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Curious about the do’s and don’ts of Australian etiquette? While Australia is known for its laid-back approach to customs and social norms, there are still a few key behaviours to keep in mind to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.

Let’s go through some essential etiquette tips to help you make a great impression down under.

To the left, to the left…

Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road, and this convention carries over to other parts of Australian streets as well.

When stopping on an escalator, or walking up stairs, always stick to the left and don’t block other people from passing you by resting your hand on the right-side railing. Equally, when walking on the sidewalk, try to stick to the left where possible.

Pay special attention when walking on bike paths. Here, it’s not just a matter of politeness, but also one of safety to stick to the left side.

Personal space

Australia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. This could be why, even in busy cities, people like to have a fairly large circle of personal space.

It’s considered rude to brush up against someone unless it’s absolutely necessary (like on crowded public transport). When there is space available, try to stay an arm’s length away from people. If you have to invade that space for some reason, an ‘excuse me’ or ‘sorry’ is appropriate.

Unless there’s assigned seating or a movie theatre is completely full, give strangers a couple of chair spaces between you and them.

Tipping

While tipping wait staff, hotel staff and cab drivers is necessary in the US and some other places, it’s not required in Australia. It is slightly more common to tip in upscale restaurants, but you always have the option of tipping and won’t be frowned upon if you don’t.

Elevators

Australians call them both elevators and lifts (just to mix it up) but the rules are simple.

It’s polite to hold elevator doors for people who are approaching the elevator. It’s also polite to ask them which floor they are going to if you are standing closest to the buttons – especially if it’s crowded and they are finding it hard to reach over.

Saying hello

Don’t feel as though you should say ‘G’day’ or use the word ‘mate’ a lot. Australians are aware of this stereotype and it can feel a little patronising coming from a visitor. Just saying ‘hello’ and making good eye contact is fine. A handshake may be appropriate if you’re meeting someone with whom you expect to have an ongoing relationship, like a new work colleague.

Even in formal situations, Australians tend to prefer first names. Calling someone (even your boss) ‘Mister’ or ‘Miss’, ‘Sir’ or ‘Ma’am’ can sound a bit serious.

Boarding trains

If you’re waiting to board public transport, be sure to wait for everyone exiting to get out before you try to get on. Not waiting for people to exit first is something that will definitely irritate other travellers – especially early on a Monday morning.

In Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and a few other capital cities, peak-hour traffic on public transport is under strain, and it’s not exactly difficult to get on other people’s nerves. Check out our Guide to Public Transport Etiquette to find out more.

In business

In Australian business settings, punctuality, friendliness and straightforwardness are valued. A handshake is a common and appropriate greeting for both men and women.

While traditional corporate environments often favour conservative attire with darker colours, many creative and tech industries embrace a more casual dress code. No matter where you work, keeping it neat and presentable is key. If you’re not sure, it’s perfectly okay to ask about the dress code during your interview. It shows you’re keen to fit right in and helps you nail that first impression.

As digital tools become more prevalent, the exchange of business cards is less common. Don’t be concerned if someone doesn’t offer a business card; many professionals now prefer to connect via digital platforms such as LinkedIn, which allows for immediate follow-up and interaction.

Be sure to respect Australia’s 9am to 5pm business hours (this includes emails and messages, unless it’s a matter of urgency).

Doors

If someone is within five steps of a door when you’re walking through it, don’t let it slam in their faces. Instead, hold it open for them. This simple act of kindness applies to everyone, regardless of gender. If you see someone carrying items or needing extra help, consider holding the door a bit longer to assist them. Use your best judgment based on the situation, and always aim to be considerate.

Queues

In some cultures, queuing is optional or not that common. In Australia the queue is sacred. ‘Pushing-in’ in any situation – at a bar, a service desk or a cashier – is considered rude. Most of the time, it’s pretty obvious where a queue begins and ends, but if you’re in doubt, simply ask, “Excuse me, is this the end of the line?”

If you’re in a crowded place, like a nightclub, pay special attention to who was waiting at the bar to be served before you. If a bar attendant approaches you instead of someone who was there before you, it’s polite to signal that the other person was there first.

