START AT USC GUIDE USC SUNSHINE COAST 2019/2020 - usc.edu.au/international
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START AT USC GUIDE
USC SUNSHINE COAST
2019/2020
usc.edu.au/international
university of the sunshine coast | cricos provider number: 01595d
Welcome
Congratulations on receiving your offer to study
at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC).
At USC, you will be welcomed by academic and
support staff who are keen to help you succeed.
You will also discover the lifestyle benefits of
the Sunshine Coast and Queensland.
This guide contains important information.
Please read it carefully. If you need any further
assistance, contact the staff at USC International.
We look forward to providing you with an exceptional
education in an outstanding location.
Professor Robert Elliot
Pro Vice-Chancellor (International and Quality)
DARWIN
Contents
AUSTRALIA QUEENSLAND SUNSHINE COAST
Understanding your letter of offer............................................................. 1
BRISBANE
How to accept your offer.............................................................................2
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).....................................................3 PERTH SYDNEY
CANBERRA
Organising your visa ...................................................................................4 ADELAIDE
Choosing courses and enrolling online .....................................................5 MELBOURNE
Arriving in Australia ...................................................................................7 HOBART
Living in Australia .......................................................................................8
Attending Orientation .............................................................................. 12
Academic calendar ................................................................................... 13
Student support services.......................................................................... 14
USC Sunshine Coast ................................................................................. 16
Arranging accommodation and airport transfers.................................... 17
Campus services and facilities ................................................................. 19 © Published by University of the Sunshine Coast. May 2019.
All information contained in this publication is correct at the time of going to press,
Clubs and sporting facilities.....................................................................22 however USC reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Prospective
students should check for any amendments before submitting an application.
Important information .............................................................................23 For up-to-date information, visit usc.edu.au | University of the Sunshine Coast is
registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas
Checklist . ..................................................................................................25 Students (CRICOS).
usc.edu.au/international
cricos provider no. 01595d
Understanding your letter of offer
Your letter of offer and materials include essential information about accepting your offer, completing your enrolment,
studying at USC and living in Australia.
Your letter of offer is a written agreement between you and USC. Your written
agreement includes:
• International Student Application Form • Important Links
• Letter of Offer • Important Refund Information
• Acceptance of Offer • Credit Transfer Advice
• Important Information (if applicable)
You should read all the information carefully before accepting your offer and entering into a
written agreement with USC.
There are two possible offer letter Below is an explanation of terms mentioned in your letter of offer:
types you may receive from USC:
UNCONDITIONAL OFFER
Program The fee you must pay for a given semester/
trimester is that which has been approved
The program refers to the USC program by USC for the calendar year in which the
You meet all the entry requirements for
for which you have applied and been made semester/ trimester commences.
your chosen program of study. You can
an offer.
accept the offer and move to the next Any increase in tuition fees from one calendar
phase of the admission process. Refer
to your offer for full details on what is Commencement year to the next for your program of study
will be no more than 7 percent. All fees are in
required to progress to the next step. Commencement refers to the semester in Australian dollars ($A).
which your program commences. You need to
CONDITIONAL OFFER refer to the offer letter for the dates on which
You do not yet meet all the entry Orientation and classes commence. Amount payable
requirements for your chosen program To confirm your enrolment, and apply for your
Orientation is compulsory for international Student visa, you need to accept your offer and
of study. students and you must arrive in time to attend. pay the amount indicated here. This amount
You will need to meet the conditions is usually your first semester/trimester tuition
as outlined in your conditional offer. Estimated completion fee* and the cost of any Overseas Student
Conditions could include needing to meet Health Cover you have asked USC to arrange
This is the estimated date by which you will
USC’s academic, English language, or on your behalf.
have completed your program and received
other program requirements.
your results. If you are accepting a package of offers that
You will not be able to move to the next commences with a USC English language,
This date is based on the minimum number of
phase of the admission process until you pathway or undergraduate program at USC,
courses required to complete the program.
have met the conditions. Refer to your you will usually need to pay tuition fees
offer for full details on what is required. towards all programs in the package to receive
First semester/trimester your Confirmations of Enrolment (CoE).
tuition fee and estimated
Refer to your letter of offer/s for the exact
total tuition fees* amounts payable towards each program.
These are the estimated tuition fees you will
* Payment arrangements may be different for those students
pay for your program. whose tuition fees are paid by their home institution or as
a scholarship.
Tuition fees do not include the cost of books,
materials, equipment or field trips.
Tuition fees are based on the minimum
number of courses required to complete
the program, within the standard program
duration, and are reviewed each calendar year.
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How to accept your offer
This section will tell you what you need to do to accept your offer, pay fees and enter into a written agreement
with USC. Students enrolling in packaged programs, eg English plus degree study, should also refer to the
‘Packaged program students’ section.
STEP 1:
Read all the information contained
in your letter of offer carefully.
STEP 2:
If you received an unconditional offer
proceed to step 3.
If you received a conditional offer
you will need to meet your
conditions as outlined in your
offer before you can proceed.
STEP 3:
If you decide that you want to
accept your offer and enter into
a written agreement refer to the
‘Acceptance of Offer’ page in
your letter of offer and follow
the instructions.
Before acceptance Packaged program students
By accepting your offer, you are agreeing that you have read and The following information is for students who have been made
understood the information provided to you in your letter of offer, a package of offers, eg you will be completing a USC English
including the information provided to you in the Important Information, language or pathway program before progressing into a USC
Important Links, Important Refund Information and Credit Transfer undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
Advice (if applicable).
