The University of South Australia (UNISA) - City West Campus

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients will receive a 50% reduction in their student contributions (tuition fees) for up to four years of full-time study (undergraduate or postgraduate degree by coursework).

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients will receive a 25% reduction in their student contributions (tuition fees) for their first year of study into their chosen program, up to a maximum of two semesters or eight courses.

Australia Awards

Australia Awards scholarships are prestigious international scholarships and fellowships, funded by the Australian Government, offering the next generation of global leaders an opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development.

Sponsored Students

The University of South Australia welcomes students from around 50 different international sponsors.

The University of South Australia welcomes students from around 50 different international sponsors including;

• Australia – Defence Cooperation Scholarship Program
• Bahrain – Ministry of Interior
• Indonesia - MORA, BUDI, LPDP
• Kuwait - Kuwait Cultural Office
• Malaysia – MARA,
• Mexico - FIDERH
• Oman - Consulate General of the Sultanate of Oman, Royal Court of Affairs, Ministry of Health
• Peru - PRONABEC
• Paraguay - BECAL
• Saudi Arabia - SACM
• Singapore - National University Hospital, National Healthcare Group, Singapore General Hospital

Sponsored students receive funding from their home government, university or employer to study at UniSA. Tuition fees are generally paid to the University by the sponsor on the student’s behalf and a living allowance may also be paid to the student. Sponsored students generally follow our usual application process.

Scholarships for international research students

Scholarships listed here are available to international research degree current students and new applicants. Where a year is not listed, the same date applies every year. If a scholarship has an external application process, you will need to nominate UniSA as your university of choice.

Applications for scholarships are part of the online application for research degree admission, unless otherwise stated.

Many scholarships are industry or area specific. However, a few key scholarships are available to international applicants in any discipline

Working in Australia

Many overseas students studying in Australia often find part-time work to support themselves during their stay and to earn some extra money. If you are interested in working in Australia there are several things you should be aware of before you start looking for a job.

Work Permission

If your student visa was granted on or after 28 April 2008, you don’t need to apply for work permission. You already have work permission on your student visa and this allows you to work for 20 hours per week (outside school hours).

Tax File Number

Once you have work rights (or Working Holiday Maker Visa) you can then start looking for a job. You will need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) for taxation purposes. If you start work before you get your TFN, you have 28 days to provide your TFN to your employer.

Types of jobs

Your level of English and limited work hours will be an important factor when looking for a job. The most likely opportunities for work are in hospitality and service industries as these areas tend to have a high turnover of staff, flexible working hours and do not always require a high level of English.

Some examples are:

• Waitress/waiter
• Kitchen hand
• Shop assistant
• Delivery person
• Cleaner

Rates of Pay

The rates of pay vary from place to place. You could expect, for the above jobs, to receive anywhere from A$12 – A$20 per hour. Most of the above jobs are easy to come by and do not always require a high level of English. However, there may be downsides such as:

• Rate of pay may be less than for a native speaker
• Student visa regulations (full-time study and maximum hours work, per week)
• You can only work outside school hours and on weekends

Long-term accommodation

Rental Database

Searching for shared or private rental accommodation? Take a look at our Rental Database https://unisa.studystays.com.au/. Are you a student, staff or a visiting researcher? Simply register and start looking.

Please note: UniSA does not inspect advertised properties or screen students for suitability as tenants. Make sure you are aware of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord. If you have any questions about rental accommodation, please contact us.

Temporary Accommodation

Do you need temporary accommodation, while you look for a place to live during your studies? Perhaps you are commencing your studies or you are a researcher visiting UniSA needing to make accommodation arrangements.

Whatever your situation, there are various options to choose from:

• Student accomodation
• Homestay
• Backpacker hostels
• Hotels
• Serviced apartments
• Aboriginal hostels
• Whyalla
• Mount Gambier