Information for students in Australia

Swinburne has extensive experience in delivering online education. We are confident we will continue to deliver a meaningful learning experience to students regardless of the study mode. You will have access to lectures online, learning resources and summaries through Canvas, as well as Adobe Creative Suite.

We are not refunding or reducing fees. However, if you are concerned about your ability to pay your fees, please email us. If you would like to adjust your study load, we suggest you speak with a Course Adviser.

Information about COVID-19 government assistance is available on the Services Australia website.

Yes, all higher education students who are admitted into a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) pay the SSAF regardless of the study mode. This includes students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate and UniLink courses. The SSAF supports the provision of non-academic services such as counselling, advocacy and other support services.

General support

For general enquiries, call +61 3 9214 8444 to speak to our friendly team from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.  You can also email us.

Study support

If you are having trouble with your studies or feeling unsure about your course, our Academic Development Advisers (for Higher Education and UniLink diploma students) and Student Success Coaches (for Vocational Education students) can help you get your studies back on track.

Our Learning and Academic Skills team can provide you with study and assignment support, including through online workshops. We also have 24/7 online academic support for undergraduate and postgraduate students from Studiosity.

If you are a Swinburne College student, the Swinburne College Student Hub can provide academic support through workshops, one-on-one appointments and peer-assisted learning. For more information, please email studenthubsc@swinburne.edu.au.

Health support

If you are feeling unwell, anxious, stressed or concerned about your health, you can book an appointment with Wellbeing at Swinburne.

Students with disability, medical or mental health condition, or primary carer responsibilities can get assistance from our AccessAbility.

The out-of-hours crisis line is available from 4pm to 10am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays. Call 1300 854 144 or text +61 488 884 145.

Advocacy support

Swinburne Student Life Advocacy provides advice and assistance related to Swinburne's policies, procedures and processes (e.g. if you are having issues with your academic progress).

Career support

Our Careers and Employability services and programs are available online to help you develop your employability and get career-ready.

Indigenous student support

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can contact the Moondani Toombadool Centre for assistance with pre-enrolment, subject selection, orientation, graduation and more.

Final assessment periods will still occur at the end of the semester, teaching period or study period. Your unit convenors will advise what assessments, projects, quizzes or invigilated exams will form your final assessment.

All assessments scheduled will be posted on Canvas with information on the assessment mode and duration, as well as the time period available for you to complete. Timetable for face-to-face invigilated exams will be published on Student One.

Due to COVID-19, we may be required to make changes to your final assessment timetable to meet government compliances. Please check Canvas regularly to ensure you have the latest information.
 

Online alternative assessment

Your EAA requirements will be accommodated by your unit convenor as per your education adjustment plan. Please contact your unit convenor for more information.

Face-to-face invigilated exam

If your final assessment is a written exam, your EAA exam timetable and requirements will be sent to your Swinburne student email.

For EAA queries, please contact AccessAbility. For exam timetable queries, please email assessment@swinburne.edu.au.

Details for alternative assessment for Semester 1 and Term 2 2022 will be available on Monday 2 May 2022.

If you apply for and are granted special consideration, you will be required to complete an alternative final assessment and/or invigilated exam as assessed by your unit convenor on a later date.

Yes, please refer to special consideration and extensions for more details.

Yes, you may be eligible for special consideration only if your technical issues have arisen during the completion of an online time-based final assessment.

A technical issue may include:

• a severe and catastrophic interruption to your internet connection resulting in your inability to complete the assessment
• a catastrophic error or fault with Canvas or the webpage you are using to complete the assessment 
• a computer error or system failure resulting in your inability to complete the assessment.
   

To be considered as a 'technical issue', the error must occur during the completion of your time-based online final assessment.

Valid evidence may include:

• written digital correspondence (text message or email) from your internet service provider that verifies a loss of, reduction in or interruption to your internet service with the date and time range of the technical issue
• a clear screenshot from your primary device or a picture taken with your mobile device of the technical issue
• the screenshot or picture must include the system's date and time when the issue occurred
• where possible, the screenshot or picture should include a clear image of the assignment portal, submission webpage or active Canvas pages
• relevant error messages or troubleshooting information from ITS Canvas Support or your software, device or service providers that verifies the date and time range of the technical issue.

While this list is not exhaustive, these issues are not considered valid for special consideration:

• a computer system update during the time of the assessment
• a device running out of battery during the time of the assessment
• any technical issue occurring prior to the commencement of the assessment
• any internet outages resulting from unpaid utility bills
• incorrectly reading the date and time of the assessment
• not having access to the device that activates your multi-factor authentication for Swinburne login
• forgetting your Canvas or Swinburne login details.

Yes, if you become ill unexpectedly, suffer an injury or have a medical condition that has unexpectedly and severely hampered your ability to commence or complete an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration and can apply via the special consideration portal.

We understand that organising face-to-face consultations with medical practitioners may be difficult due to COVID-19.

However, if you have a medical condition that has severely impacted your ability to complete an assessment, it is important that your condition is accurately assessed and documented by a registered health practitioner, so that fair decisions can be made to support your academic performance.

You experience a severe medical issue during the completion of your final assessment

In this scenario, you would be required to provide a valid Registered Practitioner Statement completed by your registered medical practitioner on the day you were unable to complete your assessment.

You experience a severe medical issue in the lead up to your final assessment date

While a valid Registered Practitioner Statement would still be recommended, we may accept other forms of medical evidence on a case-by-case basis that:

• match the description of your medical issue as described in your application
• show that the time you experienced the medical issue align with the date of your assessment and/or the immediate lead-up (i.e. revision and preparation period) 
• are official in-patient correspondence or documentation from clinics or hospitals that clearly verify your identity.

Many medical practitioners in Australia are able to consult with patients via phone or online (i.e. telehealth consultation services). These include general practitioners (GPs) who can provide Medical Impact Statement forms to students for the purpose of a special consideration application.

If you GP is not available for telehealth, there are other options available:

Swinburne Health Service

Wellbeing at Swinburne offers phone appointments and limited face-to-face appointments for medical, counselling and psychological services, which are bulk-billed for students. Call +61 3 9214 8483 to make an appointment or book online.

GP2U

GP2U is an online database with options to book telehealth appointments with doctors that bulk bill. Site registration is free.

Hotdoc

Hotdoc is a website and phone application for booking consultations with GPs and specialists.

You may be eligible for special consideration if you are able to provide documentation that evidences your primary carer role in the lead up to or on the day of an assessment. This evidence will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Examples of evidence to support your application include a statutory declaration or a carer's certificate from a GP.

Not sure if your situation will meet the special consideration criteria? When submitting your application, please explain your situation in the Grounds and Documents section and include supporting documents. The Student Progress team will contact you for further information if required.

Contact Student Progress team