We've consulted directly with the University's Diversity and Inclusion team, members of the Pride Network Steering Committee, and trans and gender diverse staff, as well as leading external bodies to provide gender affirmation support for students.
The information outlined reflects requirements in government legislation and key University polices such as the Staff and Affiliates Code of Conduct, Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy and Student Charter.
We acknowledge that the gender affirmation process is different for every individual based on their personal, social and health needs. There will inevitably be circumstances not covered in the following information. For support tailored to your unique circumstances, reach out to us.
If you're a domestic student, you can change from full-time to part-time by changing your study load.
If you're a student visa holder, you're required to be enrolled in a full-time study load (24 credit points). You may be able to apply to reduce your study load for compassionate or compelling reasons.
If you've started your studies and need to take a break, you may be able to suspend your studies. If you haven't yet started your course, find out if you can defer your offer.
If you're a research student, find out about requesting leave from your research.
If exceptional circumstances such as illness, injury or misadventure significantly affect your short-term academic performance in an assessment task, you may be eligible for special consideration to support you.
We are recommending changes to the wording of the policy with a view to re-phrasing the eligibility criteria to be more inclusive. Check our special consideration and arrangements page to find out if you are eligible and how to apply.
Your PPC should outline an affected time period. If the PPC states 'ongoing' in the time period, we may not be able to process your application and you may need to apply again.
When providing a PPC, you have the option to ask your registered medical/health professional to tick the box stating that you that you are suffering from an illness of a confidential nature. When you complete your special consideration application, you should tell us this in the section that asks you to provide a statement describing the impact of the illness, injury, misadventure or special commitment on your ability to complete your studies.
We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment for all students.
You have access to the change room and toilet facilities corresponding to your gender. We also have all-gender bathrooms on campus should you prefer to use these.
To find all-gender bathrooms on Campus Maps, select Amenities > Toilet/Shower - All Gender or Toilet - All Gender.
Some all-gender bathrooms are also accessible. To find the closest all-gender accessible bathroom, select Accessibility > Toilet – All Gender Accessible.
For more information, contact Campus Assist by calling the service desk on +61 9351 2000 or emailing campus.assist@sydney.edu.au.
There are many factors to consider when you are affirming in a study environment. As well as the need for emotional support, there are system considerations, such as changing an email account name or your gender on the IT systems you access.
Having a gender affirmation plan can assist you and those supporting you to identify where you'd like assistance and advice. If you'd like help to design a plan, you'll find contacts on our LGBTQIA+ students page. It will be personalised to you, and could cover:
You can download a copy of our template to see whether it's right for you.
Check that your details match government records such as the USI Registry and myGov.
If you've updated your legal name, you can ask us to reflect it in Sydney Student. You can also let us know your preferred or chosen name, pronouns and gender.
You can also update your details in other systems, such as Canvas.
You may be eligible for financial support during your gender affirmation if you experience financial distress. For example, because of medical costs, gender affirmation surgery, or loss of financial support from family.
General bursaries are available to domestic undergraduate and postgraduate students. If you are an international student, you may be eligible if you’ve experienced extenuating circumstances. General bursaries are designed to help students meet essential study and living expenses, including food, medical and clothing.
If you have any questions about general bursaries or need assistance submitting an application, submit a financial support enquiry.
Connect with somebody you can trust at the University or in the community.
As a student, you can access services and specialist input on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological issues that may impact your life through our Student Wellbeing and Counselling teams.
An Ally is anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics, who supports LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Their role is to be aware of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ people and make a difference in whatever way they feel comfortable. This can include being a point of contact or standing against inequality or exclusion. All Allies have completed the LGBTQIA+ Awareness and Ally Training offered at the University.
The Pride Network is our inclusive people network for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people (LGBTQIA+) as well as our allies to the community. It stands for breaking down barriers by celebrating differences regardless of what they may be, and connecting individuals so that they can all develop both personally and professionally. To become a member, or to find someone to talk to about gender and sexual diversity.
Our Diversity and Inclusion Team supports LGBTQIA+ inclusion through policy reform, advice and training to the University's leaders and staff. As a student, you can contact the team for a confidential conversation, or if you'd like to provide input into the University's approach to gender affirmation.
There are several clubs run by students, with the support of the University of Sydney Union (USU), to provide a community and support for other students. This includes Queers of Colour, Shades and Queer STEM. Find out more and join through the USU website.
If you’re an undergraduate student, you can make a free appointment with an SRC Caseworker. Caseworkers can provide confidential assistance and support with student welfare issues.
The SRC also employs solicitors that can assist undergraduate students with legal matters free of charge, including advice and representation.
If you are a postgraduate student you can access free, confidential and independent advice from the Postgraduate Advocacy Service. Find out more on the SUPRA website.
For legal advice and information, you can contact SUPRA Legal Service.
Minus18 aims to lead change, build social inclusion, and advocate for an Australia where all young people are safe, empowered, and surrounded by people that support them. They offer a range of online resources, support and training.
TransHub is ACON’s digital information and resource platform for all trans and gender diverse (TGD) people in NSW, as well as their loved ones, allies and health providers. This platform is an initiative from ACON, NSW’s leading health organisation specialising in community health, inclusion and HIV responses for people of diverse sexualities and genders.
The Gender Centre is committed to developing and providing services and activities, which enhance the ability of transgender, gender diverse and gender exploring to make informed choices. They offer a wide range of services to the community, their partners, family members and friends in New South Wales. They are an accommodation service and also act as an education, support, training and referral resource centre to other organisations and service providers. The Gender Centre is committed to educating the public and service providers about the needs of gender diverse people children and families. They specifically aim to provide a high quality service, which acknowledges human rights and ensures respect and confidentiality.
Twenty10 works with people across Sydney and New South Wales who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender diverse, non-binary, intersex, questioning, queer, asexual and more (LGBTIQA+) people and others of diverse genders and sexualities, their families and communities.
QLife provides anonymous and free peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday
