International Students F.A.Q

Are there any scholarships for International Postgraduate Coursework students?

The Faculty of Architecture offers NO entry scholarships for Postgraduate coursework students. The only Scholarships and Prizes available are for enrolled postgraduate coursework students. See the following link for scholarship details.

Is the information available on the web similar to the print information sent by mail?

YES!! The information on the web is the same as in print, and sometimes more up to date! There is no need to request printed material as it makes your application process much longer.

What are the English requirements?

Information on undergraduate English requirements and Postgraduate English Requirements.

More information is at the International English Language Testing System website and the Test of English as a Foreign Language page.

Scores more than two years old cannot be accepted. Please note that if you are taking TOEFL, the TWE must also be taken. Results of the TOEFL examination must be sent directly to the University of Sydney

See the Centre For English teaching of the University of Sydney.

Can I download, print and use the application forms available on the web?

YES. The application forms available on the web are official and authorised by the university. You can send them by mail with the rest of your documents and it will be accepted (Notice that you use the same application either for research or coursework).
You can DOWNLOAD the application forms from the following URL's
- UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
- POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

WHO is in charge of my application?

After you choose the program you are interested in, you lodge your application to the International Office. They are in charge of the complete process until you receive your CONFIRMATION OF ENROLMENT. You come to the faculty to enrol.

Does the University have representatives or agents in countries outside Australia?

The University of Sydney has agents all over the world. To contact the agents in your country, check the international agents page.

In which semester can I start a degree?

Postgraduate students can start studying either in March or July semester depending on if units of study are available, but please check with your student adviser for program availability ().

Undergraduate students must start in March with the exception of the Bachelor of Architecture program which is offered in both the March and July semesters.

Your application must be lodged at the International Office.

Closing date for the July semester is end April. Closing date for the March semester is end of October

Late applications for Post Graduate and BArch :
If you are currently in Australia, you can go directly to the International Office or to our Faculty (room 454, level 4, Wilkinson Building Go4) to lodge your application.

Which are the essential documents the University has to receive for the International office to start processing my application?

You must provide academic documentation which is as complete as possible. Eg a Year 12 student must provide Year 11 marks though we will make an offer conditional on their results in Year 12 provided (a *UAI* equivalent can be calculated).
*UAI:University Admission Index. It's the last exam students have to take before entering University.

Postgrads must provide transcripts of their academic record up to the most recently completed semester. An application form must be completed. Documents must have an official translation.

For you to be able to receive a confirmation of enrolment, you also have to pay the health cover fee ($AUD 275 per year).

What is a transcript?
It is the official certificate of all the courses taken in your degree including marks

What is a testamur?
It is the official document that proves that you finished and graduated from a degree (example: a diploma)

Which documents can wait?
Your English test results. You will receive a conditional offer until you submit your test result.

Can I start my visa application with a conditional offer?
Yes. You can get a pre-visa and when you get your confirmation of enrolment you can apply for the proper and final visa.

If I have been accepted by the University but I am having problems, can I arrive late?
In this case you should contact the coordinator of your program.

What is the exchange rate from Australian dollars (AUD$) into my currency?
Click here - go to a Currency Exchange page (yahoo)

What are the fees for postgraduate courses?
Program Fees 2005: International Students

Can I work with my student visa?
Yes. You can work up to 20 hours, but first you have to apply for a work permit (AUD$50) at the Immigration office after you complete your enrolment process. See the The Immigration and Multicultural Affairs website for more details.

How and when do I have to pay my tuition fees?
You can pay by cheque in Australian dollars (AUD$) only. You can pay after you have all your documentation complete or when the International Office advises you to.

There is an application fee of $100 when you apply to the University of Sydney

Which VISAS can OVERSEAS STUDENTS APPLY FOR AFTER FINISHING STUDIES IN AUSTRALIA?
Visas - new work and holiday arrangements: Overseas students in Australia who have completed their studies, can apply for an 18
month work visa and remain and work in Australia for a limited period;
- working holiday makers such as those in the tourism industry can increase the length of time they can work for one employer from three to six months; and - it allows graduates of selected overseas faculties from in-demand occupations, such as
engineering, to work in Australia for up to 18 months.
What happened in the past?:
* Recently graduating students had to depart Australia within a limited period following graduation.
* Working holiday makers were limited to working for one employer for no more than three months. Now they can work up to six months, a key element of the tourism industry's identified employment needs.
For more information go to The Immigration and Multicultural Affairs website.

Have you got any information on accommodation at the unviersity?
The international Student Services offers a variety of ON CAMPUS and OFF CAMPUS accommodation.

Your student visa:
For more information on student visas visit the Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs website.