Disability Services
Additional information for International, Study Abroad and Exchange Students
International students are covered by the Australian Disability Discrimination Act, and have the same rights to support and services as do Australian residents. As with all aspects of studying in a new environment, it is essential to plan ahead and make sure that you have with you all the information that your new University will need in order to provide appropriate services.
- Consider making contact with Disability Services before applying for any subjects/course to discuss the types of support you have received previously or at your home institution and your possible needs while studying in Australia. Note that while consideration will of course be given to the previous support you have received, this will not automatically be provided in exactly the same way at your new institution.
- Ensure that you have with you all the necessary documentation to support your request for support services and adjustments. Medical documentation must be provided by an appropriate health professional or educational psychologist, be on letterhead, have legible dates and is preferably typed. It should include specific information on your condition, how your disability affects you and indicate whether or not the disability is permanent, temporary, or fluctuating. Medical documentation should be recent except in cases where a condition is permanent and non-changing.
Medical certificates not written in English must be accompanied by a translation into English by an independent and accredited translator.
A referral letter from your treating professional is useful so that students can continue relevant treatment with a similar practitioner in Australia. It can also be beneficial to bring approved medication and prescriptions.
Additional information about International Students with Disabilities is in the fact sheet on the ADCET site.