Student FAQ

All Lexis English campuses are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS):

• Noosa & Sunshine Coast: CRICOS Provider Code 01632D
• Brisbane: CRICOS Provider Code 02499G
• Byron Bay: CRICOS Provider Code 03019J
• Sydney (Manly): CRICOS Provider Code 02362B
• Perth Campus: CRICOS Provider Code 03274E

You can verify registration at cricos.education.gov.au

Please bring the following documents with you:

• Valid passport, ensure it is valid for the full duration of your stay
• Student visa grant letter, keep a printed and digital copy
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), provided by Lexis English
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy, required for all student visa holders
• Evidence of funds, bank statements or scholarship letters
• Emergency contact details, family member or trusted person back home
• Accommodation confirmation, letter or booking reference for your first night

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory health insurance for all international students in Australia. It is a visa requirement: you cannot enter Australia on a student visa without it.

Lexis English arranges OSHC through Allianz Care Australia on your behalf. Your OSHC covers:

• Doctor visits (GP)
• Hospital treatment
• Some prescription medicines
• Emergency ambulance

For claims or queries, contact Allianz OSHC: 1300 136 742 or visit allianzcare.com.au

Your OSHC quote comes from Allianz’s own visa-length calculator, and three rules explain the number you see:

• The policy starts on the Friday before your course starts, so you are covered from the weekend you arrive.
• Cover runs to your estimated visa end date, not just your course end. Student visas are usually granted about one month beyond courses of 10 months or less, about two months beyond longer courses: and to 15 March of the following year if a longer course finishes in November or December.
• OSHC is sold in whole months, not weeks. Any part month rounds up, so your policy can run a little longer than your visa, that is how OSHC works for everyone; there is no way around it.

Quotes on this site use Allianz Single cover. Couples (Dual) and family (Multi) cover are also available: ask us for a price. Your exact premium is confirmed at enrolment.

We recommend arriving at least 2–3 days before your course start date. This gives you time to:

• Settle into your accommodation
• Buy essential items (bedding, toiletries, groceries)
• Get a local SIM card
• Rest and recover from jet lag
• Explore the local area

Your First Day (Orientation) is the official start of your Lexis English program. Placement testing begins at approximately 8:30am–9:00am. Please arrive on time.

You can purchase a prepaid SIM card from convenience stores, supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths), or phone carrier stores. Popular providers for international students include:

• Optus, good coverage nationwide
• Telstra, best regional coverage
• Vodafone, competitive international call rates
• Aldi Mobile / Boost, affordable prepaid plans

You will need your passport to register a SIM card in Australia. Plans typically start from $10–$30/month.

Australia has a varied climate depending on location and season. General packing recommendations:

• Noosa / Sunshine Coast / Brisbane / Byron Bay: Warm and subtropical: light clothing year-round, bring a light jacket for winter (June–August)
• Sydney (Manly): Mild, pack layers for cooler months, bring sun protection
• Perth Campus: Hot, dry summers; mild winters: sun protection is essential

Always bring: sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, and sunglasses, Australian UV is intense all year.

Yes, major Australian banks allow you to apply for an account online before arrival. The most popular banks for international students are:

• Commonwealth Bank (CBA), Westfield Smart Access account, popular with students
• ANZ, Access Advantage account
• Westpac, Choice account
• NAB, Classic Banking account

You will need to visit a branch within 6 weeks of arrival to verify your identity with your passport. Bring your passport, CoE, and Australian address.

Transport options vary by campus:

• Noosa: Brisbane Airport approx. 75 min; Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) Airport approx. 30 min
• Sunshine Coast: Maroochydore Airport approx. 15–20 min by taxi (~$25); from Brisbane Airport (~60 min) via Col’s Air Shuttle or Sunair Bus, ask Reception for timetables
• Brisbane: Airtrain ~$22 | Taxi ~$50–60 | Bus ~$20
• Byron Bay: Gold Coast Airport ~45 min (~$35 taxi) | Brisbane Airport ~2 hrs (~$65)
• Sydney (Manly): Train + Ferry ~$25–35 | Taxi ~$90–120
• Perth Campus: Bus ~$5 | Taxi/Uber ~$45–60 | Airport Shuttle ~$25–35

We recommend booking a taxi, rideshare (Uber/DiDi), or pre-arranged shuttle for your first arrival.

