International Students
Welcome - we’re so glad you’re here!
Choosing to study in a new country is a big step, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. We know it can be challenging being far from home, but it’s also an amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and meet new people.
Our goal is to help you feel safe, supported, and connected while you’re here. You’re now part of a global student community. Make the most of this experience and enjoy the journey!
The Future Student Onboarding team is here to help new International students.
We will support you with getting started and help set you up on university platforms, as well as introduce you to new student resources.
You will find more details about how they can assist you on the Getting Started page, as well as information about onboarding workshops, essentials and tips to help your start strong and stay strong.
Before you arrive
After you arrive
Getting Started Guide
ESOS compliance for international students
The 'Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Framework' applies to the delivery of courses to overseas students who hold an Australian student visa and are studying onshore.
International students must
- maintain a valid CoE and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of studies in Australia
- advise the University of passport details and any changes to visa status
- enrol in no more than one-third (33%) of your Higher Education or VET course online
- if you exceed one-third (33%) of subjects taken online you will need to select on-campus classes
- enrol in at least one face-to-face subject during a compulsory study period
- ensure you complete your course within the duration stated in their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- enrol in a full-time course load unless approved for a reduced study load, leave of absence, or compassionate and compelling circumstances, and,
- abide by the conditions of your student visa
TULC/ELICOS students must undertake a minimum of 20 hours face-to-face scheduled classes per week.
For questions or concerns about your Visa
Please contact the Department of Home Affairs
For questions about your enrolment
Please contact Student Services
More information on compliance
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency - TEQSA Return to Compliance FAQs
Students completing all or some of their studies in Australia must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI) or you may not be eligible to graduate.
Once you have selected subjects for the next study period, you'll be able to download your Holiday Letter in MyHub.
Here is the important information for you to know about Student Visas, CoE, health cover, IT requirements...
Important information
Student Visa info
CoE
Supporting letters
OSHC Healthcare
IT requirements
Under 18s
Time zones & converter
Campus tours
Living in Australia
Scams targeting international students
Scamwatch is warning the Chinese community in Australia about scams threatening Chinese students that involve extortion and threats of arrest.
Read more about scamsIT requirements
To make the most of student sites, study resources, and course software, it's best to use a desktop computer or laptop.
You will need to be able to:
- access digital learning resources
- access video and audio recordings
- submit and complete online assessments
- participate in classes and discussions via online communication and collaboration tools
Minimum IT requirements for studying online
| Computer hardware |
Accessories
|
| Operating system |
|
| Internet |
A reliable, high-speed broadband internet connection, with sufficient upload and download capacity. Contact your internet service provider if you have concerns about your data allowance or internet speed. |
| Web browser | The recommended web browser to access your online learning platform is Google Chrome. |
| Software |
Office software to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations and access some online classes. Microsoft 365 is available as a free download as part of your student account. There may also be software required for your specific course. Your Learning Facilitator will advise you of this when you start studying. Design and Creative Technology students - find out about the recommended design software and laptop specifications. |
Before you arrive
Here are some important things to consider before you arrive.
