UNSW Learning Abroad Short Programs

Version: July 2025

UNSW recognises that international travel is essential for some work learning or study- related activities of university students. The UNSW Travel Policy is designed to support the University’s duty of care obligations, and to ensure a clear and consistent understanding of the University’s services and expectations in relation to travel.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students, travel is considered a high-risk activity, however the following Student Travel Preparation process has been implemented for students applying for in-person Learning Abroad Short Programs to demonstrate their readiness and to confirm UNSW recognises their travel. This ensures students are covered by UNSW Travel Insurance and can access in-country support through International SOS.

Please note, student travel is not supported to countries with a DFAT travel advice level of 3 or 4.

The following process should be followed for UNSW students going overseas on Learning Abroad Programs such as: short courses, Work Integrated Learning (WIL), internships, engineering industrial training, overseas medical electives, faculty led study tours, research or co-curricular programs.

Exceptions:

UNSW Exchange Students refer to: Student Exchange | UNSW Current Students
HDR students should refer to: Graduate Research | UNSW Research
Students making travel arrangements through UNSW MyTravel do not need to complete the UNSW Learning Abroad Student Travel Preparation. Refer to MyTravel@UNSW - Home.
We still encourage students to complete the modules in the Preparing for Your Time Abroad Tutorial, as they provide valuable resources.

Nose of flying airplane with a background of clouds and a blue sky.

UNSW Learning Abroad - Assess Your Travel Risk

Students are responsible for making an informed decision and considering the risks associated with travel when participating in an approved overseas activity. It is important you understand the risks associated with your travel and have a plan to mitigate these risks or in the event you are unable to return home when intended.

It is therefore required that if you are going on an overseas activity that you follow the process below and complete the Preparing for Your Time Abroad Tutorial and Travel Preparation Quiz before making travel arrangements.

A summary of the Student Risk Assessment Process also explained in text below.

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STEP 1 - Complete the Preparing for Your Time Abroad Tutorial

UNSW provides pre-departure information to assist you with your preparations for going abroad, including important matters to plan for and organise before your departure.

We recommend you complete this as soon as possible, and prior to completing the Travel Quiz.

To access the tutorial, go to:

Preparing for your time abroad.

STEP 2 - Research Your Destination

Review DFAT Smartraveller and check for Travel Advice for the country to which you are travelling.
Utilise International SOS website, which is UNSW’s emergency response provider, to research background information on your destination.

Access International SOS:

Download the International SOS Assistance App on your phone (at Apple or Android).
Use UNSW Membership Number: 12AGDA1060336
Create an account (or log in if you already have one) using your student zID email (z[studentnumber]@ad.unsw.edu.au) via Single Sign-on (SSO).
Go to the "Travel Advisor" section in the International SOS App, to research general travel, medical, security advice on your destination.

STEP 3 - Complete your Travel Preparation Quiz

Before making any travel arrangements, you must complete the Travel Preparation Quiz to demonstrate your preparedness and to confirm UNSW recognises your travel. This ensures you are covered by UNSW Travel Insurance and can access in-country support through International SOS.

Steps:

Receive the Travel Preparation Quiz: A link to the Quiz will be sent to your UNSW student email.
Complete the Quiz: Achieve a 100% score. You can retake the quiz as many times as needed.
Check Your Results: Your results will be sent to your UNSW student email.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Low-Risk Destinations: You can expect immediate results.
High-Risk Destinations or Programs: Additional approval may be required, thus there will be a longer wait time.

NOTES:

The quiz link is unique to you. Do not forward it to others.
If you are using MyTravel, complete the requirements within the MyTravel portal. You do not need to complete the Travel Preparation Quiz.
Students in virtual programs do not need to complete the Quiz.
If you do not complete the process, you may be withdrawn from the program.
If you have questions, refer to the FAQs: UNSW Student Travel Preparation Quiz.

STEP 4 - Make Travel Arrangements

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Wait for confirmation that UNSW recognises your travel: Do not book flights until you have received confirmation from UNSW.
Book Your Travel: You can book and pay for your travel arrangements.
Timing: For the best deals, book international flights 2 to 4 months before your trip. Stay flexible for last-minute deals and airline promotions.
Return Tickets: You must purchase return tickets.
Visas: Apply for the necessary visas.
Flexible Flights: Book flexible or fully refundable flights.

INTERNATIONAL SOS

UNSW has partnered with International SOS to provide emergency assistance for personal security, medical issues, and other travel-related problems like lost items or safety threats.

Services Provided:

Emergency assistance for injuries, illnesses, and personal safety.
Help with lost items (passports, wallets, prescriptions).
Country-specific advice and travel questions.
Contact during incidents or events in your location.

How to Contact International SOS:

Assistance App: Use the app to call for help.
Phone: Call the International SOS Assistance number (+61 2 9372 2468) anytime, 24/7. Save this number in your contacts.

NOTE:

All UNSW traveller, must keep the app installed while traveling on UNSW business.
More information is available: How to Prepare for Departure | UNSW Current Students.
For assistance setting up the app: Refer to the International SOS APP Sign Up Guide.

INSURANCE:

Coverage: If you are traveling on approved UNSW business, you are covered by UNSW’s travel insurance.
Check Coverage: Review the Insurance FAQs to understand what is and isn’t covered.
Additional Coverage: If UNSW insurance doesn’t meet your needs, arrange your own travel insurance.
Waivers: UNSW Insurance does not sign host organization/institution insurance waivers.
Proof of Insurance: Certificates are available upon request. Visit the UNSW Travel insurance website for details.

STEP 5 - Depart

Risk Awareness: Be mindful of the risks and mitigation strategies from your Risk Assessment.
Travel: Depart for your Learning Abroad program to your host location.
Update Contacts: Update any new phone numbers and check in on arrival.
Location Services: Turn on location services in the International SOS app to receive updated travel advice and alerts.
Register Trips: Register any trips during your program to receive travel alerts.
Confirm Arrival: Confirm your arrival with UNSW Learning Abroad, family, and friends. You will receive a link to do this closer to the time.
Personal Details: Update your personal details in the International SOS app using your student ID email (z[studentnumber]@ad.unsw.edu.au).
Orientation: Attend any orientations provided by your host.
Update myUNSW: Update your foreign contact details on www.myunsw.edu.au, including telephone, postal, and alternate email addresses.
Safety: Your safety is paramount. Be safe and enjoy your experience. For more information, see the Personal Safety Overview.

Student Travel Preparation

UNSW Learning Abroad - Assess Your Travel Risk

FURTHER INFORMATION ON LEARNING ABROAD