Accepting your packaged offer
After acceptance Your USC letter of offer and associated documentation is an
On accepting your offer and on receipt of your payment* by USC, you agreement between you and USC. To accept your USC offer and
have entered into a written agreement with USC. the terms of the agreement, follow the steps on the ‘Acceptance of
Offer’ pages on each of your USC offers.
After USC receives your acceptance, you will be sent confirmation of this
written agreement by email. Once the required payment has been received for each program
included in your offer package, you will be given Confirmations
If you are applying for a Student visa, you will be given a Confirmation of of Enrolment (CoEs) for each program. You will need to provide
Enrolment (CoE) when you accept your offer and pay your fees. You will all CoEs as part of your Student visa application. This will ensure
need the CoE for your Student visa application. that your Student visa is granted for the correct duration of your
You will also receive your USC network username and password, so you packaged program.
can access the USC network and enrol in your courses online.
* Payment arrangements may be different for those students whose
tuition fees are paid by their home institution or as a scholarship.
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Overseas
Student
Health
Cover
(OSHC)
OSHC is health insurance to
assist international students
meet the costs of medical and
hospital care that they may need
while in Australia.
The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) You are individually responsible for ensuring
requires all students, who are studying in your OSHC is current at all times and renewed
Australia on a Student visa, to maintain OSHC as required. If your OSHC lapses, you are
for the duration of that visa.* Health insurance responsible for paying any medical costs
cover is also required for all family members incurred by you or your dependents..
residing in Australia on a dependent
OSHC is the minimum cover required by the
Student visa.
Australian Government, however you may
If you indicated on your application form that like to consider additional health and travel
you would like us to arrange your OSHC, a insurance at your own expense.
quota was included in your letter of offer.
An OSHC Allianz Global Assistance
The cost of your cover will depend on the type
representative is available on the USC
of cover and the duration of your studies.
Sunshine Coast campus two days a week
USC arranges OSHC Essentials Cover with our during semester to assist with claims and
preferred provider Allianz Global Assistance. provide support. Claims can also be
submitted online.
If you have already made payment for
your OSHC, this will be included in your For more information about OSHC, visit
Confirmation of Enrolment document used allianzassistancehealth.com.au
to apply for your Student visa. If USC did not
organise OSHC cover for you, you will Health cover and travel
be required to show your cover to DOHA insurance for non-Student
at the time of submitting your Student
visa application.
visa holders
If you are arriving in Australia on a non-
Non-compliance with the requirement for Student visa (such as the 417 Working Holiday
visa-length cover is a breach of Student visa visa), you are not eligible for OSHC. Please
conditions. The validity of the Student visa refer to a travel agent or search online to find
may be at risk if OSHC is not maintained in suitable health and/or travel insurance to meet
accord with this condition. your personal needs.
* Belgian, Norwegian and some Swedish students are not required to purchase OSHC as part of their visa requirements and will
be covered under their country’s Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Australia.
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Organising your visa
The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) You cannot start paid work until you have 8533: You must tell USC:
requires each person, who intends to study in started your course in Australia. • the address where you live in Australia
Australia, to hold a valid visa with study rights. within seven days of arriving in Australia;
Students undertaking Higher Degree by
If you intend to study in a program that is Research programs have unlimited work rights. • if you change the address where you live
longer than three months (12 weeks), you will within seven days of the change;
8202: You must maintain enrolment in a
normally need a Student visa. • if you change education provider within
registered course that is the same level as, or
Some students may be eligible for a Working at a higher level than, the registered course for seven days of receiving the electronic
Holiday visa, which will allow study for a which you were granted a visa. confirmation of enrolment certificate (CoE)
maximum of one semester. or evidence of enrolment.
You must maintain satisfactory course
For further information regarding visa options progress and complete your program within
and the visa application process, please refer to the standard duration.
Working Holiday visa
the DOHA website, homeaffairs.gov.au There are two sub-classes of Working Holiday
8501: You must maintain adequate (WH) visas and they are only available to
arrangements for health insurance during applicants from certain countries.
Student visa conditions your stay in Australia in the form of Overseas
It is important that you are aware of any Student Health Cover (OSHC). If you are granted a WH visa, you can study at
conditions attached to your Student visa. USC for up to four months (the equivalent of
8516: You must continue to satisfy the one semester).
For a full explanation of the conditions, visit
requirements for the granting of your Student
homeaffairs.gov.au For information about the WH visa, visit
visa. This means, for example, you must
8105: You cannot work more than 40 hours per continue to have sufficient financial capacity to homeaffairs.gov.au
fortnight when your course is in session (other support your study and stay in Australia.
than work which has been registered as a part Extending your stay
8517: You must maintain adequate schooling
of the course).
arrangements for your schoolage dependants
in Australia
You can work for more than 40 hours per who joined you in Australia for more than You can only extend your stay, if you do not
fortnight during recognised vacation periods three months as part of your Student visa have a ‘no further stay’ condition on your
offered by your education provider. application. current Student visa. Refer to DOHA for visa
extension options.
For further information, visit
homeaffairs.gov.au
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Choosing courses and
enrolling online
Once you have accepted your offer, paid your fees and received your login
details, you can choose your courses and begin the enrolment process.
Please read the following before enrolling in your courses. Follow the Getting
Started steps to complete your compulsory tasks, enrol in/view your courses
and prepare for your studies: usc.edu.au/start
Getting started USC Central
1 Plan your study
at USC USC Central is the online system you use to
manage your enrolment and personal details.
