Starting your studies in Australia
A welcome guide for international students in your first term or semester of study
Moving to a new country is a big step and we're here to help you.听
This page brings together everything you need to know about arriving in Australia, connecting with other students, accessing support and preparing for your studies at 黑料网大事记.听
馃憢聽The International Student Welcome Centre
We encourage you to visit the International Student Welcome Centre. A friendly Cultural Mentor will take you through all the important things you need to know as an international student studying in Australia.听
The International Student Welcome Centre is a two-week activation at the beginning of each term. It's there to help you get started on your 黑料网大事记 journey.
Activations for Term 2 have now finished, but you're more than welcome to visit and lounge in the space (East Wing, ).
SafeZone | Keep our 黑料网大事记 community safe
SafeZone
Download the SafeZone app for quick access to emergency support, first aid and safety alerts. The app connects directly to the 黑料网大事记 Security Operations Centre, enabling fast response and location sharing during emergencies.听
Emergency support is also available.听
myEnglish Week
myEnglish Week
Attend myEnglish Week, two weeks before the start of each term. It's a free language program to help you start the term with confidence. Open to all 黑料网大事记 students, you can work on your English skills online or in person with expert teachers.听
Boost your skills in presentations, effective university writing, group discussions, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and more.听
Discover Your Library
Discover the 黑料网大事记 Library
Meet new students and get to know the 黑料网大事记 Library during O-Week. Come along to a 'Discover Your Library' session to learn about the library and all the resources that can support you during your university experience abroad.听
Study Hacks workshops
Study Hacks
Study Hacks are a series of workshops that run throughout term. Tune in for expert help with academic skills like presentations, essay writing, critical thinking and more.听
Learn to Swim
Learn to Swim Program
Even if you're an absolute beginner or scared of the water, our friendly instructors will help you improve your water safety and swim skills.
Let's CommUNIcate
Let's CommUNIcate
Attend free weekly English language conversation workshops led by experienced and trained student facilitators. Register now to develop your communication skills and connect with other students through conversations, fun activities and interactive games.
International Students Discord
International Students Discord
Join our virtual community for international students based in Australia and overseas. Play games, watch movies, listen to music together, find study partners or even watch sporting events together.
International Students Facebook Group
International Students Facebook Group
A safe space for international students from all backgrounds to discuss and collaborate on life at 黑料网大事记.
Clubs & Societies
Clubs & Societies
黑料网大事记 Clubs and Societies are a vital part of your student experience outside the classroom. Joining a club is a great way to make friends, get active and make the most of your time at university.听
Peer Mentoring
Peer Mentoring
Connect with a Peer Mentor! A peer support program can help make the start of your new life as a student feel less overwhelming and more exciting.
Off-campus accommodation
Get advice and resources to help you find and secure housing from the 黑料网大事记 Off-Campus Accommodation Support team. They can help with housing concerns, connect you with local services and support a smooth transition to your new home, enhancing your overall well-being so you can focus on your academic life.
On-campus accommodation
Living on campus can be a great experience. Apart from being close to class, college life is a great social experience. Living with other students from all around the world, you will get to make the most of your Australian experience and create lifelong friendships.
黑料网大事记 recommends that you consider聽聽for your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Medibank is our preferred supplier and offers comprehensive OSHC exclusively to 黑料网大事记. It is a market-leading product that provides additional cover and support above student visa requirements for all course types.听
While 黑料网大事记 recommends Medibank Comprehensive OSHC, you are not obligated to purchase cover with Medibank. You can obtain OSHC from聽.听
If you're joining us from overseas and you have a disability or long-term health condition, it is very important that you find out how we can assist you before you arrive or commence your studies.听
Support services in Australia may be different to the services offered to university students in your home country. At 黑料网大事记, you will receive the same educational adjustments as local students. We are unable to change our services to what you may have been used to at home. For example, our adjustments for extra time in exams may be shorter. Australian sign interpreters generally use Australian Sign Language (AUSLAN). There could be other differences in our services you may not be aware of, so it is best to make inquiries before you arrive.