Yes, but there are important rules:

• Bring a doctor’s letter in English confirming your condition and medication
• Keep medication in its original labelled packaging
• Bring enough supply for your stay, or check if it is available in Australia
• Some medications are controlled substances in Australia: check with the Australian Border Force before travelling

Visit www.tga.gov.au for the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration’s traveller information.

The minimum age at our adult campuses is 16 years old. Students aged 16–17 study in a mixed-age adult environment alongside older students, and are covered by additional welfare obligations under the ESOS Framework and National Code:

• Parents or legal guardians must provide written consent for medical treatment in case of emergency
• Approved welfare and accommodation arrangements must be confirmed before the student visa is granted
• Lexis English has a duty of care for all under-18 students throughout their enrolment

International students in Australia are frequently targeted by scammers. Know the warning signs:

• ATO / Immigration phone scams, You receive a call claiming to be from the ATO or Department of Home Affairs, demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest or visa cancellation. This is always a scam. Government agencies never demand payment over the phone. Hang up immediately.
• Rental scams, Fake listings (often on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree) ask for a bond or holding deposit before you can view the property. Never send money without physically inspecting a property and verifying the landlord’s identity.
• Job scams, Offers of unusually high pay for simple tasks, or jobs requiring an upfront fee. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
• Fake debt collectors, Threatening calls claiming you owe money and your visa will be cancelled unless you pay immediately.

Your first day is a structured orientation to help you settle in. The general schedule is:

• 8:30–9:00am, Registration and welcome
• 9:00–10:30am, Written placement test
• 10:30–10:45am, Morning break (tea/coffee)
• 10:45–11:00am, Orientation presentation (campus rules, policies, timetables)
• 11:00am–12:00pm, Individual speaking interviews with a teacher
• 12:30pm, Power Up session (part of your full-time lessons)
• 1:30pm, Walk & Talk (guided campus and neighbourhood tour)

The placement test assesses your current English level so we can place you in the right class. It consists of:

• Written test, grammar and vocabulary (approximately 90 minutes)
• Speaking interview, one-on-one conversation with a teacher (approximately 10–15 minutes)

Results are used to place you in one of six levels: Beginner (A1), Elementary (A2), Pre-Intermediate (B1), Intermediate (B1+), Upper Intermediate (B2), or Advanced (C1).

• Passport (original)
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• OSHC card or policy documents
• A pen
• Notepad or exercise book
• Australian phone number (if you have one)
• Local address where you are staying

Bring a light lunch or some money, there are cafes and shops nearby most campuses.

Yes! You will receive a Lexis English Student Card which provides discounts at local businesses, cafes, and tourist attractions.

You will also be introduced to the My Lexis App, your digital hub for timetables, learning resources, activity bookings, and campus news.

Full-time General English (GE) is 20 hours of lessons a week, plus 5 hours of guided study and activities. Classes run Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 2:45pm.

Power Up is part of those 20 hours, usually 12:30pm to 1:30pm each weekday, after your two lesson blocks. You pick the topic or skill, for example pronunciation, exam preparation or conversation, but it’s a class like any other. If you’re on a Student Visa, you can’t skip it.

Evening full-time courses are also 20 hours a week. Part-time General English is 15 hours a week, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 12:00pm. There is no two- or three-day option.

Optional extras include:

• Homework Help, after-class support with teachers
• Social programme, excursions, sport, beach days, cultural events

We offer six levels aligned to the Common European Framework (CEFR):

• Beginner, A1
• Elementary, A2
• Pre-Intermediate, B1
• Intermediate, B1+
• Upper Intermediate, B2
• Advanced, C1

All students must maintain a minimum attendance of 80% in each four-week study period. This is both a Lexis English requirement and a student visa condition.

If your attendance falls below 80%:

• You will receive a formal written warning
• Continued non-attendance may result in visa reporting to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
• In serious cases, your enrolment may be cancelled

Level advancement is assessed at the end of each study period. To advance to the next level you must:

• Complete a level progression test
• Achieve the required score for your current level
• Maintain minimum 80% attendance

Your teacher will advise you if you are ready to advance. If you do not pass, you will continue in the same level with new course content.

