COVID-19 updates
COVID-19 updates
We understand many in the Monash community will be concerned about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). We're committed to adapting our teaching and learning, campus experiences and operations to ensure the health and safety of our community. We will keep the Monash community informed as the situation continues to evolve.
You must not come to campus if you're unwell. Get tested for COVID-19 if you have any of the following symptoms, however mild – fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of sense of taste or smell – and stay home until you’ve received a negative result and are no longer feeling unwell. For information about testing, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
If you have recently visited a COVID-19 hotspot or public exposure site, you must follow the Department of Health's requirements for testing and isolating, as outlined (that is, tiers 1-3, a rating system for the level of exposure). If you are not sure what to do, check this self-assessment.
Last updated 21 Sep 2021 4:23pm
- The Premier released Victoria’s Roadmap: Delivering the National Plan on Sunday, 19 September. This plan sets us on a hopeful path to opening and we’re looking forward to the safe return of staff and students to campus, in line with government and health advice.
- More detailed information will be added to this page soon.
Matheson Library, Clayton campus identified as a Tier 2 exposure site (12-4.15pm, Thursday, 16 September)
Monash University has been advised that an individual who visited the Matheson Library, Clayton campus between 12- 4.15pm on Thursday, 16 September has tested positive to COVID-19. The Matheson Library has subsequently been identified as a Tier 2 exposure site.
Anyone who visited the Matheson Library during the time listed above must urgently get tested for COVID-19 and isolate until a negative result is received.
Routine and additional cleaning of high-touch surfaces in the Matheson Library has been completed and the library is open.
Our Chief Medical Officer remains in close contact with the Department of Health and has reviewed and approved the procedures being undertaken.
As is always the case, if anyone feels unwell they must get tested immediately, and self-isolate at home until they receive a negative test result and feel fully well.
The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and students remains our key priority.
Easing of restrictions as first dose target is met
- The Premier has announced a modest easing of restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne from 11.59pm Friday, 17 September, as Victoria reaches its first dose COVID-19 vaccination target of 70 per cent:
- An additional reason to leave home: outdoor social interaction, such as gathering on campus, for up to two people from separate households, or up to five people from two households if all persons (aged 18 or older) have received two vaccine doses.
- Time permitted for exercise – and now social interaction – will increase from two to four hours per day.
- The distance you can leave home for permitted reasons will increase from 5km to 10km.
- Outdoor gyms, including those at Monash Sport, will reopen
- Up to five people will be able to attend an entertainment venue (i.e. MUMA, Monash University Performing Arts Centres) or physical recreation facility to broadcast a performance, class, or concert.
- The curfew, from 9pm to 5pm, will stay in place.
Onsite work and permits
- Authorised workers and students are still required to carry permits and photo identification (such as their Monash ID card) at work/on-campus, and when travelling for work/study.
- Permits for authorised students that were valid until 2 September are not required to be reissued, and continue to be valid while restrictions are in place.
- For more information about permits for Authorised workers, please refer to ‘Work arrangements’. Authorised students should refer to ‘Teaching and learning arrangements’.
Working from home
- Consistent with the latest state government advice, all other staff must work from home until government advice changes, unless required onsite to deliver and support online education, critical research, and on-campus and virtual operations.
- For more information, please refer to ‘Work arrangements’.
Access to childcare and kindergarten for authorised workers
- Childcare centres and kindergartens remain closed, except to children whose parents are authorised workers and cannot be supervised at home. Single parents are able to access childcare, regardless of whether they are an authorised worker. Vulnerable children can also still attend.
- Up to two-days-a-week carer’s leave is available for ongoing and fixed-term staff (pro-rata for part-time staff) to assist with balancing work and homeschooling/childcare responsibilities from existing accrued sick leave credits until the end of semester. Please refer to the guidelines for more information.
- For more information, please refer to ‘Work arrangements’.
Teaching and learning arrangements
- Semester two and associated teaching periods will continue online. The University will provide an update on when on-campus activities can resume when government restrictions allow.
- For more information, please refer to ‘Teaching and learning arrangements’
Campus operations
- University Health Services at Caulfield, Clayton and Peninsula campuses will remain open, including the COVID-19 Fast Track Clinic at Clayton, and COVID-19 telehealth consultations and testing.
- For more information on campus operations, including library services, Monash Connect and retailers, visit ‘Campus operations under COVIDSafe settings’.
Your health, safety and wellbeing
- The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff, students and wider campus communities remains our top priority, and we continue to be guided by the health advice of the Victorian Government and the University’s Chief Medical Officer.
- For more information, please refer to ‘Health advice and safety measures’.
Last updated 21 Sep 2021 4:23pm
- The Monash Chief Medical Officer is in constant communication with Australian medical authorities for the latest health and travel advice.
