Postgraduate FAQ - Local and International Student

How do I enrol and re-enrol?
See enrolment procedures.

What is an internal student and an external student at UNSW?
Enrolment in at least one course as an internal student at UNSW will mean that you are required to pay student activity fees at the internal rate. Modes of delivery are as follows:

• Internal: face to face sessions over 12 weeks
• External: normally face to face workshops during residential week followed by a 12 week session of self study material which may include Web-based learning components
• Intensive teaching block: face to face workshops over several days with follow up assignment material

When can I discontinue a course?
See enrolment procedures.

What if I change my mind about my enrolment?
Once you have enrolled you can add courses to your enrolment online until the end of Week 2 of each semester. You can drop courses from your enrolment until the census date without financial or academic penalty - this is usually around the end of Week 4 each session . You can drop courses until the end of Week 8 each session, although you will still be liable for fees. For final withdrawal dates see our Key Dates page. You will need evidence, such as a medical certificate, to withdraw without forfeiting your fees. Always check that your enrolment details on your student profile on myUNSW are correct.

How do I get a student card?
You are issued with a student card upon initial enrolment each year. This card is used to borrow books from the University Libraries and is used as proof of identification by University Union and Student Guild facilities on campus as well as identification for University examinations. Student cards can be obtained from FM Assist (Level 2, Matthews Building, UNSW - entry via Matthews Pavillions). Student cards must be renewed each year of enrolment.

What is a UNIPASS?
All students are entitled to a UNIPASS password. These allow you access to many of the network services available, including the ability to check and change your current enrolment (within related deadlines), pay fees online and to obtain results from myUNSW. In addition, you can access your student email account. For further information, please contact the Student IT Services Help Desk which is located on Level 2 of UNSW library. They can be contacted by phone on 02 9385 1777 or by email to servicedesk@unsw.edu.au

How do I access my student email?
See enrolment procedures.

What is myUNSW?
Current students can now use myUNSW to look at their enrolment and fees details, results, and full academic record. To obtain access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week you must be a currently enrolled student and know your Student ID and your UNIPASS.

What if I have a debt?
Fines or outstanding fees owed to the University will result in withheld results and inability to enrol in the following semester.

Where do I submit my assignments?
See Assessment Guidelines.

Please attach an Assignment Cover Sheet to assignments before submitting assignments for marking, to ensure that assignments can be easily identified and returned to you.

What if I have concerns about my assessment?
The first person to speak to is the person who marked your assignment(s). If you wish to take the matter further, the marker will refer the matter to the course convenor. If the matter is still not resolved to your satisfaction, then the program coordinator and finally the Head of School can be consulted.

How do I choose my courses?
We advise you to complete the core courses before undertaking electives. However, if you have a strong interest in particular electives which, for example, may be of immediate use in your current job, you can enrol in them earlier.

When selecting your electives, you may choose those relevant to your current work, or in areas where you intend to focus in the future.

Timetabling of courses varies due to staff availability and student demand. Please check that courses are shown on the timetable before enroling in them, even thought they may be shown in the handbook.

How many courses should I take per session in a coursework degree?
As a general rule, external candidates are advised to take no more than two courses per session. Internal candidates who are also working full-time are advised to take no more than three courses. If you do find that you have over-enrolled, please contact us as soon as possible and before the relevant withdrawal deadlines so that we can withdraw you from courses without penalty.

What if we don’t offer a course in an area I wish to study?
Sometimes you may wish to study an area which is not included in our list of electives. Providing we have a staff member who is experienced in this area, you may undertake an independent study. Alternatively, you may choose to enrol for a course at another institution. Approval is required for Independent Studies and cross-institutional enrolment.

Can I take electives at other institutions?
It is possible to take electives at other institutions once your request has been approved by the Program Coordinator. This is called cross-institutional enrolment.

Students in Public Health programs are also able to take cross institutional electives from the University of Sydney Public Health program towards their Public Health program at UNSW.
Can I take just one elective without enrolling in a whole degree?
It is possible to apply for enrolment in individual courses without applying for a whole degree. This is called voluntary enrolment. It is also possible to apply to enrol in individual courses at SPHCM and request credit towards degrees at other institutions. This is called cross-institutional enrolment. It is important to ensure that you have approval from your home institution and from UNSW. See enrolment procedures.

If I started another degree but didn’t complete, can I use those courses for this program?
Check the information on obtaining credit transfer for courses undertaken at other institutions. Please contact us if you think you may be eligible.

How do I get started in a postgraduate research program?
See Research degrees - application procedures

What can I find at the Library?
The Library at the UNSW campus provides a range of services and facilities for both on campus and off campus students. These include access to electronic databases, reciprocal borrowing schemes with other libraries nationwide, inter-library loans, access to document retrieval and photocopying services.

Where can I park on Campus?
Short stay parking is available on the UNSW campus at Kensington. Pay and display voucher machines and parking meters are in the carparks at: Upper levels of Barker & Botany St carparks; Unigym; Gate 9 Wallace Wurth (limited spaces); Blockhouse/Roundhouse; Gate 8 (limited spaces).

Who can I contact for further information?
See Students Contacts page