| Accommodation |
You should book some initial short-term accommodation before committing to more long- term arrangements. You may choose to stay in a hotel or a backpacker hostel when you arrive. Make sure you have the address of where you will be staying as well as the phone number, and booking and payment confirmation, if you have already paid for your accommodation. |
|---|---|
| Arrival date & flight information |
There are some important things to consider before booking your flights: It is compulsory for new students to attend the orientation sessions either on campus or online, as this is when you will receive essential information about your studies, student tools, campus facilities and the services available to you. Make sure you confirm the date of your orientation session before you book your flights. You should arrive in time to settle in to life in your new city, look for long-term accommodation, identify and try out the public transport routes, and get to know your neighbourhood. Your Overseas Health Care (OSHC) must match the date of your arrival. Consider this when booking your flights. |
| Currency exchange | Currency exchange kiosks can be found at airports and in busy tourist areas, such as the city centre. Many international cards are accepted at Australian ATMs. However, it is recommended that you buy some Australian currency before you arrive. |
| Check your email regularly | Torrens University staff will contact you through your personal email address until you receive your student email account. It is very important to check your emails regularly, so you don’t miss essential information about your course. |
| Contacts list |
Put together a contacts list to carry with you and leave a copy with your family. Keep a copy in your email, laptop or smartphone. Include the following addresses and phone numbers:
|
| Customs |
You will be given an ‘Incoming Passenger Card’ when you arrive in Australia. This is a legal document. If you are carrying certain food, plant material or animal products, you must mark YES on your card to declare risk items. You can take these declared items with you to the clearance point in the airport arrivals area where they will be assessed by a Customs officer. On arrival, your baggage may be assessed by x-ray, detector dog or inspected by a Customs officer. Make sure you declare or dispose of any risk items, as you could be fined and/or prosecuted. If you would like to check what you can bring in to Australia, please visit the Australian Border Force website. For everything you need to know about travelling to Australia, read the Australian Government guidelines. |
| Documents |
Carry your documents in your hand luggage. Keep an electronic scanned copy too. You need these documents:
Make sure you leave copies of these documents with your family in your home country. |
| Electronics |
Check that your laptop and other electronic devices can be used in Australia. Electrical sockets (outlets) in Australia usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. You may need an adaptor. Check the voltage standards in your country. |
| Finances | Plan your budget before you arrive. Depending on your visa conditions, you may be allowed to work in Australia. Finding a part-time job can be difficult and it is important that you do not solely rely on a part-time income. |
| Health check | We recommend you see your doctor for a health check before you leave your home country. You should also have a check-up with your dentist and optician. |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | This is a requirement for entry to Australia for student visa holders, so make sure you have your health cover policy arranged before you leave home. Bring your OSHC document with you to Australia, as well as your offer letter as it shows the fee you paid for OSHC. |
| Passport | Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to your arrival in Australia. You should make copies in case you lose your passport; leave one copy with your family and keep another copy in your luggage. |
| Travel insurance | You should consider buying travel insurance, which covers things your OSHC may not, such as cancelled flights, lost documents and dental or optical care. |
| Visa | Make a photocopy or scan of your visa. |
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Healthcare
To maintain your student visa, you must maintain Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, from the time of admission into your course.
You can either select your own approved Australian insurance OHSC provider or request the university do it for you at the time you enrol at Torrens University.
This insurance helps you meet the costs of medical and hospital care you may need while in Australia such as:
- Visiting the doctor
- Ambulance and emergency treatment in hospital
- Some hospital treatment
- Some medicines
Different insurers may offer different levels of cover, so compare policies to choose the one that is right for you. You may want to take out extra insurance such as dental, physiotherapy and optometry services.
For more information and a list of insurance providers visit the OSHC page on the Department of Health website.
Time zones & converter
Time zone converter
Having issues converting your lecture or workshop times to your current time zone?
If yes, please use the Time Zone Converter.
Standard time zones in Australia
With a landmass close to 7.7 million square kilometres, Australia is the world's sixth-largest country and is divided into three separate time zones.
| Time zone | City | UTC time |
|---|---|---|
|
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) |
Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra | UTC+10:00 |
| Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) South Australia and the town of Broken Hill in western New South Wales, Northern Territory |
Adelaide, Broken Hill, Darwin | UTC+09:30 |
| Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) Western Australia |
Perth | UTC+08:00 |
Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the practice of advancing clocks one hour during the warmer months of the year.
Daylight Saving Time begins at 2am on the first Sunday in October, when clocks are put forward one hour. It ends at 2am (which is 3am Daylight Saving Time) on the first Sunday in April, when clocks are put back one hour.
In 2024, daylight savings starts on Sunday 2 October. It will end on Sunday 6 Apr 2025.
Time zones during daylight saving
| Time zone | City | UTC time |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) New South Wales (except Broken Hill), Victoria, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory |
Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra | UTC+11:00 |
| Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT) South Australia and the town of Broken Hill in western New South Wales |
Adelaide, Broken Hill | UTC+10:30 |
| Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) Queensland |
Brisbane | UTC+10:00 |
| Australian Central Standard Time (ACST) Northern Territory |
Darwin | UTC+09:30 |
| Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) Western Australia |
Perth | UTC+08:00 |
CoE - Confirmation of Enrolment
The Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is an official document issued to international students who intend on studying at an Australian education provider.
It confirms that you have accepted a place in a course, and have paid your tuition fees and Overseas Student Health Cover premium (OSHC).
When do I get my CoE?
Once you have confirmed your enrolment. First, you will need to sign your Offer Letter, pay your tuition fees and purchase your OSHC, then you will receive your CoE.
Who do I contact about my CoE?
Before you commence your studies with us you will need to refer to your agent. Once you have commenced your studies you can contact Student Services for more information.
How do I get a copy of my CoE?
You should be given a copy of your CoE from your agent when you commence your studies. If you cannot find it or never received it please contact Student Services and they will be able to issue you with a copy.
How do I extend my CoE?
We require the following information and documents to submit your CoE Extension application for review.
You will need to provide:
- Copy of your Passport.
- Copy of your current Visa.
- Personal written statement explaining why you need a COE Extension, how many subjects you have left to complete and why you haven’t completed your course in given time frame
- list the subjects you have yet to complete, including the subject code and subject name
Please submit all the above together to Student Services
Please note, once this has been submitted it may take up to 10 business days for an outcome.
CoE Extension FAQ
Why would I need a CoE Extension?
You need a CoE Extension as it appears your CoE is expiring soon or has expired due to:
- Failed multiple subjects.
- Study underload - you must study a 100% full-time study load, which is an Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL) of 1.0, per academic year.
- Delay in nursing placement (Nursing students only).
International students on a student visa require a CoE to study onshore in Australia.
If you believe you do not require a CoE Extension, please provide us with a reason in writing.
- If there is a change in your visa status (e.g. you have been granted a Permanent Residency), please send us a copy of the Immigration Grant Notification so we can update your account accordingly.
- If you decide to study offshore, please submit a Course Transfer Form along with your flight itinerary.
You are required to complete your course within the expected duration.
If your CoE expires before you complete your course, your student visa is at risk of being cancelled because you have no valid CoE.
If your CoE is expiring or has expired, please apply for a CoE Extension.
You need to notify us and provide us with a copy of Immigration Grant Notification.
If you were granted permanent residency, please inform us as soon as possible as you are eligible to domestic fees.
Please refer to Student Fees Policy for more information.
If you decide to study offshore, please submit a Course Transfer Form to Student Services team.
Please provide a copy of your flight itinerary with your application
Once your application is approved, your CoE will be updated accordingly and you must contact DHA to seek advice on any potential impacts on your visa
You can apply for a CoE Extension. However, it is not guaranteed that the extension will be approved.
The chance of being granted with extension depend on evidence provided.
I am not in my last study period
If you have failed subjects and you have few more terms/trimesters to go, you are required to have a discussion with your Program Director to implement an intervention strategy and submit on how to get back on track. However, you are not required to submit a CoE Extension request.
You can apply for a CoE Extension within 3 months of your current CoE expiry date. Any applications submitted before then will be rejected.
If you are in your last study period
You must submit a CoE Extension request after the main results release date for your final trimester/term
Yes: - you are required to have a valid CoE as an international student.
That CoE needs to be updated and correctly reflect your current enrolment especially if you have another course that is about to commence with us.
For example:
- You have a conditional offer for Bachelor degree with us whereby you are required to successfully complete our Diploma degree.
- You fail one subject in your last trimester for your Diploma and require an extension.
Therefore, you need to apply an extension for Diploma and defer commencement for your Bachelor.
You can only apply for CoE Extension after you last trimester results have been released.
Your CoE only covers your course duration, but not for results to be released and graduation.
Your visa should allow you enough time to stay in Australia after you finish your course.
No, the University is only permitted to extend the course duration where it is clear that you will not complete the course within the expected duration, as specified on your CoE, as a result of:
Compassionate or compelling circumstances: we require evidence to what has affected your study. For example:
- Serious illness or injury
- Bereavement of close family members such as parents or grandparents
- A traumatic experience which could include: involvement in, or witnessing of a serious accident, or witnessing or being the victim of a serious crime, and this has impacted on the student (these cases should be supported by police or psychologist’s report)
- Major political upheaval or natural disaster in the home country that require emergency travel and this has impacted on the student’s studies
An implemented intervention strategy for students who are at risk of unsatisfactory academic progress: we require evidence of:
- Approved reduced study load
- Discussion with your Program Director on how to get back on track if you failed some subjects.
- If you do not have any evidence on that, please reach out to your Program Director and ask them if they can provide help with the confirmation.
An approved deferral or suspension of the overseas student’s enrolment
Note: International students are required to complete their course within the expected duration. The University is not permitted to issue a CoE to enable to student to extend their visa unless in the case of one of the above exceptions
You must contact Immigration to seek advice on any potential impacts on your visa, including the need to obtain a new visa.
Submit visa application, however you can only do this when your current visa is going to expire within 3 months.
If your CoE Extension request gets rejected, you have the option to:
- Submit a formal complaint within 20 working days from the outcome
- Complete your study offshore
- Withdraw from the course
Your application for CoE Extension and ITR will be treated separately.
In accordance with the Student Complaints Policy and Formal Complaints, you have twenty (20) working days from receipt of ITR notification to submit a Formal Complaint Form. If the formal complaint for the ITR is rejected, you have 20 working days to submit an appeal against the formal complaint outcome.
Whilst the complaint process is undertaken students will be provided with a CoE Extension for the time of the appeals process and considerations. A separate Academic Process will need to be raised to appropriately record the administration of the CoE Extension.
In the meantime, you must provide solid evidence as to why you have been unable to enrol full-time/fail subjects when you lodge your CoE extension request. Please be advised that even CoE extension has been approved, the extended CoE is still subject to be cancelled if your formal complaint and appeal against the ITR is unsuccessful.
No, you must contact Student Finance and apply for a scholarship extension.
The scholarship will only be extended with the approval from the General Manager.
Student Finance contact details
According to the scholarship terms and conditions, "To maintain their scholarship for the duration of their course, International students are required to maintain a full-time study load over a 12-month period until completion. If they did not maintain a full-
Campus tours
Did you miss campus Orientation as you were waiting for your Student Visa?
Don't worry...
You can request a campus tour where you can view the campus facilities, meet support staff and have your questions answered.
You can also check your campus page for useful information.
To organise a tour please contact us or head to the Student Services desk on campus.
Under 18s
You will receive a special Under 18 email, prior to arriving on campus, that will provide you with details on where to find and how to contact the people listed below.
This email will also contain important information to keep with you at all times in case of an emergency.
Your point of contact during campus business hours is Student Services, who will provide you with all areas of guidance and support in settling you into your studies and Australia.
If you arrive before your course start date or Orientation day, please feel welcome to visit the campus and contact your campus teams.
If you have any problems with your homestay, study, or life in Australia, you can get help from any of the following people:
- During usual business hours: Your International Student contact person is your Campus Director or Senior Student Services Advisor and their team of student services advisors
- Outside of usual business hours, in case of an emergency or a critical incident, your contact is the Campus Director
- Success coaches
- Academic learning support and learning advisors
- Student Counsellor
Student Visa
It is important we have your correct contact details in case we need to get in touch with you.
- You must provide your address details and phone number upon arrival in Australia
- You must update us within 7 days if you change your address, phone number or other contact information such as personal email address or emergency contact information.
Log in to your Student Portal to update your contact details.
We will contact you via your official student email address.
Please check this email regularly for important updates.
- Maintain a full time study load: enrol into a minimum of 1 EFTSL or 80 credit points. (This is usually 8 subjects over 3 trimesters, please ensure to refer to your course guide or contact Student Services for further assistance)
- You must enrol into at least one face to face subject each trimester.*
- No more than one third of your course can be completed online.*
- Achieve satisfactory course progress:
- meet the pass requirements as outlined in the Academic Progression policy
- meet all conditions that have been imposed in relation to previous determinations of unsatisfactory academic progress
- complete the course by the course end date specified in your COE
- meet an additional progression requirements specific to your course
- Pay course fees on time.
- ELICOS students must attend a minimum of 80% of scheduled contact hours within a study period.
Refer to the Torrens University Academic Progression Policy or the Think Education Academic Progression Policy
Please stay up to date with student visa restrictions and requirements by regularly checking the Department of Home Affairs website.
- You must maintain adequate arrangements for Overseas Student Health Cover during your stay in Australia.
- Here is an urgent update from our partner provider ahm regarding Overseas Health Cover during the COVID-19 Pandemic:
- Coronavirus Health Information Line: Call 1800 020 080 if you are seeking information. The line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.
- A Student Mental Health support line is also running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are an ahm member, call 1800 006 745
- You cannot work until you have started your course in Australia.
- You cannot work more than 48 hours per fortnight during a study period.
- No work limits apply during university breaks.
For more information visit Work restrictions for student visa holders.
Supporting letters
A holiday letter is an official university document confirming a student's study break dates, allowing them to work unrestricted hours during this period per their visa conditions. It serves as proof for employers of their eligibility to work full-time during semester breaks and typically includes the student's name, course details, holiday dates, and sometimes visa information.
How do I request a holiday letter?
- Go to MyHub.
- In the box with your course code, 'Subject Selection' and 'Grades', you should see the Holiday Letter option.
- Click this to view and download your letter.
Things to note:
- The holiday letter option will not appear if you have not enrolled in subjects for the next study period.
- Please check the holiday letter dates. If these are not correct contact Student Services who will assist you.
Your family members may need to provide an invitation letter when they apply for a visitor visa to visit you in Australia. The invitation letter is a letter that you write, not a letter from the University.
We can supply you with a Confirmation of Enrolment Letter to confirm your enrolment with us by contacting Student Services.
Please contact your Agent and refer to the Department of Home Affairs website, Student Visa - including family process.
The Department of Home Affairs has introduced the Student Visa Fee Waiver initiative. They will waive the visa application fee to allow students to submit a further student visa application if you held a student visa on or after 1 February 2020 and couldn’t complete their course in their original visa validity because of the impacts of COVID-19. This includes students who:
- deferred study as they were unable to enter Australia because of travel restrictions
- were forced to reduce to a part-time study load
- were unable to complete their work-based training or placements.
This measure is not intended for students who are applying for a new student visa because of ordinary reasons (including if you have failed a course or a unit of study, deferred for personal reasons or voluntarily reduced your study load.)
For the Torrens University Enrolment Policy, Procedure for Requesting Completion of the Department of Home Affairs Form 1545; Student Visa Extension; go to the Torrens University Policies and Forms page.
Scams
Scam emails may:
- Request sensitive information like passwords, account numbers, or personal details.
- Contain urgent or unexpected requests for money transfers, gift cards, or financial transactions.
- Include suspicious attachments or links that seem unusual or out of context.
- Ask you to contact the person or perform certain actions on an urgent basis.
To protect yourself from potential harm, please follow these security best practices:
- Verify the sender: Double-check the sender's email address for accuracy. Be cautious if it looks slightly different from what you usually expect.
- Think before you click: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar or suspicious emails. When in doubt, verify with the sender through other means.
- Guard sensitive information: Don't share confidential information via email unless it's through secure, authorised channels.
-
Report suspicious emails: If you receive an email that seems dubious, report it immediately to Student Services.
Check the ACCC guide to protecting yourself from scams and stay up to date with current scams by checking the ACCC Scam Watch website.
International student scams
Studying in Australia can be exciting and offer new experiences. Unfortunately, sometimes students are targeted by scammers.
Study Melbourne has a great guide to what to look out for and how to protect yourself against student scams.
Some examples of scams targeting international students are:
- Chinese authority scams
- Ransom and fraud
- Visa and immigration status
- Course fee/tuition payments
- Social media or online forums
- Rental conditions
- National Anti-Scam Centre warns of spike in scams threatening Chinese students - 23 Sep 2023
- Job scams on the rise - 20 Oct 2023
The best way to protection against scams is knowledge.
The ACCCs Little Black Book of Scams covers a variety of scams that you may be at risk of. This may involve things like tuition fee assistance, jobs or employment and banking and credit card.
