Current international students
MyUni student portal
MyUni is your online centre for University information and services, including email, news, course information and help. This service is available to all enrolled students.
Government and Student Relations Unit
The Government and Student Relations Unit provides support and advice to international students, in relation to a broad range of issues throughout their studies at the University of Sydney:
- Student Advisers
- Education Loans
- AusAID
International Student Support Unit
The International Student Support Unit (ISSU) provides an integrated counselling and welfare service to international students. It is also a resource centre for students and their families.
The ISSU staff are here to assist you achieve success in your studies and to help you with any difficulties you may experience while you are living and studying in Australia.
ISSU provides a wide range of activities and programs for international students:
- Daily Arrival Information Sessions
- Orientation Program
- Social activities
- Families Program
- Social and cultural activities
- Counselling
- Returning Home seminars
For more information visit the ISSU website or email: .
Services for Students
International Students also have access to the student academic and personal support services provided by the University, including:
- The Learning Centre
- Disability Services
- Financial Assistance
- Careers Centre
Information for Student Visa Holders
International Student Advisers
The International Student Advisers in the International Office are able to assist you with general advice and support regarding your visa, work permits, extensions of course duration, enrolment issues and academic progress. You can email them at or phone 8627 8333.
There are specialist advisers for Study Abroad and Exchange students, AusAID and ADB scholars. These advisers can be contacted by emailing , , , or phone 8627 8333.
Permission to Work
Students granted visas on or after 26 April 2008 will receive permission to work with their student visa grant. This applies to both the primary student and any family members travelling with them on their student visa. Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week while their course is in session and work unlimited hours during official University breaks. Click on the link For more information on Permission to work
Students who were granted a student visa before the 26 April 2008 will need to apply separately for permission to work. Please contact the International Student Advisers - - for information on how to apply.
The permission to work application process differs for AusAID (APS, ADS, and ALA) students. Students should contact an AusAID adviser to obtain the documentation required to lodge an application.
Complaints and Appeals
The University has procedure policies to assist you if you if you have a grievance or wish appeal a decision which affects you. If you are excluded from the University, you can lodge a complaint with the NSW Ombudsman if there is evidence of wrong conduct. Read more about Complaints and Appeals.
Suspension of study
If you are unable temporarily to continue with your studies for personal or medical reasons you should consider a suspension of studies. This must be approved by the faculty concerned and the International Student Advisers should be informed.
If you suspend your studies you are required to leave Australia and your student visa will be cancelled. You will be required to reapply for your visa when you are ready to resume study. You must inform the Admissions Office in the International Office and if you wish to return to study. If you are suspending your studies for compassionate or compelling reasons, DIAC may permit you to retain your visa for the period that you are not studying. In exceptional circumstances, DIAC may allow you to remain onshore during the suspension of studies. Contact the International Student Advisers for advice about the visa implications of a suspension of study and your options.
On-line/Distance study
Student visa holders may undertake no more than 25% of their total course by distance and/or online learning and must not enrol in exclusively distance or online study in any compulsory study period.
Completion within the expected duration of study
Student visa holders must ensure they are meeting course requirements in accordance with course progression rules and complete their studies within the time-frame specified on the electronic Confirmation of Enrolment used to grant the student visa. Read more information on the University’s policy to assist students at risk of not progressing satisfactorily.
It is important to contact your faculty advisers, the International Student Advisers or the ISSU counsellors immediately if you are experiencing difficulties during your studies so that you can make use of the support that is available to you. You can apply for the course duration to be extended in certain circumstances in consultation with your faculty. Restrictions are placed on students enrolling in less than the full load of units unless you have the permission of your faculty advisers. The International Student Advisers can assist you with any questions you may have regarding your academic progress and the options available to you.
Sponsored students
Sponsored students have an additional responsibility to ensure that their enrolment is in accordance with the conditions of their sponsorship. This is particularly important where an extension of duration may be required. In most cases, sponsors expect students to complete their studies within the expected duration and extensions of duration are very difficult to obtain. Sponsored students should contact their sponsor or an International Student Adviser if they are unsure about their enrolment. AusAID and ADB sponsored students should contact their specialist advisers.
Transferring to Another Institution
In accordance with Australian government regulations, International Students wishing to transfer to another education provider within the first six months of their course must obtain a “release letter” from The University of Sydney. If you wish to transfer to another institution, please refer to the International Student Change of Provider Policy (pdf) and contact the International Student Advisers for advice.
OSHC
You must maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia. Please contact the Finance Office in the International Office for advice regarding health cover.