FAQs regarding the Chinese Ministry of Education's 2023 Policy Change for Students Studying Remotely

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What if I cannot travel to Australia before the start of Term 1?

Please don't worry. You need to take all reasonable steps to travel to UNSW as soon as possible – even if this means you will need to commence your Term 1 classes remotely and may arrive in Australia after the start of term. You may continue to take classes online while you are going through the relevant procedures to return to Australia. Please keep detailed records and documentation that demonstrates your effort to return to Australia as close to the start of Term 1 as possible.

What if my Australian student visa has not yet been issued, my flight is cancelled or I can’t secure accommodation?

If your visa is not issued before the start of Term 1, your flight is cancelled, or your accommodation cannot be booked, you are advised to keep the evidence of the date your visa is granted (i.e. your visa grant letter), flight cancellation email, and other relevant supporting documents and submit them together with your application for accreditation by the CSCSE in order to pass their accreditation successfully. CSCSE is mindful of the difficult task of returning to Australia this close to the start of Term 1.


What if I am currently enrolled in online classes and now need face-to-face classes?

Adjust your course enrolment to in-person options as soon as you have a confirmed travel date. You can adjust your enrolment and timetable through myUNSW through Week 1 of Term 1 (Deadline: 11:59pm 19 February). If you do not have confirmed travel plans to Sydney, with an arrival date before the start of Term 1, we recommend that you maintain your enrolment in online courses. If you have any difficulty finding in-person options you should contact The Nucleus who can talk you through your options.


What if there are no face-to-face class options for me? 

We understand this would be frustrating. Our Term 1 online class schedules were originally planned around travel restrictions, so this is a challenging pivot. If you’ve checked the Class Timetable and there are no in-person options to enrol in, you can continue studying in an online mode whilst you return to Australia. Please keep all relevant documentation and advice issued by UNSW and submit this together with your application for certification – CSCSE will evaluate your case accordingly.


Term 1 2023 will be my final term, do I still need to return to Australia? 

If you anticipate completing your degree at the end of Term 1, a letter confirming Term 1 2023 as your final term of study will be available on completion of your studies. If you are unable to return to Australia for Term 1, please keep the relevant documentary evidence and submit it together with your application for accreditation with CSCSE.


What if I cannot find suitable accommodation in Australia?  

We understand it can be difficult to find suitable student accommodation at short notice and we are working to open more rooms on campus where possible. There are also alternative off-campus options students may explore, including independent student accommodation providers or independent rentals of rooms, apartments or houses. Please see here for a full list of accommodation options and off-campus providers that UNSW recommends.

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