Student Visa Holders Information

Sydney Broadway Campus

St Benedict’s

St Benedict’s (known as ‘St Ben’s Hall’) is home to the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, as well The Chaplaincy Convener’s Office is located near the courtyard area.

Situated on level 1 overlooking the courtyard, is the multi-use space that can be used for teaching and events or productions. Student Life is situated on the ground floor adjacent to the courtyard. St Ben’s also has a Theatre room, computer lab and communications lab to support teaching activities,

St Ben’s also accommodates bicycle parking in the courtyard.

Pioneer House

The University of Notre Dame Australia Broadway Campus Reception and Prospective Student Office, is located on the ground floor of Pioneer House.

Pioneer House consists of  teaching and lecture spaces; computer labs and the Early Childhood room. Pioneer House is home to the Faculty of Education, the Student Wellbeing Support Centre International Office, and Student Success team.

St Benedict’s Library

Refurbished in 2020, this space offers students a comprehensive library collection along with a range of multipurpose study options, inclusive of meeting rooms set up with AV capabilities for zoom or presentation purposes, quiet study, or collaborative

study groups of six (6) students per room. The larger, quiet study room, can accommodate up to 25 students. Booth seating arrangements, combined with work-stations inclusive of monitor docking stations and power charge points, are located throughout the library, and comfortable, ‘lounge style’ seating options, make for an environment conducive to study and research.

The library also has shower facilities and bicycle parking for students wishing to go green when travelling to our campus.

School of Law and Business

Notre Dame University’s School of Law and Business on the Sydney Campus consists of teaching spaces as well as the moot court, which allows students to hone their litigation skills in a simulated court room environment.

Sydney Darlinghurst Campus

The University’s Darlinghurst Campus, is home to our budding health professionals, training for careers in nursing, medicine, and other health-related roles. The campus, inclusive of simulation laboratory and wards, has been designed to support students in these health science professions.

The campus boasts two 8-bed and one 5-bed, state of the art simulation labs/wards for nursing midwifery and medicine. All three simulation labs/wards are fitted with the latest audio-visual technology, including digital touch panel screens, tutorial recording and broadcast capabilities.

Perth (Fremantle) Campus

The University’s Perth (Fremantle) Campus, comprising 53 buildings, is embedded into the historic port city of Fremantle. The campus is home to a wide range of disciplines, and includes, state-of-the-art facilities, which support  health sciences, physiotherapy, medicine and nursing students.

The campus also boasts two 8-bed and one, 6-bed simulation labs/wards. Each of the labs/wards are fitted with the latest audio-visual technology, including digital touch panel screens, tutorial recording and broadcast, plus individual bed recording for skills assessments.

The University has also established two gymnasiums and Health Sciences / Physiotherapy Gyms, which include facilities such as 3D high-definition, video capture technology.

Computer labs and libraries

Technology plays a key role in the learning process at The University of Notre Dame Australia and the University has created a user-friendly and supportive technology environment for students.

If you don't have a laptop? Or maybe you need certain software? Check out the open-access workstations with desktop computers for independent study in any of the University’s libraries. Simply, plug in your device to charge or access wireless, to take your study to a comfortable chair, lounge, or bean bag.

Assistive technology and print services are available throughout the library spaces. For further information check out the links below:

• Broome Campus Library (Broome)
• Benedict XVI Medical Library (Sydney)
• St Benedict's Library (Sydney)
• Craven Law Library (Fremantle)
• St Teresa's Library (Fremantle) 

Please refer to Library opening hours for each individual library operating hours

Students have easy access to the media and communications computer lab, which houses specialty software for recording, animation, or design. Chat to the lab co-ordinator to organise a time to access these facilities.

Check out our Standard Operating Environment (SOE) to see what applications are available to students on University computers in libraries and labs.

2023

2024

Legal Services in Western Australia

To help international students understand their legal rights, StudyPerth (a member driven organisation, which is strongly supported by the Government of Western Australia’s Department of Jobs, tourism, Science and Innovation), provides FREE, multilingual and confidential legal advisory services via My Legal Mate, see Support Services International Students. My Legal Mate provides answers to commonly asked questions about laws in Australia, as well as on-the-go legal information about any legal matter related to:

• Employment and workplace rights
• Private disputes
• Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH)
• Education provider disputes
• Housing/tenancy issues

To access My Legal Mate please sign up to register your details or contact Study Perth on +61 (0) 86244 1640 or visit the office at 555 Wellington Street Perth WA 6000

Legal Services in New South Wales

Redfern Legal Centre's International Student Legal Service NSW gives free, confidential legal advice to international students studying in New South Wales. The International Student Legal Service is independent of the government.