- We continue to monitor the situation, including the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO), US Center for Disease Control and the Australian government’s Health Department, including states and territories.
- Students directly affected by COVID-19 can contact us at +61 3 9902 6010 or via our enquiry form.
- Monash also provides free confidential counselling support for any Monash student. If you need support at any time, please call 1300 788 336.
- If you have tested positive to COVID-19 you must follow the recommendations of your medical professional and the Australian Health Department, including the required self-isolation period.
- If you are a Monash staff member, you must also immediately notify your supervisor, and your supervisor will advise Access HR via email at hr@monash.edu or phone on +61 03 9902 0400.
- If you are a Monash student, we ask that you notify Monash Connect on 9902 6011 for further support.
- You must be cleared by a Public Health Officer and determined to be no longer infectious before you can leave your home isolation and re-enter the Monash or wider Australian community.
- For updates on Monash College's response to COVID-19, please visit the Monash College website.
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Fact sheet
Campus operations under COVIDSafe settings
View fact sheet
Work arrangements
- There are only five reasons to leave home, including for authorised work that cannot be completed from home.
- Consistent with the latest state government advice, all other staff must work from home until government advice changes, unless required onsite to deliver and support online education, critical research, and on-campus and virtual operations. Those required onsite include:
- Student support services, academic (including delivery of online lectures, tutorials, practicals, exams and workshops) and non-academic, including those in the faculties and portfolios
- Research and research support staff (including the maintenance of research platforms and infrastructure) who support the delivery of essential research conducted in laboratories or workshops – for more information, see here
- Essential eSolutions staff required onsite to manage the University’s network and infrastructure (including security), research infrastructure and platforms
- Monash Residential Services support staff
- Buildings and Property Division, including cleaning and infrastructure services
- Security services within Community Safety and Security.
- Authorised workers will be required to carry permits and photo identification (such as their Monash ID card) at work, and when travelling for work, from 11.59pm Tuesday, 17 August.
- The permit can be shown electronically to authorities, such as a photo or scanned copy on a mobile device, and allows staff who are undertaking permitted activity during the curfew to travel.
- If you were authorised to work onsite during previous lockdowns, your authorised worker status will continue. Requests for any new permits will be coordinated by your Faculty General Manager or Portfolio Head.
- For information about IT and office equipment, please see the relevant guidelines.
- Up to two-days-a-week carer’s leave is available for ongoing and fixed-term staff (pro-rata for part-time staff) to assist with balancing work and homeschooling/childcare responsibilities from existing accrued sick leave credits until the end of semester. Please refer to the guidelines for more information.
Campus facilities, retailers and study spaces
- To see which buildings and facilities are currently open, visit our campus maps.
- To meet the latest advice, it is now mandatory for all staff, students and visitors to our campuses and locations to scan the Service Victoria QR codes every time they enter a Monash building.
- We’ve published a list of open study spaces if you need to study on campus.
- See below changes to campus retailers and services, effective 8pm AEST, Thursday, 5 August:
- Monash Connect front counters will be closed; however, all online services will still be available.
- Monash Residential Services (MRS) will remain open, and the MRS Halls Cafe will offer takeaway food for residents.
- University Health Services at Caulfield, Clayton and Peninsula campuses will remain open, including the COVID-19 Fast Track Clinic at Clayton, and COVID-19 telehealth consultations and testing.
- Only campus retailers that provide essential products or services will be open, including the Monash Merchant, Campus Centre pharmacy, and post office.
- Food and beverage retailers will remain open for takeaway only.
- Monash Sport will close; however, live workouts will be available.
- All registered University-community events and campus activations will be postponed, including WinterFest.
- The intercampus and Monash Security shuttle bus (Clayton and Caulfield campuses only) services will be temporarily suspended. Security escorts remain available if required by calling 9902 7777.
Libraries
Visit the Library opening hours website for the latest updates.
Travel
The University recommends all domestic travel is avoided unless it is absolutely essential for the performance of your work. International travel is not permitted. Monash is continually monitoring advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and will not compromise on the safety and wellbeing of staff.
Where essential domestic travel is required, the following applies:
- As at 1 June 2020, staff may travel domestically where Government guidelines allow;
- Approval for travel must be strictly in accordance with the University’s Travel Procedures;
- For travel to restricted domestic areas, staff must obtain the relevant State exemption or permit prior to booking;
- For more information on State requirements, please visit: Coronavirus COVID-19 Advice for Travellers.
After careful consideration, we've made the difficult decision to postpone Outside Studies Program (OSP) activities, initially until 1 July, 2021, except in special circumstances with approval by the dean of your faculty. Read this article for more information.
Health and wellbeing
The single most important thing we can do to minimise the spread of COVID-19 is take personal responsibility for the health and wellbeing of ourselves and others; this means you should not attend our campuses for any reason, if you are feeling unwell, and/or displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19 – even if they are mild.
