The transport options available in Australia include buses, trains, trams and ferries. Your access to these transport services will vary depending on where you live. You will also be able to access private and public car services from taxis to hired limousines, available to take you from door to door.
Some larger education providers will also have their own in-house transport system, especially useful if you have to leave your campus late at night or live in a hard-to-reach area.
Public transport costs vary depending on where in Australia you live and the type of transport you are using. You should look at the relevant state or territory government website for where you are living to see the full range of services available, timetables, and the costs associated.
See information below about transport concessions in each state and territory, along with links to the relevant websites.
Transport Concessions
ACT
The Australian Capital Territory Government provides transport concessions to international students on presentation of their formal student identification card or upon successful application for a MyWay Students Concession Card. For more information on obtaining a Student Concession Card for the ACT please visit the Transport Canberra website.
NSW
International students are generally not entitled to transport concessions in NSW. More informationon on getting around Sydney and New South Wales is availlable on the Transport NSW website
A small number of international students whose study is fully-funded under certain Australian Government scholarships may be eligible for transport concessions. Contact to your education provider directly for details on eligibility.
NT
In the Northern Territory primary, middle and senior school students travel free on presentation of a valid student card. University and VET students are entitled to unlimited bus travel for three hours on any scheduled public bus service at a cost of $1.00 on presentation of a valid student card. Full details can be found on the NT Department of Transport website.
QLD
Full‐time international students studying at a Queensland education institution in a course approved by Centrelink for Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance purposes are eligible for concessions on public transport. The Translink website provides full details on Queensland concession fares.
SA
The South Australian Government provides transport concessions for all international students on presentation of their formal student identification card. Further information on fares and conditions can be found at Adelaide Metro.
VIC
Victoria has a comprehensive system of trams, trains and buses and an easy to use Myki single ticket system.
Students may be eligible for a concession card if they are studying as part of an approved overseas exchange program, if they have refugee status or if they hold an Australian Development Scholarship. Please check with your education provider to find out if you are eligible. More detailed information on Victoria’s transport system can be found at Study Melbourne.
TAS
International students who study in Tasmania qualify for the same travel concessions as local students. For detailed information on transport concessions in Tasmania please visit the Tasmanian Government Discounts & Concessions website.
WA
International students studying full-time in Western Australia are eligible for public transport concessions. Transperth provides public transport services within the Perth metropolitan area, with an integrated bus, train and ferry network. This means that with just one ticket, students can ride on any bus, train or ferry and transfer between services within a given period.
For information about current concession passes visit the Transperth website.
Driving
If you hold a current drivers licence in your home country, you might be able to drive in Australia without sitting for any further driving tests. But remember that many state and territory governments require you to get an Australian drivers licence if you are here for more than three months. Your licence requirements, and any driving restrictions, are managed by the state or territory government where you are living. Visit the relevant state or territory government website or go to australia.gov.au to find out more.