International Student Services

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How do I apply for tutorial assistance?

Complete the Supplementary Academic Support/tutorial assistance form and submit it to an AusAID Student Contact Officer. More information on the Academic Matters page.

How do I apply for fieldwork?

See Overseas fieldwork.

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. Talk to an AusAID Student Contact Officer if you are considering this. Changes are subject to AusAID's approval.

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

No. If you do, you will be asked to pay the tuition fee for that subject. Talk to an AusAID Student Contact Officer if you are in a situation where you need to drop 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. Talk to an AusAID Student Contact Officer if you have to enrol in a summer/winter subject, or require an extension of your scholarship to complete your course

Can I enrol more subjects than required in my course?

No, this is not allowed.

Can I enrol in any short courses?

Yes, if it is necessary for you to enrol in the short course to enhance your academic study skills. Discuss this with an AusAID Student Contact Officer if you wish to enrol in any other courses that are essential for your study.

What are the 2012 stipend pay dates?

2012 stipend pay dates

Is my stipend a taxable income?

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

Can I change my bank account?

Yes. Enter your new bank account details in your Student Portal. Inform an AusAID Student Contact Officer after you have done so. Do not close your old bank account until you receive your stipend from 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 an AusAID Student Contact Officer if you are not sure when you will receive your final stipend.

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 

When should I book my flight for reunion travel?

Coursework students:
Book your flight after your second semester's exam results are released. If you want to book your flight earlier, you must send your travel itinerary to an AusAID Student Contact Officer for approval, then pay for the airfare first and get a reimbursement after your exam results are released.

Research students:
You must have achieved satisfactory academic progress (stated in your progress report) in the second semester of your study.

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.

Where do I make my flight bookings?

Campus Travel (Melbourne University branch)
Ground Floor, Union Building
The University of Melbourne, Parkville

Email: uomtravel@campustravel.com.au
Telephone: 03 9098 9301

If you book at other travel agencies, you must send your travel itinerary to an AusAID Student Contact Officer for approval, then pay for your airfare first and get a reimbursement from the University.

Can I choose which airlines to travel on?

No, but you can discuss the options with Campus Travel if you are travelling with your family. You have to pay the difference if you choose to travel on airlines with higher airfares.

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.

Are there any travel rules or restrictions?

You must travel back to your home country on the most direct route available in economy class.

How do I get a reimbursement if I've paid for my own travel costs?

To apply for a reimbursement you must complete the Student payment request form and return it with your receipt to an AusAID Student Contact Officer.

Does AusAID pay for excess luggage?

No. You have to pay for excess luggage costs.

How do I apply for family entry?

Submit the family entry application form and all relevant documents to an AusAID Student Contact Officer. See how to apply for family entry for a list of documents.

How do I upgrade my Overseas Student Health Cover to a family policy?

Refer to the Students with family page.

Is my spouse allowed to change his/her visa to a student visa?

Yes. Your spouse will need to change his/her visa to a student visa if he/she enrols in a course up to 3 months or more. You will need to talk to an AusAID Student Contact Officer and get a 'no objection' letter from AusAID for the visa application.

Am I entitled to the Child Care Benefit?

Yes, you are entitled to the Child Care Benefit.

How do I apply for the Child Care Benefit?

Complete the Child Care Benefit application form. You will also need Tax File Numbers from the Australian Taxation Office for both you and your spouse (even if your spouse is not working) for Centrelink to check your total family income.

What can my Study Enrichment Allowance (SEA) be used for?

You use your SEA for fieldwork, conferences, and home visits. If you need to use the allowance for something specific, talk to an AusAID Student Contact Officer.

How can I access my Study Enrichment Allowance (SEA)?

Talk to an AusAID Student Contact Officer if you wish to access the allowance. For fieldwork and home visits, you can book flights with the STA Travel branch on campus. Otherwise, you will have to pay the airfare first and get a reimbursement later.

Can I use my Study Enrichment Allowance (SEA) 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.

When is my graduation?

Refer to www.studentadmin.unimelb.edu.au/graduations/info.html. You are only allowed to remain in Australia for 30 days after the release of your results or submission of your thesis.

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?

Notify the Student Administration Office that you will not be attending a 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 the Student Portal before you leave.

How do I order my academic transcript?

Order your 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 should I make my flight booking for final departure?

We advise you to make flight bookings in your final semester.

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:

• within 5 days — your stipend will be stopped on the day you travel
• after 5 days — your stipend will be stopped on the 5th day (coursework students)

Research students — if you submit your thesis and travel after your award end date, your stipend will be paid up to the end date of your scholarship.