Unique Student Identifier
Your USI (Unique Student Identifier) is your individual education number for life and is required by the Australian Government to complete your course.
You need a USI if you are:
- undertaking Nationally Recognised Training
- a higher education student seeking Commonwealth financial assistance (eg a FEE-HELP loan)
- a higher education student graduating in 2023 or beyond
- Go to the USI Registry System, and have a valid form of ID ready.
- Agree to the terms and conditions (if you have previously agreed to the terms and conditions, you might not see this step).
- Select 'Create USI'.
- Select your evidence of identity document (see the types of ID you can use).
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear on your form of ID.
If the name you use for business or official purposes is not the name on your form of ID, you can choose to enter this in the preferred name field. - Enter your contact details, including at least two contact methods.
- Confirm your identity. The USI Registry System will check and confirm your identity using the ‘Documentation Verification Service’ (DVS).
- Secure your account with a USI password and check questions.
If you have studied anything within Australia since 2015 you may already have a USI.
There are 4 ways to help you retrieve your USI if you can’t remember it. They are:
- Email address you might have registered with originally
- Mobile number and date of birth
- Personal Details and Check Questions
- Personal Details and an ID Document
Once you have your USI, you can provide it to us via the Student Portal.
- Log into the Student Portal using your student email credentials.
- Go to the 'Personal Information' section and click on 'Unique Student Identification'.
- Enter in your USI number into the box provided and select 'Continue'.
- A confirmation message ‘Thank you, your USI has been saved’ will be displayed.
This will upload your USI into your student information system against your enrolment record.
Studying in Australia
International students who have entered Australia to study must obtain a USI to graduate from their course.
To create a USI, you will need to have been issued with an Australian Visa from customs. If you have yet to be issued with an Australian Visa, you will not be able to create a USI with your non-Australian issued passport.
Studied in Australia but since left the country
If you started your course after 1 January 2023, you will need a USI to be eligible for course completion.
Studying outside of Australia
International students who study with us, and who undertake all study offshore online, are not required to have a USI.
USI Exemptions
Higher education international students are automatically exempt from needing to have a USI if they meet ALL the criteria below:
- they studied with an Australian education or training provider in Australia
- they did not access Commonwealth financial assistance for their studies
- they commenced their studies before 1 January 2023
- they are currently offshore and will not return to Australia.
Source: International Students - Exemptions from the USI. To apply for an exemption, visit the USI website.
ESOS Framework requirements
Under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Framework, education providers must ensure that all international students on an Australian student visa must:
- not take more than one-third of the subjects within a course online
- study at least one subject face to face in each study period. The exception to this is if a student is studying last subject of their course.
- return to a minimum of 20 hours face-to-face scheduled course contact per week for ELICOS/TULC courses.
In addition, students must adhere to all Visa requirements and continue to:
- maintain their course enrolment and a full-time load
- ensure satisfactory course attendance
- ensure satisfactory course progress
- Complete course within the required duration as per their CoE
- Pay fees by the due date
Students must ensure they are aware of any individual conditions noted on their Student Visa.
For questions or concerns about my Visa:
Please contact the Department of Home Affairs
For questions about my enrolment:
Please contact Student Services
More information on the return to compliance:
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency - TEQSA Return to Compliance FAQs
International student FAQ
I am in Australia (onshore)
How many subject can I study online?
You can only do one third of your course subjects online. For example:
| Total subjects in course | Online subjects (maximum) | On-campus subjects (minimum) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 | 3 |
| 8 | 2 | 6 |
| 12 | 4 | 8 |
| 16 | 5 | 11 |
| 22 | 7 | 15 |
Please note: some courses or subjects may only be completed on-campus. Please refer to your Letter of Offer or course structure for requirements.
Credit transfers (course credit/RPL) reduces the total number of subjects in your course you still need to complete, which also reduces the number of online subjects you are permitted to complete under the ESOS Framework.
For example:
- If your course originally consists of 16 subjects and you receive credit for 4 subjects, this reduces your course to 12 subjects still to complete.
- Since no more than one-third of your course can be completed online, the maximum number of online subjects you can take is now 4 (one-third of 12), instead of 5 (one-third of 16).
