International students

The following information is for international students studying onshore on an Australian student visa.

Completion within the expected duration

Education Providers are required to ensure that international students complete their studies within the duration specified on the electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). Extensions to a student’s course duration are allowed only in limited circumstances. For example, for compassionate or compelling reasons, where an intervention strategy has been implemented or where there has been an approved leave of absence or suspension.

It is important for students to ensure they are on track to complete their studies within the expected duration, or that they have permission from their faculty to extend their duration.

Satisfactory academic progress

Maintaining satisfactory course progress is a mandatory student visa condition. Education providers are required to monitor course progress, intervene where students are at risk of failing to achieve satisfactory course progress, notify students who fail to achieve satisfactory course progress, and report students who fail to achieve satisfactory course progress to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

It is important that every student is aware of the progress rules for their course and participates in the intervention strategies implemented by their faculty. Exclusion from a course due to unsatisfactory progress can have serious implications for student visa holders including visa cancellation and restrictions on returning to Australia.

The University provides many avenues of support for students who are struggling academically. International students who are experiencing any difficulties with their academic progress should consult their faculty, the international student advisers in the International Office or the counsellors in the International Student Support Unit (ISSU).

Distance/web-based study

International students may undertake no more than 25 per cent of their total course by distance and/or online learning. Students must not enrol in exclusively distance or online study in any compulsory study period.

Work permits

International students with a work permit are permitted to work for up to 20 hours during semester and full-time during the University’s official vacation periods. Contact the international student advisers in the International Office for more information.

Change of address

International students must notify the University of their residential address within seven days of arrival and notify any change of address within seven days. This should be done online via the University’s MyUni student portal (http://myuni.usyd.edu.au).

Suspension/discontinuation

The University is required to report to DIAC any international students who discontinue or suspend their studies. Students who suspend their studies for medical or compassionate reasons should contact the International Student Advisers in the International Office urgently.

Overseas student health cover

The Australian government requires that all international students and their families pay for health insurance in Australia through the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. The University-preferred provider is OSHC Worldcare. The International Office will, on receipt of the student's first payment of tuition fees and the OSHC premium, pay the compulsory amount to OSHC Worldcare on his/her behalf.

OSHC provides free access to the University health service and public hospitals. Higher-level coverage (eg, access to private hospitals coverage for spouse and family) is the student's responsibility.

The University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP)

The University of Sydney offers its foundation program to international students as a preparation for undergraduate degrees at several Australian universities.

The Foundation Program is conducted by Taylors College on behalf of Study Group Australia and the University of Sydney. The Foundation Program allows both first and second-semester entry to undergraduate courses at the University of Sydney and other Australian universities.

University of Sydney Foundation Program
Taylors College
965 Bourke Street
Waterloo NSW 2017

Phone: +61 2 8303 9700
Fax: +61 2 8303 9777
Email:
Website: www.usyd.edu.au/foundationprogram

International Office

The International Office provides advice and assistance with application, admission and enrolment procedures for international students. The International Office also includes units responsible for international marketing, government and student relations, international scholarships, including AusAID scholarships and administrative support for international financial aid programs, and compliance with government regulations related to international students.

The International Office also coordinates student exchange and study abroad programs, and other inter-institutional links.The Study Abroad and Exchange unit assists both domestic and international students who wish to enrol for study abroad or exchange programs.

International Admissions and Customer Services
Jane Foss Russell Building, G02
The University of Sydney
NSW 2006 Australia

Phone: +61 2 9351 4079
Future student enquiries: 1800 899 376 (domestic free call)
Fax: +61 2 9351 4013
Email:
Website: www.usyd.edu.au/internationaloffice

Study Abroad
Phone: +61 2 9351 3699
Fax: +61 2 9351 2795
Email:
Website: www.usyd.edu.au/studyabroad

Student Exchange
Phone: +61 2 9351 3699
Fax: +61 2 9351 2795
Email:
Website: www.usyd.edu.au/studentexchange