ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ

Australia Awards ScholarshipsÌý– Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to all your questions, tailored to the stage you’re at as anÌýAustralia Awards Scholarship recipient.

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A student looking up towards the sky with the facade of a building in the background

Before you arrive to Australia

Note:ÌýAustralia Award Scholarship (AAS) recipients are not issued with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This is due to your special visa category, which is 'Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) sponsored'.Ìý

Before leaving your home country you should receive a pre-departure guidebook called "On Track for Australia!" during your pre-departure briefing. If not, you can download the guidebook below or look at some short videos to hear a summary of how to prepare for your journey to Australia.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Common Reporting Standard (CRS) for foreign nationals requires that you provide your Tax ID number (TIN) when opening new bank accounts. This affects all international students, so please make sure you bring your TIN confirmation. CRS is a regulatory requirement and all financial institutions in Australia will be collecting this information. Every customer must provide their tax residency information.

  • Watch the campus tour below!

  • We recommend you arrive in Sydney on the date recommended by your Student Contact Officer (SCO). The date was set to accommodate the university lifecycle and to give you time to arrange some practical matters that come with living in a new city, such as:Ìý

    • Open a bank account
    • Activate your OSHC
    • Find long-term accommodation
    • Familiarise yourself with public transport and your surroundings
    • Introduce yourself to your supervisor if you are a research student

    If you choose to arrive earlier, you may; but please be aware that entitlement to the Contribution to Living Expenses (stipend) commences only fourteen (14) days prior to the start of IAP.

  • We recommend you arrive Monday to Friday so we can welcome you on your day of arrival or the day after at the latest. Please note we do not work on weekends and/or public holidays.Ìý

    If you can't arrive on a weekday and must arrive on a weekend or public holiday, we will see you on the next business day.Ìý

    Please be aware we can't process payment of your Establishment Allowance until we have met with you and you provide us with your bank account details.

  • Once you have settled in your accommodation and stored your luggage, we ask that you come to campus to meet your Student Contact Officer (SCO).

    The SCO will personally welcome you either on your day of arrival (weekdays only) or on the next business day, depending on what is most appropriate for you. The Welcome meetings are always at 12:00pm (noon) sharp. If you cannot be there on time, we ask that you return the next day.

    We will advise you of the meeting room closer to your arrival.

  • We urge you to arrive with a laptop. A laptop is vital to actively and successfully participate in IAP from Day 1. Most items can be purchased in Australia, but items you might like to bring include:

    • Essentials: Toiletries, optical and other medical prescriptionsÌý
    • Household items: Alarm clock, photos of family and friends, power adapter, sporting equipment, etc
    • Academic supplies: Dictionary (bilingual), scientific or graphics calculator, micro recorder for lectures, etc
    • Small gifts from homeÌý

    The standard voltage for electrical items in Australia is 240V. Electric plugs have three (3) flat pins, one of which is an earth pin. You may need to buy an adaptor or have the plugs changed when you arrive.

  • We recommend that you bring at least AU$500 in cash to pay for incidentals until you receive your establishment allowance. The $5,000 establishment allowance will be transferred into your bank account after the Welcome meeting with your Student Contact Officer (SCO). This means there will be a gap of a few days before you have access to that money.

    You can find general information about the on our website.

  • You need an Australian Bank Account while you stay in Sydney and to receive your Contribution to Living Expenses and Establishment Allowance.

    If you would like to open a Commonwealth Bank account before you arrive, please follow to apply for an account online.

    When completing the online account application, you must enter an arrival date within 3 months. You cannot open an account if you put in a date outside of 3 months.

    If your arrival is delayed, the account will remain open for up to 6 months. If you do not arrive within 6 months, the account will be closed automatically.

    ÌýThe Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for foreign nationals requires that they provide their Tax ID number (TIN) when they open new bank accounts.

    This effects all international students, so please make sure you bring your TIN confirmation. CRS is a regulatory requirement and all financial institutions in Australia will collect this information. Every customer must provide their tax residency information.

