Coronavirus (Covid-19) infection: University of Sydney advice

Important information

Census date and suspension applications

• The deadline to request to suspend your studies or withdraw from Semester 1 units is midnight on Tuesday 31 March (local time).
• Due to COVID-19, processing time for applications may be longer than usual. If your application is submitted before midnight 31 March, it will be processed as effective from the census date and you will not be disadvantaged by any delay in processing time. You do not need to contact us or make a new enquiry. Note also that Canvas can take 24 hours to reflect changes to your enrolment.
• Read more FAQs about suspending your studies

Assessments and exams

• Most units of study will conduct assessments online and these will include quizzes, take-home exams and online exams.
• Information about each of your units’ online assessments will be available on your unit of study Canvas site.
• You can find out more details about ProctorU’s privacy and security in relation to University of Sydney online tests are on the online tests Canvas page.
• Read more FAQs about online exams

Support for students

• The University is providing a range of support measures and services for students all studying online as well as assistance for international students affected by travel restrictions.
• Both domestic and international students can apply for interest-free loans to ease financial pressures; bursaries are also available for domestic students.
• There are laptops and computers that students can request to loan if they need to help with online study needs.
• Peer support advisors are on hand to help students with questions via Zoom, on request.
• Find out more about the University’s support offerings.

Campus operations

We are taking all necessary steps to reduce the number of students and staff required to attend campus. It is important you know that it is safe to come to campus. 

Our Wi-Fi network, computer labs, research and study spaces will remain open to staff and students, with social distancing measures in place. Our enhanced cleaning protocols will also remain in place across our campuses.

For the safety and security of our community, given the significantly reduced number of people on campus, from 5pm 27 March, we will move the campus to after-hours mode.  You will need to use your student card to access buildings and study spaces.

Please contact Campus Assist via email at campus.assist@sydney.edu.au or call Campus Assist on 9351 2000 Option 4 or Campus Security on 9351 3487 if you require additional access or have any issues.

Make sure your contact details are up to date in Sydney Student (enrolled name and Australian mobile phone number). We will use your University email for most updates, but may need to send an SMS.

Study information

• Resources for online learning
• Units continuing with face-to-face delivery
• Mid-semester tests and exams
• Suspending your study
• International students and visas

Health management

• Self-isolation
• General health advice, including what to do if you feel unwell
• Social distancing, including the cancellation of all University events
• Processes in the event of confirmed cases on campus

Support

• Mental health support
• Peer support advisors
• Support package for students impacted by the travel restrictions
• Chaplaincy
• Additional student support services
• Supporting our community

Travel and student exchange

• Travelling to Australia
• Travelling from Australia
• Study abroad and exchange

Contact our helpline

We have established a dedicated hotline to provide you with advice and support during this uncertain time. Note this hotline is available from 9am to 6pm all week (local time AEDT).

Phone: 

• 1800 SYD UNI (1800 793 864) if you are calling from within Australia
  • Select '9' for the coronavirus hotline 
• +61 2 8627 0010 if you are calling from overseas 
  • Select '9' for the coronavirus hotline

Students can also submit a query via the Coronavirus Enquiry form.

Australian government helplines

You can call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

An Australian government hotline has also been established to assist international students with questions or concerns relating to their study and novel coronavirus:

• Email: international.students@dese.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 981 621 (8am to 8pm AEDST Monday to Friday)