From Eh to Oz
University of Wollongong’s global campus network spans Australia and overseas, giving students access to education and research across regional, city, and international locations. Each campus connects students to opportunity, community, and a world-class university experience.
Wollongong
UOW’s main Wollongong campus is renowned as one of Australia’s most picturesque, uniquely set amidst native Australian bushland.
The MD program at the University of Wollongong is conducted at three campuses during Phase 1 (the first 18 months of the program). These campuses are Wollongong, Shoalhaven (Nowra), and Southern Highlands (Moss Vale).
International students will usually commence the program at Wollongong campus during Phase 1. The International Student Office is at Wollongong campus; however, support and outreach services are available on Shoalhaven campus for international students.
Students in Phase 1 will attend most classes at their allocated base campus and will engage in placements in their local community. All students will be required to travel between campuses for specific teaching sessions in Phase 1.
Accepting Your Offer
Congratulations on receiving your offer!
Here are some important tips to ensure your acceptance process is as easy and smooth as possible.
Important Information
Congratulations once again on receiving your offer!
Please take time to read your offer email and letter of offer carefully and make sure all the information is correct.
Acceptance deadline/offer lapse date: Make sure to complete your acceptance process prior to this date. If a lapse date is not indicated on your letter of offer, we have provided a lapse date for you in your offer email.
This date will give you enough time to submit your acceptance documents, receive your Confirmation of Enrolment, apply for and obtain your student visa, kiss your family and friends goodbye at the airport, and hop on a plane bound for Australia!
Check your name: (As on your passport), birth date, and student (applicant) ID number, campus location
Commencement and completion dates: We recommend arriving in Australia at least 2 weeks ahead of Orientation Week to give yourself enough time to settle in.
Acceptance deposit amount: Your offer letter gives you the deposit amount required to hold your place.
Tuition fees: Your offer letter will list the total tuition fees.
University’s tuition fee policy: The University of Wollongong reviews all fees annually and these fees are subject to change without notice. It is important to factor this into your financial plan.
Understand Wollongong’s refund policy.
Australian Release Policy: It is important to be aware of the Australian Release Policy. If you are considering transferring to another Australian institution, you must be aware that if you apply for a visa, you will be unable to change institutions. You should not apply for a visa unless you are certain you want to attend that university. Please read the Australian Government’s Release Policy for more information. Let us know if you have any questions!
Specific admissions requirements/conditions (if applicable), including vaccination info and certificate requirements.
Declining Your Offer?
In case you choose to decline your offer, please let us know as soon as possible. Let us know by emailing your OzTREKK admissions team outlining your decision and reason for declining your offer. We will then advise the university on your behalf. This is important because it can potentially open a spot for another student!
How to Accept
Step 1 – Read Your Entire Offer Letter
Ensure that you have read and understood your offer and terms.
Step 2 – Respond to Offer
Coming soon!
Step 3 – Pay Acceptance Deposit
Coming soon!
Step 4 – Email Acceptance Documents to OzTREKK
Once you have accepted your offer and completed your payment, please email us to let us know, so we can keep an eye out for your CoE.
Step 5 – Receive Your CoE
When your acceptance and payment are processed, the university will create your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). OzTREKK will email you your CoE and instructions on how to apply for your Australian student visa.
Payment Methods
Coming soon!
#OzTREKKTip: Do not pay by bank draft or cheque.
If you plan to pay your acceptance deposit via credit card, contact the credit card company and advise them that a large payment will soon be processed in Australia, in Australian dollars, as it may be deemed a possible fraud attempt.
Accommodation
Before you get into the nitty gritty about your university-specific accommodation options, it’s important to review the basics of securing long-term accommodation in Australia, which is often the number one predeparture priority of OzTREKK students. If you aren’t living on campus or pre-arranging accommodation before you leave Canada, we highly recommend that you understand how renting a property in Oz works, so you’ll be prepared to hunt for a place to live when you arrive. There are many benefits in arranging housing after you arrive. You can
- physically inspect the property before accepting the terms and conditions of the lease;
- decide whether you will be comfortable in your new neighbourhood;
- assess the noise levels, both by day and night. Remember, you need to be able to sleep and study in your new home;
- check whether it is well-lit at night.
This process still requires preparation. Consider the following:
- Ensure you have temporary accommodation arranged.
- Be prepared financially for the time you may need to spend in temporary accommodation.
- Make housing your first priority.
- Avoid rushing your house hunting. Feeling rushed can hinder your ability to make wise choices.
- Be informed. Before you arrive, read as much as you can about the various housing options and how to arrange them. Then you can get straight into house hunting after you arrive, rather than trying to figure out where to go and what to do.
Things to consider when comparing options
- Location – Take a look at Google Maps when comparing accommodation options!
- Amenities – Kitchen, meal plan, gym, A/C, etc.
- Cost/price range – This will be dependent on the location and amenities, typically the closer to campus and the most amenities offered the higher the price.
Short-term Accommodation
OzTREKK recommends that you book temporary accommodation prior to leaving Canada if you plan to secure long-term housing once you arrive in Australia.
When moving, it’s important that you find the right accommodation for you—ensuring that you inspect a property, meet your housemates and feel comfortable is important to making sure you have a good experience. UOW suggests viewing a range of properties to see where you feel most comfortable.