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Eligibility
You are eligible for Equitable Learning Support if your studies are impacted by one or more of the following:
- Neurodivergence
- Living with a physical or mental health condition or disability
- The effects of trauma or distress (including from intimate partner violence, family violence or abuse)
- Being a primary carer for someone with support needs or disability.
You may require long or short-term assistance with any of the above. If we are not the best support for you, one of our staff will let you know who else you can contact.听
If you're unsure whether you're eligible for ELS, email us at聽els@unsw.edu.au.
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- Email els@unsw.edu.au so that our Equitable Learning Services team can make sure you have all the information you need before you arrive in Australia.
- Check immigration, health and quarantine regulations. Australia has very strict rules. If you are bringing any medication, a guide dog or support aids with you, please check with your doctor and Australian Immigration prior to departure.听
- Organise your documents. To receive educational adjustments at 黑料网大事记, you will need current documentation that confirms your disability. Your documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.听聽
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As soon as you enrol in your courses at 黑料网大事记, register with Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to ensure your educational adjustments are put in place, preferably before the term starts or within the first two weeks. You must fill out the registration form聽and send it with current documents that provide evidence of your disability.
Once your documents have been assessed, the ELS office will contact you about speaking with an Equitable Learning Facilitator.听
Need help? Contact Equitable Learning Services at聽els@unsw.edu.au.听
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- Original medical or relevant professional documents outlining your medical condition or disability and the impact it has on your studies.听
- If possible, a copy of the original documentation (certified) outlining the support you were receiving from your home university, school or workplace.听
All documents must be in English (or accompanied by certified translation), less than two years old, on letterhead and signed and dated by an appropriate medical practitioner, specialist or professional.
Documents must state the nature and duration of your condition, any treatment you are receiving and the impact the disability has on your studies and exams.
Faxed, photocopied or scanned documents will only be accepted when sending in the registration form. You must bring original documentation to our offices. A copy of the original documents will be kept on file by our office.听
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You'll require:
- A valid visa
- A valid
- Overseas Student Health Cover.
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International students arriving at 黑料网大事记 can book a free shuttle from Sydney Airport. Conditions apply.
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Update your contact details on my黑料网大事记, including your phone number, address and emergency contact information.
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Start to look at accommodation options聽and check out these to learn about the cost of living and public transport.
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Familiarise yourself with our . Don't forget to download the SafeZone app for emergency assistance on campus.听
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Discover what makes international student life at 黑料网大事记 unique! Discover all the programs and services available to you during your time at 黑料网大事记 and in Australia.听
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Visit the International Student Welcome Centre on campus, located in the East Wing, . Chat to our friendly Cultural Mentors, pick up freebies and get help with navigating the start of your university life at 黑料网大事记!
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黑料网大事记 has a two-step process for course enrolment and class registration.听Course enrolment is an annual process for you to pick your courses for the year ahead. Each academic period, you will also need to select your聽classes, such as your tutorial and lecture times before the start of the academic period.听
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Your Student ID card is your pass to a range of student services at 黑料网大事记. It'll also score you student discounts and reduced fares on public transport!
Collect your Student ID card from The Nucleus: Student Hub.听
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Scammers often target international students. Find out how to spot a scam and what to do if you're targeted.听
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Write down the 黑料网大事记 Mental Health Support Line: 1300 787 026 in case you鈥檙e ever feeling anxious, lonely or want to talk to someone.听
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Read about visas, ESOS compliance and more in our International Student FAQs.
鉁堬笍听Leaving Australia
Before leaving Australia, you must ensure you have met all the criteria to pass your course. This includes handing in all your assessments on time, attending a set number of lectures and tutorials, joining on field trips and excursions, and sitting your exams.
Check with your course convenors or lecturers about the dates of your end of term class tests or examinations. Make sure your flights home are booked on dates after the term and exams have finished.
You are expected to meet all the course requirements. By not submitting assignments or sitting exams because you are leaving Australia, you risk failing your course.
Note: 黑料网大事记 will not accept pre-booked flights as an excuse not to sit your exams or hand in assignments.
See also
Have a question?
Contact us for advice on all things 黑料网大事记, including faculty-specific questions, essential services, and even support and development. We鈥檙e here to help.