This highlights the importance of reviewing your credit transfers and their impact on your course structure. We strongly recommend discussing your credit transfers and enrolment plans with a Student Services Advisor to ensure your study plan remains compliant with your visa conditions.
How will the 1/3 rule of online subjects be calculated if I studied online during COVID?
- From the beginning of Trimester 2 2023, you must ensure no more than one third of your remaining course is studied online. You must enrol in at least one on campus subject in each study period.
*These rules do not apply to any study completed from March 2020 up until Trimester 2, 2023.
- BMIHMS students from the beginning of Term 3 2023, you must ensure no more than one third of your remaining course is studied online. You must enrol in at least one on campus subject in each study period.
*These rules do not apply to any study completed from March 2020 up until Term 3, 2023.
What happens to my studies if I started before March 2020?
- If you have completed any study in your current course before March 2020 online, this study would also count towards the one third online rule.
I have one (1) subject left – can I study online and still be in Australia?
- If you have only one subject left to complete in your course it may be studied online, provided the subject has an online offering available.
Please note: You are advised to contact the Department of Home Affairs as this may impact your visa options for post-study work in Australia and your visa may be cancelled.
What are the work restrictions?
- work restrictions for student visa holders will be capped at 48 hours per fortnight. This ensures that student visa holders are able to focus on obtaining a quality Australian education and qualification, while remaining able to support themselves financially, gain valuable work experience, and contribute to Australia’s workforce needs.
- you must continue to balance your study and work commitments even though there is flexibility in the number of hours you can work.
I no longer live near the campus I am enrolled in for my current course, what should I do?
- You will need to apply for a change to your enrolment campus, provided the course is available at that campus.
For example: Current course enrolment and CoE is at Flinders Street, Melbourne campus but you have moved to Adelaide and need to change enrolment to Adelaide campus.
- If you have moved to a location where this is no campus it is still your responsibility to ensure you can attend a campus, complete two thirds of your subjects face to face and show satisfactory progression in your course. Please contact studentservices@torrens.edu.au to ensure your current address details are on record.
Please note: You are advised to contact the Department of Home Affairs as this may impact your visa options for post-study work in Australia and your visa may be cancelled.
With study mode flexibility being introduced in March 2020, does this mean T1 2020 was flexible?
As we changed to online mode during T1 in 2020 due to lockdown we can count T1 2020 as being part of that flexibility.
Regardless of study mode of any prior subjects completed, if I have 1 subject left to complete in T2 2023, can it be done online?
Yes, from TEQSA’s advice, the last subject of a course is an exception to the ‘must study at least one subject per study period face to face’ rule. Where a student is studying that one subject only in that study period it can be studied online rather than face to face
If I commenced my course during the study mode flexibility period, have studied entirely online and now only have 2 subjects to complete in T2 2023, do both need to be studied on-campus?
Yes, to meet the no more than one third online rule, both subjects would need to be studied face to face
If I commenced my course during the study mode flexibility period, have studied entirely online and now have 3 subjects to complete in T2 2023, how many subjects can I study online?
You would need to study at least 2 subjects on-campus and only 1 online to meet the no more than one third online rule
If I commenced my course during the study mode flexibility period, and I have studied a combination of online and on-campus subjects, and I now has 3 subjects to complete in T2 2023, can I study 1 subject on-campus and 2 online?
According to TEQSA advice on their website FAQs: the National Code requirements must be met for any remaining period of a student’s enrolment after 30 June 2023. This would mean that you would need to do 2 face to face subjects to meet the no more than one third online rule.
I am not in Australia (offshore)
I have started my current course overseas, can I come to Australia to complete my studies?
- If you wish to study in Australia, please advise us of your intention to come to Australia by emailing Student Services.
You must organise your travel to arrive in Australia before Trimester 2 commencing 5 June or Term 3 commencing 3 July for students studying in a course with Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School.
I have started my current course in Australia but am currently offshore, can I come back to Australia to complete my studies?
- If you wish to study in Australia, please advise us of your intention to come to Australia by emailing Student Services.
