- Applying to study
- New to Uni
- Important dates
- Forms
- Enrolment
- Fees and costs
- The Academy
-
Services and facilities
- - Student Central
- - Workshops, programs and online resources
- - Academic Literacy Support
- - Counselling Service
- - Disability Service
- - Student Welfare Service
- - Special Consideration
- - Student Legal Services
- - Chaplaincy
- - Student Representation & Participation
- - Student Academic Committees
- - International student support
- - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support
- - Student Stores
- - Online student support
- - Student facilities
- - Support for Student Veterans
- - TalkCampus
- Online systems
- Student Misconduct Rule
- Exams
- Results
- Progression
- Graduating
- Semi Permanent Unlimited Live
- Western Digital Story Telling Project
Student Carers
Are you caring for someone who has a disability or chronic health condition? Support is available for student carers.
If you are a carer of another person as outlined in the Carer Recognition Act 2010 you may be eligible to apply for a Carers Verification Statement from the Student Welfare Service
The definition of Carer is as defined in the Carer Recognition Act 2010. For the purpose of the Act carers are people who provide personal care, support and assistance to another individual in need of support due to disability, medical condition, including terminal or chronic illness, mental illness or is frail and aged.
PLEASE NOTE:
A person is not a carer for the purpose of the Act in respect of care, support and assistance that the person provides:
- under a contract of service or a contract for the provision of services, or
- in the course of doing voluntary work for a charitable, welfare or community organisation, or
- as part of the requirements of a course of education or training
In addition to the above, a person is not a carer of another person for the purposes of the Act merely because the person:
- is the spouse or de facto partner of the person, or
- is the parent, guardian, child or other relative of the other person, or
- lives with the other person.
A Carer Verification Statement (CVS) is a document that is issued by the Student Welfare Service to a student, who is a Carer to confirm their Caring Responsibilities.
You can apply for a Carer Verification Statement by completing the online application form here.
Student Carer enquiries can be made to Student Welfare Service by emailing welfareservice@westernsydney.edu.au or phoning 1300 668 370 (option 4 then 1).
What is a Carers Verification Statement
A Carer Verification Statement (CVS) is a document established with the Student Welfare Service that confirms a students caring responsibilities as defined by the Carers Recognition Act 2010.
A CVS can be used as evidence of extenuating circumstances to support:
- An extension request for an assessment task on the first occasion. If a second extension is needed, a Special Consideration eForm will need to be lodged with additional supporting evidence.
- A Change of Tutorial Application where a suitable alternative may be available
Eligibility for a Carers Verification Statement
You can apply for a Carers Verification Statement (CVS) at any time during your studies if you are a carer of another person as defined by the Carers Recognition Act 2010.
To apply for a CVS click on the 'Applying for a Carers Verification Statement' tab below.
The definition of Carer is as defined in the Carer Recognition Act 2010. For the purpose of the Act carers are people who provide personal care, support and assistance to another individual in need of support due to disability, medical condition, including terminal or chronic illness, mental illness or is frail and aged.
PLEASE NOTE:
A person is not a carer for the purpose of the Act in respect of care, support and assistance that the person provides:
- under a contract of service or a contract for the provision of services, or
- in the course of doing voluntary work for a charitable, welfare or community organisation, or
- as part of the requirements of a course of education or training
In addition to the above, a person is not a carer of another person for the purposes of the Act merely because the person:
- is the spouse or de facto partner of the person, or
- is the parent, guardian, child or other relative of the other person, or
- lives with the other person.
Applying for a Carers Verification Statement
You can apply for a Carer Verification Statement by completing the online application form here
To obtain a CVS you must attach one of the following documents to your application:
- Carer Registration form PDF (PDF, 89.61 KB) completed by a Registered Health Professional, OR
- Proof that you are in receipt of a Centrelink Carer Payment or Carer Allowance
The Student Welfare Service will make contact with you via email following submission of your request for a CVS and be your contact point for any support and enquiries.
Using your Carers Verification Statement
A valid Carers Verification Statement (CVS) issued by the Student Welfare Service can be used as evidence of extenuating circumstances to support:
- An extension request for an assessment task on the first occasion. If a second extension is needed, a Special Consideration application will need to be lodged with additional supporting evidence.
- A Change of Tutorial Application where a suitable alternative may be available
Using your CVS
- Extension Request
If you are a Western Sydney University Student to apply for an extension you must complete the Request for Extension form and provide a copy of your CVS as evidence of your circumstances.
More information is available in the Guidelines for Students - Assignment Extensions published with the Assessment Policy
If you are a student at The College, to apply for an extension you must email your class teacher requesting the extension and include a copy of your CVS.
- Change of Tutorial Application
If you are a Western Sydney University Student or a student at The College to request a tutorial change you must complete the Change of Tutorial form and provide a copy of your CVS as evidence of your circumstances. All effort will be made to accommodate requested changes but there is no guarantee that changes can be accommodated.
More information is available on the Changing Tutorials page.
Renewing your Carers Verification Statement
Once you have a Carers Verification Statement (CVS), it will continue to be valid for
- 12 months from the date of issue, OR, if less than 12 months duration;
- For the duration of the condition as determined on the Carer Registration form PDF (PDF, 89.61 KB) completed by the Health Practitioner
If your Caring Responsibilities continue after the expiry date of the CVS you will need to contact the Student Welfare Service, who will assist you to apply for a new CVS.
If your Caring responsibilities change or cease, you will need to make contact with the Student Welfare Service to provide an update on your circumstances.
Support for Carers
The Student Welfare Service has professionally trained staff to support student carers. Welfare Officers assist student carers in managing caring responsibilities alongside studies as well as providing information and referral to other specialist services.
Carer Support Services in NSW:
- Carers NSW: 1800 242 636
- Young Carers/Carers NSW: 1800 242 636
- Young Carers Network
Mobile options: