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Welcome back!

June 2023

We have returned to face-to-face classes, social activities and student support services in 2023. All students in Sydney should attend classes on campus. Live Online is no longer available, and all students need to return to Sydney for on-campus classes. 

Please check Canvas for details of your classes and your email for updates. If you need support during this time, speak to your Student Success Adviser or visit the website for more information.

Returning to Campus - FAQs

We've reactivated our campus, in line with updated government health advice. See our range of FAQs below about travelling to Australia and returning to campus in 2023.

From Semester 2 and ELT Block 3, 2023, all classes are on campus only. Live Online is no longer available and students need to come to Sydney to take classes on campus.

Learning.Connected enables all our students to enjoy the benefits of our interactive and supported way of learning.
 
*Please contact the Student Centre if you need more information and to find out about on-campus classes.

We follow strict COVID-19 cleaning protocols and NSW Health recommendations for infection control and prevention. 

We provide hand sanitiser stations on all floors of our buildings, and we ask that you maintain physical distancing in common areas of the building.   

In addition, we have made several improvements to the building air conditioning to improve ventilation and reduce risk of airborne transmission such as: 

  • cleaning of the air conditioning units with microbial cleaning agents/chemicals focusing on coil and surface treatments has been completed. 

  • installing F5 grade filters installed and comply with Australian Standards; all supplementary air-conditioning air handing units that can accommodate higher grade filters (F7/Merv 13), have now been upgraded following the NSW government’s advice on ventilation. 

  • classrooms will receive specialised pandemic cleaning of high-risk and high touch point areas throughout the day

Please continue to check the latest advice from the NSW Government.  

UTS College is following NSW Government guidelines and if you are a close contact (including household contact) of a person who is COVID-19 positive, you can still attend classes and study on campus, however, you should monitor for symptoms, physically distance, and wear a mask when it is not possible to physically distance. 

We continue to encourage you to wear a mask whenever it is not possible to physically distance from other students, teachers and staff. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home and get tested. 

In line with the NSW Government Public Health Orders, we no longer require you to show proof of vaccination or exemption. We continue, however, to encourage you to get fully vaccinated, maintain physical distancing, and to stay at home if unwell. 

The use of face masks is recommended in classrooms and laboratories. A face mask may be removed if you are outside of a classroom or in a common area of the campus. 

International students do not need to receive a negative COVID-19 PCR test or (Rapid Antigen Test (RAT)) prior to travel to Australia.

International students do not need to be fully vaccinated prior to travel to Australia. You are however, responsible for meeting any testing requirements of the airline or countries through which you transit.

UTS College is following NSW Government guidelines and if you are a close contact (including household contact) of a person who is COVID-19 positive, you can still attend classes and study on campus, however, you should monitor for symptoms, physically distance, and wear a mask when it is not possible to physically distance. 

We continue to encourage you to wear a mask whenever it is not possible to physically distance from other students, teachers and staff. 

If you feel unwell in any way, you should stay at home, self-isolate, and take a COVID-19 test if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms – even if they are minor.

The way you ​travel to and from Australia has changed. All travellers should be aware that:

  • people entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status
  • people entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration
  • people leaving Australia will not be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status
  • unvaccinated visa holders do not​ need a travel exemption to travel to Australia.

It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.​ For more information, see the Department of Home Affairs website. 

In line with NSW Health rules, students do not need to be fully vaccinated to study on campus. However, we strongly recommend that you have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. We will continue to follow all NSW Health public health orders and will notify you if or when this situation changes.

Please follow the NSW Government's advice on COVID-19 testing and self-isolation if you begin to show any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Should you test positive, please follow the advice of NSW Health and continue to isolate and practice good hygiene. See the COVID-19 FAQs below for more information. 

There are several things you can do to maintain your health and safety while on campus. These include:

  • wear a mask in the classroom if you have been a close contact of a person with COVID-19
  • maintain physical distancing of 1.5m where possible 
  • maintain good hand hygiene 
  • vaccination is highly recommended 
  • please stay home and get tested if you are feeling unwell or experience any COVID-19 symptoms.

The constant changes to what we can and can't do can be hard to keep up with. So, before you come to campus, check the NSW Government rules to make sure you’re informed, and you don’t put yourself or others at risk. Remember, the rules may change depending on where you're living, so double-check before you come in and always follow the advice.

Yes, we'll be offering student events and activities safely on campus for students to enjoy campus life. Check your Welcome Week schedule on CANVAS for upcoming on campus activities.

Business, Science, Engineering, and IT classes are held at our campus in UTS Building 5 (CB05). UTS College has exclusive use of Block C, Levels 1 and 2, and Block B, Levels 4 and 5. Classes for the Creative Industries program and Academic English are held at our Harris Street locations.
 
If you're coming to the B5 campus to use the facilities or visit the Student Centre, HELPS or ITDS Service Desk, it’s important to follow the above basic guidelines to keep yourselves and people around you safe.

The campus is open for face-to-face classes in 2023.

Our Student Support webpage provides you with the information for all of our support services, including academic, wellbeing, IT support and more.
No. People in NSW do not need to wear a face mask on public transport or in waiting areas such as a bus stop, train station, ferry terminal, and cruise terminal. Find out more here. 
Students and teachers, when outside the classroom, do not need to wear a mask on campus.

If you're a close contact of a person with COVID-19, we encourage masks to be worn whenever it is not possible to physically distance from other students, teachers and staff. 

Travelling to Australia - FAQs

We’re delighted to welcome students from all over the world to our campus. International students can travel to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption.

International students do not need to receive a negative COVID-19 PCR test or Rapid Antigen Test prior to travel to Australia. 

International students do not need to be fully vaccinated prior to travel to Australia. You are however, responsible for meeting any testing requirements of the airline or countries through which you transit.

Please visit the Study NSW or Department of Home Affairs websites for further details on what you need to plan your journey.

International borders are to Australia are now open. Information on travelling to Australia can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. 

You will need your student visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents as advised by the Australian Government.

You can prepare for your travel with the Pre-departure and Arrival checklist on the Study NSW website or the Australian government website. 

International students do not need to undertake a COVID-19 test prior to travelling. You are however responsible for checking the testing and proof of vaccination requirements for the airlines or vessel operator you travel with, and all countries you travel to and transit through.

More information on travelling to Australia can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. 

Yes. All international students can return to study in Australia without requiring a travel exemption.

To attend the UTS College campus, we encourage you to accept your offer as soon as possible in order to begin making travel arrangements.

After accepting your offer, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which you will need to apply for your student visa.

See our website for more detailed information on getting ready to travel to Sydney and starting at UTS College.

  1. Once you have accepted your offer and paid your fees, you’ll be issued a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) (and Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) if you’re under 18). This confirms the course/s that you’ve been admitted into.
  2. Once you’ve received your CoE and CAAW you’ll be able to apply for a student visa. Your education agent will assist you with your visa application.  

For more information visit the Department of Home Affairs website. See our website for more information on applying to UTS College and accepting your offer.

We recommend that you book flights when you:

  • have your CoE from UTS College
  • have received an Australian student visa
  • are prepared to meet the requirements for travel to Australia.

See our website for more detailed information on getting ready to travel to Sydney and starting at UTS College.

No. We will issue you with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when you have accepted your offer and paid your fees. This confirms the course/s that you’ve been admitted into.

Once you’ve received your CoE (and CAAW if applicable) you’ll be able to apply for a student visa. Your education agent will assist you with your visa application.  

No, you do not need to quarantine on arrival.

For more information on what you need to do before you travel, read What I need to do before I travel on the Department of Home Affairs website.

All students who are eligible to study in Australia, that is, have a valid student visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents as advised by the Australian Government, can study on campus. If you have arrived in Australia prior to the semester starting, you must enrol to study on campus as part of your visa requirements. 

If you are unable to attain the above items, please discuss your options with the Admissions team or the Student Centre.

A range of financial government support is available for eligible students. Please refer to the Payments and Services During Coronavirus page on the Services Australia website to view eligibility criteria and find out what assistance is currently available.

We strongly recommend that all students continue to check both the Study Australia and Department of Home Affairs websites for the latest information before booking flights and finalising travel arrangements. 

UTS College and UTS offers a wide range of accommodation options for students. Learn more for details arranging accommodation in Sydney and your many accommodation options.

Scape observes NSW Health COVID-19 guidelines and maintains touch-point cleaning. Rooms at Scape are set aside for isolation, if needed. All staff at Scape are double vaccinated and all students/residents are also required to be double vaccinated.

Homestays has a Covid policy available on their website for hosts and recommend that all hosts are vaccinated. Hosts can upload vaccination certificates to the Homestay website so that vaccination status can be reviewed during the placement process. 

Yes. Your homestay accommodation can include an airport welcome. Alternatively, you can request UTS College to arrange your transport from the airport at a cost A$180. You can also find out more about transport in Sydney on our website.

Homestays has a Covid policy available on their website for hosts and recommend that all hosts are vaccinated. Hosts can upload vaccination certificates to the Homestay website so that vaccination status can be reviewed during the placement process. 

See our website for information about Homestays and other accommodation options for students. You can also email accommodation@utscollege.edu.au to find out more.

See our Living in Sydney page for more information about preparing to travel, live, study and work, in Sydney.

Covid-19 updates - FAQs

Please follow the NSW Government's advice on COVID-19 testing and self-isolation if you begin to show any signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Should you test positive, please follow the advice of NSW Health and continue to isolate and practice good hygeine. See below for more information what to do if you test positive. 

We continue to encourage physical distancing on campus. Please keep a distance of 1.5 metres from staff and students where possible, wear a mask, and make good use of the hands-free sanitising stations all around the campus. 

For full details on student support, services, guides and resources please refer to our current student support page. We are following official advice from the Australian Government and the NSW Department of Health in relation to health and safety on campus.

What are coronaviruses?

Where have active cases of coronavirus been diagnosed? 

You can find the latest information on confirmed cases, symptoms and prevention, on the NSW Health website.  

If I need to self-isolate, what guidelines should I follow?

It is no longer mandatory to self-isolate at home if you test positive to COVID-19. However we encourage you to follow the advice of NSW Health to stay at home and get tested if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. Household and close contacts should follow these guidelines.

Visit the NSW Health or NSW Government guidelines on management of COVID-19 and self-isolation.

Masks are no longer required on flights travelling to Australia.​

The way you ​travel to and from Australia has changed. All travellers should be aware that:

  • people entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status
  • people entering Australia do not need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration
  • people leaving Australia will not be asked to provide evidence of their vaccination status
  • unvaccinated visa holders do not​ need a travel exemption to travel to Australia.

It is important to remember that airlines, vessel operators and other countries may have specific requirements that travellers need to comply with.​ For more information, see the Department of Home Affairs website. 

Where can I find more information? 

We will monitor and update this page as required. Please see the above FAQs on travelling to Australia and studying in Sydney. If you have any questions or concerns, you can also visit: 

Medibank’s 24/7 Student Health and Support Line can help provide students with guidance on what action to take. Students with Medibank Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) can call and speak with a nurse about any health issue by calling 1800 887 283, and they can arrange an interpreter if required.

While there are currently no specific treatments for COVID-19, in the unlikely case a student has tested positive, Medibank OSHC can still help them get the medical support they need in Australia with qualified health professionals.

For a full list of Covid-19 testing locations and clinics, see the NSW Government website or the NSW Health website. 

  • If you're a close contact (including household contact) of a person who is COVID-19 positive, you can still attend classes and study on campus.
  • We continue to encourage you to monitor for symptoms, physically distance, and wear a mask whenever it is not possible to physically distance from other students, teachers and staff. 
  • If you develop any COVID-19 symptoms, please stay at home and get tested. If you test positive, please refer to the below question and answer.
If you have any questions, our friendly team in the Student Centre is here to help. You can reach them on the details below:

It is no longer mandatory to self-isolate at home if you test positive to COVID-19. However, we encourage you to follow the advice of NSW Health and stay at home while you have symptoms, physically distance, and wear a mask.

If you're on campus when you find out you have tested positive for COVID-19, you should return home and follow the guidance and advice provided by NSW Government. Then, please follow these steps:

  • advise your teacher. Your teacher will advise your Academic or Subject Coordinator. 
  • if you took a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), report the positive result to NSW Health and provide a copy of the confirmation message from NSW Health via email to your teacher. This may be done instead of providing a medical certificate. You will be given special consideration for the time you are away. Note: Special consideration application is not required at this step, neither is the Study Success Adviser required to be informed.
  • identify close contacts, that is, anyone ‘you have spent more than 4 hours or more in a household or household like setting’ and advise them to follow NSW Health guidelines. 
  • if you are unwell for a long time, please follow the normal special consideration process by first contacting your Study Success Adviser. You will need to provide evidence from a professional body regarding the assessed impact on your study.

We have a policy in place to ensure the safety of students and staff. This includes: 

  • cleaning and disinfecting of all areas used by the person who tested positive  

  • we will use the NSW Guidelines to determine who needs to be informed of the positive case to request they monitor for symptoms and, if necessary, complete a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT)

  • you may learn from home if you are well enough. If​ you're a close contact, you may still attend campus. You should monitor for symptoms, physically distance and wear a mask where possible.

It is no longer mandatory to self-isolate at home if you test positive to COVID-19. However we recommend you follow the advice of NSW Health to stay at home if you're unwell.

If you are unwell, we recommend you rest and recover. You will need to provide a medical certificate or positive PCR test or RAT (Rapid Antigen Test). 

You no longer need to isolate due to being a close contact. You should monitor for symptoms, physically distance and wear a mask where possible.

We encourage masks to be worn if you are a close contact and whenever it is not possible to physically distance from other students, teachers and staff. Please note, masks are not mandatory on public transport or in airports. 

If you are unwell due to COVID-19, you may apply for Special Consideration, if you are not able to attempt your assessment. 

A Special Consideration form will need to be submitted to your Study Success Adviser. A positive PCR test result will be needed to support your application. 

Details about Special Consideration are here.