You must organise your travel to arrive in Australia before Trimester 2 commencing 5 June or Term 3 commencing 3 July for students studying in a course with Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School.
What if I do not wish to return to Australia, can I complete my course overseas?
- If you no longer wish to travel to Australia to complete your studies from Trimester 2 you may change your enrolment status to offshore and online. You can notify us by emailing Student Services.
Please note: You are advised to contact the Department of Home Affairs as this may impact your visa options for post-study work in Australia and your visa may be cancelled.
Will BMIHMS classes continue to be offered face to face (F2F) and online?
From Term 3, 2023 all BMIHMS classes will be only offered F2F in Sydney, Leura, Melbourne and Adelaide.
What if I only have one (1) subject left to finish my degree?
- If you have only one subject left to complete in your course it may be studied online, provided the subject has an online offering available.
Please note: You are advised to contact the Department of Home Affairs as this may impact your visa options for post-study work in Australia and your visa may be cancelled.
What if I am currently unable to leave my home country?
Please contact Student Services who can assist you to determine the most appropriate course of action. This may include taking a leave of absence in extenuating circumstances, or deciding to transition your enrolment status to study online and offshore.
I have started my course overseas; can I complete my course overseas?
- If you are in an online course and are not applying for a student visa you may continue to complete your course overseas.
- If you are applying for a Student Visa and you have commenced a course where a CoE has been issued, you will not be able to undertake your course overseas, but instead will need to study on campus in Australia.
The ESOS Framework does not apply to courses delivered online and offshore to students who do not hold an Australian student visa.
I have started my course overseas and want to study in Australia
- You must have a valid Student Visa to study in Australia. You will need to have a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to apply for a student visa. To request a CoE, please contact Student Services.
Your Student Visa
Under the ESOS Framework, universities must ensure that all international students on an Australian student visa must:
- not take more than one-third of the subjects within a course online
- study at least one subject face to face in each study period. The exception to this is if a student is studying last subject of their course.
- return to a minimum of 20 hours face-to-face scheduled course contact per week for ELICOS courses
In addition, students must adhere to all Visa requirements and continue to:
- maintain their course enrolment and a full-time load
- ensure satisfactory course attendance,
- ensure satisfactory course progress.
- Complete course within the required duration as per their CoE
- Pay fees by the due date
*In addition, students must ensure they are aware of any individual conditions noted on their Student Visa
After you arrive
Some helpful tips once you arrive in Australia.
| Contact your family |
Let your family know you arrived safely. You can access free Wi-Fi at the airport, or you may have access to Wi-Fi at your accommodation. |
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| Exchange money |
If you have not already exchanged money, we recommend you do this before leaving the airport so that you have some Australian currency with you. |
| Notify your embassy of your arrival |
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a list of all foreign embassies and consulates in Australia. |
| Call your health insurance company |
Contact your OSHC company to tell them your address in Australia and order your card. |
| Transport from the airport |
If you are taking public transport or a taxi, have all the details with you, including the address of your accommodation, phone number and route. Maps will be available at the airport or you can print a copy before you leave. Check the fare from the airport to your accommodation using the Taxi Fare Calculator. Ride sharing is available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
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| Enrolment process |
Information about the enrolment process and how to access your student email, Student Portal, Student Hub, MyHub and MyLearn (your online learning platform) can be found in the Getting Started Guide. |
| Orientation |
As a new student, you must attend Orientation. Find out more about Orientation sessions on the Student Hub or in the Getting Started Guide. |
Holiday Letter
What is a holiday letter?
A holiday letter is an official university document confirming a student's study break dates, allowing them to work unrestricted hours during this period per their visa conditions. It serves as proof for employers of their eligibility to work full-time during semester breaks and typically includes the student's name, course details, holiday dates, and sometimes visa information.
How do I request a holiday letter?
- Go to MyHub.
- In the box with your course code, 'Subject Selection' and 'Grades', you should see the Holiday Letter option.
- Click this to view and download your letter.
What if I can't see the link to the holiday letter?
The holiday letter option will not appear if you have not enrolled in subjects for the next study period.
Check the dates on your letter
Please check the holiday letter dates. If these are not correct contact Student Services who will assist you.