International Student Arrival

International Student Arrival

We're delighted to welcome students from all over the world to Western.

Coming to Australia: Q&A session to help you settle in

It's so exciting to have all of our international students back in Australia to study with us on our beautiful campuses! Prepare for your trip so that there are little to no surprises when you get here. It doesn't matter whether it's your first time coming to Australia or you're returning after a few years. We will share what to prepare for your trip, changes in student visa requirements, and how you can create home away from home. 

This is a safe space for you to ask ANY questions as you prepare to travel to Australia. Mark this in your calendar, it's a great place to make friends before you reach the country. Don't forget to invite other travelling Western Sydney University students so they don't miss out!

Session dates and times coming soon.

Important Notices

COVID-19 flexible provisions for online study will cease on 30 June 2023

Important message for student visa holders (subclass 500):

With borders now open and overseas students once again able to travel to Australia for study, temporary measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing student visa holders with the flexibility to study their course online, will cease on 30 June 2023.

The Australian Government has announced that all providers are expected to return to full compliance with the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code) by 30 June 2023.

If you are a student visa holder, you will be required to be in Australia to undertake study in a face-to-face learning mode as per the conditions set out in your Student Visa (subclass 500) from 1 July 2023.

You will no longer be permitted to study more than one-third of the units in a course by online or distance learning and must study at least one unit that is not by distance or online learning in each study period (Standard 8.20 of the National Code), with the exception of the last unit of your course.

We strongly advise all student visa holders currently studying offshore to make arrangements to travel to Sydney in time for the commencement of terms in Quarter 3, Quarter 4, Spring 2023 and beyond. 

Visit here for further information and frequently asked questions.

COVID-19 testing requirements before travel

Travellers from China, Hong Kong and Macau:

From 11 March 2023, you no longer need to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test when returning to Australia from China, Hong Kong or Macau.

Visit the Study NSW Travel Advice website for more information.

Scam warning

Message from: Australian Department of Home Affairs

We are aware of online messages claiming that people travelling to Australia from 16 December need to complete a Digital Passenger Declaration and pay a fee. This information is false.

THE FACTS: To support COVID-safe travel to Australia, the Australian Government collects critical health information from travellers through the Australia Travel Declaration. The Australian Government is developing a Digital Passenger Declaration that will replace the Australia Travel Declaration.

Travellers do no need to pay a fee to complete the Australia Travel Declaration, and there will be no fee for the Digital passenger Declaration.

Don't be fooled by cyber criminals. Protect yourself from the government impersonation scams by checking that the URL of any Australian Government website you access contains '.gov.au'. For the facts about the Australia Travel Declaration, click here

Personalised Support

Your Western Success Advisor is here to help you transition back to life on campus in Australia. We will guide you in all aspects of university life so that your journey back to Western is enjoyable. We will be in touch with you! You can also keep in touch with us via phone or WhatsApp on +61 2 9852 5155 or via email.

There are times when it’s difficult to talk about certain things with family, or even friends – but what’s important for you and your mental health is that you talk to someone. Talk Campus is a 24/7 peer to peer mental health app. You can also talk to someone in your own language if you prefer.  Download the app now and start connecting. 

Returning International Students Checklist

For comprehensive student checklists to help with your return to Australia, click the button below to find out more information. These pages include resourceful websites to plan your return and also to provide International travel restrictions updates. 

5 Ways to Wellbeing

‘5 Ways to Wellbeing’ introduces you to five simple and effective ways to improve your psychological and emotional health that are based on extensive international research.

A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body for your overall wellbeing. Like physical fitness, you can strengthen your psychological health in lots of small day-to-day ways. This will help you live a happier and a longer life as well as help you to cope with stress.

Support Services

If you’d like information or advice on the community, government and student health wellbeing support available we are here to assist you. 

Click the button below to find detailed information about returning to campus, student arrival plans, re-enrolment and registration, CoE and Visa information, student ID cards, COVID-19, mental health, work rights, tenancy/housing, legal advice, Sydney City campus, international education, safety, family and children and health and wellbeing. 

accommodation

Accommodation Guidance

It's important to plan your accommodation early and before you arrive in Sydney.

If you’d like advice or need to talk to someone about accommodation in Sydney, we are here to assist you. Please email your enquiry to the Accommodation Support Officer or visit our Accommodation webpage for more information.

student life

Get Involved in Student Life

Reconnect with our dynamic, thriving and culturally rich community over Summer! There is a diverse range of events including both online and face-to-face events; cinema under the stars, online bingo, beach trip, go to the zoo, online craft afternoon or yoga just to name a few! We will also be hosting ‘Welcome Back’ morning/afternoon teas on campus. All these events and many more are found on the WesternLife, so get involved, be active, and build your connection with your peers.

Community Events

Whether it’s your first time in Australia or you’ve been away for a while, it is time to start connecting with the community.Taking part in the community events may help you with adjusting to a new environment and cultural transition.
With all that Sydney has on offer, you will find so much to Immerse yourself in!

New to Australia

We have great resources to help you prepare for your upcoming adventure.

Don’t forget your Western Success Advisor will be with you along the journey, so you are not alone!

Get Job Ready

Not sure how to kickstart your career once you arrive in Sydney? We’ve got your back. Check out the following links to access a wide range of careers resources that will help strengthen your employability by addressing the following 5 key focus areas:

  • Creating impressive resumes & cover letters
  • Selection criteria
  • Interviews
  • Upskilling
  • Networking

Seeking Work in Australia

Please note, due to current economic conditions and the unpredictable nature of the employment market in Australia as a result of COVID19, finding work in Australia may be difficult and you may not be able to relay on gaining part-time work to supplement your tuition and living costs in Australia.