Coughing, sneezing and all the rest

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council spells out the rules nicely: if you’re coughing or sneezing, use a disposable tissue, and if there’s none available, ‘cough or sneeze into the inner elbow rather than the hand’. Why the inner elbow? It’s all science-based! 

pitting in public places is a big no-no and public urination is considered an offence everywhere in Australia. Best not to do it.

Littering

In 1979, when NASA’s Skylab space station came crashing down in Western Australia, the sleepy town of Esperance issued NASA a $400 fine for littering.

Australians take a lot of pride in the state of their environment. While the streets aren’t as clean as in Singapore, littering is not just an affront, but is illegal. A concerted ‘anti-litter’ movement began in the late 1960s and most Australians have grown up with the slogan, ‘Do the right thing – put it in the bin.’

The taboo extends to indoors as well as outdoors. When eating in a food hall, or anywhere where tables and chairs are shared, take rubbish to the bin when you’re finished. In fact, if you can see bins, it’s a sign that you’re expected to use them.

Even in places like cinemas, where people are paid to clean up after you, it’s polite to drop your empty popcorn boxes in the bin on the way out.

Never, ever drop litter or cigarette butts outside! Rubbish dropped on the street eventually ends up in Australia’s waterways, causing pollution and poisoning fish, birds and animals.

Interacting with service staff

Australia has a strong culture of egalitarianism that it doesn’t like to see violated. No matter their job, treat people with equal respect and use ‘please’, ‘thank you’ and ‘excuse me’ with everyone. Never snap your fingers, whistle or yell at service staff to get their attention. As well as being considered rude, the standard of service you receive may drop a little…

At the table

Table manners in Australia are Continental, meaning that the fork goes in the left hand and the knife goes in the right. This is the norm in many parts of Europe too, so you might already be familiar with it.

It’s considered polite to finish everything on your plate as it shows you enjoyed the meal, but if you’re full, it’s perfectly fine to leave some behind—just remember to thank your host or the chef. If you’re done eating, signal to your host or server by placing your knife and fork together in the centre of your plate, handles to the right.

Time

Different cultures have different relationships with time.

Common concepts of time include: linear, multi-active or cyclical. Like many Anglo-Saxon cultures, Australians have a linear relationship with time.

That simply means that time is measured by the clock, not by what someone achieves within a certain amount of time. It is important to arrive at appointments at the actual time specified (and even be a few minutes early), especially in business situations.

But when you’re heading to a social gathering at someone’s house, it’s actually polite to arrive slightly later than the time you were invited. This gives your host a final few moments to get everything ready without any rush.

Making conversation

There aren’t many taboo subjects in Australia, although if you’ve just met someone, it’s best to avoid sensitive topics like race, religion, politics, and sex when you first meet someone. Once you’re more familiar, you might find the right moment to touch on these deeper topics.

Chatting about the weather or sports (Aussies love their AFL!) is always a safe bet. You could also bring up local events or ask about favourite spots to grab a bite. Everyone has hobbies, so asking about what they do in their free time can lead to some great conversations. And who doesn’t like talking about the latest book they’ve read or a movie they’ve enjoyed? These are all easy ways to break the ice and get a good chat going.

Making the transition from being an agent to becoming a part of the admissions team has been a profound and eye-opening experience for me. It has given me a fresh perspective on the student recruitment process and underscored the vital importance of collaboration between agents and admissions teams. Through this journey, I’ve come to appreciate how each role plays a pivotal part in shaping the futures of students and supporting the goals of universities. With these insights, I’d like to share some thoughts and suggestions based on my experiences in both roles.

The Role of an Agent 

As an agent, my primary responsibility was to guide students through the application process, ensuring they have the information needed to make informed decisions. This role required a broad understanding of the requirements of various universities, allowing me to assist students from diverse backgrounds in selecting the most suitable institutions for their specific needs.

However, due to the wide range of institutions they deal with, agents may not always have an in-depth understanding of the specific details and nuances of each university's admission criteria. Additionally, given the large volume of student applications agents handle, I must acknowledge that it is not always possible to be intimately across every student’s application.

Unfortunately, there have been occasions where a student's application was not communicated in time, or deadlines for accepting offers and scholarships were missed. This is why your active involvement as a student in the application process is so important. While an agent can provide invaluable guidance, your close attention to your application is crucial to ensure that nothing important is overlooked. It is, after all, YOUR application and you cannot completely divorce yourself from the process and absolve yourself of all responsibility. An agent is only able to do so much – the rest is up to you.

