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Frequently Asked Questions for Student Abroad and Student Exchange students

Applying, enrolling and living in Sydney

How do I apply?

See the guide to making a Student Abroad and Student Exchange application.

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When should I apply to meet deadlines?

See closing dates in the application process.

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What if my application is not successful?

If you have not met the entry requirements and/or English language requirements, you will either receive a letter stating why you were unsuccessful or a conditional offer.

If you receive a letter stating you were unsuccessful, the reason will be given. If you are able to provide further documents in the future showing you have met our current entry requirements, we will re-assess your application at that time. Unsuccessful applications do not harm your chances in the future of participating in our Study Abroad and Student Exchange Programs.

A conditional offer states what particular entry requirement(s) you must meet before you will be given a full offer. Official evidence of meeting the entry requirement must be forwarded to our office in order to receive a full offer letter (i.e. listing no conditions). You can pay overseas student health cover once you have received a full (not conditional) offer letter.

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How do I apply for a visa?

See the visa application process.

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How much time do I need to organise my student visa?

Please contact your nearest Australian diplomatic mission for an up-to-date estimate of the time required to process your visa.

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If I apply to the Study Abroad or Student Exchange program for one semester, and then decide to extend my stay for a second semester, how do I extend my visa?

The Department of Immigration and Ctizenship (DIAC) is the government department that issues visas for non-Australians wishing to enter the country. While you are in Australia, you must make certain that you have a current Australian visa at all times. You will need to apply for a visa extension some weeks before your current visa expires.

For all matters regarding student visas, you should contact the DIMIA Student Centre at 26 Lee Street, opposite the Mercure Hotel at Railway Square, near Central Station. The general phone number is 13 18 81.

If you have all your documents together, you may also post them to the office for processing, together with certified copies of your passport pages (front page with your photo and the page with your current Australian visa) plus any application fee. DIAC tries to process postal applications within two weeks of receipt, although at busy times of the year the turnaround time will be longer.

If you wish to transfer to another type of visa from a student visa.

You will need to obtain a letter from the Study Abroad or Student Exchange program stating when you will be completing your Program.

If you wish to extend your student visa.

You will be required to pay the future OSHC fees at a Worldcare Assist office. An electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) will then be issued to you. Once you have the receipt from Worldcare Assist and the eCOE, you are ready to apply for the extension of your student visa.

The International Office can usually provide you with Department of Immigration and Ctizenship (DIAC) application forms.

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Am I allowed to transfer to a degree program at the University of Sydney?

Under the terms of an exchange agreement, you are expected to remain candidates for your degree at your home institution. This means that, normally, you cannot transfer from an Exchange program to a degree program at the University of Sydney.

If you wish to start a new degree program at the University of Sydney, you must first make an application to International Office for the degree program you would like to enter.

If your application is successful, you will need to notify the local Department of Immigration and Ctizenship (DIAC) office and follow the full fee-paying international student offer process. You may owe the University of Sydney additional tuition if you are receiving credit (advanced standing) from the courses you have completed at the University of Sydney.

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What do I need to do before I leave home?

You will be sent a pre-departure package with your letter of offer. The pre-departure checklist is a guide to the things you should do before you leave your home country, to make your arrival at the University as easy as possible.

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When should I arrive in Sydney?

If you have not secured on-campus housing, we advise all Student Exchange students to arrive around 4 weeks prior to the commencement of the semester. Due to the limited on-campus housing, most students (both Australian and International students) live off-campus in neighbouring suburbs (Newtown, Glebe, Camperdown, Chippendale, Broadway, Darlington). Temporary accommodation can be organised to provide you with a place to stay until permanent accommodation is found. See the accommodation question below.

International Student Services Unit (ISSU) has an Accommodation Officer available for approximately 6 weeks prior to commencement of each semester. You can make an appointment to meet with this officer from Monday to Friday. If you give the Accommodation Officer your personal requirements (financial, location, share or single arrangements, etc), they can provide you with a list of possibilities from their database of accommodation around Sydney. It will be up to you to choose where you would like to live and with whom. It takes time, but with the help from the Accommodation Officer you should be able to find something that you enjoy.

ISSU's Daily Arrival Information Sessions will give you valuable information on Tax File Numbers (required for working in Australia), opening bank accounts, detailed information about Orientation, information on your overseas student health cover (Medibank Private), and much more. These sessions are a great introduction to the University of Sydney and offer an opportunity to meet other new students who have also just arrived.

