Learn about shipping options for bringing your belongings from home to Australia
Moving to Australia for your studies requires planning how to transport your personal belongings. This guide covers the various shipping options available, customs regulations, costs, and practical advice for international students.
Planning Tip: Start organizing your shipping at least 8-12 weeks before your departure date, as international shipping can take 4-8 weeks depending on your origin country.
Important Note: Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Prohibited items include food, plants, animal products, and soil. All shipments are subject to customs inspection.
Strategic decisions about what to bring from home versus what to purchase after arrival can save you significant shipping costs and hassle.
Budget Saver: Consider buying second-hand items through Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or student noticeboards to save money.
Shipping costs vary widely based on weight, volume, origin country, shipping method, and additional services.
| Shipping Method | Approximate Cost | Transit Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | $40-60 per kg | 5-10 days | Essential items needed soon after arrival |
| Sea Freight (shared container) | $150-300 for 25kg box | 30-60 days | Non-urgent, larger shipments |
| Excess Baggage | $30-100 per kg (airline dependent) | Same as your flight | Additional luggage under 30kg |
| International Courier (DHL, FedEx) | $150-400 for a 5-10kg package | 7-14 days | Smaller packages needing reliable tracking |
Cost-Saving Tip: If shipping from Asia, consider using specialized student shipping services like Seven Seas Worldwide, SendMyBag, or Unibaggage, which often offer student discounts.
Australia has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world to protect its unique ecosystem. Understanding these regulations before shipping is essential.
Required documents for your shipment:
Warning: Failing to declare restricted items can result in fines of up to AU$2,664 or potential prosecution. Always declare any items you're unsure about.
As a student entering Australia, you may import your personal belongings duty-free if:
New items valued over AU$1,000 may be subject to import duty and taxes.
Here are reputable international shipping services that offer specialized support for international students:
Service Selection Tip: Always get quotes from at least three different providers. Check if they offer specific student discounts, and verify that they provide assistance with customs clearance for Australia.
Packing Tip: Take photos of the contents of each box before sealing for insurance purposes and your own inventory.
Delivery Advice: Don't schedule your shipment to arrive before you do, as this can result in storage fees and complications with delivery. Aim for it to arrive 1-2 weeks after you're settled.
If you're staying in UNSW campus accommodation, follow these guidelines for receiving shipments:
[Your Full Name]
Room [Room Number]
[Building Name] Residence
UNSW Sydney
[Street Address]
[Suburb], NSW [Postcode]
Australia
If you need to store belongings temporarily upon arrival or during holiday breaks:
Limited on-campus storage may be available:
Storage Tip: Book storage units in advance during peak periods (end of semester, summer break). Many facilities offer student discounts with valid ID.
Costs vary by origin country, but approximate ranges are:
Student-focused shipping services like SendMyBag or Unibaggage often offer the most competitive rates.
Australia strictly prohibits these categories:
When in doubt, always check the Australian Border Force website or declare the item.
Generally, personal effects that you've owned and used for 12 months or more before arriving in Australia can be imported duty-free if you:
New items or items less than 12 months old with a combined value over AU$1,000 may be subject to import duty (typically 5%) and GST (10%).
Typical shipping times to Australia:
Add 2-7 additional days for customs clearance, especially if your shipment requires inspection. During peak times (January/February and July/August), delays of 1-2 weeks can occur.
Yes, you can ship electronics to Australia, but consider these points:
Personal electronics you've owned for over 12 months are typically exempt from import duties.
Final Advice: Plan your shipping early, research thoroughly, and be prepared for customs procedures. Consider bringing only essentials initially and purchasing other items after arrival. Many international students find they need less than they initially thought!
These international shipping services have good reputations for student relocations to Australia:
For local shipping within Australia or after arrival, consider:
Australia maintains strict biosecurity and customs regulations to protect its unique ecosystem.