AusAID Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General

I have changed my address in Australia, what should I do?

I have changed my address in Australia, what should I do?

You must ensure your living and mailing address in Australia is up to date at all times. If you move address, update your address details via SOLS. Make sure that this is the address that is marked your 'In Session' address.

Academic 

• Can I change my course?
• Can I withdraw from any subject after the University census date?
• What should I do if I fail a subject?
• Can I enrol in more subjects than required in my course?

Can I change my course? 

You may be able to change courses if AusAID considers the new course to be consistent with your country's program priorities and your government's requirements; and that it will not extend your scholarship. Discuss the matter with the UOW AusAID Officer if you are considering this. Changes are subject to AusAID approval.

Can I withdraw from a subject after the University census date? 

No. If you do, you will be asked to pay the tuition fee for that subject. Contact the UOW AusAID Officer if you are in a situation where you need to withdraw from a subject after the census date. 

What should I do if I fail a subject? 

1. Talk to your course coordinator to find out if a supplementary examination or additional assessments can be arranged for you.
2. Contact the UOW AusAID Officer to discuss your options for completing your course and how the failure may affect your scholarship.

Can I enrol in more subjects than required in my course? 

No, this is not permitted.

Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE) 

• Is my stipend a taxable income?
• Can I change my bank account?
• Can my stipend be paid in advance?
• When should I close my bank account when my scholarship is completed?

Is my stipend a taxable income? 

No, it is income tax exempt and is not subject to an income test on you or your spouse's income.

Can I change my bank account? 

Yes. Provide your new bank account details to the UOW AusAID Officer. Do not close your old bank account until you receive your stipend in the new bank account.  

Can my stipend be paid in advance? 

No,  advance payment can not be arranged.  

When should I close my bank account when my scholarship is completed? 

Do not close your bank account until after you have received your final stipend. Check with the UOW AusAID Officer if you are not sure when you will receive your final stipend.

Travel 

• Am I eligible for reunion airfares?
• Does AusAID pay for fieldwork travel and related costs?
• Can I stop over in other countries for a holiday on my way home?
• Does AusAID pay for any excess luggage?

Am I eligible for reunion airfares? 

You are eligible if:

• you are not accompanied by any family members, and
• your ADS is for 2 academic years or more, and
• your eligibility for the reunion airfare entitlement is stated on your scholarship offer 

Does AusAID pay for fieldwork travel and related costs? 

AusAID only pays for the airfare. You are responsible for all other fieldwork-related costs. Read the conditions of when AusAID supports fieldwork

Can I stop over in other countries for a holiday on my way home? 

No. You must take the next available connecting flight if there is a compulsory stopover.

Does AusAID pay for excess luggage? 

No. You have to pay for excess luggage costs.

ALA students 

• What can my Study Enrichment Allowance (SEA) be used for?
• How can I access my Study Enrichment Allowance?
• Can I use my Study Enrichment Allowance in advance?

What can my Study Enrichment Allowance be used for? 

You can use your SEA for fieldwork, conferences and home visits. If you need to use the allowance for something specific, please contact the UOW AusAID Officer.

Can I use my Study Enrichment Allowance in advance? 

You cannot use more than the allocated amount each year without approval. Unused portions of your Study Enrichment Allowance will be brought forward to the next year.

Completing your studies  

• When is my graduation?
• Can I stay for my graduation?
• How do I get my certificate if I cannot attend a graduation ceremony?
• How do I order my academic transcript?
• Can I stay in Australia longer than 30 days if my visa is still valid?
• When should I make my flight booking for final departure?
• Where do I book my flight?
• Are there any travel rules or restrictions?
• When will my stipend payment be stopped?

When is my graduation? 

Refer to the UOW Graduation website http://www.uow.edu.au/student/graduation/index.html

Can I stay for my graduation? 

You can stay for your graduation only if it is held within 30 days of the official publication of your exam results or submission of your thesis.

How do I get my certificate if I cannot attend a graduation ceremony? 

In your application to graduate please ensure you select that you will not be attending graduation and would like to graduate in absentia. Your certificate will be sent to your permanent address in your home country by international courier mail. Remember to update your address details on SOLS before you leave.

How do I order my academic transcript? 

Contact Student Central to purchase an academic transcript.

Can I stay in Australia longer than 30 days if my visa is still valid? 

No. You must depart Australia within 30 days of the official publication of your exam results or submission of your thesis.

When will my stipend payment be stopped? 

If you travel before your exam results are released or thesis submission date, your stipend will be stopped on the day of travel.

If you travel after the exam result or thesis submission date, your stipend will cease within five days.