International Student Visa Conditions
Visa conditions are the rules on your visa. They are set by Australian law and cannot be changed or disregarded to suit personal circumstances. It is important that you understand these conditions, as the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) may cancel a visa if conditions are not met. If you breach a visa condition the University is obliged to report. For a full list of mandatory and discretionary student visa conditions go to:
Looking After a Student Visa
Southern Cross University wants to help you keep your student visa and we have provided below details of some of the mandatory visa conditions that apply to your student visa. The staff in the International Office are here to provide assistance and support during your studies and are not migration agents. However, we do have legal obligations to provide information to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) in some circumstances, such as if you withdraw from your course of study, and/ or seek to transfer to another education provider.
Academic Progress
You must maintain satisfactory academic progress. For details of the
Academic Standing Policy go to:
Academic Policies and Procedures
Current Address Details
Students on an International Student Visa no longer need to keep DIAC informed of their home address in Australia. However, SCU students MUST maintain a current, correct residential address on their student file AT ALL TIMES. You must notify SCU of an address within 7 days of arriving in Australia by completing the contact details in My Enrolment. If you move, SCU must be notified of the new address. This is a mandatory government requirement that applies for the duration of studies. This information is also used by the university staff to stay in contact with students.
Work Limitations
International Students can work up to 40 hours per fortnight while their courses are in session, and unlimited hours during periods of vacation. A fortnight is defined as a fourteen-day period starting on a Monday. The course is in session during regular Sessions or Trimesters (including study week and examination periods). Session 3 is treated as compulsory study period if students are required to enrol in units to meet full time enrolment requirement set by the university.
Higher Degree by Research (HDR) student visa holders (visa subclass 574) have unlimited work hours once study has commenced, allowing them to engage in employment related research.
Remaining at SCU for 6 Months
You must study with SCU for 6 months. If you have come to study English or a foundation course as a package, you must complete this course and then study at SCU for 6 months.
If you need to change to another university before this because of exceptional circumstances, you will need to see an International Student Adviser and request a Release Letter. You will also need to organise an appointment with DIAC, provide details of your new offer of study and confirmation of enrolment and obtain permission from DIAC before you transfer. If you fail to inform SCU of a transfer to another education provider, you may be reported for non-attendance and your visa may be cancelled.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
When an offer of admission is accepted, it will usually include OSHC that lasts for the duration of the student visa. A membership card is also provided. Some students will only have one year's coverage and when this expires, you must renew the cover yourself. If cover is not renewed your visa may be cancelled and if you have an accident or fall ill you and your family will be liable to cover the medical bills, which are often high in Australia.
Further Information
For more information consult the International Student Guide
for your campus or contact the International Office:
t +61 2 6620 3876
f +61 2 6620 3227
e intoff@scu.edu.au
To contact Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) go to:
t 131 881 Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Updated: 27 March 2012