The Role of the Admissions Team 

My current role on the admissions team involves a thorough and comprehensive understanding of our university's specific requirements and standards. The admissions team is responsible for assessing applications with precision, ensuring that each candidate meets the university's requirement. This role requires detailed knowledge of academic and English requirements, admission policies, and the ability to provide precise guidance to prospective students. 

Meanwhile, our team is well-versed in the Genuine Student Requirement (GSR) and current immigration policies, which are crucial for international students seeking to study in Australia. We meticulously stay updated on changes in visa regulations and GSR criteria to ensure that our applicants receive accurate and timely information. Our deep understanding of these requirements enables us to assist students effectively through the complexities of visa applications. Under the admissions team's guidance, many students have successfully met GSR and obtained their visas, allowing them to start their educational journey in Australia with confidence. This comprehensive support not only helps maintain the integrity and excellence of the university but also ensures a smooth transition for students as they embark on their studies abroad. 

Some thoughts and suggestions

Based on my experience in these two roles, I'd like to share a few thoughts and suggestions regarding how you can achieve a better result in your application:

1. Know Your Situation Thoroughly: Remember, you are the person who knows your own circumstances best. Take the time to fully understand your background, strengths, financial status and any potential challenges. This will help you make informed decisions and communicate effectively with both your agent and the university. Your agent and the admissions team can only be as successful in helping you as you allow them to be.

2. Always Provide Genuine and Accurate Information: Whether you are applying to a university or applying for a visa, it is crucial to present your genuine situation and strictly avoid using fraudulent documents. Steer clear of generic or template responses and avoid making up stories, as authenticity is key. Submitting fraudulent documents or misleading information can lead to very serious consequences. By providing accurate and genuine details, you help ensure that your application is processed smoothly and successfully, maintaining your credibility and future prospects.

3. Stay Engaged in Your Application Process: Even if you have an agent assisting you, it’s important to stay actively involved in your application. Regularly check the progress and status of your applications and follow up with your agent or admissions team frequently to ensure everything is on track. We like an engaged student!

4. Understanding the Conditions and Deadlines on Your Offer: It’s essential to carefully review the conditions and deadlines in your offer letter. You are responsible for meeting all the requirements, submitting necessary documents, and making payments on time. Missing any of these could put your offer at risk. Stay organized, set reminders, and seek clarification if needed to ensure a smooth transition into your studies in Australia. Remember – having an agent assisting you does not mean that you don’t share the responsibility for your application!

5. Seek Help from the University Admissions Team: When you encounter challenges or have specific questions, reaching out to the university’s admissions team is often the most effective approach. They can provide tailored advice to help resolve your issues. For example, platforms like SCUnited offer valuable resources, and you’re always welcome to contact our admissions team through SCUnited for personalized support. 

6. Collaboration is Key: Success in any application process relies on the cooperation of all parties involved—students, agents and university admissions teams. Each plays a critical role, and working together ensures the best possible outcome for your application. 

Conclusion:

A successful application is the result of effective collaboration. The student, the agent, and the university admissions team, each plays a vital role in the process. By staying actively engaged, being well-informed, and ensuring all necessary documents and information are provided on time, you can significantly enhance the chances of a smooth and successful application. This proactive involvement not only helps in avoiding potential pitfalls but also sets the foundation for a fulfilling academic journey in Australia.

Traveling to a foreign country is a lot to take in. A new country, a new culture, people and environment. Most students have to deal with this all alone and independently – sometimes for the first time ever. Things like cooking, Banking, managing accommodation and so on, are all things you will need to learn to do on your own. To help make your life a little bit easier, you can follow these few tips to help you prepare for the adventurous journey of your foreign studies.

What to pack for your study destination: It is important to pack smart and sufficient while traveling for studying abroad. Packing unnecessary stuff or packing insufficient things could end in a difficult situation for you as you will have a limited weight allowance for the flight. It is better to pack for at least 6 months of clothing, accessories, shoes, medicines and first aid, toiletries, electronic items (like adaptor, phone, laptop, portable drive, power banks and headphone), important documents both soft copy and hard copies, stationary, and local currency. Packing smartly means packing the essentials so that you can avoid initial excess expenses while arriving at your destination

Research and prepare before you arrive: Before you depart for Australia, take some time to study your destination and make acquainted yourself with its culture, customs, and lifestyle. Learn about the education system and academic expectations. This will ease you to enhance adaptability to your new location once you arrive.

