If your application has been accepted and you’re coming to UTS for a study abroad or exchange program, congratulations! Learn about what you need to do before and when you get here.
Prepare for UTS and Australia
Please note the next application round is for UTS Autumn 2025 (February - June 2025). For deadlines see key dates.
1. Apply for an Australian Student visa
After your application is accepted, UTS will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). You should apply for a non-award, subclass 500 Australian Student visa (opens external site) as soon as you receive your CoE. Remember, you can only commence your studies in Australia if you have a valid student visa.
You can apply for streamlined visa processing if you provide evidence of your CoE at the time that you lodge your visa application. To be granted a temporary visa, you must satisfy all requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Your student visa includes permission to work. Your work rights are liable to change, so check the Deparment of Home Affairs website for current visa work conditions.
2. Arrange your travel
Make sure you book your travel in time to attend Orientation as it is a mandatory requirement for all Study Abroad and Exchange students to attend. The orientation program is important for new students as you’ll learn about UTS and meet other Study Abroad and Exchange students.
3. Arriving and settling in
To help you prepare for your arrival, UTS has created a list of things to keep in mind before you arrive and settle into Sydney. Get ready and get excited!
4. Join the Culture Connect portal
Six weeks before arrival you will be invited to join ‘Culture Connect’ our online pre-arrival portal.
Here, you’ll be able to access essential pre-arrival information and get to know your fellow study abroad and exchange students.
This interactive space will introduce you to all things Australian – from Aussie lingo to music and movies. Learn about pop culture through fun quizzes and explore our rich Indigenous history and multicultural society.
Hello and welcome to Culture Connect!
Culture Connect is a virtual community offered exclusively for UTS Study Abroad and Exchange Students. It is a central hub where you can learn about Australia, UTS and each other.
Culture connect is a meeting place. It’s where all culture can come together and learn from each other. This is your platform to connect share ideas, pose questions, discuss topics that are important to you. Learn and laugh together and create bonds with other and Australia.
Our interactive modules prepare you for your journey to Australia. Before you arrive, you’ll learn about our rich indigenous history and diverse culture. You’ll also check out the local food scene, practise your aussie lingo, explore Sydney, and UTS. We’ll help you sort out your enrolment, share support services, and even tell you what to pack!
Throughout this semester be prepared to immerse yourself in new and exciting opportunities. There is so much that Australia has to offer. We have compiled the best parts here for you here to discover.
Make sure you log into culture connect frequently. New modules will open as the session approaches and throughout the program. It will also be your one stop shop for all important UTS announcements.
The Study Abroad and Exchange team are here to help you throughout your journey at UTS. If you have any questions or concerns just head to the meet our team page and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Now that you know a bit more about Culture Connect, it’s time to explore what it has to offer. Enjoy it!
5. Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Before you can access UTS systems, you will need to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your UTS user account.
MFA protects your account from unauthorised access, and gives you secure and easy access to multiple UTS applications using single sign-on.
Once you've set up your MFA, download the Multi – factor Authentication Okta Verify app on your phone. This is the preferred, simplest and easiest way to authenticate your identity especially when you need may need to change phone number when arriving/leaving Australia.
Go to login.uts.edu.au now to set up your MFA.
For more information or guides head to www.uts.edu.au/mfa
6. Attend Orientation
Orientation prepares all UTS students for the upcoming semester. The program includes university and faculty welcome sessions, sessions about student services and a lot of social events including Clubs Day organised by ActivateUTS.
Study Abroad and Exchange students must arrive in time to attend the compulsory Study Abroad and Exchange Essential International Advice Orientation Session which is held during Orientation.
All admitted students will be sent pre-arrival information, including information about how to register for Orientation sessions and when the compulsory Study Abroad and Exchange Essential International Advice Orientation Session will be held.
If you think you’ll miss Orientation, please email studyabroad.exchange@uts.edu.au.
Important: Most subjects are taught according to the Main Session calendar. Teacher Education courses operate on a different calendar, Calendar B. Full details of all UTS teaching sessions are available in the Principal Dates section of the UTS Handbook.