    All banks must be compliant regarding collecting tax residency details from customers. They must collect this information face-to-face along with sighting your identification during your first visit to the bank. Once the account is active, you will have access to transact in this account, including receiving deposits.

    If you need to make a deposit before your arrival in Australia, you must contact the bank to arrange a phone call to advise the TIN numbers from your country. Once set up, you can deposit money into the account, however, you can only withdraw the funds after you arrive in Australia.

  • Australia has very strict laws about what you can and cannot bring into the country. If you are in doubt about whether your goods are prohibited, declare them anyway on the incoming passenger card you receive on the plane. Visitors have received on-the-spot fines for not declaring items.Ìý

    For more information, please visit the .

  • If possible, please send an email to: AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au to let us know.Ìý

    If you had requested Airport Pick-Up, please also inform the Airport Pick-Up Service provider quickly. If you had requested temporary accommodation, please inform them too. We are more than happy to do that on your behalf if you wish to lessen the stress for you.

  • You can book an Airport Pick-Up Service directly with ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ's service provider 2Airport which will pick you up from the Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney.Ìý

    Please note: The Airport Pick-Up Service is complimentary for Australia Awards Scholarship recipients if you travel to either the listed accommodation options on the website or to any of the suburbs that are listed for a fee of $15. If you are intending to travel to any location that is not on that list, 2Airport can arrange that for you but at your own expense.Ìý

    If your accommodation is outside the above radius, we highly recommend that you check how far away that accommodation is from ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. Please remember that the IAP is compulsory and daily attendance is expected.

  • If you would like us to organise temporary accommodation, please email us at AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au as soon as possible. Use the email subject line: "I wish ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç to book Temporary Accommodation"Ìýand include:

    1. Your contact details
    2. A copy of your vaccination certificate
    3. The details of your arrival.

    If you request temporary accommodation, we will organise a single occupancy room either on or very close to a ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç campus for the first 7 nights (AAS Policy Handbook, Paragraph 11.3.1). We will book accommodation subject to availability and the rates may vary. Payment for temporary accommodation is your responsibility.

    If you requested an Airport Pick-Up, you will be taken directly to your temporary accommodation. If time allows and it is convenient, you can join the Welcome on campus at 12:00pm (noon) on the same day. Otherwise, we expect to see you the next business day at 12:00pm (noon).

    Address: The University of New South Wales, International Student Compliance Team, John Goodsell Building (F20), Ground Floor, High Street, Kensington NSW 2052

    Already organised your own temporary accommodation?

    Please email us atÌýAustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.auÌýwith the email subject line:Ìý"I have organised my own Temporary Accommodation".

  • If you arrange your own temporary accommodation, please note that you will have to bear the cost of travel to get there if it is further away from the accommodation we would have arranged for you (which would have been on or very close to ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç campus).Ìý

    We recommend that you ask your accommodation provider how far they are away from ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. That will give you a good idea about travel time and cost.

    If you arrange your own temporary accommodation, please note that you will have to bear the cost of travel to get there if it is further away from the accommodation we would have arranged for you (which would have been on or very close to ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç campus).Ìý

    We recommend that you ask your accommodation provider how far they are away from ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. That will give you a good idea about travel time and cost.

  • The $5,000 establishment allowance will be transferred into your bank account after the Welcome meeting with your Student Contact Officer (SCO). This means there will be a gap of a few days before you have access to that money.

  • You can defer once you have accepted your scholarship and before you arrive in Australia.

    Deferrals are available to awardees who are unable to fully commit to the academic program for the time the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç offer is made and may be approved for a variety of reasons. If you would like to defer, you need to contact your Post and/or their Managing Contractor. Once the scholarship deferral is approved, we will defer your ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç offer accordingly.

During your stay in Australia

  • Please be aware:

    You may find that rental accommodation in Sydney is generally much more expensive than in your home country!

    We advise that you start familiarising yourself with options and prices for long-term accommodation before you depart.