The service is funded by Study NSW, a unit of the NSW Government set up to support international students across the state. In-kind support is provided by City of Sydney. This free service is available to international students enrolled to study anywhere in NSW

You can speak with one of the experienced solicitors to get free and confidential legal advice about issues including:

• Housing problems
• Employment
• Sexual assault and sexual harassment, Discrimination, Family law, Domestic violence
• Complaints about colleges or universities
• Fines, Debts and Car accidents
• Student Visa advice

To access Redfern Legal Centre's International Student Legal Service Call +61 (0) 29698 7277 or in Person at Redfern Town Hall, Gadigal Land, 73 Pitt Street, Redfern NSW.

External Advice for Property Rentals

Tenancy WA
Tenancy WA is a community legal centre specialising in residential tenancy matters. Tenancy WA provide free legal services to residential tenants across Western Australia.

A list of helpful fact sheets about tenancy rights are available here. Visit the Tenancy WA Website for further information.

Phone: 9221 0088 (metropolitan) 1800 621 888 (country free call)

NSW Tenancy By Redfern Legal Centre
This factsheet provides information for international students looking to rent a house or unit in NSW.

This factsheet has been created by Redfern Legal Centre’s International Student Legal Service NSW and Inner Sydney Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service.

Before you sign a lease, use this factsheet as a quick reference guide. It covers your rights as a tenant, and your landlord’s obligations to you, under New South Wales law.

For information regarding the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 please refer to the NSW Department of Fair-Trading website.

Congratulations to all our international students for accepting their place at The University of Notre Dame Australia. As per the Conditions set out in your Letter of Offer, all international students are required to attend an International Student Orientation Program prior to commencing their studies. The Orientation Program covers important information regarding your studies at Notre Dame, as well as an overview on our student and academic support services, visa requirements, an opportunity to meet other international students and key staff members and ask any questions you may have prior to commencing your program.

The University’s Student Life team is also available to provide support to help you transition into university life and life in Australia.

Please email: imadethemove@nd.edu.au if you have any questions!

Responsibilities as a Student Visa Holder

International students must have a valid student visa as part of enrolling at the University. Each international student must be aware of and understand their responsibilities under the conditions of their visa. Conditions include:

• not studying more than 33% of your program online
• being enrolled in at least one on-campus course each Semester
• holding a current student visa while studying in Australia
• knowing when your visa expires and to either apply for an extension if required to complete studies, or depart the country
• ensuring contact details are always up to date. The International Office at:  International.students@nd.edu.au, must be advised of your contact details within seven (7) days of arrival in Australia and immediately you change your address at any time during your studies

Breaching visa conditions may affect your studies at the University of Notre Dame Australia and possibly result in a visa cancellation. For an overview of Australian (student) visa regulations and application procedures, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website

Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act

The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) protects the interests of international students by setting out standards of operation for education providers.

The University is obliged to fulfil the conditions of your letter of offer and ensure you’re your study program is undertaken in appropriate facilities with resources and support intended to assist you achieve your study goals. Students are also offered financial protection for pre-paid fees in the event the University is not able to deliver what it has committed to deliver.

The University is obliged to keep records of your current address, so if you change your address, it is a condition of your student visa that you must inform Student Administration within seven (7) days of the change occurring by contacting International.students@nd.edu.au and, also updating your address and/or phone number at the University’s Student Centre.

Please note, you are required to enter a physical street address, not a PO Box number.

It is a condition of your student visa that you are enrolled full-time in your program, which is a Department of Home Affairs requirement. By maintaining a full time study load it is expected that you will be able to complete your program within the duration of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).  This means that you will need to maintain enrolment to the value of 100 credit points each semester.

There are some instances however, where you may be permitted to reduce your study load.  Situations where your study load may be modified are:

• If an intervention Strategy of reduced study load has been implemented to help successful progression.
• If a prerequisite course cannot be offered due to the structure of you program.
• In compelling or compassionate circumstances (for example, a documented serious illness which has affected full-time study).
• If it is your final semester of study (Intervention Strategy not required).

