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Current Students

Australia Awards Scholarships - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to all your questions, tailored to the stage you’re at as a recipient of the Australia Awards Scholarships.

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Before leaving your home country you should receive a pre-departure guidebook called "On Track for Australia!" during your pre-departure briefing. If not, you can download the guidebook below or look at some short videos to hear a summary of how to prepare for your journey to Australia.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Common Reporting Standard (CRS) for foreign nationals requires that you provide your Tax ID number (TIN) when opening new bank accounts. This affects all international students, so please make sure you bring your TIN confirmation. CRS is a regulatory requirement and all financial institutions in Australia will be collecting this information. Every customer must provide their tax residency information.

  • We recommend you arrive in Sydney on the date recommended by your Student Contact Officer (SCO). The date was set to accommodate the university lifecycle and to give you time to arrange some practical matters that come with living in a new city, such as:Ìý

    • Open a bank account
    • Activate your OSHC
    • Find long-term accommodation
    • Familiarise yourself with public transport and your surroundings
    • Introduce yourself to your supervisor if you are a research student

    If you choose to arrive earlier, you may; but please be aware that entitlement to the Contribution to Living Expenses (stipend) commences only fourteen (14) days prior to the start of IAP.

  • We recommend you arrive Monday to Friday so we can welcome you on your day of arrival or the day after at the latest. Please note we do not work on weekends and/or public holidays.Ìý

    If you can't arrive on a weekday and must arrive on a weekend or public holiday, we will see you on the next business day.Ìý

    Please be aware we can't process payment of your Establishment Allowance until we have met with you and you provide us with your bank account details.

  • Once you have settled in your accommodation and stored your luggage, we ask that you come to campus to meet your Student Contact Officer (SCO).

    The SCO will personally welcome you either on your day of arrival (weekdays only) or on the next business day, depending on what is most appropriate for you. The Welcome meetings are always at 12:00pm (noon) sharp. If you cannot be there on time, we ask that you return the next day.

    We will advise you of the meeting room closer to your arrival.

  • We urge you to arrive with a laptop. A laptop is vital to actively and successfully participate in IAP from Day 1. Most items can be purchased in Australia, but items you might like to bring include:

    • Essentials: Toiletries, optical and other medical prescriptionsÌý
    • Household items: Alarm clock, photos of family and friends, power adapter, sporting equipment, etc
    • Academic supplies: Dictionary (bilingual), scientific or graphics calculator, micro recorder for lectures, etc
    • Small gifts from homeÌý

    The standard voltage for electrical items in Australia is 240V. Electric plugs have three (3) flat pins, one of which is an earth pin. You may need to buy an adaptor or have the plugs changed when you arrive.

  • We recommend that you bring at least AU$500 in cash to pay for incidentals until you receive your establishment allowance. The $5,000 establishment allowance will be transferred into your bank account after the Welcome meeting with your Student Contact Officer (SCO). This means there will be a gap of a few days before you have access to that money.

    You can find general information about the on our website.

  • You need an Australian Bank Account while you stay in Sydney and to receive your Contribution to Living Expenses and Establishment Allowance.

    If you would like to open a Commonwealth Bank account before you arrive, please follow to apply for an account online.

    When completing the online account application, you must enter an arrival date within 3 months. You cannot open an account if you put in a date outside of 3 months.

    If your arrival is delayed, the account will remain open for up to 6 months. If you do not arrive within 6 months, the account will be closed automatically.

    ÌýThe Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for foreign nationals requires that they provide their Tax ID number (TIN) when they open new bank accounts.

    This effects all international students, so please make sure you bring your TIN confirmation. CRS is a regulatory requirement and all financial institutions in Australia will collect this information. Every customer must provide their tax residency information.

    All banks must be compliant regarding collecting tax residency details from customers. They must collect this information face-to-face along with sighting your identification during your first visit to the bank. Once the account is active, you will have access to transact in this account, including receiving deposits.

    If you need to make a deposit before your arrival in Australia, you must contact the bank to arrange a phone call to advise the TIN numbers from your country. Once set up, you can deposit money into the account, however, you can only withdraw the funds after you arrive in Australia.

  • Australia has very strict laws about what you can and cannot bring into the country. If you are in doubt about whether your goods are prohibited, declare them anyway on the incoming passenger card you receive on the plane. Visitors have received on-the-spot fines for not declaring items.Ìý

    For more information, please visit the .

  • If possible, please send an email to: to let us know.Ìý

    If you had requested Airport Pick-Up, please also inform the Airport Pick-Up Service provider quickly. If you had requested temporary accommodation, please inform them too. We are more than happy to do that on your behalf if you wish to lessen the stress for you.

  • You can book an Airport Pick-Up Service directly with UNSW's service provider 2Airport which will pick you up from the Kingsford Smith Airport in Sydney.Ìý

    Please note: The Airport Pick-Up Service is complimentary for Australia Awards Scholarship recipients if you travel to either the listed accommodation options on the website or to any of the suburbs that are listed for a fee of $15. If you are intending to travel to any location that is not on that list, 2Airport can arrange that for you but at your own expense.Ìý

    If your accommodation is outside the above radius, we highly recommend that you check how far away that accommodation is from UNSW. Please remember that the IAP is compulsory and daily attendance is expected.

  • If you would like us to organise temporary accommodation, please email us at AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au as soon as possible with the email subject line: "I wish UNSW to book Temporary Accommodation" together with your contact details, a copy of your vaccination certificate and the details of your arrival.

    If you request temporary accommodation, we will organise a single occupancy room either on or very close to UNSW campus for the first 7 nights (AAS Policy Handbook, Paragraph 11.3.1). We will book accommodation subject to availability and the rates may vary. Payment for temporary accommodation is your responsibility.

    If you requested Airport Pick-Up, you will be taken directly to your temporary accommodation. If time allows and convenient, you may come onto campus on the same day for the 12:00pm (noon) Welcome. Alternatively, we expect to see you the next business day at 12:00pm (noon).

    Our address is: The University of New South Wales, International Student Compliance Team, John Goodsell Building (F20), Ground Floor, High Street, Kensington NSW 2052.

    If you have already organised your own temporary accommodation, please email us at AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au with the email subject line: "I have organised my own Temporary Accommodation".

  • If you arrange your own temporary accommodation, please note that you will have to bear the cost of travel to get there if it is further away from the accommodation we would have arranged for you (which would have been on or very close to UNSW campus).Ìý

    We recommend that you ask your accommodation provider how far they are away from UNSW. That will give you a good idea about travel time and cost.

  • The $5,000 establishment allowance will be transferred into your bank account after the Welcome meeting with your Student Contact Officer (SCO). This means there will be a gap of a few days before you have access to that money.

  • You can defer once you have accepted your scholarship and before you arrive in Australia.

    Deferrals are available to awardees who are unable to fully commit to the academic program for the time the UNSW offer is made and may be approved for a variety of reasons. If you would like to defer, you need to contact your Post and/or their Managing Contractor. Once the scholarship deferral is approved, we will defer your UNSW offer accordingly.

  • Please be aware: You may find that in general rental accommodation in Sydney is much more expensive than in your home country! We advise that you start familiarising yourself with options for long-term accommodation (and their prices) before you depart.

    • Please see options.

    • Please go to to update your contact details. Please also remember to inform your bank, health insurance provider and contact the Department of Home Affairs to update your details.Ìý

    • Please visit the .

      We would also recommend that you with a Student Support Advisor (SSA) for personalised advice and information.

    • Your stipend is paid fortnightly by the University into your nominated Australian bank account in arrears. The first payment should be paid on the first payday after your arrival.

      Following the first payment, stipend will be paid in accordance with UNSW fortnightly pay periods.

    • No. Stipend is currently income tax exempt. Please refer to the Australian Tax Office website for information on Australian tax laws.

    • Yes. If you change your bank account, please update your details immediately on myUNSW so that stipend payments are made to the correct bank account. Do not close your old bank account immediately to allow for any possible outstanding payments to be made.

