Welfare services for International students

International students can access all the services offered by the Student Welfare Service. They are free, professional and confidential.

Make an appointment by emailing welfareservice@westernsydney.edu.au or calling 1300 668 370 (option 4 then option 1) - we have dedicated Welfare Officers to help you, so please let us know if you're an International student.

Visa Matters

Before you change your studies

Do you have any concerns or personal issues that might affect your study? Changing your enrolment, reducing your study load, taking a leave of absence or resigning from your studies can have visa implications, so it's important you seek advice before making any changes. A Western Sydney University Welfare Officer can provide advice on visa implications and refer you to relevant University or external department.

For information on applying for Reduced Study Load or Leave of Absence please go to our International Student Support (opens in a new window) webpage where you will find further information and instructions on how to lodge an application.

Please contact the Student Welfare Service as soon as possible if you are experiencing any difficulties. You can make an appointment by calling 1300 668 370 (option 4 then option 1) or emailing welfareservice@westernsydney.edu.au.

The University endeavours to support students in achieving and maintaining satisfactory academic progress and to complete their programs in the allowable period of time. To find out more, you can read the Western Sydney University International Student Intervention Strategy.

Financial assistance

Textbook Support

The Student Welfare Services is offering textbook support to students who are experiencing financial hardship. To find out more about textbook support and to see if you're eligible please visit the Money matters page.

Emergency financial assistance

We offer a range of financial assistance to help students with education-related costs and basic living expenses. Financial assistance available to Western Sydney University students includes interest free loans and grants. To find out more about assistance and to see if you're eligible visit the Money matters page. (opens in a new window)

Financial information and resources

There is a range of useful information about managing your finances on the Money matters page. You may also find the interactive tools on the Study, Money & Life Skills vUWS site valuable in planning your finances. If you are under financial pressure that is affecting your ability to study please email welfareservice@westernsydney.edu.au so that we may assist you.

Referral to external financial advisors

Sometimes you might need to seek assistance from other services, such as a counsellor or a government agency. Western Sydney University Welfare Officers can help you with information and advice about the right services to talk to.

Academic advocacy

Special Consideration

During your studies, there may be times when circumstances beyond your control may impact adversely on your performance, such as severe and/or grave illness, misadventure or accident.  Under such circumstances you may apply for "Special Consideration".

You will need to notify the University of your illness, misadventure or extenuating circumstances, as well as provide supporting documentation which demonstrates the severity and/or gravity and timing of the circumstance which has affected your academic performance.

To find out more about the types of Special Consideration and how to apply, visit the Special Consideration webpage. If you need assistance making your application, a Welfare Officer can help. Contact a Welfare Officer by emailing welfareservice@westernsydney.edu.au and we'll help you through the process.

Exclusion and Conditional Enrolment

You might need advocacy for issues related to allegations of misconduct, review of grades, special consideration, bullying and harassment or progression checks. Advocacy means that you're provided with clear information, advice and support. It also means that you don't have to deal with problems or respond to issues on your own. Please email welfareservice@westernsydney.edu.au so that we may assist you.

If you wish to find out more about what advocacy is, please visit the Advocacy webpage.

Withdrawal Without Academic Penalty

If you are considering changing or withdrawing from a unit or your course, you should seek advice before doing so. In some circumstances you may be able to Withdraw Without Academic Penalty.

Make sure to consult with us before making changes that can effect your visa status. Email us on welfareservice@westensydney.edu.au so you know what your enrolment changes will mean for your ability to stay in Australia.

Other services

Accommodation

The Student Welfare service can help you find resources for living on and off campus. Find out more on the Accommodation page.

MATES and English Conversation Groups

MATES is a mentoring program for new students. MATES stands for Mentoring and Transition Equals Success.

MATES provides first year students with an opportunity to connect with other new students and mentors in later years of study. This helps new students make friends, network with other students and gain knowledge and skills to settle into life at university.

Find out more and get involved at the MATES website.

English Conversation Groups (ECG) are for students who are interested in improving their skills in English conversation and run by trained student volunteers in a fun and friendly environment. The program consists of five, weekly, one-hour sessions during Autumn and Spring sessions.

Find out more and get involved at the English Conversation Groups website. (opens in a new window)

Overseas Student Health Cover

Students with Overseas Student Health Cover with Bupa can access assistance in a number of ways.

Phone

Speak to the overseas student support team Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (AEST).

Call 1800 888 942 from within Australia or call +61 3 9937 4223 from outside Australia.

24 - hour student advice line

The 24-hour student advice line can support you in 180 languages and provide assistance with a range of emergency situations.

Call: 1300 884 235

For general enquiries you can also visit the Student Services Hub or the Student Welfare officer on your campus.

Visit a Bupa Store

Meet a Bupa consultant in-store for assistance.

Find your local Bupa store. (opens in a new window)

For more information, please see our OSHC webpage. (opens in a new window)