Orientation is mandatory and is an excellent way to gain an understanding of what will be expected of you while you are a student at the University of Sydney. It is most important you attend all sessions. Your official enrolment occurs during Orientation and this is when you will receive your student ID card. Orientation also gives you a chance to socialise with all of the other international students beginning their study at the University. Social events often include Harbour Cruises, Aussie BBQ's, and more! As you can see, there are many things to keep you busy before your courses begin. You'll find that arriving early will be less stressful and gives you a chance to explore Sydney as well.

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How do I know when to arrange my flight back home?

Examination schedules will not be available until halfway through each semester. Therefore, it is advisable to set your flight home for a date after the end of each semester (see semester dates for details). You will not, under any circumstances, be able to change your examination schedule to meet your travel plans.

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What do I need to do when I arrive in Sydney?

After you arrive in Sydney, you should come to International Office as soon as possible to attend a Daily Arrival Information Session and get further information about health insurance and enrolment etc. The post-arrival checklist is a guide to the things you need to do after you arrive.

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How and when do I enrol in my units of study (subjects)?

Study Abroad and Student Exchange students will enrol with the Study Abroad and Student Exchange program staff during Orientation. Exchange students on faculty-specific programs enrol with the faculty exchange contact person. Please ask the Study Abroad and Student Exchange staff at International Office who you should see in your faculty.

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Can I change my enrolment?

We generally give all Study Abroad and Exchange students one week to add units to their enrolment and three to four weeks to drop units from their official enrolment. The exact date for adding/ dropping units of study will be given to you at Orientation.

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How do I find accommodation?

The International Student Services Unit (ISSU) provides a form for booking temporary accommodation in University colleges after you arrive in Australia. You can also make your arrangements for temporary accommodation by booking a hostel or motel near the University, or elsewhere. ISSU will also help you to find permanent accommodation after you arrive in Australia. For information on temporary accommodation, types of accommodation available in Sydney and its cost, see accommodation.

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What student concessions and discounts am I eligible for?

Travel concessions
Only Student Exchange students are eligible for discounts on Sydney buses, trains, and ferries. You will receive your travel concession card at your enrolment session. See the transport question below for information about Sydney transport.

Other concessions and discounts
You may also be eligible for student discounts through other organisations. For example, your student card entitles you to discounts at University of Sydney Student Union outlets on campus. Your student card also allows you access to special discount air fares at travel agencies, sports stores, hairdressers, pharmacies and at the typing service on campus. You can also purchase theatre, ballet, opera and concert tickets through the Student Union at reduced rates. Check whether the shop or restaurant where you are making your purchase provides a student discount. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is an internationally accepted proof of student status. The ISIC will give you access to a network of specialist student travel offices around the world and valuable savings on accommodation, tours and transportation (such as a 40% discount on full adult ordinary fares on Countrylink train or coach services). Applications forms for the ISIC are available at the STA and SRC offices in the Wentworth Building.

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Can I work while I am studying?

Student visa holder may apply for permission to work in Australia. If you would like to work while in Australia the first step is to visit the Study Abroad and Exchange office to complete a "Request for Permsission to Work" form. A Study Abroad and Exchange Adviser will then advise Department of Immigration and Ctizenship (DIAC) that you have commenced your studies and they will also email you further instructions.

You should follow the instructions you receive to apply for pemission to work online.


Work rights will be granted online if all criteria are met. If you are granted permission to work you will be sent confirmation of the grant with details of how to have a new visa label showing your "work rights" placed in your passport.

Before you start working you must also apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office.

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Do the Student Abroad and Student Exchange Programs help organise internships?

The University of Sydney offers a limited number of internships through our Reasearch Institute for Asia and the Pacific (RIAP). Further information is available at the RIAP website.

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Who do I tell if I change my address or return home?

Each time you change your residential address in Sydney you must inform:

  • The University, through the MyUni website
  • Department of Immigration and Ctizenship (DIAC) Student Centre at 26 Lee Street, opposite the Mercure Hotel at Railway Square, near Central Station. The general phone number is 13 18 81.
  • your OSHC (health insurance) provider
  • change your address at the Post Office which, for a small monthly charge, will forward any mail arriving at the old address to your new address
  • your bank, telephone, electricity and gas company

The University will send all correspondence to your semester mailing address. When you return to your home country, you will need to fill in a Change of Address form at the International Office to inform the University of your permanent address overseas.

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What services and support are provided?

The International Student Support Unit (ISSU) provides an integrated counselling and welfare service for international students. It is also a resource centre for international students and their families. ISSU provides you with pre-departure information before you leave your home country, a temporary accommodation booking service and assistance in finding permanent accommodation, a Meet and Greet service at the airport when you arrive, Daily Arrival Information Sessions after you arrive at the University, a three-day Orientation program informing you about services, resources and activities on campus, organised social activities, and confidential counselling and advisory service for all international students and their families. Their services are supplemented by other services provided for all students by the University Student Services Unit.

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Who do I ask for further information?

IO = International Office (includes Study Abroad and Student Exchange)
ISSU = International Student Services Unit

For assistance with... Please see...
Admission to the University of Sydney IO
Applications IO
Change of Address IO
Childcare Assistance ISSU
Counselling for personal problems ISSU
Course Information or Advice IO or your Faculty
Course Transfers and Credit IO
Enrolment IO (Exchange)
Exchange Program IO (Exchange)
Families Program ISSU
Family Entry ISSU
Fees & related financial matters IO
Health Cover (Overseas Students) IO
Orientation Program ISSU
Unimates Program ISSU
Returning Home ISSU
Scholarships, stipends & related issues IO
Study Abroad IO (Study Abroad)
Temporary Accommodation ISSU
Trips and Activities ISSU
Visas IO
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Where can I go for help?

At some point in your studies you may feel overwhelmed or have a problem you do not feel you can handle yourself. This is not unusual, and if this happens there are people you can go to for help.

The International Student Services Unit (ISSU) provides a confidential counselling and advisory service for all international students studying at the University of Sydney and their families. International students may seek counselling assistance for a range of personal or family issues, such as homesickness, difficulties adjusting or coping with studies in a new country.

The Student Services Unit provides many services for University of Sydney students. These include an accommodation service, casual employment service, child care, disability service, financial assistance, the Learning Centre, and the Mathematics Learning Centre.

The Student Representative Council (SRC) represents undergraduates and is committed to defending and extending students' rights. You are welcome to get involved in its campaigns or its publications which include the weekly student newspaper Honi Soit. The SRC also offers assists students in the areas of academic matters, tenancy and discrimination. It provides free legal advice and a second hand bookshop. The SRC is run by students who are elected each year. It is located at Level 1, Wentworth Building.
Phone: 02-9660 5222 - Email: .

Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) is a student organisation run by students for students. All postgraduate students at the University of Sydney are members of SUPRA and all postgraduate students can look to SUPRA for assistance with most of the difficulties that confront them as students, personally and institutionally. SUPRA aims to be an outstanding representative and service organisation, highly respected within the higher education community, and recognised as the public face of Sydney University postgraduates. You can email SUPRA at .

National Liaison Committee for International Students (NLC)
The National Liaison Committee for International Students in Australia (NLC) aims to be the peak representative organisation for all international students in Australia. It is committed to the promotion and enhancement of quality education, equitable welfare and multicultural understanding.

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Can I bring my family to Sydney while I am with the Student Exchange Program?

Of course you can! Please read the information about our Accompanying Partners Program in order to become more familiar with services we can provide you and your family.

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What types of clubs and societies can I join at the University of Sydney?

Students have many clubs and societies organised under the umbrella of the Student Union. An enormous range of interests is covered including, rock climbing, abseiling, sailboarding, meditation, philosophy, political clubs, and even a chocolate appreciation society!

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What is the transport system like in Sydney and Australia?

Transport is very good in Sydney and consists of a train, bus and ferry system. From most suburbs, a weekly train ticket which will get you from your home to the University (for a week) will cost approximately AUD$20 or less. The bus system is slightly less expensive and will be the only form of transport from some suburbs (mainly the eastern suburbs of Sydney). In combination, they provide good and regular services to all parts of the city. If you would like further information, please visit the transport links in the useful links page.

Travel throughout Australia can be by train, bus, aeroplane and car. If you are covering large distances, we advise flying rather than driving due to the road conditions found in Australia. We do not have interstate systems so some of the roads are in rather poor condition and can be unsafe if people are travelling when fatigued. Once you are at your location it is often easy to walk around, take trains, buses, ferries, or trams (depending on the city), go on a guided tour, rent bikes or rent a car. We do not advise any Student Exchange student to rent a car, not because we think you are bad drivers, but owing to the likelihood of your automatically swerving right into on-coming traffic if a problem occurs. Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. Please keep this in mind when organising your travel. If you do plan to arrive in Australia, you should obtain an International Driver's Licence before leaving your home country.

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How large is Sydney and the country of Australia?

The population of Sydney is approximately 4 million. The country of Australia is equivalent to the size of the continental United States and has just over 19 million people.

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If I plan to travel while in Australia, when is the most appropriate time?

We suggest travelling either before or after the semester or during the semester break or summer break if you are here for an academic year. If you travel before your studies commence, you will need to make sure you are in Sydney and settled before Orientation begins. If you travel after the semester, please be sure not to schedule your departure until after semester officially ends due to examinations (see semester dates for details). Please remember that the University will not, under any circumstances, reschedule your examinations to fit in with travel plans.

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