      Please send an email to AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au once your Bank Account details have been updated on myUNSW.

    • No. Stipend is paid in arrears. Advance payment is not possible.

  • Your Student Contact Officer (SCO) will arrange with Medibank (UNSW’s preferred provider) for your single OSHC policy to start on the day you arrive in Australia for the length of your student visa. It’s a requirement of your visa that you have sufficient health cover from the day you arrive in Australia. You will receive your Policy Certificate via email prior to your departure.

    ÌýIf you require any medical assistance in Australia before you meet your SCO, please call Medibank on 132 331. You’ll need to provide them with the exact name and date of birth you have provided the university to use your policy.

    If you require your OSHC policy before you depart your home country, e.g. to upgrade your single cover to spouse or family cover, please contact us at AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au for guidance.

    • If you notice that your OSHC is about to expire while you’re still in Australia on your student visa, you need to urgently notify your Student Contact Officer (SCO). Together we’ll investigate the matter and extend your policy, if required.

    • No. Your OSHC policy only covers you while you’re in Australia. However, UNSW provides all students with a Corporate Travel Insurance which covers you whilst travelling more than 100 kilometres on approved UNSW business. For details, please contact your SCO.

    • Yes. Attendance at the IAP is compulsory for all awardees. Failure to attend the IAP may result in the termination of your scholarship. UNSW must keep an attendance record provided to DFAT Canberra on request. If you cannot arrive in time for the start of the IAP prior to the commencement of your study period, we will recommend that you defer to the next term.

    • UNSW Faculties, Schools and Departments offer a variety of free academic support services, as well as Mentoring Programs.Ìý

      SAS can be granted where the institution, awardee or Program Area identifies that assistance is required in line with the institution's academic requirements. Please visit the Australia Awards Moodle page, where you have access to our Procedures for step-by-step guidance and the respective application forms to use Supplementary Academic Support for the below purposes.

      For enquiries, please contact us at AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au.

      • Tutoring, Academic Support and Thesis Editing
      • Academic Training, Workshop and Conference Attendance

    • ANY change to your scholarship, including a program transfer, you need to discuss first with a Student Support Advisor (SSA).Ìý

      Any request for a transfer must be compatible with the original scholarship application, Partner Government requirements (where applicable) and country program priorities. If the name or CRICOS code of the program changes (which in most cases does), the change needs to be approved by DFAT at their discretion.Ìý

      The course transfer cannot result in an extension of time to the scholarship. Equally, a change to the field of study is not permitted (e.g. from a law to an arts degree).Ìý

      You can book a consultation with a Student Support Advisor (SSA) for personalised advice and information.

    • Any enrolment that is more or less than 48 Units of Credit (UOC) per year needs to be approved by a Student Support Advisor (SSA). You can book a consultation with a Student Support Advisor (SSA) for personalised advice and information.

    • Once results are released and we see that you have failed a subject, we will get in contact with you to start the process of developing an appropriate strategy for the continuation of your scholarship.

      You’ll be required to create an action plan and relevant details will be emailed to you.

    • An important element of your Australia Awards Scholarship is for you to participate in the full academic experience. By doing courses online or via distance, you are not getting this experience.

      Face-to-face learning encourages communicating and interacting with other students, building linkages with academics, participating in class, using English in the classroom, and more.

      DFAT stipulates the requirement that less than 25% of the courses you enrol in are offered online.

    • Extensions are decided on a case-by-case basis and need approval from DFAT.Ìý

      A request for an extension will generally not be considered for a study program that is only one academic year in length. Apart from Honours year extensions, only one extension of up to six months will be approved for the duration of the scholarship.Ìý

      If you would like to discuss the option of an extension, you can book a consultation with a Student Support Advisor (SSA) for personalised advice and information.

    • No. The participation in an exchange program whilst on an Australia Awards Scholarship is not permitted.

    • PRSS Conference travel funds

      The Postgraduate Research Student Support (PRSS) Scheme is a centrally funded initiative to provide eligible postgraduate researchers with the opportunity to apply for funding to assist in presenting their research at international conferences outside of Australia.

