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Frequently Asked Questions

This information is designed for Prospective International Students and should be only used as a guide. 

If your questions are not answered here, please contact the UniSA International or visit Campus Central FAQ.



How do I apply for a program at the University of South Australia (UniSA)?

There are a number of ways to apply to study at UniSA.

Apply Online

If you are applying directly to UniSA International you can send your supporting documents:

UniSA International Office
Level 1, 101 Currie Street
Adelaide, SA 5000
Australia

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered - Education Agents.

If you are an International student completing the Year 12 SACE or equivalent Australian qualification onshore, or undertaking the SACE in Malaysia or China, you MUST apply through SATAC.

If you are interested in studying a Research Degree at UniSA you will need to contact UniSA's Graduate Research Centre by email research.degrees@unisa.edu.au. For more information on research applications please refer to how to apply.

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Am I considered an International Applicant/Student?

If you have NOT been granted Australian or New Zealand Citizenship or Permanent Residency status for Australia, you are classified as an international applicant.

If you are on a Temporary Resident Visa you will need to apply as an international student. You will be required to pay international tuition fees, however you will not be required to pay for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and you have the option of studying either full time, part time or externally.

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I am studying at another institution and would like to apply to study at UniSA. What is the process?

You will need to submit a new application to UniSA (See How to apply for a program at the University of South Australia (UNISA?) If you have been studying at your current institution for less than six calendar months you will need to apply to that institution for a release letter. Please provide the release letter to UniSA International as soon as possible.

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What are the English entry requirements for UniSA?

The English Language Requirement varies depending on the program you choose. To find the requirements specific to your program, you can refer to the Programs at UniSA.

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What are the Academic entry requirements for UniSA? Am I Eligible?

The Academic requirements vary depending on the program you choose. Each application is formally assessed once UniSA  International has received your application and supporting documents. For more information about your programs of interest please visit Programs at UniSA.

For further information on entry requirements for undergraduate studies, please refer to the Minimum Admission Requirements by Country for 2012 (PDF 30KB).

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What documents do I need to provide with my application?

You will need to provide certified documents (original stamp)* of the following documents:

  • Passport
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Graduation Certificate
  • English Language Test Result (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, CELUSA, etc)
  • Course Syllabus (if you are applying for credit/advanced standing)
  • Some programs require additional documents (Please search for your program entry requirements to determine if you need to send additional documents with your application).

*A certified document is a copy of the original document that has been certified by an official such as a UniSA staff member, Justice of the Peace, Notary Public, police officer or examining authority.

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Who can certify my documents?

Your documents can be certified by a registered Education Agent, a person of authority in your home country (e.g. the consulate, lawyer, a police officer, etc). If you are in Australia, your documents can be certified by a Justice of the Peace or one of our International Officers at UniSA International (only available in Australia).

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I would like to apply for credit, how do I apply?

You will need to indicate on your International Application Form, YES to the Credit/Advanced Standing question to be assessed for credit. Please provide detailed course syllabus and supporting documents with your application.

Please refer to UniSA's Credit Assessor where you can instantly assess how much credit transfer you may obtain from your previous education.

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After submitting my application, when will I hear from UniSA?

Once we have received your online application along with your supporting documents via email, an automatic response email will be sent to you confirming your application number. It will provide you with a link to check your application status online. The assessment process can take approximately four weeks and you will be notified once an outcome has been reached via email.

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I want to enquire about the status of my friend's application?

Due to UniSA's confidentiality policy the International Office requires an email sent to the following address international.students@unisa.edu.au or a written letter from the applicant authorizing you to act on their behalf. Once we have received this authorising email you are able to enquire about the status of your friend's application.

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I have received an offer, how do I accept?

If you have a conditional offer letter you will need to meet your condition/s before you can accept your UniSA Offer (Please refer to pg2/3 of your offer letter). Do not send any money to the University before you have met your condition/s.

If you have an unconditional offer letter you will need to forward the following documents to the UniSA International via email to international.students@unisa.edu.au:

  • Signed Acceptance & Payment Form (section 3 of your UniSA Offer)
  • A copy of the personal details page of your passport
  • Payment of your fees (tuition and Visa Length Overseas Student Health Cover OSHC)

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I have received an offer from UniSA and now wish to change my program. What do I do?

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How can I pay the first tuition payment?

UniSA provides four payment options. Please note that UniSA International cannot accept cash, personal cheques or money orders. Please refer to the Acceptance & Payment Form for International Students.

OPTION 1

PAYMENT BY CREDIT CARD ONLINE
To pay online by credit card you will need your application number and password. You can request your password by emailing: international.students@unisa.edu.au. Please remember to include your full name and your application number in your request. If you have your details, please go to https://www.applications.unisa.edu.au/applyonline/student/ login and select 'Pay Online'.