This includes completing your compulsory
STEP 1: Log on to USC Central using your task items, planning your study and timetable,
Degree program students
personal username and password. enrolling in courses and/or viewing your Planning your enrolment is an important start
enrolment, updating your personal details to your university life. It is an exciting time
STEP 2: Complete the compulsory task
and viewing your financial details, grades and where you explore your options and plan your
items, if any appear.
exam timetables. courses for your upcoming study periods.
STEP 3: Plan your study before you enrol. You must log-in to USC Central and complete To help choose your courses go to your
the compulsory task items before you will be program page and refer to the ‘What will
STEP 4: Enrol in your courses. I study?’ tab. This is where your program
able to enrol in your classes.
STEP 5: Access your student email requirements are listed. You must follow these
You can view a USC Central guide for new requirements in order to successfully complete
and Blackboard. international students, which explains how to your study program. Visit usc.edu.au/programs
complete these steps:
For more information, visit usc.edu.au/usccentralguide From your program page, select the ‘Plan your
usc.edu.au/start study’ tab to view your study plan. This will
show all courses you need to enrol in (core
It is a condition of your Student visa that Updating your address
courses), when they are offered and which
you complete your program of study details on USC Central choices you have for any elective courses.
within the registered program duration Check and update your Australian residential
(as registered on the Commonwealth address and contact details on USC Central The standard full-time enrolment is four
Register of Institutions and Courses for within a week of starting your studies. Any courses per semester/trimester. You can enrol
Overseas Students—CRICOS). change of address must be notified within in fewer than four courses per semester/
seven (7) days. trimester if your study plan allows and you
Additionally, you cannot study more than have approval from Student Central.
one-third of your overall program online Your Australian residential address is your
or by distance education and you must ‘mailing address’ in USC Central. If you are unsure about what courses you
have at least one face-to-face course in should enrol in or have problems enrolling
each compulsory study period. The address that you should record as your via USC Central, contact Student Central
‘permanent address’ in USC Central must be for advice:
If you have been awarded credit transfer, your overseas address.
you must complete your program Student Central
by the end date as indicated on your Your Australian address and phone number Tel: +61 7 5430 2890
Confirmation of Enrollment. details must be kept current. Email: studentcentral@usc.edu.au
Only students who have met all the Failure to keep these details current constitutes
conditions and provisions of their offer, a breach of Student visa condition 8533.
have accepted their offer and agreement, There is a USC Central guide to help you with
and paid their first semester/trimester this—’Update a mailing address (International
fees*, will be provided with the login students only)’. usc.edu.au/usccentralguide
details required to register online via
USC Central.
You will be advised via email when
* Payment arrangements may be different for those students
online registration is available for each whose tuition fees are paid by their home institution or as
semester/trimester. a scholarship.
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Students with If you need to transfer credits to your home
Credit Transfer** institution for studies undertaken at USC,
make sure your course choices are approved by
3 Access your
If you have been offered Credit Transfer, you
will need to select your courses carefully to
your home institution, regardless of whether
your choices appear on the USC ‘pre-approved’
student email
ensure you meet all program requirements
and can graduate with your intended
or ‘approval required’ course lists. and Blackboard
degree/major. To request course choice approval, send
an email with your course selection to
If you have not already been provided with Study@usc.edu.au Student email
a study plan, you may need to speak to a
Submission of your course choices to USC, and Once you are enrolled, all University
Program Adviser at Student Central to help
approval of your eligibility, does not constitute communication will be sent to your student
you choose your courses.
enrolment. You must enrol in your approved email. It is important to check your student
Make sure you have accepted your credit courses online via USC Central. email regularly to stay informed.
before trying to register/enrol online.
For more information, visit Your course lecturers and tutors will contact
If you have not accepted your credit, you may usc.edu.au/studyabroad you via your student email and important
have difficulty enrolling in advanced level student notifications will be sent here.
classes that have prerequisites.
Higher Degree by Research From the USC home page header menu
Study Abroad and (HDR) students select USC Services > Email and log in using
your USC network login details.
Your enrolment in your HDR course/s is
Exchange students completed by Student Central based on the
There are USC Central guides available to help information provided on your Acceptance of Blackboard
you select your courses, find your Study Plan Offer form. After you have received your USC network
and enrol in your classes on USC Central: login details you will have access to
usc.edu.au/usccentralguide For more information, visit usc.edu.au/start
Blackboard, the learning management system
You will need to submit your course choices to you will use to access:
USC International for approval before online
course registration. 2 Enrol in • online study materials for lectures
and tutorials
When selecting courses, make sure you choose
from the correct semester and pay attention to
your classes • student announcements and notifications
any prerequisites. • information resources including library
Now that you have planned your study, you catalogue and databases
For a full list of courses, visit
must enrol in your courses in USC Central. • discussion boards and forums (eg buysell,
usc.edu.au/SAcourses
study, chat)
Most courses have two components: a lecture
The course list is presented by semester and
and a tutorial or practical workshop session. You can attend the Blackboard workshops
divided into two sections.
held during Orientation to understand how
You can enrol in courses for the full year, Study
The first section is for courses ‘preapproved’ it works.
periods 1 and 2. This gives you the opportunity
by USC.
to plan your study well in advance. Your course materials will be made available
The second section is for courses that have by your course coordinator the week before
If you enrol in your courses on time you have
prerequisites and require assessment to classes commence.
the advantage of selecting your class times
determine eligibility for enrolment.
earlier than those who don’t. You can download the Blackboard Mobile app
If choosing advanced level courses with from your App Store (select University of the
Check the academic calendar for the timetable
prerequisites, consider whether you have Sunshine Coast).
release date for each study period. Once the
undertaken studies comparable to the
timetable has been released you can use the
prerequisite courses.
