Welcome, future students. Here’s your gateway to discovering more information on future study at ASTRA, where you’ll find details about our programs, campus life, and much more. We hope you find this information useful and supportive of your studies.

Our intake dates are January, May and September. For further information on key dates see the ASTRA calendar below.

Our team are always here to help you, so if you need any extra understanding or guidance, don’t hesitate to consult one of our Student Support Officers by emailing support@astra.edu.au or calling 1800 0ASTRA between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. We also offer phone appointments by arrangement.

In recent years Sydney has been named one of the three most liveable cities on the planet, making it a perfect place to call home while receiving a premium Business education from ASTRA.

Renowned as an energetic, experience-hungry hub comprised of an unrivalled diversity of cultures, communities and places of interest, the Harbour City continues to produce graduates ready to exert positive influence on global industry and society, thanks to its upbeat, can-do atmosphere and world-beating learning establishments.

With the Harbour Bridge and Opera House just two of its A-grade manmade landmarks, there’s no denying that Sydney is postcard ready. Add to that natural beauty like almost nowhere else, with its rugged coastline, sun-kissed beaches, iconic harbour and varied national parks, plus abundant native flora and fauna, and it’s fair to say that the state capital of New South Wales pretty much has it all.

This wow factor continues to present through its social fabric, with vibrant arts and culture scenes, quality entertainment and event options, and second-to-none dining and retail destinations easily accessible and always-on. Then there’s the impeccable climate.

To conclude, Sydney is everything you’d hope for from a study base and more – it’s welcoming (as of 2016, more than two-thirds of Sydneysiders weren’t born in Australia), multi-faceted, connected, progressive and safe.

Weather

Sydney enjoys a sunny climate with mild winters and warm summers.

During summer, December to February, average temperatures range from 18.6 to 25.8°C. Autumn is the mildest time of year with humidity dropping and temperatures down to between 14.6 and 22.2°C. Sydney’s winter is June to August, with average lows of 8.8°C and highs of 17°C. In Spring, September to November, days are warmer but the humidity does not reach summer levels – daily temperatures fluctuate from 11 to 23°C. January to June are typically the dampest months, although none of those generally record rain on more than 10 days.

Living Costs

To find out how much day-to-day life in Sydney costs on average, consider creating an estimate using the online calculator here.​

Food & Drink

With a passion for food and cooking, love of fresh produce and choice coastal location, Sydney has been described as the flavour capital of Australia. In fact, it’s well documented that those features, plus the international diversity of its people and proximity to revered wine regions have combined to create one of the world’s best places to eat and drink.

From gourmet restaurants and epicurean experiences, to laneway cafés, bustling markets, cool cocktail bars and classic neighbourhood pubs, Sydney tastes truly special.

Accommodation

As with any major suburban centre, Sydney offers a wide variety of accommodation options for medium and long-term visitors. These include private rentals, shared accommodation and homestays, amongst others. Check the website here for further details, or reach out to ASTRA’s Student Support Services team for assistance by emailing support@astra.edu.au

Public Transport

Sydney’s public transport is clean, efficient, modern and reliable. The Opal card payment system makes navigating the public transport network simple, and accessibility is excellent. It can be used on ferry, train, light rail and bus services all over Sydney. Visit the International Students section of the Transport NSW website here for more information, maps and guides on getting around seamlessly during your stay.

The ASTRA campus is located on Level 3, 16-18 Wentworth Street, Parramatta, only a 1 minute walk from Parramatta station.

Sports

Sydney has a great sporting tradition, with many top-class international, national and local matches, tournaments and festivals taking place here each and every year. The annual calendar is full of sporting spectacle, with cricket, netball, football and rugby, plus thoroughbred racing, motorsports, sailing, surfing and golf all on the agenda.

Every kind of community sport is readily available and facilities are widespread and top quality – you won’t have to go too far to get your fix if you like to play as well as watch.

Arts & Culture

With an arts scene drawing upon a rich multicultural heritage and wildly diverse culture, Sydney is blessed with some of the world’s premier theatres, galleries, public artworks and staged spectaculars, plus major annual events including January’s Sydney Festival, May through June’s VIVID and the Sydney Biennale which runs March to June.

Selected ancient Aboriginal sites are available to marvel at in the NSW capital, with a collection of museums to rival those on any continent. Music continues to be a big part of the Sydney’s story, with gigs, events and festivals happening daily throughout the year and across the city.  LGBTQ+ culture has a long and proud history here, with more community engagement, entertainment and experiences continuing to develop over time. The legendary Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras takes place in March.

Language

ASTRA’s language of instruction is English but our students and staff are multilingual, as is Sydney with over a third of residents speaking a language other than English at home.

If you’re looking for comprehensive information about studying in Australia, the Study in Australia website. (https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/english/australian-education) is an excellent resource. It provides details about Australian education institutions, courses, scholarships, and student support services. Whether you are an international student or a domestic student, this website offers valuable insights into the Australian education system.

Working in Australia while you Study

Many students choose to work part-time to gain practical experience and support their living expenses. As an international student, you have the same workplace rights and protections as other employees:

• you must be paid at least the minimum wage​
• ​you must pay tax on your income
• you must receive a payslip

As an international student at Astra you can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during the trimester, and unlimited hours during your holiday breaks.

You can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for help if you are experiencing issues in the workplace issues, without fear of having your visa cancelled.

If you’re interested in working while studying in Australia, the Work While You Study section on the Study Australia website provides comprehensive information. You’ll find details about work rights, job opportunities, taxation, and important regulations to be aware of as an international student. The Australian Government Department of Education website also provides a work ready fact sheet and further information about the rights of international students at work.

Travel and Visa Advice

If you’re an international student, traveling to and from Australia or managing your visa requirements can be crucial. The Latest Travel and Visa Advice section on the Study in Australia website (https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/english/latest-travel-and-visa-advice) offers up-to-date information on visa application processes, student visa conditions, travel restrictions, and other important travel-related updates. It’s essential to stay informed about any changes or requirements to ensure a hassle-free study experience.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

As an international student in Australia, you are required to have overseas student health cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of your study in Australia. OSHC includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover and limited medicines.

OSHC needs to be arranged about the same time you accept your offer to study.

You can purchase your health cover through one of the additional Australian Government-approved providers:

• ahm
• Allianz
• Bupa
• CBHS International Health
• Medibank
• nib

You will need to provide evidence of your OSHC membership when you submit your Australian student visa application.

Visit https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc-fact-sheet for more information about OSHC and to download the Overseas Students Health Cover fact sheet.

These policies apply specifically to International Students studying in Australia on a student study visa.