Information about arriving in Australia

All fully vaccinated international travellers arriving in NSW are required to:

1. Travel directly from the airport to their home or accommodation. A face mask that covers their nose and mouth must be worn at all times. They must remain 1.5 metres away from other people as much as possible.
2. Self-isolate until they receive a negative result from a COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken within the first 24 hours of arrival (they may leave self-isolation to get a COVID-19 test.)
   Rapid antigen tests can be purchased from pharmacies and retailers including major supermarkets such as Woolworths and Coles, and cost approximately $24 AUD for a packet of two.
   •  Typically, results from rapid antigen tests (RAT) are known within 15 minutes of taking the test.
   •  For ease and convenience, students should consider bringing a TGA-approved Rapid Antigen Test Kit from their home country when they travel.
3. If you receive a positive Rapid Antigen Test, you must register this result with Service NSW (please note you do not have to register a negative or invalid test result).
   Information on how to register a positive Rapid Antigen Test, including how to get help in your language, is available on the Service NSW website.
4. Do not enter high-risk settings such as (aged care, disability care, healthcare, and correctional facilities) for 7 days after arrival.
5. Undertake another rapid antigen test on Day 6 after arriving in NSW.

For more information on the requirements to enter New South Wales, please visit the NSW Health website.

UOW welcomes the news that a rebate of $630 on Visa Application Charges will be given to eligible international students travelling to Australia between 19 January and 19 March 2022. Refund applications will be open until 31 December 2022. Find out more about how to apply for a refund on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Additionally, the Australian Government is temporarily removing the limit on student visa holders’ working hours. This applies to all current students working in Australia as well as new students who commence employment in Australia prior to course commencement. This measure will be reviewed in April 2022 - visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

If you are still outside Australia (offshore)

If you are still outside Australia and cannot currently be with us in person, UOW will continue to offer most classes online (where possible), so that you can continue to progress in your course. However, we strongly suggest you make every effort to travel to Australia to study face to face, in line with the requirements of your international student visa. This includes ensuring your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and visa are valid.

If you are studying in Australia (onshore)

If you are an international student currently in Australia (onshore), it is a requirement of your student visa that at least two thirds (66%) of the subjects you enrol in are taught on campus. While this requirement has been relaxed temporarily by the Government in response to COVID-19, UOW cannot be certain when this will be reinstated. We strongly encourage you enrol in on-campus subjects where they are available.

For information or advice about your visa requirements, please contact the Department of Home Affairs.