Timetable Planner to plan your class times. NOTE: Your password is confidential and
USC assesses eligibility for advanced level should not be disclosed to anyone.
You will be notified via email when class
courses. If you are unsure whether you meet
selection opens for the relevant study period Disclosure of your password to others may
the prerequisites, we can confirm this for you.
and provided with instructions on how to result in a breach of security and will not be
select your class times. considered a valid excuse for any unintended
** Credit transfer and the two-year Australian Study You can find timetables at usc.edu.au/ changes to your record.
Requirement for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) timetables or via USC Central.
Students have the option to accept all, part or none of the
credit transfer awarded. If you want to satisfy the two-year
‘Australian Study Requirement’ for the Post Study Work Timetables are subject to change, so check
visa, you may not want to accept all of your credit, if that them for changes before classes start.
credit reduces your study to less than two years. If you are
uncertain about how your credit transfer might affect your
eligibility for the Australian Study Requirement, contact USC
International. For more information about the Temporary
Graduate visa (subclass 485), visit the Australian Department
of Home Affairs’ website homeaffairs.gov.au
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Arriving in Australia
Suggested arrival dates
If you plan to join enabling or transition programs before Orientation, you should arrive earlier.
Your start semester Suggested arrival date Orientation
Semester 2, 2019 Friday, 12 July 2019 15–19 July 2019
Semester 1, 2020 Friday, 14 February 2020 17–21 February 2020
Semester 2, 2020 Friday, 10 July 2020 13–17 July 2020
What you cannot bring
into Australia
To protect Australia’s unique environment
and important agriculture industries, strict
quarantine laws are in place at Australian
international airports and mail centres.
On the aircraft, before your arrival in Australia,
you will be given an Incoming Passenger Card
to fill in. You must tick YES to declare if you
are carrying any food, plant material or
animal products.
TIP: If you are unsure about items you are
carrying, declare them anyway.
In many cases, items will be returned to you
after inspection. However, any item that has a
pest or disease risk will be withheld.
Depending on the risk, some items can be
treated to make them safe (fees apply) while
other risk items may be seized and destroyed.
All luggage is screened or x-rayed on arrival in
Australia. If you fail to declare any quarantine
items or make a false declaration:
• you could be fined up to $A420 on the spot
• you could be prosecuted, fined more than
$A420,000 and imprisoned for up to 10
years and a get criminal record.
All international mail sent to Australia is also
screened. The Australian Quarantine and
Inspection Service will remove highrisk items
from parcels.
Please inform family and friends of what
cannot be sent to Australia and ask them
to declare all items on the postal
declaration label.
TIP: A variety of your favourite foods is
available in all of Australia’s major cities.
These foods had to pass strict quarantine
conditions before they were allowed
into Australia.
To find out more about what you cannot
bring or mail into Australia, visit
agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity
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Living in Australia
Course-related costs Living expenses guide
As a general guide, allow $A400 per semester General living costs Cost per week
for new textbooks. ($A)*
Second-hand textbooks are often available at Private share $85–$215
reduced prices. accommodation
Some courses require additional materials, Homestay accommodation $235–$325
for example laboratory coats (from $A28) or (includes some meals)
art supplies.
Groceries and eating out $80–$280
Students taking design courses should allow
an additional $A60 to $A100 per semester for Gas, electricity $35–$140
materials and printing costs. Phone and internet $20–$55
English language program students are loaned Public transport $15–$55
textbooks for the duration of their course.
Car (after purchase) $150–$260
Living costs Entertainment $80–$150
You’ll need around $A390 per week to live
* Indicative costs. This information is taken from
comfortably on the Sunshine Coast. studyinaustralia.gov.au and should be used as a
guide only.
This does not include airfares to Australia, Students living in student accommodation at Varsity
visa applications, health cover and tuition Apartments or UniCentral do not pay for electricity.
fees. Allow more if you have a spouse or Major expenses such as buying and running a car,
purchasing a computer, television or stereo, holiday travel,
dependant(s) accompanying you. or travelling to and from the home country have not been
considered in this estimate of living expenses.
For more information, visit Amounts are in Australian dollars and are Goods and
usc.edu.au/living-costs or Services Tax (GST) inclusive.
studyinaustralia.gov.au
Education for school-aged
children
Students with school-aged children have
numerous education options. For more
information, visit:
• Public schools
education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators
• Private schools
isq.qld.edu.au
Fees apply at private and public (government)
schools. Allow at least $A8,000 per year per
child for school fees.
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medication into Australia
If you need prescription medication for an
existing condition, you should investigate
whether you can have your prescription filled
in Australia, or whether you need to bring a
supply with you.
Many medications are available in Australia
Medical services Hospitals and you can have prescriptions for those
If you become unwell in Australia, you should medications filled at a chemist (pharmacy).
Medical centres visit a medical centre. If your medication is available in Australia,
If you are unwell, you should make an you should make a list of the generic names of
In an emergency, or after hours, you
appointment with a general practitioner (GP). your medication, so an Australian doctor can
should visit a hospital Emergency/
write you a prescription.
A GP is a doctor, usually located within a Outpatient department.
medical centre. If your medication is not available in Australia,
For life-threatening situations, use a phone
and you need to bring prescription drugs with
Most medical centres are open from 8am to call 000. For more information about
you, please refer to the Therapeutics Goods
to 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am to emergency call services, visit triplezero.gov.au
Administration (TGA).
12noon on Saturdays. Hours vary.
Dental clinics For information on medications entering
Some medical centres operate seven days a Australia, visit tga.gov.au/consumers/
Dental fees are not covered by OSHC.
week and offer an after-hours service (24 hours, travellers.htm
You must pay the full cost of any dental
seven days).
services you receive.
You may bring a three-month supply (at
If you cannot see a doctor at a medical centre, the maximum dose recommended by the
Fees start at approximately $A80.
you can visit the Emergency/Outpatient section manufacturer) of TGA-unapproved medicines
Individual practices provide quotes or
of a hospital. You may experience long delays. into Australia in any one importation,
estimates for treatment.
Consultation fees vary between medical provided that:
centres, and you will usually have to pay at Pre-existing conditions • The goods are for use in the treatment
the time of treatment. When making an and OSHC — treatment of you (the importer) or your immediate
appointment, always state the cover you have
(for example, Allianz OSHC cover). Some
and medication family.
OSHC will cover you for immediate • You do not supply (sell or give) the
doctors charge a gap fee. You can confirm any
treatment of an illness or ailment, unless medicine to any other person.
gap fees with the doctor when making
an appointment. it is for a pre-existing condition. • The goods do not contain a controlled
substance.
You can claim part of this fee back from your There is usually a 12-month waiting
• The goods are not injections that contain
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or period before prescription medication and
material of human or animal origin
other insurance provider. medical treatment can be covered for pre-
(except insulin).
existing conditions.
If you have an OSHC policy with Allianz Global • The total quantity of the medicine
Assistance, you get access to the network The OSHC Essentials cover provided by imported within a 12-month period does
of doctors and medical centres all around USC is above the minimum requirement and not exceed 15 months’ supply of the drug
Australia. Using their network of providers will remove waiting periods for some services. (at the maximum dose recommended by
makes it easier for you to claim when you visit the manufacturer).
OSHC provides limited cover for prescription
a doctor. All you need to do is provide your medicines for conditions that are not • A prescription from a registered medical
valid membership card and the provider will pre-existing. practitioner is held for the goods.
bill Allianz Global Assistance directly for the
Students must pay the part payment amount If you need a larger quantity than specified
covered amount of your bill.
for each prescription item and may receive a above (more than three months) your doctor
For a list of doctors who can direct bill, visit refund for the difference up to the maximum will need to apply to the Special Access
allianzassistancehealth.com.au/en/find-doctor allowable amount per prescription item. Scheme for an exemption under Section 19 of
the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
Telephone numbers and addresses of medical For full policy details, check with your
centres and hospitals can also be found in local OSHC provider. For more information, visit
telephone directories or online. tga.gov.au/hp/access-sas.htm
An OSHC Allianz Global Assistance In some cases, medication can be mailed to
representative is available on campus two Australia if approved by the TGA. To find out
days a week during semester to assist with if your prescription or medication is approved,
claims and provide support. contact the TGA. For contact details and more
information, visit tga.gov.au
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Australia Post operates Australia’s
postal service.
Australia Post branches offer postal services,
bill payment, and retail sales of postal and gift
products. Australia Post also offers services
online at auspost.com.au
The nearest Australia Post branch to the USC
Sunshine Coast campus is at Chancellor Park
Marketplace. There are other local branches
at Buderim, Sunshine Plaza at Maroochydore,
Mooloolaba and Kawana Shoppingworld.
Options are available to send large or heavy
items from Australia to your home country.
Australia has strict regulations on the import
Driving and export of goods and you may need to
To drive in Australia, you must hold a valid pay fees to have certain parcels released from
driver’s licence. Australian customs.
If you have a current driver’s licence from your Check which products cannot be sent to and Residential Tenancies
home country, and it is in English, you are from Australia, or which will attract fees, by Authority
permitted to drive in Australia. visiting agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity Before signing a lease or rental agreement,
If your driver’s licence is in a language make sure you are aware of your rights
Postbillpay and obligations as a tenant by reviewing
other than English, you may apply to the
Australia Post’s ‘Postbillpay’ offers a convenient information provided by the Residential
Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) to have
bill payment service in person, by telephone Tenancies Authority (RTA).
it translated.
and on the internet.
You must carry your driver’s licence (with The RTA provides information on bond
Continuing USC students may pay semester/ management, dispute resolution and
translation if applicable) and passport with
trimester tuition fees via this service. tenancy agreements.
you when driving.
It should not be used for payment when For more information, visit rta.qld.gov.au
If you do not hold a driver’s licence in your
accepting your offer. Postbillpay can be
home country, and you are going to stay in
Australia for more than six months, you can
accessed via USC Central. For information, Religion
visit postbillpay.com.au
apply for a Queensland driver’s licence. Australian law ensures freedom of religion
and many religions are practised in Australia.
You will need to take a written and a practical Legal issues
test. If you are under 25 years of age, you will Service times and contact details for many
The Australian legal system is different from
also need to have completed 100 hours of local churches and places of worship appear in
that of your home country.
supervised driving training, prior to attempting the ‘Classifieds’ section of the Saturday edition
your practical test. Under Queensland and Australian law, the of local newspapers.
legal age of adulthood is 18 years of age.
For more information, visit tmr.qld.gov.au
or telephone 132 380. On arrival and during Orientation, you will Interpreter service
receive information regarding legal issues A 24-hour, seven-day, telephone interpreting
Voltage in Australia. service operates throughout Australia to assist
Electricity in Australia is 220–240 volts. with communicating in English. Contact the
Legal advice is available to international
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) by
students through Legal Aid. This aid is free of
If your home country’s electricity network phoning 131 450 from anywhere in Australia
charge but is subject to eligibility conditions.
operates on different voltage, you will need (charges apply). For more information, visit
to use a voltage converter for any electrical For more information, visit legalaid.qld.gov.au tisnational.gov.au
devices that you want to bring to Australia.
Australia uses a three-pin power plug.
If you bring any devices from home, you will
need to use an adaptor. If you buy a converter
or adaptor before you arrive, make sure it is
suitable for Australian power sockets.
10 | START AT USC 2019/2020 usc.edu.au/international
cricos provider no. 01595dBanking
Opening an Australian bank account allows
you easy access to your money.
The financial institution you choose will
generally allow you to operate your bank
account from almost anywhere in Australia.
Banks in Australia set charges for some
transactions, have varying rules for opening
and operating accounts, and offer various
benefits in terms of fee structure. Some offer
‘fee free’ accounts for students, on presentation
of your USC student ID card.
To open a bank account in Australia, you will
need to bring your passport and two other
forms of identification, such as a national
identity card, driver’s licence, student ID or a
card from another bank. Remember to also
bring your USC student ID card, to qualify for
any student accounts.
Some Australian banks also allow you to open
a bank account from overseas, before you
travel to Australia.
For more information about banking services,
contact your preferred Australian bank.
Accessing your funds
You may find it convenient to access funds
from your home bank account while in
Australia. You can do this quite easily by using
a debit card displaying the Cirrus or Visa
symbol. This will give you immediate access to
your funds worldwide, in local currency, from
ATMs displaying the same symbol.
Currency Contact your bank to connect to these
Australia uses a decimal currency system networks and find out what fees and charges
with 100 cents to the dollar. apply when you access your money.
The currency comprises notes and coins
and the basic unit of currency is the
Shopping
Australian dollar. Most grocery and retail stores are open
seven days a week from 9am to 5pm weekdays,
Australian notes are plastic and different and from 10am to 4pm at weekends. Some
values are represented in different colours stores offer late-night shopping until 9pm
and sizes. on Thursdays.
Coins come in values of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c Most stores accept cash, credit cards and
(c = cents), $1, and $2. Coins less than $1 in debit (savings) cards.
value are silver, the others are gold.
Australia has one of the most concentrated
Notes come in values of $5, $10, $20, $50 grocery markets in the world. Woolworths
and $100. and Coles account for almost 70 percent of
Throughout this guide, Australian dollars are supermarket sales. They stock fresh fruit,
denoted by $A. vegetables, meat, dairy, poultry, general food
and household items. Aldi and IGA are also
Currency converters widely spread through Australia.
Currency conversion takes practice. Here are Some of the biggest retail stores in Australia
two websites that do the hard work for you: are Myer, David Jones, BigW, Kmart, Target
• xe.com/currencyconverter and JB Hi-Fi.
• oanda.com/currency/converter
University of the Sunshine Coast | 11
cricos provider no. 01595dAttending
Orientation
We look forward to welcoming
you to USC in person
Orientation at USC is held during the week International Welcome Day
before the start of each semester on campus
International students are also invited to
and is a mixture of workshops to help you
attend the International Welcome Day.
settle in to your studies and fun activities
This is held on the weekend prior to
where you can meet other students and
Orientation week at USC Sunshine Coast.
explore the local area. Separate orientations
The day includes a bus tour to local areas,
are held at other campuses during Orientation
guided walks with current USC students and
Week, and these dates are available closer to
an Aussie BBQ on campus.
the time.
You can familiarise yourself with the Student Success Network
campus, student support services, academic
To help you get settled into your studies, you
expectations and requirements.
can connect with current students through the
Each USC location has its own Orientation Student Success Network.
which often includes live music, entertainment,
This Network is made up of trained students
information about USC’s sporting teams and
who are involved in a range of activities from
interest groups and other activities.
academic and social connections to program
These events are a great way to make specific support.
new friends and begin your Australian They respect your privacy and maintain
study experience. confidentiality and can:
The academic support services include • meet with you on campus during your first
workshops on topics such as assignment few weeks to answer any questions and see
writing, library tutorials and new semester how you’re settling in
study essentials.
• be a familiar face on campus and someone
For details of the Orientation schedule to talk to when you’re not sure who to ask
including activities, times and dates, visit
• answer questions and refer you to
usc.edu.au/orientation
various services
• connect you to social or study groups
relevant to your discipline
• provide a supportive environment where
students can connect with other students
to share ideas, experiences, challenges
and advice
Connect with the Student Success Network at
usc.edu.au/studentsuccess
12 | START AT USC 2019/2020 usc.edu.au/international
cricos provider no. 01595d2019/2020
academic Semester 2, 2019
Orientation
22 July–15 November
15–19 July
calendar Semester 2 begins
Census date
22 July
16 August
Mid-semester break 30 September–7 October
Undergraduate award, Study Abroad, Exchange,
Exam preparation 28 October–1 November
Tertiary Preparation Pathway and most postgraduate
Exams 4–15 November
coursework and research programs normally run Semester 2 ends 15 November
from February to November, with the year divided Inter-semester break 22 June–21 July
into two semesters.
Semester 1, 2020 24 February–19 June
Orientation 17–21 February
Semester 2 begins 24 February
Census date 16 March
Mid-semester break 13–17 April
Exam preparation 1–5 June
Exams 8–19 June
Semeer 2 ends 19 June
Semester 2, 2020 20 July–13 November
Orientation 13–17 July
Semester 2 begins 20 July
Census date 10 August
Mid-semester break 28 September–2 October
Exam preparation 26–30 October
Exams 2–13 November
Semester 2 ends 13 November
Trimester-based programs
Some postgraduate coursework programs* operate
on a trimester basis, with the year divided into three
trimesters. Orientation is organised in the week prior to the
commencement of each trimester.