OPTION 2

BANK DRAFT/CHEQUE
Bank Drafts need to be made payable to the 'University of South Australia'.

OPTION 3

TELEGRAPHIC TRANSFER (TT)
This payment method is not recommended if urgent visa documentation is required as the payment can take several days to process. The University's bank details for deposit of TT are:

    Account Name: Uni of SA General A/C
    Account Number: 516545570
    Bank: National Bank
    BSB Number: 085 - 005
    SWIFT Number: NATAAU3305A
    Address: King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia

Please note that you must include your applicant number and your name on the TT and forward a receipt to the UniSA International along with your acceptance documents.

OPTION 4

DIRECT DEBIT
This option is only available in person at UniSA International, Level 1, 101 Currie Street, Adelaide as the card holder must be present at the transaction. You are able to pay with a debit/credit/savings account. Please be aware if you are using a savings account, the account must be with an Australian bank.

SPONSORED STUDENTS
Your first payment will be invoiced to your sponsor after arriving and enrolling at UniSA.

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Can I pay my fees before meeting the condition/s?

Please do not make payment until you have met your condition/s, as per the Guidelines on Payment of Fees for International Students. You will not receive a 100% refund if you do not meet your condition.

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Do I need to pay Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?

It is a requirement of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and UniSA's policy for students to have Visa Length Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the full duration of their student visa. If you have current OSHC you will need to provide proof of this cover (such as a copy of your card) and it must be for the full duration of your student visa. If it is not for the full duration, you can either pay the remaining cover through UniSA or extend with your current provider (evidence of this extension is required).

If you are a Temporary Resident of Australia you are NOT required to make payment or provide proof of OSHC as you should already have your own cover. Swedish students are exempted from this requirement if they are eligible for study assistance from the Swedish National Board of Student Aid (CSN) and have applied for health insurance cover through one of the affiliated companies. Norwegian students are exempted from this requirement if they have health insurance coverage under the Norwegian National Insurance Service.

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I have accepted my offer, when will I receive my Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)?

Once UniSA International has received all the required acceptance documents (See I have received an offer, how do I accept?) and the required payment you will receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) via email within 4 business days.

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How do I defer my offer?

If you have a current UniSA offer and wish to defer your commencement to a later intake, you will need to notify UniSA International in writing by sending an email to international.students@unisa.edu.au.

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How do I withdraw/decline my offer?

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When can I enrol in my courses (subjects)?

Prior to the commencement of the study period and after you have accepted your UniSA Offer you will receive an enrolment email with important information about how to enrol online. Please refer to the New Students Website for more information. If you have any problems with enrolling, please contact Campus Central at your home campus for assistance.

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When and where is my orientation?

Details about Orientation can be found on the Orientation website.

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What if I can't attend orientation and need approval for late arrival?

The orientation sessions and activities introduce you to life in Adelaide and the University of South Australia. The workshops, tours and various other activities will familiarise you with your new environment and give you the opportunity to meet many other students who are beginning their studies at the University.

If you are unable to arrive by the commencement date it is very important that you contact us stating your reason(s). In most cases you will have to defer to the next available study period.

If you believe you have extenuating circumstances that mean you will arrive after the orientation start date please contact UniSA International by emailing international.students@unisa.edu.au stating your reason/s.

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How do I receive my student ID card?

Once you have enrolled in your first year of study, you will be able to collect your Student ID card from Campus Central at your home campus.

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How do I receive my OSHC card?

As a new UniSA student, you will have paid for your OSHC as part of the acceptance of your offer of admission to UniSA. You will receive an email from OSHC Worldcare (the University's preferred provider) with instructions on how to go online and activate your OSHC card. If you have arranged your OSHC with another insurance provider, you must contact your provider directly for information regarding your membership.

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How do I apply for a refund of my fees?

If you have made payment to UniSA International and are  withdrawing from your program you will need to complete a Refund Request Form. You will need to submit this form to UniSA International (details are provided on the Refund Request Form). The UniSA International can only process refund requests before the Census date of your commencing study period. If this date has passed, you will need to contact Campus Central at your home campus. Please note that the refund request may take approximately four weeks to process. All refunds will be issued in Australian Dollars only.

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I have been granted Permanent Residency - What should I do?

If you are a new student you will need to apply for your UniSA program through the South Australian Tertiary Admission Centre (SATAC). If you require any further information on application processes or programs please contact one of our Marketing Officers at Future Student Enquiries.

If you are currently enrolled at UniSA and have been granted Permanent Residency (PR) you will need to submit the PR documents to Campus Central at your home campus for their records. 

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I am currently enrolled at UniSA and wish to change my program.

As a current UniSA student you may be eligible for an internal transfer through campus central. Please contact Campus Central if you require further assistance.

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