    • Please see accommodation and housing options.

    • Go to to update your contact details.

      Please remember to also contact your bank, health insurance provider and the Department of Home Affairs to update your details.

    • Please visit the .

      We also recommend that you with a Student Support Advisor (SSA) for personalised advice and information.

    • Your stipend is paid fortnightly by the University into your nominated Australian bank account in arrears. The first payment should be paid on the first payday after your arrival.

      Following the first payment, your stipend will be paid in accordance with ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç fortnightly pay periods.

    • No. Stipends are currently income tax exempt.

      Please refer to theÌýÌý(ATO)Ìýfor information about Australian tax laws.

    • Yes. If you change your bank account, please update your details immediately on myºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. This will ensure stipend payments are made to the correct bank account.

      Do not close your old bank account immediately. We recommend waiting for 4 weeks to allow any outstanding payments to be made.

      Please send an email to AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au once you update your bank account details on myºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ.

    • No. The stipend is paid in arrears. Advance payment is not possible.

  • Do I need Overseas Student Health Cover on an AAS?

    Yes. Since you are a scholarship recipient, your Student Contact Officer (SCO) will arrange your single OSHC policy with Medibank (ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼǒs preferred provider). This will be effective from the day you arrive in Australia for the length of your Student visa.

    It’s a requirement of your visa that you have sufficient health cover from the day you arrive in Australia. You will receive your Policy Certificate via email prior to your departure.

    Please note: If you require any medical assistance in Australia before you meet your SCO, please call Medibank on 132 331. To use your policy, make sure to state the exact name and date of birth you have provided the university.

    If you require your OSHC policy before departing from your home country, e.g. to upgrade your single cover to spouse or family cover, please contact us at AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au for guidance.

    • If you notice that your OSHC is about to expire, urgently notify yourÌýStudent Contact Officer (SCO). They can assist you investigate the matter and extend your policy, if needed.

      You must hold a valid OSHC while you're still in Australia on your Student visa.

    • No. Your OSHC policy only covers you while you’re in Australia.

      However, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç will provide you with a Corporate Travel Insurance which covers you for travel over 100 kilometres on approved ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç business. For details, please contact your SCO.

    • Yes. Attendance at the Introductory Academic ProgramÌý(IAP) is compulsory for all awardees.

      Failure to attend the IAP may result in the termination of your scholarship. ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç must keep an attendance record to provide to DFAT on request.

      If you cannot arrive in time for the IAP, we will recommend you to defer to the next term.

    • Learn more about AAS entitlements and Supplementary Academic Support (SAS) below.

      Did you know?ÌýºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Faculties, Schools and Departments also offer a variety of freeÌýacademic supportÌýservices and mentoring programs.

    • You must discuss any change to your scholarship, including a program transfer, with a Student Support Advisor (SSA) first.

      The program you wish to transfer to must:

      • µþ±ðÌýcompatible with the original scholarship application, any partner government requirements and country program priorities
      • Not extend the duration of your scholarship
      • Remain in the same field of studyÌý(e.g. you cannot transfer from a Law to Arts).

      Transfers usually involve changing the name or CRICOS code of your program. Where this happens, the transfer must also be approved by DFAT at their discretion.

      You can book a consultation with a Student Support Advisor (SSA) for personalised advice and information.

    • Any enrolment that is more or less than 48 Units of Credit (UOC) per year needs to be approved by a Student Support Advisor (SSA).

      You can book a consultation with an SSA for personalised advice and information.

    • Once results are released, we will get in contact with you if we see that you have failed a course. Don't worry, you won't be in trouble. We will simply start the process of developing an appropriate strategy for the continuation of your scholarship.

      You’ll be required to create an action plan and we will email relevant details to you.

    • An important element of your Australia Awards Scholarship is your participation in the full academic experience. By doing courses online or via distanced learning, you are not getting this experience.

      Face-to-face learning encourages:

      • Communicating and interacting with other students
      • Building connections with academics
      • Participating in class
      • Using English in the classroom
      • Much more!

