Overview
Preparing to move from Australia to the United States for college sport involves more than booking flights and packing bags. Student-athletes must complete a range of administrative, medical, academic, and insurance-related tasks before they can train, compete, or enrol. This checklist provides general information only to help families stay organised during the pre-departure process.
Important: Requirements vary between colleges, conferences, and athletic departments.
Important
Before You Leave Australia
To make sure you're ready for your US college journey, please arrange the following before you depart — these are best completed in Australia where they're covered under Medicare.
Ask your school/college for all medical requirements now
Insist that your college sends you their full list of medical, vaccination and insurance requirements well ahead of departure. Each school and state sets its own rules — if you leave it until you arrive, you may have to pay for vaccinations and physicals out-of-pocket at US rates. Getting the list early means every requirement can be completed in Australia under Medicare or your private health cover before you travel.
Book a full GP health check
A complete physical with your GP — including blood work, dental and vision checks — so any issues are picked up before you travel.
Confirm required vaccinations
Most US colleges require proof of the following before you can enrol or train. Check your school's specific immunisation page — requirements vary by state and institution, and some accept blood-test evidence of immunity instead of vaccine records.
Standard requirements
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) — two doses
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) — one dose within the last 10 years
Varicella (Chickenpox) — two doses or proof of having had the disease
Meningococcal — often required for students under 23
Hepatitis B — a series of three shots
Tuberculosis (TB) screening
May also be required
Polio
Flu shot (yearly)
HPV
COVID-19
Where to find your records
Your GP or healthcare provider, parents/guardians, state or local health department, your high school, or a previous employer or university. Bring government-issued vaccine certificates where possible.
Prepare, pack & complete
Prescription medications (with a doctor's letter and original scripts)
Copies of immunisation records and full medical history
Spare glasses or contact lenses and a basic first-aid kit
Passport, visa, I-20 and college acceptance documents
Why this matters: Vaccinations and general health checks are preventative treatment and are not covered under our partner insurance plans — they're only covered where they form part of a new injury or illness claim. Completing them in Australia means they're covered under Medicare before you leave.
1. Insurance & Medical Documentation
Most U.S. colleges require medical and insurance documentation before clearing an athlete for participation.
Proof of medical insurance valid in the United States
Policy wording showing sports-related injury coverage (if required by the college)
Emergency contact details
Immunisation records
Recent medical examination or physical (if required)
Any required NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA medical forms
Copies of prescriptions or ongoing treatment plans
Colleges often cannot clear athletes for training or competition until all documents are submitted.
2. Academic & Visa Requirements
Australian student-athletes must meet U.S. academic and immigration requirements before travelling.
General items to complete
Obtain your I-20 form from the college
Pay the SEVIS fee
Complete the F-1 student visa application
Attend your U.S. consulate visa interview
Ensure your passport is valid for the full duration of your stay
Keep digital and printed copies of all visa documents
Additional academic items
Final high school or university transcripts
Eligibility documentation (if required by the college or association)
Any required English proficiency results
3. Travel Preparation
Before leaving Australia, student-athletes should prepare for long-term living in the United States.
General items to organise
Return or onward travel plans (if required)
Airport transfer arrangements in the U.S.
Accommodation details (on-campus or off-campus)
Emergency contact list
Copies of important documents stored securely online
Financial preparation
U.S. bank account setup (if possible)
International debit/credit card
Budget for initial expenses
Understanding of college billing cycles
4. Athletic Department Requirements
Each athletic department has its own onboarding process.
Pre-participation medical forms
Concussion baseline testing
Strength and conditioning questionnaires
Code of conduct or team handbook acknowledgement
Equipment sizing or uniform information
Training schedules and reporting dates
Athletes are often required to arrive earlier than regular students.
5. Packing Essentials for Student-Athletes
Packing for a long-term stay in the U.S. requires planning.
Training gear for your sport
Running shoes or sport-specific footwear
Personal medical items
Travel-size essentials for the first week
Weather-appropriate clothing for your college's location
Power adapters for U.S. outlets (Type A/B, 120V)
Laptop, phone, and chargers
Copies of important documents
Small first-aid kit, Australian snacks, and personal items like photos can help with the transition.
6. Communication & Technology Setup
Staying connected is essential for both study and sport.
International roaming plan for the first few days
U.S. SIM or eSIM options
College email login details
Access to learning platforms (Canvas, Blackboard, etc.)
Access to athletic department apps or portals
7. Understanding U.S. Healthcare Basics
Australian families should be aware of key differences before departure.
The U.S. does not have universal healthcare
Medical treatment can be significantly more expensive
Insurance is essential for managing unexpected costs
Athletes may need to use specific clinics or providers approved by the college
This helps avoid confusion during the first weeks on campus.
8. Important Documents to Print & Carry
Always carry physical copies of essential documents when travelling.
Passport
Visa and I-20 form
Insurance documents
College acceptance letter
Emergency contacts
Flight itinerary
Accommodation details
Any required medical forms
Key Points for Australian Families
U.S. colleges require specific medical and insurance documentation
Visa and academic requirements must be completed before travel
Athletic departments often have additional onboarding steps
U.S. healthcare operates differently from Australia
This checklist provides general information only
⚠️ This page provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or insurance advice. Requirements, deadlines and compliance rules vary between colleges, athletic associations (NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA), visa types and insurers. You should verify every item with your college, athletic compliance office and insurer.
General Information Warning: This page provides general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Requirements vary between colleges, conferences, and athletic departments. Always refer to the specific documentation provided by your college.