University of Canberra

The University of Canberra (UC) is located in Australia’s national capital. The University provides professionally based undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees. We engage in applied research to support government, business and the professions regionally, nationally and internationally.

The University prides itself on being a truly internationalised campus and we value our diverse and friendly community.

The University is a single-campus institution set on almost 120 hectares of picturesque native bushland with easy access to the full range of facilities and services within the University, the local community, and the national capital region.

The campus has modern facilities, including a newly completed allied health complex.

Our relatively small size means we can be truly student-centred, providing personal and individual attention with smaller classes. We have a strong sense of community amongst students and staff, with our students saying they are ‘not just another number in the system’. Here, staff and students know each other by name.

Contact details

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Open Days, exhibitions and interview sessions

In Australia
Open day: Saturday 30 August, 9am-4pm.
For program details visit www.canberra.edu.au/openday/home.
Campus tours: Every Wednesday

Overseas
For details of the University of Canberra's overseas agents/representatives visit www.canberra.edu.au/int-future-students/contact/international-representatives.

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Important dates for 2009

The academic year at the University of Canberra is divided into two main sessions:
• Semester 1 (between February and June)
• Semester 2 (between July and November).

There is also an optional summer session (between December and February) when a limited range of subjects is offered. Summer session is available for those students who are wanting to complete their degree in a shorter period of time (subject to availability of subjects).

It is possible to start most courses in Semester 1 or Semester 2. Refer to the course search or check our International Undergraduate Prospectus at http://cms.canberra.edu.au/course-units/courses-international/undergraduate-list to see when you can commence each course.

Airport Reception Program
Service available all year. The University of Canberra operates an Airport Reception Program for students requiring assistance getting to their accommodation. Bookings must be made at least three days prior to your arrival in Canberra via the following website:http://cms.canberra.edu.au/intfuture-students/support-services/reception-service-form.

Semester 1 2009 (February)
International Student Orientation: 16–20 February 2009
Semester start: 23 February 2009
Exam period: 10–26 June 2009

Semester 2 2009
International Student Orientation: 13–17 July 2009
Semester start: 20 July 2009
Exam period: 4–20 November 2009

Academic calendar
For important dates concerning teaching periods, study breaks and vacation periods check the main University Calendar at www.canberra.edu.au.

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Admission requirements

Read Admission and selection for general information. Admission requirements are the minimum qualifications you need before you can be selected for admission to a course of study. As an international student attempting one of the following qualifications, you will apply for admission through UAC International and will generally be selected on the basis of your performance in these studies (that is, your UAI or equivalent):
• an Australian Year 12 qualification (either offshore or in Australia)
• an International Baccalaureate in Australia
• a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3.

When assessing your application the University of Canberra may take any or all of your qualifications or attempts at study into account.

Limited UAI
The University accepts the NSW Limited UAI for admission purposes - read UAI.

Additional selection criteria
In addition to achieving the standard of performance required for admission, for certain courses you must also satisfy additional selection criteria. These criteria include portfolio, interview, audition, questionnaire or test and are taken into account either instead of, or in conjunction with, your UAI or equivalent.

Details of additional selection criteria and how applicants can meet these requirements are outlined in the course descriptions. For course descriptions, visit the course search.

If you are undertaking your Year 12 studies offshore and are applying to a course that has additional selection criteria that you will find difficult to meet, email international@canberra.edu.au.

International applicants applying for admission on the basis of qualifications other than those listed above must apply directly to the University, not through UAC International. For details visit www.canberra.edu.au/int-future-students/.

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Students under 18 years of age

Before you are granted a student visa, the Australian Government must be satisfied that you have appropriate accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements in place for the period that you will be under 18 years of age while in Australia.

The University of Canberra does not accept responsibility for welfare arrangements for international students who are under 18 years of age. For more information on what arrangements need to be in place, visit www.immi.gov.au/students/students/573-1/eligibility-student-18.htm.

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Areas of study

The University of Canberra offers a wide range of undergraduate courses in:
• Business and Government
• Information Sciences and Engineering
• Law
• Creative Communication
• Languages and International Studies
• Education and Community Studies
• Professional Communication
• Design and Architecture
• Health Sciences
• Resource, Environmental and Heritage Sciences

For course descriptions, visit the course search. For information on course structures visit www.canberra.edu.au/courses/.

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Tuition fees

Tuition fees are calculated on a per subject basis. Visit the course search for estimated tuition fees.

Current fee information is available at http://cms.canberra.edu.au/courses-units/courses-international/undergraduate-list.

Fees policy
The University of Canberra's Fee Policy can be viewed at www.canberra.edu.au/student-services/fees/fee_policy.

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Living expenses

Read Money matters for general information about living expenses.

Apart from your tuition fees and health cover, you need to set aside between A$300 to A$600 per year for books.

Below is a rough monthly estimate on living expenses given by other overseas students who have been living in Canberra. You will require approximately A$1 200 per month for the following:
• food
• bus fares
• rent
• electricity and heating
• sundries.