      DFAT requires that less than 25% of the courses you enrol in are offered online.

    • Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis and need approval from DFAT.

      An extension request will generally not be considered for a study program that's only one academic year in length. Apart from Honours year extensions, only one extension of up to six months will be approved for the duration of the scholarship.

      If you would like to discuss the option of an extension, you can book a consultation with a Student Support Advisor (SSA). SSAs can provide you with personalised advice and information.

    • No. Participation in an exchange program is not permitted while you're on an Australia Awards Scholarship.

    • PRSS conference travel funds

      The Postgraduate Research Student Support (PRSS) Scheme is a centrally funded initiative that provides funding to eligible postgraduate researchers.

      Under the PRSS Scheme, you can apply for funding to assist in presenting research at international conferences outside of Australia.

      Research Student Progress Report

      Your Student Contact Officer (SCO) will send you and your supervisor a Request for Research Student Progress Report twice a year. Under the terms of your scholarship, we are required to enter details of your academic progress into DFAT’s database.

      It is your responsibility to meet with your supervisor to complete this form and to return it to the SCO by the due date.

    • Australia Awards Scholarship recipients are eligible to receive travel concession at the commencement of their first term at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. This travel concession will not be granted while attending any preparatory programs, e.g. Pre-Course English (PCE) or Introductory Academic Program (IAP).

      Under a long-standing policy, fully-funded Australian Government scholarship recipients are entitled to a transport concession if they meet relevant criteria.

      Eligibility criteria for transport concessions in NSW are determined by the New South Wales Minister for Transport on behalf of the NSW Government. To find more information and read the full guidelines, see .

    • Please email us at AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au indicating the purpose of your travel. The SCO will respond to your email with further details.

      Payment for all travel arrangements will be made through our team. Please do not pay for any travel yourself unless previously approved by us.

    • Under the , AAS students are eligible for reunion airfare if they:

      • Are unaccompanied in Australia
      • Hold a scholarship for a minimum of two academic years.

      To learn more, refer to our information about entitlements and reunion airfare below.

    • Please see our information about entitlements and fieldwork below.

    • You must travel by the most direct route and are entitled to the 'best fare of the day'. This means you must select the cheapest economy class fare available during the period of travel. Any special discount fares must also be utilised.

      Therefore, it is not always possible to consider your preferred airline.

    • Your scholarship can be suspended for a maximum total of twelve months if deemed necessary for health or family reasons. This will need to be approved by the DFAT Program Area (or Partner Government, if applicable).

      You must return to your home country (with your family if you are accompanied) at your own cost. During your suspension, no contribution to living expenses (stipend) will be paid.

      You must, at your own expense, ensure that your visa and passport are valid prior to your return to Australia.

    • Yes. As an international student, you can work as follows:

      • During term: Up to 48 hours per fortnight
      • During breaks:ÌýUnlimited hours.

      DFAT advises that any employment undertaken during the term may compromise your academic progress. The successful completion of your scholarship must be your main focus.

After you complete your studies

  • Completion (or finalisation) of your studies is defined as follows:

    • Coursework:ÌýYour studies are completed on the day ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç officially releases final examination results.Ìý
    • Research:ÌýYour studies are completed on the day you submit your thesis or research work.
  • You must return to your home country prior to your visa expiry or within 30 days of completing your studiesÌý– whichever comes first.

    Your visa cannot be extended to allow you to remain in Australia to attend your formal graduation ceremony.

  • Your stipend payment will be stopped five days after the completion (finalisation) of your studies.

    If you leave Australia before you complete your studies, your stipend will stop five days after the day of your departure.

  • Please check with your bank whether you’ll need to close your bank account before you return home.ÌýMany banks will close your account automatically if there are no transactions for six months.

    We recommend leaving your bank account open for around four weeks after your departure. This allows enough time for any outstanding stipend payments to come through.

