Support Network @ UNSW

Sometimes disabilities, medical conditions, or other personal circumstances can affect your academic life. If this is the case, Equitable Learning Services can help you with free and confidential services and educational adjustments that make things more manageable.

Students who are currently being assisted include those who are living with disability, acting as primary carers, from low-SES backgrounds, and from refugee backgrounds.

If you encounter a one-off event in your life which affects a course assessment or exam, you can also apply for Special Consideration for these circumstances. These will be reviewed on an individual basis, but commonly you may be allowed to re-sit your exam when you are ready.

UNSW outlines the steps on how to apply for financial support, which includes the following:

Australian Citizens and permanent residents can apply for Commonwealth assistance, including HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, SA-HELP, and OS-HELP. Other government schemes include National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for those living with a disability, and Centrelink payments such as Abstudy, Austudy and Youth Allowance.

UNSW also offers a range of scholarships, student loans, payment plans and emergency vouchers to students who are eligible.

The Concession Opal card allows eligible students to access fares at half the price of the Adult Opal card for travel on public transport services.

While university is a time to be independent and have fun, it's important to take care of your health. Visiting UNSW's wellbeing landing page will link you to all the health and support services you need at uni.

Particularly, UNSW provides a high-quality, non-judgemental service that provides treatment to students, staff and visitors. Visit the University Health Service page for more information.

Aside from physical health, it's also important to take care of yourself mentally too. If you're feeling anxious, stressed, depressed and generally not feeling yourself, consider approaching the UNSW Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS). CAPS provides confidential individual counselling, workshops, seminars and self-help resources for anyone in need.

The Student Code at UNSW expects that all students contribute to maintaining a safe, harmonious and tolerant learning environment for all.

If you ever experience, or know someone who has experienced assault, harassment, bullying or discrimination, there are processes at UNSW to report and have the matter investigated.

For matters relating to CSESoc, the Grievance, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Officer is also here to provide confidential support. The CSESoc GEDI Officer for 2023 is Priscilla Soo.

To contact Priscilla you can reach out through Discord or Messenger. You can also email [email protected] or [email protected].

Nura Gili Indigenous Programs Unit is a dedicated support unit for undergraduate and postgraduate Indigenous students enrolled at UNSW. Nura Gili provides a range of Indigenous student support services, tutorial and study spaces for enrolled students. For example, the Indigenous Tuition Program provides access to additional tutorial assistance for each subject!

Student Development International is the first point of contact for international students and free information about all aspects of university life. Students having questions about student visa conditions, enrolment changes, getting accustomed to life in Sydney and UNSW policies and procedures can book a consultation with an International Student Advisor.

There are a number of peer support programs for international students to meet new people, and orientation info to help you get ready for studying at UNSW.

Check out our Tips For International Students!

Postgraduate students have extra resources available to support their studies. The Postgraduate Council runs dedicated events and other support services, and a number of dedicated postgraduate student societies exist. For any questions about your enrollment, you can contact your Postgraduate Research Coordinator or your program authority. 

For CSE students, check out CSE’s Postgraduate Guide for tips on getting started with your degree!

The ALLY@UNSW Network is a program that aims to ensure UNSW is a safe and welcoming place for all LGBTIQ students and staff. Contact with an ALLY will provide confidential referral advice.

If you're interested in becoming an ALLY, the training program provides an in-depth discussion of diverse gender, sex and sexuality, and aims to make UNSW a great place for everybody by reducing barriers of fear and ignorance that lead to prejudice and discrimination.

Arc Queer Collective is a student organisation that supports and represents all students on campus who are queer - that is, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, genderqueer, asexual or anywhere within the queer spectrum. Look out for Queer Collective meetings, parties and events and more!

Additionally, UNSW provides support services for transgender students before, during or while affirming transition. Student support advisors can assist with referrals to services both on and off campus, as well as liaise regarding administrative issues such as names and identity. Student support advisors can also assist you to plan your transition.

The Religious Centre is provided for all UNSW students and staff, and accommodates those of Anglican, Buddhist, Catholic, Coptic Orthodox, Islamic, Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Pentecostal, Presbyterian or Uniting Church faith.

The Centre provides Chaplains for worship services, Bible Studies, prayer meetings and spiritual counselling. The Islamic Society has an Imam in attendance with meeting and prayer rooms available for Muslim students. The Buddhist student group "Unibuds" also has facilities in the Centre. There is also a Jewish Chaplain involved with the centre.