Second trimester, 2019 22 July–25 October 2019
Third trimester, 2019/2020 4 November 2019–
14 February 2020
First trimester, 2020 17 February–29 May 2020
Second trimester, 2020 13 July–23 October 2020
Third trimester, 2020/2021 26 October 2020–
19 February 2021
* eg Master of International Business, Graduate Certificate in Management,
Master of Business Administration.
University of the Sunshine Coast | 13
cricos provider no. 01595dStudent
support
services
As a USC student, you are
encouraged to access the
services available to you on
campus. Whether you need
information about your studies,
extracurricular activities, or
Student Central Career Development
personal issues, you will find
Student Central offices are located at each Career Development offer a range of services
support at USC. USC campus and are your first point of contact to support the career development of USC
for anything student related. Staff at Student students. They can assist in preparing you for
Student support services Central can offer help and advice about most your future career, gaining part-time work or
may vary across USC campuses. facilities, services and procedures or put you in getting some work experience.
touch with the relevant service.
Check individual study locations Services for students include:
for more information in Services includes: • individual career counselling, guidance
this guide and at • enrolment advice and planning
• program advice • assistance with resumes and job
usc.edu.au/explore/usc-locations
• student finance applications
• scholarships • Career Hub, an online site for students
For more information on all of USC
• student leadership opportunities
student support services, visit • academic skills support For more information, visit
usc.edu.au/studentsupport • progression usc.edu.au/career-development
• exams
For more information, visit
Tenancy and welfare
usc.edu.au/studentcentral services
The Welfare and Advocacy Officer at the
USC International Student Wellbeing Student Guild can assist you to understand
your rights and responsibilities under
USC International is here to assist you Studying in a new country can be challenging.
the Residential Tenancies and Rooming
with your application to USC and help Student Wellbeing staff are ready to help
Accommodation Act (2008). They can also
you through the application process, during your study. They can provide timely
provide information, resources, advice and
answering any questions you have about: assistance with any problems that may be
referral in areas such as:
affecting your studies and provide a range
• assisting you to obtain credit transfer
of support and services for academic and • Residential Tenancies Authority
towards your studies
personal issues. (RTA) legislation – the ‘RTA’ is the
• Student visa matters state government statutory body for
• Overseas Student Health Cover Services includes:
Queensland’s residential rental sector
(OSHC) • Counselling service
• Budgeting
• AccessAbility services (disability support)
For more information, visit • Dispute resolution
usc.edu.au/international • Equal Opportunity (EO) Online for Students
• Equity Information • Referral to free legal services
‘Like’ us on Facebook • Health and wellbeing • Referral to Emergency and/or crisis
USC International uses Facebook to • LGBTIQ Ally Network accommodation only
connect you with: • Social activities and clubs To book an appointment with the
• important information • Widening participation in higher education Welfare and Advocacy Officer email
• other international students welfarestudentguild@usc.edu.au or
For more information, visit
• events on and off campus call 07 5456 3742.
usc.edu.au/studentwellbeing
• student clubs
Visit facebook.com/USCinternational
and ‘like’ us.
14 | START AT USC 2019/2020 usc.edu.au/international
cricos provider no. 01595dIT services
A range of Information and Communication All University communications will be sent to Transport
Technology (ICT) services are available to your student email. It is important to check
you. ICT help is available — on campus, by your student email regularly to stay informed. USC Express shuttle
telephone or via email. Electronic communication is considered The USC Express shuttle service
official communication from USC. connects some USC study locations
For more information, visit
usc.edu.au/itsupport and major transport hubs. It’s a
USC Central FREE service for all students and
Student IT Help Desk This is one of the most important online staff who hold a current University
services you need to become familiar identification card.
The Student IT Help Desk provides students
with. USC Central is the online system
with assistance to access the USC network and The shuttle service operates during
you use to manage your enrolment and
troubleshoot problems with logins, passwords, teaching weeks from Monday to
personal details.
and access to USC information technology Friday in Semester 1 and 2 only
systems including email and WIFI. This includes: and does not run during University
• Completing task items breaks, including the Easter intra-
Computers on campus • Planning your timetable semester break, the study break,
Computers are available 24 hours a day unless Orientation week and exam period
• Enrolling in courses and classes
otherwise specified and scheduled classes or on public holidays.
• Updating your personal details
always have priority access. You will need For more information and timetables
• Viewing your financial details
your student card to access the room. Quick visit usc.edu.au/express
access computers are available in the Library’s • Viewing grades
Information Commons and Building T, Level 1. • Generating an unofficial
academic transcript
TransLink ‘Go Card’
These computers are only for checking email,
TransLink’s ‘Go Card’ provides a quick
accessing files and printing study materials. • Viewing your class and exam timetables
and easy way for you to travel on
Visit Find A PC to locate an available PC public transport. Simply touch your
Blackboard
on this campus or for locations, visit Go Card on at the beginning and
usc.edu.au/maps Your one-stop-shop for study materials. touch off at the end of your journey
Find course outlines, study resources, access across all TransLink bus, train and
student forums, and submit assessments. ferry services. The correct fare is
USC account
Through Blackboard you can also access the automatically deducted from
Use this account to access USC systems
Train Station which connects you to free online your balance.
including student email, USC Central,
training tools (including Lynda.com) covering a
Blackboard, wireless internet and computers When you use a Go Card, fares are
range of topics.
on campus. approximately 30 percent cheaper
If you have accepted your offer and not yet Copyright than the cost of a single paper ticket.