Lexis English uses Cambridge Empower series textbooks. Your books are covered by the Course materials fee, a one-off fee shown as its own line on your quote. The amount depends on your course and, for most courses, on how many weeks you book.

You will be issued your textbook on or after your first day of classes. Please bring it to every lesson and take care of it.

Yes, Lexis English operates an English Only Policy on all campuses. This applies in classrooms, common areas, and during school activities.

Speaking English at all times, even with friends from your home country: is the fastest way to improve. Immersion works!

On completion of your program, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance from Lexis English. The certificate includes:

• Your full name (as per your passport)
• Course studied (e.g., General English)
• Level achieved (e.g., Upper Intermediate: B2 CEFR)
• Start and end dates of your course
• Campus name and authorised signature

You can also request a copy of your academic progress record at any time through Student Services. Many Lexis campuses hold a graduation celebration on your final Friday: ask your campus for details.

Yes, campus transfers are possible and Lexis English will do its best to accommodate requests. The process is:

1. Speak to your current campus Student Services team to make a transfer request
2. Confirm course availability at your desired campus
3. Arrange accommodation in the new location
4. Allow time for the administrative update: your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) will be updated to reflect the new campus

Contact your current campus Student Services team to start the transfer process.

Lexis English is closed on all Australian public holidays. Public holidays are not counted as absences. They are excluded from attendance calculations.

National public holidays (all campuses):

• New Year’s Day: 1 January
• Australia Day: 26 January (or nearest Monday)
• Good Friday, Easter Saturday & Easter Monday (date varies: March/April)
• Anzac Day: 25 April
• Christmas Day: 25 December
• Boxing Day: 26 December

Additional state-specific holidays:

• Queensland campuses (Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane): Labour Day (early May), Queen’s/King’s Birthday (late June)
• New South Wales campuses (Byron Bay, Sydney/Manly): Bank Holiday (August), Queen’s/King’s Birthday (second Monday June)
• Western Australia (Perth Campus): Foundation Day (June), Queen’s/King’s Birthday (September)

Lexis English can help arrange several types of accommodation:

• Homestay, live with an Australian family; meals often included; great for immersion
• Student share houses, share a house with other international students; kitchen facilities; independent lifestyle
• Student residences, purpose-built student apartments; Brisbane campus has access to Student One Elizabeth Street
• Private rental, find your own apartment; we can assist with advice

Contact your campus accommodation coordinator before arrival to arrange housing.

Accommodation costs vary by campus, property and room type. As a rough guide, expect around $240–$450 per week, regional campuses like Sunshine Coast sit at the lower end, Sydney and Byron Bay at the higher end, and homestay (with meals included) prices differently to share houses.

Homestay means living with an approved Australian host family. It is an excellent option for students who want to practise English at home and experience Australian family life.

Typically included:

• Private bedroom
• Breakfast and dinner (varies by arrangement)
• Access to shared bathroom, laundry, and kitchen
• Wi-Fi

All Lexis homestay families are vetted and approved. There is a Homestay Code of Conduct for both students and host families to ensure a positive experience.

When you move into rental accommodation, you should complete a Property Condition Report (inspection checklist) within the first 3 days. This documents:

• Any existing damage to walls, floors, fixtures, appliances
• Condition of furniture and fittings

This protects you from being held responsible for pre-existing damage when you leave. Keep a copy and send one to the agent or landlord.

A bond is a security deposit paid at the start of a tenancy: typically 4 weeks’ rent. In Australia, bonds are lodged with a government authority (not kept by the landlord):

• QLD: Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
• NSW: NSW Fair Trading
• WA: Bond Administrator (Department of Commerce)

Your bond is returned at the end of your tenancy if the property is left in the same condition as when you moved in (allowing for fair wear and tear).

Yes, student visa holders are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (approximately 24 hours per week on average) while their course is in session.

There is no limit on working hours during school holidays or official vacation periods.

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a unique number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You need one to work legally and to pay the correct amount of tax.

