Everything you need to know about getting started as an International student at UNSW
EXPERT ADVICE
By Helen Craig, International Student Support Advisor
When can I come to Australia?
You can now come to Australia. Vaccinated international students with eligible visas can travel to Sydney without having to apply for an exemption.
If you are having difficulty leaving your home country, or waiting on a visa, we will continue to offer as many online classes as we can while we increase the number of face-to-face classes.
We hope to see you here soon!
What do I need to do before arriving in Australia? Do I need to inform UNSW about my arrival?
You need to enrol and apply for a CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) and a visa if you don’t already have one. If you arrive in Australia to study and are under the age of 18, you must let us know you have arrived. Details of how to contact us are included in your joining communications. While it isn’t compulsory for everyone to alert us, we do encourage you to let us know that you have arrived so we can help you get engaged with all the services and activities available to you at UNSW; to make the most out of your university life and help you transition to life in Australia. You can do this by visiting the International Student Welcome Centre during O-Week or the first few weeks of term. There are many ways to get involved, such as joining Arc (UNSW’s Student Organisation), as well as hundreds of interesting clubs and societies that range from faculty groups, sports, arts, food and culture, and many more in-between.
How does program leave work? And what is the UNSW Census date?
If you decide not to study this term you need to let the university know. If you are in your first term here at UNSW and decide to delay your studies, you need to apply to defer. If you are in a subsequent term you need to apply for program leave.
You need to apply by the census date. The census date is the last day you can withdraw from a course without a financial penalty. For most programs, the census date is on the Sunday at the end of Week 4. You can find more information about census dates here. Please take note that if you don’t intend to study and don’t apply, you will be withdrawn from your program.
How does reduced study load work? Do I still need to study at least 8 courses a year?
As an international student, to meet your visa requirements you are expected to complete your program within the period of your visa, which means you need to do 48 UOC in a year. Obviously, there are times where you may not be able to do so. One example might be; if you fail a course and are unable to enrol in enough courses in that term. If you are unable to enrol in the full 48 UOC in a year you need to apply to reduce your study load. Eligible reasons are listed on the current student website.
I am overseas. How long can I study here before I need to come to Australia?
Now that Australian borders are open, we would encourage you to make plans to arrive here as soon as you are safely able to do so. However as mentioned earlier, online options are still available for Term 3. Aside from the return to Australia information on our website here, Study NSW has really helpful travel advice as well as great study related information.
There were no more virtual spots in my course, what should I do?
Offshore students will continue to be prioritised for early enrolment in T3, so I suggest that next term you make sure you register as soon as enrolment opens. You can also go on the waitlist. Waitlisting is a type of automated queuing that will let you select full courses or classes (that have no spaces left) and join a list of students waiting to enrol.
How many hours of study should I be doing each week?
Think of your study as like having a full-time job. So even if you only have a small number of contact hours, you are still expected to do homework, reading, research, revision, and assignment preparation in your own time. Having a weekly study plan can help you prioritise time for study and ensure you give yourself room for all the other important parts of your life like SLEEP, exercise and seeing friends and family.
I have an approved IPT. When can I get my CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)?
CoEs for IPTs will be provided by the end of Week 4 or earlier. If you have any queries after this date you can go to the CoE ‘Drop In’ at The Nucleus from Monday -Thursday from 2-4pm.
I received a letter advising that I am below good standing and have been asked to connect with Student Support. What is that for? Will it affect my graduation or visa?
We would first suggest that you book in to see an academic advisor in your faculty if you haven’t already. They can give you advice on how to do your best in your studies and can recommend extra resources within the faculty or other uni support, as well as advising on enrolment.
If you would like extra support to succeed in your studies, you can refer yourself to our Student Support Service.
You may need to extend your study towards the end of your degree if you cannot complete on time. If you are seeking and following academic advice you should be approved for a new CoE and visa.
Are there any scholarships for international students?
Yes! And the best thing is that our scholarships are not just based on your grades. Take a look at what’s on offer here.
I am feeling unmotivated and have started procrastinating my study. Where can I get help with this?
It's not unusual for people to re-evaluate their study and goals during their program and particularly coming out of COVID-19. If you have lost motivation, feel stuck or overwhelmed with your study, book in with a student support advisor so we can discuss how we can best support you to move forward. If you’re feeling low, stressed, can’t concentrate or your sleep is affected, book in with Mental Health Connect who can advise on how to get you feeling better again!
Are there online resources I can go to for help and advice?
The best place to find online resources is the International Student Life page which is your one-stop-shop for everything related to your journey at UNSW. Whether you are a new student arriving to Australia or about to graduate, there are step-by-step guides, forms, advice and program information to support you at each stage.
Where can I connect virtually with other international students?
If you are still studying online, there are ways you can connect virtually with student such as through the UNSW International Students Discord and Peer Mentor Connect! Each of these programs and activities are quite different so there is something for everyone based on your circumstances and needs.