If you are experiencing difficulties in maintaining full-time enrolment for a semester, you will need to make an appointment with your Program Coordinator to discuss the matter further and complete an Intervention Strategy.  The Intervention Strategy form must then be approved by the Campus Registrar before you can drop any of your courses.  You may be required to compensate for any partial enrolment by overloading during the summer/winter terms and/or subsequent semesters in your degree program.  Reducing your study load may result in not completing your program within the expected CoE and visa duration.  In this case you will need to apply for another CoE and visa, which will have associated costs and may have visa implications.  Student that have no formal approval to reduce their study load may have their request for a CoE document declined.

Reducing your study load cannot be based on reasons of finances, work commitments or receiving Advanced Standing/Credit Transfer for previous study/experience gained.

If you have any questions please email student.admin@nd.edu.au

Information about the specific requirements that need to be met for you to successfully complete your studies at Notre Dame are provided in the program requirements for your chosen program and in course outlines. Throughout each semester, teaching staff will monitor your academic progress using a range of indicators, including class participation; attendance; and completion of assessments and grades achieved.

If you feel you do not understand the material in the courses you are studying, the University strongly encourages you to ask your lecturer or School for assistance as soon as possible. It is very important that you ask for assistance as soon as you feel you are experiencing difficulties – do not wait until the end of the Study Period.
Your lecturers and the staff in your School may suggest further tutoring, assign a mentor, or arrange attendance at study skills workshops or some other form of assistance.

At the end of each semester, your academic progress will also be formally monitored as part of the course grading processes. If, unfortunately, you do not pass your course(s) at a satisfactory level for two consecutive Study Periods, then the University may be obliged to terminate your enrolment at the University.

For details of the University’s requirements for maintaining satisfactory academic progress, refer to the Procedure: Academic Progress

The University is also obliged to report this to the Department of Homes Affairs (DHA).  For more information, refer to the Policy: International Students at:  International Student Policy

An Intervention Strategy refers to specific strategies and documentation prepared by the student's School as a record of the academic or other assistance which has or will be offered to the student to ensure they are not at risk of continued Unsatisfactory Progress as defined by the University’s General Regulations, and in accordance with The National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students (National Code) 2018.

An Intervention Strategy document may also include authorisation for a student to extend their program duration up to a specified date if appropriate and applicable, due to changes such as change of program, reduction of study load, change to program structure etc.

It is important for student visa holders understand their rights and responsibilities under the Procedure: Intervention Strategy.

Fees are payable each semester, at least four weeks prior to the commencement date of the student’s program.

Fees can be paid by Credit Card, Global Pay by Western Union or Internet Bank Transfer (refer to your offer letter for bank details).

Fees MUST be paid by two weeks before the commencement of semester for continuing students. Payment plans will not be authorised.

For current fees information, including tuition fees and additional study costs refer to the International Fees page.

Non-payment of fees: The University’s requirements in relation to non-payment of fees and charges are set out in the Procedure: Termination for Non-payment.

For any questions regarding your fees, please contact student.fees@nd.edu.au

Please find the International Student Policy for The University of Notre Dame Australia.

Students wishing to transfer their studies to another provider must take note of their obligations under their student visa. The University has a detailed process, which must be followed, failure to follow the University’s process could result in your visa being cancelled.

Please refer to the Procedure: International Student Transfer (Change of Education Provider) for the University of Notre Dame Australia.

The University recognises that students may wish to appeal against academic or administrative decisions affecting them (Appeal) or raise a complaint, problem, issue or concern regarding their current or past involvement with the University (Grievance).

A summary of this information relating to Show Cause, Student Appeals and Grievances is below.  For more detailed information please refer to the Show Cause, Student Appeals and Grievances page.

Show Cause

The purpose of the Show Cause process is to allow a student to continue studying without having to lodge an appeal, where there is sufficient evidence of the student’s capacity to successfully complete their degree.

Please refer to the Procedure: Academic Progress, which outlines the Show Cause process.

Student Appeals

The University provides Students with the right to appeal certain administrative or academic decisions made against them, if they believe they have grounds to show the University’s regulations, policies and procedures were not considered in making that decision. Students are encouraged to discuss the disputed decision with their Course Coordinator, Program Coordinator or National Head of School in the first instance.

Please refer to the Policy: Student Appeals for information about the appeal process and the types of academic or administrative decisions that can be appealed.

Grievances

The University recognises that students may wish to raise a problem, issue or grievance concerning their current or past involvement with the University (Grievance).
The University's process for the resolution of Student Grievances is outlined in the University Procedure: Student Grievances.

• Procedure: Student Grievances
• Flow chart of the Student Grievance Process

There are limited situations and circumstances in which you may be allowed to extend your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).  Such circumstances include:

• Compassionate or compelling circumstances (eg. documented medical illness, death in the family).
• Where a formal Intervention Strategy has been implemented for students at risk of not progressing successfully.
• Where an approved deferment or suspension of study (Leave of Absence) has been granted.

When you require an extension of your CoE, you will need to email international.students@nd.edu.au.  You will also need to request a new CoE if:

• You have changed your program (ie. Have transferred to a new program even if the duration of study on your visa does not change)

You will receive a reply email with your new CoE.  Please allow a minimum of 3 working days.

Congratulations to all our international students for accepting their place at The University of Notre Dame Australia. As per Conditions of your Letter of Offer, all international students are required to attend an International Student Orientation Program prior to commencing their studies. The session will cover important information regarding your studies at Notre Dame, as well as an overview on our student and academic support services, visa requirements, an opportunity to meet other international students and key staff members, and ask any questions you may have prior to commencing your program.

To extend your visa, you will need to supply the following to the Department of  Homes Affairs (DoHA):

1. Your Overseas Student Health Cover is current with proof of your health cover card and/or receipt of payment
2. A medical examination in the past twelve months (some countries only);
3. International students are required to demonstrate and/or declare that they have genuine access to sufficient funds to cover their expenses for their stay in Australia.
4. Amended electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the (DoHA) database which shows an extension to your completion date (provided by Student Administration, International Officer)

If you have any queries, please email international.students@nd.edu.au

Visa Enquiries

It is always best to speak to an Immigration agent with the Department of Homes Affairs (DoHA) when inquiring about specific visa requirements.

If you have specific questions, please email Student Administration student.admin@nd.edu.au, or contact DoHA

Phone number: 13 18 81

For Student Visas or post-student visa options: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/

Medical insurance is compulsory for International Students, while studying in Australia, regardless of home country coverage. 
However, you do not need OSHC if you are:

• A Norwegian student covered by the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme;
• A Swedish student covered by the National Board of Student Aid or by Kammarkollegiet;
• A Belgian student covered under the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with Australia

If the visa granted states that overseas medical insurance is required for compliance, then all students must have Australian overseas student health cover. Each International student will have insurance arranged by the university for the entire study period in Australia – this is known as Program Length Cover (PLC).

Most of our students, including all newly enrolled, are covered by Bupa OSHC, which is the university’s preferred provider. If students wish to use another provider, the student will need to speak to the International Student Officer regarding the process and options for overseas student health cover.

Students should be aware that the Bupa OSHC policy initially purchased does not generally cover pre-existing conditions in the first year of cover and does not apply to extras such as physiotherapy, dental, optical or chiropractic cover. However, if students would like to purchase additional coverage, they need to speak to Bupa OSHC or their own insurance provider directly.

Please be aware that it is the student’s responsibility to renew his/her cover BEFORE it expires. Renewals for students with Bupa OSHC can be arranged through the International Officer or through Bupa OSHC directly. Not having up-to-date health coverage can jepordise your access to final marks at university and also makes one non-compliant with visa regulations.

For more information on Bupa OSHC and other OSHC providers, please visit the following websites:

• www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/oshc
• www.oshcallianzassistance.com.au/
• www.medibank.com.au
• www.ahmoshc.com.au/
• www.nib.com.au

For more information, please feel free to contact Student International Officer at international.students@nd.edu.au

It is a condition of your student visa that international students cannot take leave of absence from their studies unless there are documented, compassionate or compelling circumstances. If you feel this applies to you then please speak with the National Director, Student Administration, or the International Officer, Student Administration, to discuss your situation.

Letter of completion

Please email Student Administration to request a letter of completion student.admin@nd.edu.au. Your e-mail must come from your student e-mail account. Please specify whether your letter should show any information not included in our standard letter of completion.