received your username and password, please Australian copyright laws are strict. As a USC To be eligible for a concession
contact USC International. student, you must comply with copyright laws Go Card with student fares, you will
and with the USC Copyright Policy. need to be an award student and
WIFI networks carry your USC full-time student
Please observe the copyright notices around identification card when travelling
USC students generally use the University’s
campus, including at copiers and print stations on any TransLink services.
eduroam network to access the internet, USC
in the library, and in computer labs. You will
Central, Blackboard and student email. Go Cards can be purchased from
also see a copyright notice when you log in to
This means that when you are on campus the USC Network. the Co-op book store (USC Sunshine
this will allow you to connect to the wireless Coast campus, Ground floor, ICT
USC’s Copyright Policy can be viewed at Centre, Building J), train stations,
eduroam network using your USC credentials.
usc.edu.au/Copyright by telephone on 13 12 30, from the
TransLink website and many other
USC Email
locations around Queensland.
Every USC student is provided a University
email account provided by the Microsoft You will find more information
Office 365 for Education system. You can access about Go Cards at translink.com.au
your email and calendar using Microsoft’s
Outlook Web Application (Email), via the
Login link in the USC website’s header or via
Microsoft Outlook.
University of the Sunshine Coast | 15
cricos provider no. 01595dUSC Sunshine Coast
90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs QLD | usc.edu.au/maps
USC Sunshine Coast is home to some of the Travelling times on the Sunshine Coast
most innovative learning and visualisation
Bus Campus to Kawana 25 minutes
facilities in Australia.
Campus to Mooloolaba 10 minutes
Campus facilities include a $37m Engineering
Learning Hub with 3D CAVE2TM visualisation Campus to Maroochydore or Nambour 30 minutes
studio, simulated nursing and paramedic labs,
Campus to Landsborough Railway Station 20 minutes
specialised computer, science, manufacturing
and design labs, nationally accredited sport Maroochydore to Noosa or Caloundra 55 minutes
science labs, and a range of interactive digital
learning spaces. USC Campus to Brisbane (bus and train link) 2 hours, 30 minutes
Students have access to the award-winning Car Campus to Mooloolaba 10 minutes
USC Library and Art Gallery, modern teaching Campus to Kawana 15 minutes
and study spaces, a community garden, the
Co-op Bookshop, and a space for multi-faith Campus to Maroochydore, Caloundra or Nambour 20 minutes
prayer and quiet reflection. Campus to Noosa 40 minutes
USC Sunshine Coast also includes a high- Campus to Brisbane 1 hour
performance sport precinct with Olympic-
standard swimming pool, fully equipped gym Train USC Campus to Brisbane (bus and train link) 2 hours, 30 minutes
and the 2000-seat USC Stadium, which is Landsborough to Brisbane 1 hour, 30 minutes
home to the Sunshine Coast Lightning
netball team. Nambour to Brisbane 1 hour, 45 minutes
Bicycle Bicycle track between USC and Mooloolaba 30 minutes
Getting around the
Sunshine Coast
USC’s bus interchange provides services to
Sunshine Coast communities and connects Weather
with trains to Brisbane and other inland towns. The Sunshine Coast climate suits the outdoor lifestyle and leisure activities enjoyed here.
While the area does live up to its name, the Sunshine Coast also has its share of rain and the
Bus services operate to and from USC Sunshine Australian summer months are usually the wettest. If you are coming in winter, you should
Coast seven days a week. However, services are bring warm clothes.
limited at weekends and on public holidays.
The average cost of a one-way, full-time
student award, on-peak bus fare from USC to
Maroochydore is approximately $A2.40 (paper
ticket concession) or $A1.63 (‘Go Card’
concession). Timetables are available from
Student Central — Ground floor, Building C.
For more information, visit translink.com.au Sunshine Coast climate
or call 131 220. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Average minimum temperature (ºC)
The USC Express shuttle service connects some
USC study locations and major transport hubs. 19 19 18 15 11 9 7 8 10 14 16 18
For more information and timetables visit Average maximum temperature (ºC)
usc.edu.au/express 30 28 27 26 23 21 21 22 24 26 27 28
16 | START AT USC 2019/2020 usc.edu.au/international
cricos provider no. 01595dArranging accommodation
and airport transfers
Private accommodation The Village
providers Tel: +61 7 5430 2500
thevillage.net.au
Many international and Australian students
live in one of the three privately-owned, fully- The Village offers two and three bedroom
furnished accommodation complexes that are share villas, some with private garages
conveniently located next to the University. attached.
UniCentral, Varsity Apartments and The Each apartment is furnished and has a shared
Village all offer modern self-contained living room, kitchen and laundry facilities.
accommodation in resort-style complexes and
Each private bedroom includes a double bed,
are all linked by a pathway to the campus,
some with a private bathroom, telephone,
which is an easy three-minute walk away.
study desk and chair, internet connection and
You can book directly through the private a free intercom system.
accommodation providers’ websites. Once
Facilities include:
you have signed a lease, it can be difficult and
expensive to change your accommodation, so • three pools including a four-lane 25-metre
it is important you understand the terms and lap pool
conditions of your lease arrangement. • a flood-lit tennis court / basketball court
On departure, you will have to pay for any • outdoor recreational areas and barbecues
damage to your room/apartment, and • secure gated complex with on-site
you risk eviction if you do not follow the managers and night security
accommodation provider’s rules.
If you have any problems with your
accommodation, ask the managers for
assistance.
University of the Sunshine Coast | 17
cricos provider no. 01595dYou can also read