  • If you can't attend your graduation ceremony, we will send your testamur by post. It will go to the mailing address you have registered in .

    To learn more, please refer to our information aboutÌýdeclining your graduation invitation.

  • No. You are to travel back to your home country by the most direct route. Stopovers are not permitted unless they are unavoidable.

  • No. The scholarship does not provide the cost of transporting personal effects or excess baggage to and from Australia.

  • Your Student Liaison Officer (SLO) has a booklet for you called Returning Home Guidebook.ÌýPlease request this Australia Awards publication from our office to prepare for your return home.

    Please don't forget to update your details, including your home and mailing address, telephone, and email, in .

  • Please come by our office to say goodbye. Our staff who have gotten to know you especially would love to wish you farewell in person.

    Check with your Student Liaison Officer (SLO) about alumni information we might have received from your country. The alumni network in your home country will enable you to stay in touch with your Australia Awards friends.

Bringing your family

Please be aware

If your dependent spouse joins you in Australia while you study, they can usually obtain permission to work. However, it isn't advisable toÌýplan your income based on your spouse obtaining work.

It is oftenÌýdifficult to secure equivalent employment in your profession in Australia. Qualifications obtained in your home country might not be recognised in Australia.

It’s important to be realistic and flexible regarding the nature of the work, hours and pay you may receive in Australia. This approach to job seeking will help you better plan your household income and avoid disappointment.

Want to check whether your overseas qualifications are recognised in Australia? See the .

  • You may find it is easier to arrive in Australia by yourself first and bring your family later. This will give you time initially to establish yourself in your new environment (ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç and Sydney), find permanent accommodation and adjust to life in Australia.

    While the AAS Policy Handbook doesn't have specific rules about when your family can join you, your home country might. Please check with them before planning your and your family's arrival*.

    Important note:

    The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)Ìýdoes notÌýprovide any financial or other support for your dependants.

    * Having your family join you in Australia means forfeiting your reunion travel entitlement. Before we provide you a support letter for your dependants' visa application, you need to book a consultation with a Student Support Advisor. You will have to sign a declaration which we will share with DFAT.

  • The cost of supporting a family in Australia is very high. It’s important to ensure that you bring sufficient funds to support them financially.

    You will also need to pay for:

    • Your family's airfares to and from Australia
    • Overseas health cover for your family
    • Additional accommodation costs for bigger places
    • Food, clothing and other necessities
    • Schooling and/or childcare (if you have children).

    You may need to budget an additional minimum of AUD $8,000 a year for a spouse and up to AUD $3,720 a year for each child.

  • You may find that rental accommodation in Sydney is much more expensive than in your home country! We advise you to start familiarising yourself with options for long term accommodation before you depart.

  • It’s important to consider the adjustment you and your family will have to make. While temporary, moving to Australia for your studies is a major decision. Please consider:

    • How would the presence of your family impact your studies?
    • How does your family feel about coming to Australia?
    • Can your family members communicate confidently in English?
  • The requires dependants of international students to attend school in Australia. Children must be five years old to be eligible to start school in New South Wales.

    You will be responsible for paying for your children's:

    • School fees (unless exempt)
    • School uniforms
    • Books, stationery and other study materials
    • School excursions.

    You may need to pay for one term's school fees when you provisionally enrol your children. For more information on schooling please:

    • See the
    • Download an .
  • Childcare is expensive and can be a challenge to secure. You should start researching childcare options before you arrive.

    Most childcare centres have long waitlists, so you might need to register on several waiting lists. Please be aware that some centres charge an application fee.Ìý

    Child Care Centres located at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç are in high demand and have long waitlists. The wait can be anywhere up to two years. We strongly advise families to place their name at other non-ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç childcare centres in addition to these centres.


Australia Awards Scholarship entitlements for International Students

While studying in Australia as an awardee of an Australia Awards Scholarship, you may receive a number of entitlements. These include Supplementary Academic Support (SAS), fieldwork support and reunion travel.Ìý

For a full explanation of your scholarship entitlements please read the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook.