Our standard letter of completion includes the following information: confirmation of program requirements being met, program commencement date, program duration, attendance (full time/equivalent full time), degree conferral date, program completion date and English as Language of Instruction. You will receive a reply email with the attached letter.

Please allow a minimum of 3 days for the email to be sent.

Graduation

You must apply to graduate as this is not an automatic process.  You will receive an email to your Notre Dame student email account in the first few weeks of each semester asking students to apply to graduate if they believe they will complete their studies by the end of the semester.  Students must have paid all their fees and any fines in order to graduate.

Please click here to go to the Graduation page for more information.

Visa for Permission to Work

Student visa mandatory condition 8105 stipulates that a student cannot work more than 48 hours per fortnight when his/her program is in session (other than work which has been registered as a part of the program). A fortnight means any period of 14 days commencing on a Monday and ending at the end of the second following Sunday.

Note: No work limits apply during recognised periods of vacation (i.e. Between Study Periods)

A student cannot undertake work until he/she has commenced his/her program in Australia.

Only students enrolled in a Masters by research (MPhil) or Doctoral (PhD) research programs have no work limitations. These students are permitted to work unlimited hours once they have commenced their program in Australia.

Visit the official Australian Government website for international students working while studying in Australia and the Australian Government’s Fair Work Ombudsman’s website for further details.

Tax File Number (TFN)

All students who are currently working, after they have received their permission to work, have to apply for an Australian Tax File Number (TFN). A tax file number (TFN) is a unique number issued to individuals and organisations to help the Tax Office administer tax and other Australian Government systems.  It is one of the most important forms of identification in Australia. It is worth keeping secure, as this will assist in preventing identity theft
A TFN will help you:

• lodge a tax return
• ask the Tax Office about your tax affairs
• start or change jobs
• limit the amount of tax you pay on interest or dividends earned if you have savings accounts or investments that earn income.

Your TFN is valuable. Don’t share it with friends and don’t provide it on the internet when applying for work. Keep it secure.

Applying for a TFN--online
If you are a permanent migrant or temporary visitor to Australia you can apply for a TFN online after you arrive in Australia if you have a:

1. visa that allows work rights
2. visa that allows permanent migration
3. valid overseas student visa, or
4. valid visa to stay in Australia indefinitely.

Complete the Online individual tax file number (TFN) registration.  When applying online, you do not have to physically provide proof of your identity.
Applying for a TFN using false or other people’s identity details, or misusing your TFN, can mean heavy fines or jail. 
If you need more information about TFNs, you can:

• visit the Tax Office website or
• phone 13 28 61 between 8.00am and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Plagarism

The dictionary definition of the word ‘plagiarise’ is to:

• take and use as one’s own, the thoughts, writings, inventions, etc., of another person; copy literary work, ideas, etc. improperly or without acknowledgement; or
• pass off the thoughts, work, etc. of another person as one’s own.

Plagiarism is a violation of academic integrity and, if proven, makes the student liable for disciplinary action.

Plagiarism can include, but is not limited to:

• plagiarism of ideas - claiming credit for someone else’s thoughts, ideas or inventions.
• word-for-word plagiarism- copying the exact expression of someone’s writing or a very close approximation to it.
• plagiarism of sources – using another person’s citations without acknowledging the source of the citations.
• plagiarism of authorship – where a person claims to be the author of an entire piece of work (e.g an article, an essay, a book, a musical composition) fully or substantially authored by another.  Examples include when a student submits as their own work an essay written by someone else (such as a friend or someone who has been paid to write it).  Translating an article from another language and publishing it under one’s name, as if one had written it, is plagiarism of authorship but not word-for-word plagiarism.
• fabrication - the falsification or invention of any information or citation in an assessment.

Read the University's policy on plagiarism.

Academic integrity

Notre Dame is committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship and research. Fundamental to this commitment is the upholding of academic integrity which is underpinned by the values of honesty, fairness, respect and responsibility.

The University’s expectations for maintaining academic integrity are set out in the Policy: Academic Integrity and Procedure: Academic Integrity.

For further information on academic integrity can be accessed: Academic Integrity - Academic Integrity - University Library at The University of Notre Dame Australia (nd.edu.au)