
You will need to show:
- Your child’s birth certificate
- Your visa details
- Proof of enrolment in your own course
Daily Life for Families
Living in Australia with your family can be a wonderful experience. Your life will be peaceful, safe, well-organised and most importantly happy.
Here are some things to expect:
- Transport: Buses, trains, and trams are reliable. You can also buy a car and drive later on if you have a valid license, it’s best if you already get a car license from Nepal before reaching there.
- Healthcare: Make sure your whole family is covered with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Shopping: Groceries and basic needs are easy to find in supermarkets like Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi.
- Childcare: If you have very young kids, you may also need to daycare. It’s available but may cost more, well it's not a necessity still it’s something for you to keep in mind though.
Australia has many family support services and community centres to help new families adjust.
How GECC Helps
Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC) gives full support to students bringing their families to Australia. We can help you:
- Help to find a good house or rental
- Get OSHC for the whole family
- Help you to plan your family budget
Studying in Australia with Family: Challenges and Benefits of Studying with Family
Bringing your family while you are studying in Australia can be a wonderful experience for sure, but it also comes with a few challenges of its own.
Let’s look at both the good parts and the difficult parts of studying in australia with family, so you can make the best choice for your future.
Benefits of Studying in Australia with Family
- Emotional Support
Having your husband, wife, or children with you gives you comfort. It’s easier to study when you’re not feeling lonely and also feel more enthusiasm to work when you have someone to support you. - Better Focus
Many students who have gone to Australia with their family say they can focus better on their studies when their family is with them. It helps them feel more relaxed and motivated. - Cultural Experience for Family
Your family can learn new things too! Australia is a beautiful country with many cultures. Your kids can go to school and make new friends and will have a very bright future. - Stronger Family Bond
Living together in a new place helps your family grow closer and work as a team which itself is a wonderful thing.
Challenges to be aware of when Studying in Australia with Family
- Higher Costs
The most main and obvious disadvantage is the cost, living with your family means you will need to spend more on rent, food, healthcare, and schools which will add up to quite a lot. You will also need to show that you have enough money when applying for the visa which is somewhat tougher. - Time Management
Taking care of your family and studying at the same time can be tough and stressful too if not handled properly. So you’ll need to manage your time wisely. - Limited Work Hours
As an international student, you can only work part-time (up to 48 hours per fortnight). And this may not be enough to cover all expenses, so budgeting is very crucial, and if you are wondering about how to budget properly you can check out our article on “budgetting tips and why to budget”. - Visa and Legal Rules
There are many rules to follow, like getting health insurance for everyone and enrolling your children in school. - Finding the Right Home and School
It takes extra time and research to find the right place to live and a good school for your kids as it won’t most probably be a short term palace to live in. For that you’ll need support and patience so you will need to be sure to properly work together with your family as they are your strength.
How GECC Makes It Easier
The Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC) understands the needs of international students in Australia. They can:
- Guide you through the student dependent visa process
- Help you in finding some affordable housing and family health insurance
- Suggest good schools for your children
- Support you every step of the way
Conclusion to Studying in Australia with Family
Studying in Australia with your family can be a big and exciting step that can make you feel restless to sleep at night. Studying there means starting a new journey together in a whole new country. So you will face some challenges especially if you go to study in Australia with your family, like extra costs and managing time between studies and family. But you will also enjoy many good things, like having the love and support of your family close to you which will be your strength to do even more.
Australia is a safe and friendly place for families. The schools are great, healthcare is strong, and there are many places for kids and parents to enjoy. With the right planning, everything can go smoothly.
Final Tip:
Before you make your decision, sit down with your family and talk about your needs, your budget, and your future plans, make sure that they fully understand everything if possible. And don’t forget to also contact us GECC we’ll help turn your dream into reality.