Plan your finances: Studying in Australia can be expensive, so it’s important to plan your finances carefully. Research the costs of living in your chosen city, including accommodation, transportation, and other living expenses. Tips: check the banking system and how to open an account and accommodation options in your location in websites before arriving.

Be aware of visa obligations: International students will need a valid student visa to study in Australia. Make sure you apply for your visa well in advance (Australian Immigration allows you to apply for your student visa up to 3 months prior to your course commencement date) and ensure that you meet all the requirements. Always keep a copy of your visa documents with you, in case you are asked to produce them.

Get health insurance: Foreign students are required to have Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) while studying in Australia. The University will mention the amount and relevant details when you accept an offer. Make sure you understand the terms and coverage of your policy.

Take advantage of support services: All education providers offer a range of support services for international students, such as orientation programs and academic support. Take advantage of these services to help you adjust to your new environment and succeed in your studies.

Build a support network: It’s important to build a support network while studying abroad. This can include fellow students, college staff, and members of the local community. Becoming active on SCUnited is a great way to start. You can make friends with people before even arriving in Australia. This gives you a great head-start. Join clubs, groups and societies, attend social and career events, and get involved in the local community to meet new people and make connections. Volunteer work is also a better way to weigh your resume and build networks. It opens a window towards good internship opportunities and recommendations.

Understand cultural variances: Australia has a diverse population, and you may encounter cultural differences that you are not familiar with. Take the time to learn about Australian culture, unwritten norms and customs and be respectful of others’ beliefs and values. As an international student you will get to know multicultural people from all around the world. Get to learn their culture to make yourself accustomed while making friends.

Travel and Discover: Australia is a beautiful and diverse country, with plenty to see and do. Take advantage of your time in Australia to explore the country and experience its natural beauty, culture, and history. Not only it will upgrade your knowledge but also will be a great way out to refreshen yourself.

Know your chosen city and local area: To be able to operate hassle free, get to know the facilities near your residence or campus, such as banks, police stations and hospitals. For day-to-day operation, public transport options (including ticketing systems and the location of pick-up and drop-off stops and stations), living costs, the local climate, Location for affordable shopping centers, grocery stores. You can easily look in google maps or seek help from your initial group at the university.

Organize your accommodation: The first and foremost thing is to ensure that you are aware of your accommodation options. There are different types of accommodation available depending on your needs and budget. Homestay, Hostels & guesthousesandprivate rentals.

Take note of key dates for orientation activities: Here we run several events at the start of each intake to help students ease into their studies, such as an orientation week (commonly known as ‘O-Week’) and sessions that help you enroll in your units. These events provide a great opportunity to ask questions and sort out administrative matters, as well as a chance to meet some of your future classmates. It should be noted that Orientation is mandatory for all commencing international students and you are expected to attend.

Have all your important documents packed: Before you leave, you’ll need to make sure you have all the required documents for your stay. This will include: your passport, airline tickets, visa document, your offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), up-to-date academic transcripts (if required by your institution), medical records, personal references, enough passport size photographs (you will require for formal applications such as opening a bank account or getting a contact number), birth certificate, driving license and etc. You should also exchange enough money to cover initial expenses in the first few days.

Make sure you understand Australian quarantine laws: Australia has strict quarantine laws to protect the agricultural industry and ecosystem, so it is very important that you know what you can and can’t bring into the country. There are also some items that need to be declared if you are bringing them into Australia. This rule also applies if you are bringing cash into Australia, with amounts above AUD$10,000 needing to be declared. You may be fined if you do not follow quarantine laws or fail to declare certain items.

Apart from all these, some important things to do on arrival are opening a bank account and getting a mobile phone as soon as possible. On campus, try making friends from not only your culture but also to get to know and acquainted with individuals from different cultures. Finally, always remember to contact university support services if you are facing any adjustment issues or concerns. As an international student studying in Australia, you may find that the education system, cultural norms, and lifestyle are quite different from what you are used to. However, with a little preparation and some helpful tips, you can adapt to your new environment and make the most of your study abroad experience.