This means that you may need to find some short-term accommodation, so you can take your time finding the right long-term home for you. If you require assistance with short-term accommodation please contact housing-support@uow.edu.au. UOW students in non-UOW accommodation have full access to all UOW support services including counselling, financial assistance, Student Support Coordinators and more.
If you are interested in exploring other options for temporary accommodation, you can visit the following websites for hotel and backpacker information:
Uni Accommodation
All residences feature student development and peer mentor programs, social, sporting, and cultural events, and 24/7 student well-being care. Utilities, furniture, laundry and limited car parking are available at each residence.
Bangalay – Located directly across the road from the main Wollongong campus, Bangalay is the ideal accommodation option for students wanting to live in a mature and diverse community. Tailored to mature and postgraduate students and their families, this residence is home to students from Australia and around the world. Bangalay features modern facilities, outdoor communal and recreation areas, plus study and meeting rooms.
- Self-catered single studio
- Self-catered couple’s studio
- Self-catered 2-bedroom unit (family)
- Self-catered 3-bedroom unit (family)
Kooloobong Village – Located on the Wollongong campus, Kooloobong Village is the ideal residence for students wanting to live a convenient and independent lifestyle, but who are still keen to be part of a supportive community. This residence offers self-catered and secure single, 4- or 5- bedroom furnished units.
Kooloobong has a huge range of modern facilities to enhance your personal and community living experience including
- Indoor and outdoor cinemas
- Drum and piano music rooms
- Activities room
- Yoga and movement space
- Gamer’s den
- Basketball court
- Meditation room
- Study rooms and printing facilities
- Communal kitchens and common areas
- BBQ facilities
- Bike share
- Laundry facilities
Off Campus Managed
The region’s suburbs all offer their own characteristics but renting privately is really about finding a location to suit your needs. When choosing a place to live, make sure you take your time and think carefully about what you are looking for. Doing this will help prevent you committing to a contract you may later come to regret.
If you have any questions about off campus options for the UOW Wollongong, UOW Sydney CBD, Liverpool or Sutherland campuses, please contact housing-support@uow.edu.au.
Learn more about off-campus housing.
Campus East – Located across the road from a patrolled beach at Fairy Meadow, Campus East is UOW’s only student residence that offers both catered and self-catered accommodation options. Providing a homely and neighbourly vibe with plenty of green-space for residents, Campus East offers secure single, 2-, 3-, or 5-bedroom furnished units
- Campus East is approx. 4km from UOW’s Wollongong campus.
- The UOW free shuttle stops right outside Campus East, for those that do not have a car, or don’t want to drive to campus.
- Wollongong city is about a 15-minute walk from your front door.
- In addition to the large outdoor green spaces, you can grab your swimmers and towel and be at the beach in 5 minutes.
- If you want to head to Sydney, or the South Coast, Campus East is an easy 10-minute walk to Fairy Meadow train station.
I-House – Offering catered rooms and located only minutes from the main Wollongong campus and the North Wollongong train station. I-House features indoor and outdoor dining areas, plus study and meeting rooms. Housing 206 residents, I-House consists of single dormitory-style rooms. Students share mixed-gender bathroom facilities with private cubicles.
- Catered single room
- Catered single room with ensuite
- Catered shared twin room
Private Rentals
This is the most popular option for students from Canada studying at Australian universities. Apartments are also referred to as “flats” by Aussies. There are many housing options available, so get to know what each type offers so you can make a good decision. Finding accommodation can take several weeks so start looking as early as you can! To find off-campus accommodation providers, rental tips, property advice, etc., visit Property.com.au.
Look for a Place and a Roommate
- Have a look at student.com and type in your city!
- Roomgo
- Flatmates
- Gumtree
- UOW StudyStays
- Domain
- Realestate.com.au
- Flatmatefinders
- Rent.com.au
- Allhomes
The Burbs
One of the key components of your research will be to get a feel for the city/town in which you will reside. Public transportation options are key to understanding where you could live based on where your university is located and which bus/train/tram/ferry travels to and from campus. Spend some time reviewing the city maps, become familiar with potential suburbs in which you could reside, and visit Australian public transportation sites.
1️. North Wollongong
2️. Fairy Meadow
3️. Gwynneville
4️. Keiraville
5️. Wollongong CBD
6️. Figtree
7️. Coniston
8️. Mount Ousley
9️. Towradgi
10. Mangerton
The Wollongong Campus is conveniently located only 3 km to the northwest of the Wollongong Central Business District, in a beautiful bushland setting.
There are many ways you can travel to the campus. It can be easily accessed by free shuttle buses connecting you to the train, and shared paths for walking and cycling. UOW encourages everyone to consider sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling, using the free shuttle buses or public transport, where possible. UOW’s free shuttle bus service is operated using zero emissions electric buses!
Learn more about getting to campus and other travel options.
For those who need to drive, UOW offers paid parking which can fill during busy periods.
- OzTREKK’s Wollongong City Guide Coming soon!
Airport Pick-ups
The University of Wollongong offers a complimentary airport pickup service for all newly enrolling international UOW students who are arriving in Australia for the first time. Students will be collected from Sydney Airport (Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport) at the International terminal and transported directly to their accommodation destination in Wollongong.
Further details can be found on the UOW Airport Pickup site. Complete the Airport Pickup Request form at least 72 hours before your arrival and a confirmation number will be sent to the email address you nominate.