      Research Student Progress Report

      Your Students Contact Officer (SCO) will send you, with a copy to your supervisor, a Request for Research Student Progress Report twice a year. Under the terms of your scholarship, we are required to enter details of your academic progress into DFAT’s database.Ìý

      It is your responsibility to meet with your supervisor to complete this form and to return it to the SCO by the due date.

    • Australia Awards Scholarship recipients are eligible to receive travel concession at the commencement of their first term at UNSW. This travel concession will not be granted while attending any preparatory programs, e.g. Pre-Course English (PCE) or Introductory Academic Program (IAP). Under a long-standing policy, fully-funded Australian Government scholarship recipients are entitled to a transport concession if they meet relevant criteria.

      Eligibility criteria for transport concessions in New South Wales are determined by the New South Wales Minister for Transport on behalf of the Government of New South Wales. The full version of the Guidelines are available .

      Read more details on your eligibility for Concession Opal travel in Sydney.

    • Please email us at AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au indicating the purpose of your travel.Ìý

      The SCO will respond to your email with further details. Payment for all travel arrangements will be made through our team, therefore, please do not pay for any travel yourself unless previously approved by us.

    • Under the AAS Policy Handbook 2023 (PDF), section 10.8 Reunion Airfare, unaccompanied AAS Students holding a scholarship for a minimum of two academic years are eligible for Reunion Airfare. Please refer to the Scholarship entitlements section for more details.

    • Students who have a fieldwork entitlement can travel back home during their scholarship to conduct fieldwork. This entitlement only covers the cost of the return airfare.

      Please note: PhD students are entitled to three trips that can be either reunion or fieldwork. Masters students are entitled to one trip that can be either reunion or fieldwork.

      Student type

      Fieldwork trips available Ìý
      (during scholarship period)Ìý

      Masters by CourseworkÌý

      (compulsory research component only)Ìý

      OneÌý

      (only if the Awardee has not used the reunion airfare)Ìý

      Masters by ReserchÌý

      OneÌý

      (only if the Awardee has not used the reunion airfare)Ìý

      PhD studentÌý

      Up to threeÌý

      (if fieldwork is conducted in the Awardee’s home country, the awardee is not eligible for reunion airfares in the year fieldwork is undertaken)Ìý

    • You are to travel by the most direct route and are entitled to the 'best fare of the day' which is the cheapest economy class fare available during the period of travel. Any special discount fares need to be utilised. Therefore, it is not always possible to consider your preferred airline.

    • Your scholarship can be suspended for a maximum total of twelve (12) months if deemed necessary for health or family reasons and will need to be approved by the DFAT Program Area (or Partner Government if applicable).Ìý

      You must return to your home country (with your family if you are accompanied) at your own cost and no contribution to living expenses (stipend) will be paid for the period of your suspension.Ìý

      You must, at your own expense, ensure that your visa and passport are valid prior to your return to Australia.

    • Yes. As an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during a term and unlimited hours during term breaks.Ìý

      DFAT advises that any employment undertaken during the term may compromise your academic progress. The successful completion of your scholarship must be your main focus.

  • Completion (or finalisation) of your studies is defined as follows:Ìý

    • Coursework: your studies are completed on the day UNSW officially releases the examination results.Ìý
    • Research: your studies are completed on the day you submit your thesis/research work.

  • You must return to your home country prior to your visa expiry or within 30 days of the completion of your studies, whichever comes first. You aren’t permitted to extend your visa to enable you to remain in Australia to attend your formal graduation ceremony.

  • Your stipend payment will be stopped five (5) days after the completion (finalisation) of your studies unless you leave Australia before then. In that case, stipend will stop five (5) days after the day of your departure.

  • Please check with your bank whether you’ll need to close your bank account before you return home.Ìý

    Many banks will close your account automatically when there are no transactions for six (6) months. We recommend that you leave your bank account open for approximately four (4) weeks after your departure, just in case there are any outstanding stipend payments being made.