  • Yes. All scholarship students can access a Supplementary Academic Support (SAS) entitlement to help them with their studies.

    Australia Awards scholarship students can access SAS funds for:

    • Tutoring, Academic Support or Thesis Editing
    • Academic Training, Conference or Workshop.

    Find the application form in Microsoft Teams.

    SAS funds are accrued at a rate of $500 every six months during your scholarship.

    Time Period

    Entitlement Amount

    Time Period

    Entitlement Amount

    Jan – Jun 1st year

    $500

    Jan – Jun 3rd year

    $2,500

    Jul – Dec 1st year

    $1,000

    Jul – Dec 3rd year

    $3,000

    Jan – Jun 2nd year

    $1,500

    Jan – Jun 4th year

    $3,500

    Jul – Dec 2nd year

    $2,000

    Jul – Dec 4th year

    $4,000

    Example

    If a student is 1.5 years into a 2-year degree, they will be able to access $1500 out of their total $2000 entitlement.

    Please note

    • Funding cannot be used to purchase IT hardware, specialised software or textbooks.
    • The funds cannot be expensed in advance.
    • No further funding will be provided after the scholarship end date.
    • Applications to attend academic training, conferences or workshops must be emailed to AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au prior to their date.
  • Students with a fieldwork entitlement can travel back home during their scholarship to conduct fieldwork. This entitlement only covers the cost of the return airfare.

    To apply, email AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au to obtain the Fieldwork Travel Form.

    Please note

    • PhD students are entitled to three trips that can be either reunion or fieldwork.
    • Masters students are entitled to one trip that can be either reunion or fieldwork.

    Student type

    Fieldwork trips available Ìý
    (during scholarship period)Ìý

    Masters by CourseworkÌý

    (compulsory research component only)Ìý

    OneÌý

    (only if the Awardee has not used the reunion airfare)Ìý

    Masters by ResearchÌý

    OneÌý

    (only if the Awardee has not used the reunion airfare)Ìý

    PhD studentÌý

    Up to threeÌý

    (if fieldwork is conducted in the Awardee’s home country, the awardee is not eligible for reunion airfares in the year fieldwork is undertaken)Ìý

  • If you are entitled to reunion airfare, this is stipulated in your scholarship contract.

    The number of entitlements depends on your scholarship length:

    Length of scholarshipÌý

    Ìý

    Reunion airfare entitlement at:Ìý

    End of year 1Ìý

    End of yearÌý 2Ìý

    End of yearÌý 3Ìý

    End of yearÌý 4Ìý

    1 yearÌý

    NoÌý

    -Ìý

    -Ìý

    -Ìý

    1.7 years

    NoÌý

    -Ìý

    -Ìý

    -Ìý

    2 years

    YesÌý

    NoÌý

    -Ìý

    -Ìý

    2.7 years

    YesÌý

    NoÌý

    -Ìý

    -Ìý

    3 years

    YesÌý

    YesÌý

    NoÌý

    -Ìý

    3.7 years

    YesÌý

    YesÌý

    NoÌý

    -Ìý

    4 years

    YesÌý

    YesÌý

    YesÌý

    NoÌý

Want to get in touch with current Australia Awards Scholars?

Reach out to theÌýAustralia Awards Scholars Society for any pre-arrival questions you have for current students!

We’re here to help.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please get in touch.

For students at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Sydney

If you wish to schedule a consultation, please contact us either by phone or email. We are flexible to meet you in person or via Teams.

In person: International Student Compliance, The Nucleus: Student Hub, Level 2, Library (F21), Kensington Campus, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Sydney
Phone: + 61 (2) 9385 -8672 or -5336
Email: AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au

For students at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Canberra

If you have any enquiries in relation to your studies at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Canberra, your primary contact person is:

Ms Rong Wang, Postgraduate Co-ordinator, Student Administrative Services
Phone: +61 (2) 5114 5099
Email: r.wang@adfa.edu.au