Studying in 2021

• Teaching and Learning: UOW will continue to deliver classes online for the remainder of Spring Session and all of Trimester 3. Students should continue to study from home, where it is not essential to be on campus.
• NSW Health Restrictions: Fully vaccinated adults (16 years and over) can now enjoy more freedoms as NSW passes the 80% double vaccination target. Learn about the rules on the NSW Health website.
• Our campuses: Our Sydney CBD, South Western Sydney and Southern Sydney campuses will continue to be closed during this time. All other UOW campuses will remain open, with most buildings requiring swipe card access.
• COVID Safe Rules: All students and visitors to UOW campuses must follow these COVID-Safe rules.
• We ask all members of the UOW community to be as vigilant as ever by observing the NSW Health directives, regularly checking the changing list of case locations, getting tested for the mildest of symptoms, and seeking vaccination as soon as possible.

Our COVID Safe Transition Plan (PDF) details a phased approach to restarting social connections from October to the end of December 2021. The safety of our community is the guiding principle behind all decisions made at UOW; that is why our plan aligns with the NSW Public Health Order and the Reopening NSW Roadmap. 

Vaccination requirements

• As per Public Health orders and the Reopening NSW Roadmap, until 1 December 2021, access to certain UOW facilities will only be permitted to people who are vaccinated (fully vaccinated for Greater Sydney or at least one dose for Regional NSW)
• These rules apply to staff, students and visitors to hospitality, retail, sporting venues, libraries, events and related activities
• These rules also apply to visitors to student accommodation. Residents are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated

While UOW continues with remote course delivery for the remainder of 2021, we are planning for the return of on-campus course delivery in 2022. We will provide more details about teaching and operational arrangements for 2022 as soon as we can. We know you are keen to find out more about what to expect next year, so you can plan ahead.

To provide certainty for students, we will continue online delivery for the remainder of Spring Session and all of Trimester 3.

Exams

Final exams for these sessions will be held online and remotely, except for a small number of exams requiring a practical assessment component. Some exams will be invigilated (supervised) online due to accreditation or specific learning requirements. Students will receive more detailed information about exams via SOLS mail, and the Exams and Results website will be updated regularly.

Pilot program to return international students

The University of Wollongong (UOW) welcomes the NSW Government’s announcement on a plan to start returning international students to NSW. While the pilot will initially only bring a small number of eligible international students back to Australia, it's an important milestone that will lay the foundation for the safe return of more students in the future. Find out more on our Returning to Australia webpage.

Research activities

The Research and Innovation Division (RAID) team, together with Faculties/AIIM and UOW Workplace Health and Safety team, have prepared a COVID Safe Transition Plan for Research, which has been updated in line with recent NSW Public Health Orders and UOW’s COVID Safe Transition Plan (PDF).

Please contact your supervisor to discuss what this means for you. Your supervisor has additional details from their Faculty on how essential research is being managed.

It is important to continue to document the impact of COVID disruptions, using the HDR candidate contingency plan. Documenting impacts can help you apply for scholarships or candidature extensions if your research is disrupted by the pandemic.

For more information and FAQS regarding Higher Degree Research during COVID-19, visit this page.

• Stay home if unwell and seek medical advice. Anyone who attends campus and is displaying COVID-19 symptoms will be asked to leave and get tested. If you need help arranging transport to a medical centre or COVID-19 testing clinic, you can contact UOW Security.
• Continue to check the list of case locations, exposure venues and public transport routes. If you attended a venue during the times and dates listed, you must immediately follow the health advice listed against the relevant venue and do not visit a UOW campus for any reason.
• Maintain 1.5m physical distancing from others where practical in all open and closed spaces.
• Wear a mask in all indoor venues on campus, while waiting for or while on public transport services.
• Mandatory Service NSW QR code scanning is in place at all UOW buildings, including residences. Students must check-in and out every time they enter or leave a building on our campuses – this may include checking in multiple times a day.
• Occupancy limits apply as per public health order restrictions across campus and are signposted at the entry where required.
• Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitiser. Hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes stations have been installed around campus and in classrooms. Students are required to use disinfectant wipes provided to clean their desks and any shared equipment before and after class. Please dispose of used disinfectant wipes in the general waste bins (landfill).

Students are also encouraged to find out when and where they can receive a COVID-19 vaccine, book an appointment if eligible, or register interest. Check your eligibility here.

Face masks

From 11 October, face mask rules changed. Visitors to UOW campuses in NSW must wear a face mask in an indoor area of premises other than a place of residence, when waiting for or on public transport, and if you cannot maintain 1.5 meters distance from others. For the latest rules, visit the NSW health website.

Students are encouraged to bring their own reusable masks when visiting campus, however, this may not be appropriate in laboratory settings due to the risk of contamination. Teaching staff in local areas will be able to provide students with advice on what type of face mask is suitable for their class.

If you use a disposable mask please ensure that you dispose of it appropriately in the general waste bins (landfill). Breaking the ear elastics before disposal will also help to protect our wildlife.

Wearing a mask is not a substitute for physical distancing. Masks are a "fourth line of defence" after staying home if unwell and getting tested, maintaining social distancing and good hand hygiene.

Please refer to the NSW Government website on how to wear a mask correctly.

Our residences continue to provide students with a vibrant and supportive community while they study at UOW.

Each residence offers easy access to a range of facilities and social events, academic and wellbeing programs. Our focus is on ensuring students feel supported and connected.

We have plans in place to ensure our residents have a COVID safe environment, including physical distancing protocols, staggered dining times at catered sites and clear signage.

Applications are now open for new and returning students.

COVID-19 Accommodation FAQs

• Pay and display parking across the Wollongong campus is closed (tickets currently not required).
• Public parking arrangements at all regional and metropolitan campuses operate as normal.
• Students who have paid up-front for an annual parking permit can register with Facilities Management to receive a refund: transport-project@uow.edu.au
• Consider travel options if you need to come to campus - walk or ride instead.
• Avoid travelling during peak periods if possible and allow extra travel time in case you need to wait for a less crowded train or bus.

• UniActive offers top-class fitness and sporting facilities on campus including two fully equipped gyms, a 50m heated Olympic pool, group exercise classes and much more. Government guidelines and capacity limits apply at UniActive gyms.
• Pulse Student Engagement programs are delivered on campus and online, offering a range of workshops, events, resources and giveaways.
• Join one of over 150 UniClubs and get involved and connect with other students.

• Student Central is the first point of contact for student enquiries. You can find their contact details here.
• UOW also has a wide range of academic and personal support services available to students. We encourage students to make use of these services, as they need them.
• Face masks are mandatory when visiting on-campus indoor service points.