  • To receive your testamur, please refer to the testamur information on the page.

  • No. You are to travel back to your home country by the most direct route, and stopovers are not permitted unless unavoidable.

  • No. The scholarship does not provide the cost of transporting personal effects and/or excess baggage to and from Australia.

  • Your Student Liaison Officer (SLO) has a booklet for you called 'Returning Home Guidebook' please request this Australia Awards publication from our office to prepare for your return home.

    Please don't forget to update your home and mailing address as well as telephone and email details in myUNSW.

  • Please come by our office to say goodbye to the staff who you have gotten to know during your time at UNSW. We like to wish you farewell in person.

    ÌýPlease check with your Student Liaison Officer (SLO) about Alumni information which we might have received from your country to pass on to you. The Alumni network in your home country will enable you to stay in touch with many of your Australia Awards friends.

Please be aware: Dependent spouses who choose to join their partner studying in Australia can usually obtain permission to work but may find it difficult to secure equivalent employment in their profession.

Quite often qualifications obtained in your home country might not be recognised in Australia so it’s important to be realistic and flexible in terms of the nature of the work, the hours and the pay you may receive in Australia. Taking this approach to job seeking will help you plan your household income in Australia and avoid disappointment. It isn’t advisable to plan your income based on your spouse obtaining work.

If you want to check whether your overseas qualification(s) is recognised in Australia, please visit for more information.Ìý

  • You may find it is easier to arrive in Australia first and to bring your family later. That way you will have established yourself in your new environment (UNSW and Sydney), have found permanent accommodation, and adjusted to life in Australia before being joined by your family.ÌýÌý

    While the AAS Policy Handbook does not stipulate when your family can join you in Australia, your home country might have specific rules; please check with them.

    Please note that DFAT does not provide any financial or other support for your dependants.

    When you decide for your family to join you in Australia, you forfeit your reunion travel entitlement. Before we provide you with a support letter for your dependants' visa application, you need to make an appointment with a Student Support Advisor for a consultation and you need to sign a declaration which we will share with DFAT.

  • The cost of supporting a family in Australia is very high and it’s important to ensure that you bring sufficient funds to support them financially.Ìý

    You also need to pay for their airfares to and from Australia, their overseas health cover, additional accommodation costs if you need a bigger place, extra costs for food, clothing and other necessities. If you have children, you need to pay for their schooling and/or childcare.

    You may need to budget an additional minimum of A$8,000 a year for a spouse and up to A$3,720 a year for each child.

  • You may find that in general rental accommodation in Sydney is much more expensive than in your home country! We advise that you start familiarising yourself with options for long term accommodation (and their prices) before you depart.Ìý

  • It’s important to consider the adjustment that you and your family will have to make when moving to Australia temporarily for your studies. Please consider:

    • How would the presence of your family impact your studies?
    • How does your family feel about coming to Australia
    • Can your family members communicate confidently in English?

  • The requires dependants of international students to attend school in Australia. Children must be five years old to be eligible to start school in New South Wales.

    ÌýYou are responsible for school fees (unless exempt) and other costs including school uniforms, books, stationery and excursions. You may need to pay for one semester's school fees when you provisionally enrol your children. For more information on schooling please:

    • See the
    • Download an

  • Childcare is expensive and can be a challenge to secure. You should start researching childcare options before you arrive. Most childcare centres have long waitlists, so you might need to register on several waiting lists. Please be aware that some centres charge an application fee.Ìý

    Child Care Centres located at UNSW are in high demand and have long waitlists - the wait can be anywhere up to 2 years. We strongly advise families to place their name at other non-UNSW childcare centres in addition to these centres.


Australia Awards Scholarship entitlements for International Students

While studying in Australia as an awardee of an Australia Awards Scholarship you may receive a number of entitlements, including Supplementary Academic Support (SAS), fieldwork support and reunion travel.Ìý

For a full explanation of your scholarship entitlements please read the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook.

  • Yes. All scholarship students can access a Supplementary Academic Support (SAS) entitlement to help them with their studies.