To apply:

• Visit www.ato.gov.au and complete the online TFN application
• You must be in Australia and have an Australian address
• Your TFN will arrive by post within 28 days

Give your TFN to your employer when you start work. Without it, you will be taxed at the highest rate (47%).

ATO Helpline: 13 28 61

Superannuation (super) is Australia’s compulsory retirement savings system. Your employer must pay an additional 11.5% of your ordinary earnings into a super fund on your behalf (as of FY2024–25).

You choose a super fund, many banks and financial institutions offer them. When you permanently leave Australia, you may be able to claim your super back through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) scheme.

To claim DASP after leaving: visit www.ato.gov.au/dasp

If you worked in Australia during a financial year (1 July – 30 June), you should lodge a tax return by 31 October each year. You may be entitled to a refund if too much tax was withheld from your wages.

You can lodge online at myTax via ato.gov.au or use a registered tax agent. Many tax agents offer free or low-cost returns for students.

All workers in Australia: including international students: are protected by the Fair Work Act. Your rights include:

• National minimum wage (currently $24.10/hr as of July 2024)
• Penalty rates for weekends, public holidays, and overtime
• Safe working conditions
• Protection from unfair dismissal
• Right to join a union

If you believe you are being underpaid or treated unfairly, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman: 13 13 94 or www.fairwork.gov.au

Often, yes, governments, employers and national schemes fund thousands of students to study English abroad every year, and Lexis English works with the major ones:

• Bildungsurlaub (Germany), paid educational leave for German employees; Lexis campuses are recognised by German federal states. Bildungsurlaub at Lexis
• SACM (Saudi Arabia), offer letters, direct billing and sponsor reporting handled for Saudi Cultural Mission students. SACM students at Lexis
• CSN (Sweden), Swedish studiemedel for full-time courses of 13+ weeks. Study with CSN funding
• Employer or government sponsors. We provide offer letters, sponsor-name invoicing and progress reporting. All scholarships & funded study

Regional scholarship promotions and seasonal specials are applied automatically when you build a quote.

Estimated weekly costs (excluding accommodation): 2025 figures:

• Groceries/food: $100–$150/week (cooking at home)
• Eating out: $15–$25 per meal at a café/restaurant
• Public transport: $30–$60/week depending on city
• Phone/internet: $15–$30/month
• Entertainment/activities: $50–$100/week
• Total (excl. rent): approximately $300–$500/week

Combined with rent, budget at least $700–$900/week in major cities (Sydney, Brisbane), or $600–$750 in regional campuses (Noosa, Sunshine Coast).

Most major Australian banks have removed ATM fees for their own customers. However:

• Using another bank’s ATM may incur a fee (typically $2–$3)
• Using an overseas bank card will incur international transaction fees (typically 2–3%)
• Eftpos (direct card payment) is free at most shops and supermarkets

Opening an Australian bank account quickly will save you significant fees over a long stay.

You can send money internationally using:

• Wise (formerly TransferWise), low fees, good exchange rates
• Western Union / MoneyGram, available at post offices and newsagencies
• Your Australian bank, international transfer, may have higher fees
• PayPal, convenient but check exchange rates

Always compare exchange rates and fees before transferring. Wise typically offers the best rates for student amounts.

Australian consumer law gives you strong rights when buying goods and services:

• Refund or replacement for faulty goods, even without a receipt if you can prove purchase
• Goods must be fit for purpose and match descriptions
• Services must be provided with reasonable care and skill

For disputes, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC): www.accc.gov.au

If you are too sick to attend class:

• Call your campus immediately before classes begin to report your absence
• Visit a GP (General Practitioner) for a medical certificate if you are absent more than 1 day
• Submit the medical certificate to student services: medical absences may be excluded from your attendance record

Your OSHC card covers visits to bulk-billing GPs. Ask at reception if the doctor bulk bills, this means no out-of-pocket cost for you.

Yes, Lexis English has a Student Support Officer at each campus who can provide pastoral care and refer you to professional support services if needed.

National mental health resources:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au
• Kids Helpline (under 25): 1800 55 1800

Speak to your Student Services coordinator: everything you share is treated with confidentiality.

