It is important you meet application deadlines for your visa, airport pick-up and accommodation – and that you arrive in Australia in plenty of time for orientation and enrolment. Key dates are outlined in your Offer of Admission letter.
English language testing
You may need to undertake English language proficiency testing in order to meet the enrolment requirements of your course. You can take a TOEFL or IELTS exam in your own country, but you must send your results to the University of Wollongong (UOW) with your Offer Acceptance and Payment Advice form.
Visa
The student visa application process can be complicated and can take as long as three months, depending on which country you come from. Please ensure payment of your fees, as quoted in your Offer of Admission letter, is made as early as possible so you can start the application process immediately.
Your nearest Australian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission can advise you about visa processing times.
Accommodation
Applications for university accommodation close two months before the session commences:
- Autumn Session (February): 30 November
- Spring Session (July): 1 May
To arrange accommodation with a local family, please go to Australian Family Homestays.
If you wish to arrange private accommodation, you should arrive in Wollongong at least four weeks before the start of the session.
See Apply for Accommodation for more information.
Airport pick-up
A free airport pick-up service is available to international students newly enrolled at UOW and in package courses at Wollongong College Australia. You need to book your pick-up – or make changes to it – at least 48 hours before your arrival. If you are arriving on a weekend, your request should be made no later than 4pm (AEST) on the Thursday before. Airport pick-up
Orientation & enrolment
Please make sure you arrive in plenty of time for your compulsory Orientation Week, which includes enrolment and other information critical to your success at UOW. You will not be permitted to enrol after Orientation Week unless written permission from UOW has been granted.
If you arrive after Orientation Week, you will not be guaranteed a place in the subjects of your choice – this could result in your course of study taking up to one year longer to complete. Orientation & enrolment
See the UOW session dates.