You will also need to consider other expenses such as medication, phone bills, entertainment etc. You may be able to have a part-time job with your studies but it is unrealistic to rely on a part-time job to pay for all of your living expenses.

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Scholarships

Read Money matters for general information about scholarships.

The University currently offers coursework and research scholarships to international students. For further information visit www.canberra.edu.au/student-services/scholarships.

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Sponsored students

Read Government requirements for general information about sponsored students.

A sponsored student is a student who is obtaining funding for their tuition and OSHC from their home government, embassy or place of employment. The funding may or may not include living expenses.

Sponsored students are required to submit their letter of sponsorship to the University of Canberra International Office at the time of acceptance. Arrangements will then be made for the sponsor to be invoiced directly for tuition and OSHC fees.

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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is designed to help you if you become ill whilst in Australia as a student. It is also a requirement of student visas that international students and their dependants hold OSHC while studying in Australia. As a member of OSHC, 85 per cent of the government scheduled fees for private doctors, pathology and x-rays are paid.

You are also eligible for free general medical treatment at the University's Health and Counselling Centre. Treatment by hospital doctors and overnight stays in a public hospital are also free under OSHC.

The offer letter will contain details of the fee payable for OSHC for the duration of the course.

For more information visit www.oshcworldcare.com.au.

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Health services on campus

The Health and Counselling Centre is a service dedicated to the needs of University students and the University community. General practitioners, nurses and counsellors work from the Centre as a team to provide treatment, counselling and advice for medical and personal problems.

International students are required to bring their Student Card and their OSHC card when they attend for their doctor's appointment. They will be asked to show these cards on arrival. Visits to the doctor are paid for by the OSHC provider.

For more information visit www.canberra.edu.au/health-counselling/welcome.

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Working while studying

Read Government requirements for general information about working while studying.

If you hold a student visa, you will need to apply to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for permission to work. Application forms are available from DIAC or the University’s student centre. You will need to have an International Student Adviser sign your form to verify that you have started your study at the University.

Note: International students are allowed to work 20 hours a week.

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Preparing for student life

The University of Canberra has an online pre-departure guide which provides detailed information on a range of topics including:
• living and studying in Canberra
• what to bring with you to Canberra
• accommodation options and contracts.

For more information visit: www.canberra.edu.au/int-future-students.

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Acceptance, orientation, enrolment and deferment

Read Acceptance, orientation, enrolment and deferment for general information.

Acceptance

To accept the offer of a place:
• read, complete, and sign the Acceptance of Offer Declaration
• go to our website to arrange online payment – www.canberra.edu.au
• send the completed acceptance form and confirmation of payment to the University of Canberra International Office.

Once you have sent your signed Acceptance of Offer Declaration and your confirmation of payment, we will send you a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter. This letter will allow you to obtain your student visa.

Orientation

An enrolment and orientation program is organised each semester for new students. It is designed to assist and advise students on issues such as courses and enrolment, cultural adaptation, finding accommodation and living in Canberra, and visa requirements.

All international students must attend the enrolment and orientation program in order to finalise their enrolment. Orientation Week for Semester 1 2009 starts 16 February and ends 20 February 2009.

Enrolment

For more information on the enrolment and orientation program visit www.canberra.edu.au/student-services/re-enrolment.

Deferment

The option to defer studies is available to international students. Students wishing to defer their offer should email their request to UC International at international@canberra.edu.au.

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Student support

To help you get the most out of your university experience, we offer a whole range of educational and support services. Services we provide are as follows:
• international student advisers for student welfare matters
• the Student Centre for all student administration services
• academic support/learning support services and centres
• residential services
• the Disabilities Office
• the Health and Counselling Centre
• multi-faith prayer facilities
• commercial campus services include banking facilities, bookshop, convenience store, computer sales and service, hair salon, travel agent, post office and café
• the Computer Centre
• careers services
• the Student Association.

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Accommodation

The University of Canberra offers on-campus accommodation and provides a range of other accommodation options. Visit www.canberra.edu.au/residences for relevant information or contact Residential Services: email residences@canberra.edu.au, call +61 2 6206 3500 or fax +61 2 6206 3504.

Do not wait until an offer of a place is made to apply for accommodation. The closing date for applications to study in Semester 1 2009 is Friday 5 December 2008.

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Campus services and facilities

Learning assistance

The Academic Skills Program provides assistance in language and study skills for all students, including those from non-English speaking backgrounds. Workshops are held throughout the year and individual consultations are also offered.

Library/computing facilities

The Computer Centre has PC and Macintosh laboratories, and multimedia workstations with access to scanners and colour printers.

Students with disabilities

If you have a disability or a medical condition that may affect your studies, seek advice from the Disabilities Liaison Officer on +61 2 6201 2205 before submitting your application.

Transport

A public bus service operates from all suburbs.

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FAQs and further information

For more information about studying at the University of Canberra as an international student visit www.canberra.edu.au.