Australian beaches can have dangerous rip currents. Always follow these rules:

• Always swim between the red and yellow flags, this is the patrolled area
• Never swim alone
• If caught in a rip: don’t fight it, float, raise your arm, and wait for rescue OR swim parallel to shore to escape
• Check conditions before entering: look for signs and ask lifeguards
• Never swim at unpatrolled beaches, at night, or when flags are not flying

Australia has one of the highest UV radiation levels in the world. Protect yourself with the “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide” method:

• Slip on sun-protective clothing
• Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours)
• Slap on a hat (broad brim)
• Seek shade between 10am and 3pm
• Slide on sunglasses (UV400)

You can get sunburnt even on cloudy days. Don’t underestimate Australian UV.

Australia is generally safe, but follow common-sense precautions at night:

• Travel with a friend where possible
• Stay in well-lit, populated areas
• Avoid displaying expensive items (phone, jewellery, laptop)
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return
• Use registered taxis or Uber rather than accepting rides from strangers
• Trust your instincts: if something feels wrong, seek help immediately

As a student visa (Subclass 500) holder, you must:

• Maintain enrolment at a registered CRICOS provider
• Attend classes, minimum 80% attendance
• Maintain satisfactory course progress
• Work no more than 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
• Maintain OSHC for the duration of your visa
• Notify your education provider of address changes within 7 days

Breaching these conditions can result in your visa being cancelled. Contact the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) if you have visa questions: 13 1881

Yes. You can extend your enrolment at Lexis English. Speak to your Student Services coordinator about extending your course. They will issue a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Your visa needs planning too. The rules on who can apply for a Student visa from inside Australia changed on 2 October 2026 and can change again, so check the Student visa (subclass 500) page before you plan an extension.

Yes, for up to 4 months. The limit is the same on the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). Our Working Holiday courses run from 1 to 17 weeks.

To keep studying after that, you’d need a Student visa. Since 2 October 2026, Working Holiday and Work and Holiday visa holders can’t apply for one from inside Australia, so you would apply from outside the country. The rules can change, so check the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) page before you plan.

It depends on when you cancel and why. The enrolment fee on your quote (called the Admission Fee in our Refund Policy) is never refunded.

• Your visa is refused before you start: we refund everything except the enrolment fee, within 4 weeks of your written notice. If it’s refused after you’ve started, we refund your unused fees (less the enrolment fee), counted from your last day of study.
• You cancel 28 days or more before your start date: we refund everything except the enrolment fee.
• You cancel less than 28 days before your start date: we keep 20% of the tuition you’ve paid, plus the enrolment fee, and refund the rest.
• You cancel on or after your start date: tuition fees are not refunded.
• Student Visa, once your CoE has been issued: a cancellation fee of 10% of the tuition you’ve paid applies, however much notice you give.
• We cancel or withdraw your course: you choose. We refund your unused fees within 2 weeks, or you take a place in a suitable alternative course at no extra cost.

To cancel, email [email protected]. A cancellation only counts once we receive it in writing. Refunds are paid within 4 weeks, in the currency you paid in, to the person who entered the contract with us. The full Refund Policy has the details, including accommodation.

Free legal aid is available in each state:

• Queensland: Legal Aid QLD, legalaid.qld.gov.au | 1300 65 11 88
• New South Wales: Legal Aid NSW, legalaid.nsw.gov.au | 1300 888 529
• Western Australia: Legal Aid WA, legalaid.wa.gov.au | 1300 650 579

Legal aid can help with tenancy disputes, employment issues, discrimination, police matters, and other legal problems.

Lexis English has a formal complaints and appeals procedure as required under the ESOS Act 2000, the ESOS Regulations 2001 and the National Code 2018. You have a legal right to raise concerns without fear of affecting your enrolment.

Step 1, Informal resolution: Speak with your teacher or Student Services Officer. Many issues are resolved quickly at this stage.

Step 2, Formal written complaint: If unresolved, submit a written complaint to the Campus Manager or Director. Lexis English will acknowledge receipt and respond in writing within 10 working days.

Step 3, External review (free): If you are not satisfied with Lexis English’s response, you may refer your complaint to the Overseas Students Ombudsman at no cost.

Each Lexis English campus also has a 24-hour student emergency number. This number is provided to you on enrolment and is listed in your Pre-Arrival Handbook.