    AAS students can access SAS funds for the purposes stated below:

    • Tutoring/Academic Support/Thesis Editing
    • Academic Training, Conference or Workshop

    An Application Form can be accessed via Microsoft Teams.

    SAS funds are accrued at a rate of $500 every six months during your scholarship.
    Ìý

    Time Period

    Entitlement Amount

    Time Period

    Entitlement Amount

    Jan – Jun 1st year

    $500

    Jan – Jun 3rd year

    $2,500

    Jul – Dec 1st year

    $1,000

    Jul – Dec 3rd year

    $3,000

    Jan – Jun 2nd year

    $1,500

    Jan – Jun 4th year

    $3,500

    Jul – Dec 2nd year

    $2,000

    Jul – Dec 4th year

    $4,000


    Example:
    If a student is 1.5 years into a 2-year degree, they will be able to access $1500 out of their total $2000 entitlement.

    Please note:

    • Funding cannot be used to purchase IT hardware, specialised software or textbooks.
    • The funds cannot be expensed in advance.
    • No further funding will be provided after the scholarship end date.
    • Applications to attend academic training, conferences or workshops must be emailed to AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au prior to the date of the training/workshop/conference.

  • Students with a fieldwork entitlement can travel back home during their scholarship to conduct Fieldwork. This entitlement only covers the cost of the return airfare. To apply please email AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au to obtain the Fieldwork Travel Form

    Please note: PhD students are entitled to three trips that can be either reunion or fieldwork. Masters students are entitled to one trip that can be either reunion or fieldwork.

    Student type

    Fieldwork trips available Ìý
    (during scholarship period)Ìý

    Masters by CourseworkÌý

    (compulsory research component only)Ìý

    OneÌý

    (only if the Awardee has not used the reunion airfare)Ìý

    Masters by ReserchÌý

    OneÌý

    (only if the Awardee has not used the reunion airfare)Ìý

    PhD studentÌý

    Up to threeÌý

    (if fieldwork is conducted in the Awardee’s home country, the awardee is not eligible for reunion airfares in the year fieldwork is undertaken)Ìý

  • If you are entitled to Reunion Airfare, this is stipulated in your scholarship contract.

    The number of entitlements depends on your scholarship length:

    Length of scholarshipÌý

    Reunion Airfare Entitlement at:Ìý

    Ìý

    End of year 1Ìý

    End of yearÌý 2Ìý

    End of yearÌý 3Ìý

    End of yearÌý 4Ìý

    1 yearÌý

    NoÌý

    -Ìý

    -Ìý

    -Ìý

    1.7 yearsÌý

    NoÌý

    -Ìý

    -Ìý

    -Ìý

    2 yearsÌý

    YesÌý

    NoÌý

    -Ìý

    -Ìý

    2.7 yearsÌý

    YesÌý

    NoÌý

    -Ìý

    -Ìý

    3 yearsÌý

    YesÌý

    YesÌý

    NoÌý

    -Ìý

    3.7 yearsÌý

    YesÌý

    YesÌý

    NoÌý

    -Ìý

    4 yearsÌý

    YesÌý

    YesÌý

    YesÌý

    NoÌý

See more

Want to get in touch with current Australia Awards Scholars?

Reach out to theÌýAustralia Awards Scholars Society for any pre-arrival questions you have for current students!
Get in touch

We’re here to help.

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please get in touch.

For students at UNSW Sydney

If you wish to schedule a consultation, please contact us either by phone or email. We are flexible to meet you in person or via Teams.

In person: International Student Compliance, The Nucleus: Student Hub, Level 2, Library (F21), Kensington Campus, UNSW Sydney
Phone: + 61 (2) 9385 -8672 or -5336
Email: AustraliaAwards@unsw.edu.au

For Students Studying at UNSW Canberra

If you have any enquiries in relation to your studies at UNSW Canberra, your primary contact person is:

Ms Rong Wang, Postgraduate Co-ordinator, Student Administrative Services
Phone: +61 (2) 5114 5099
Email: r.wang@adfa.edu.au