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Partners & Families

The ISSU provides support for family members of students who are studying at the University of Sydney. The Accompanying Partners Program is particularly useful for partners or family members who wish to meet other people in a similar situation and increase their English language skills.

This section includes information about:

Bringing your family to Australia

  • The impact of adjusting to your course of study and Australian culture whilst also having to respond to your partner and/or family’s adjustment needs
  • Housing – If you are planning on bringing your family, it may be useful to live near main campus so that your partner can attend the Accompanying Partners Program. Contact us for information about our Housing Office. You can also go to the University’s Accommodation Office site for more information

    Schooling and school fees – information about schooling in Australia can be found at the Government Education Portal
  • Child care arrangements and fees – for more information please go to University’s Child Care Information Office page
  • Income and employment entitlements
  • Study entitlements
  • Isolation issues if your partner does not work

If you would like to discuss any of these issues, please contact us.

Accompanying Partners Program

The Accompanying Partners Program is designed to provide assistance to family members or partners of International students to:

  • Develop English language skills
  • Meet new people
  • Take part in social activities
  • Discuss any issues affecting your time in Australia

The program runs during semester and is open to all family members or partners of International students.

Please note: You are not able to bring children to the classes as it is distracting for the students and teacher. Please ensure that you make arrangements for childcare if necessary.

The Child Care Information Office has information about short term or Occasional Care which may be useful.

If you would like to join the program, you are welcome to simply turn up at the beginning of a class. You can join at any time during semester.

Location

The Sky Room
Level 9, Electrical Engineering Building
Darlington Campus
University of Sydney

Times

Tuesday 10.00am to 1:00pm
Thursday 10.00am to 1:000pm

Dates

Semester 1:
3 March - 9 April 2009
21 APril - 18 June 2009

Semester 2:
29 July - 24 September 2009
6 October - 19 November 2009

Individual Counselling

Individual counselling sessions are available to family members and partners of International students. For information about counselling sessions please go to the Individual Counselling page.

Dependant Letters

You can apply to bring your dependents (spouse/partner and children) to live with you whilst you are studying if you are enrolled in a formal tertiary course which lasts for at least one year. The Department of Immigration requires a letter from the ISSU confirming that you are a student of the University and details of the people you wish to invite to Australia.

Please note: The Student Centre processes Family invitation letters for visiting relatives who are staying less than 3 months.

The Student Centre is located on Level 3 Jane Foss Russell Building, City Road (next to the Wentworth Building).