A reminder that if you do attend campus displaying symptoms you may be asked to leave and get tested for COVID-19, and not return to campus until you have your test results, and are no longer feeling unwell/displaying symptoms.
We have implemented a number of initiatives to support our community to maintain physical distancing and personal hygiene, including:
- Implementing physical distancing signage such as posters and floor markings to ensure people can stay 1.5 metres apart
- Providing hand sanitisers in all buildings
- Increased cleaning in all of our buildings
Please note that body temperature checking is not used as a condition of entry to our on-campus buildings. SafeWork Australia advise that temperature testing may be of little benefit. This is because people with COVID-19 may not have an elevated temperature at the time of testing for a number of reasons including being presymptomatic or taking medication that reduces temperature. It is also possible that the person may have a temperature for another reason unrelated to COVID-19. The World Health Organisation advises that temperature checking alone is an ineffective way to stop the spread of COVID-19.
All staff have been enrolled in a mandatory OHS health module in myDevelopment. Students are also required to complete a compulsory health training unit. Please complete this module online before returning to campus.
Teaching and learning arrangements
- Semester two and associated teaching periods will continue online. The University will provide an update on when on-campus activities can resume when government restrictions allow.
- Permits continue to be required by higher education students to leave your home for permitted study.
- Some units in Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and a small set of units in other faculties are exempt from lockdown requirements and on-campus teaching is permitted. Permits will also need to be carried by students undertaking certain placements in authorised settings – for example in hospitals. These students have been issued permits
- Authorised students are required to carry permits and photo identification (such as their Monash ID card) on campus, and when travelling for study. The permit can be shown electronically to authorities, such as a photo or scanned copy on a mobile device. Students who are undertaking permitted activity during the curfew must have this detailed on their permit.
- Students who have children in childcare or kindergarten and have a permit to attend on-campus classes or placements can contact Monash Connect to receive an updated permit.
- Some teaching activities can only be accommodated on campus (particularly laboratories, studios and practical classes). The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and scheduling services will continue to work with all affected faculties to ensure alternative arrangements for those units unable to be offered due to restrictions, which may include on-campus sessions in future weeks in lieu of activities during this lockdown period.
- Students should refer to their unit Moodle site for more details.
- Placements will be at the discretion of the provider. Students are advised to discuss their placement/s with their placement coordinator.
- Our libraries will close temporarily for library services, which will instead be offered online. Please direct all library queries to online services to chat with us, ask.Monash, or the Library Research Skills drop-in service. Alternatively, call +61 3 9905 5054 from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
- Study spaces for students who cannot study from home will be available at Caulfield, Matheson, Parkville and Peninsula libraries from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am to 5pm (closed on weekends). Students accessing study spaces require a permit, and requests for permits should be made via Monash Connect. Students are required to scan the QR code and wear a mask every time they enter the library.
Delivery mode, semester two, 2021
- If you’re currently based in Australia, it’s expected that you will be in Melbourne and prepared to attend on-campus activities from the commencement of semester two. The flexibility of online options for lectures, tutorials, workshops and applied sessions are also available to you for the duration of this semester, however your preferences cannot be guaranteed in all circumstances. Preference will be given to those students who are unable to physically attend campus due to home country, state border or federal government COVID-19 health restrictions. Allocate+ will display both on-campus and online options depending on the type of activities you’re enrolled in. We look forward to welcoming as many of our students as possible onto campus and all on-campus activities will be managed in accordance with the current State government COVIDSafe Plan. For priority preference for online options, please apply for special consideration.
- If you’re currently located overseas, you can select the online classes available to you. You don’t need to apply for special consideration for online study. If you don’t have any online options displaying, please contact us using the timetable help form.
- You can find out more about how preferencing works for in-person and online learning on our Timetables website. For updates relating to COVID-19 refer to our fact sheet.
Events, activities and venues
- Effective 8pm AEST, Thursday, 5 August, all registered University-community will be postponed, including WinterFest.
- Please refer to the University's COVIDSafe Catering Guidelines for recommended controls and measures to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus through workplace catering.
Essential research services
This is defined by one of the following four principles:
- Principle 1: The storage and management of existing samples and data research, infrastructure that are temperature and environmentally-sensitive
- Principle 2: Management and care of critical living resources, and the equipment and materials they depend on
- Principle 3: Research addressing the impact of COVID-19, and research in support of the hospital and broader health system
- Principle 4: Long-term experiments or studies that otherwise would be prohibitive to restart.
Examples of research that aligns with these principles are: Research to support clinical trials in serious diseases such as cancer, leukemia and lymphoma; drug discovery and development activities such as the development of mNRA vaccines, inhaled oxytocin; University platforms to facilitate these activities, such as MARP, the Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation (CDCO), and the Monash Genome Modification Platform; collaborative research programs that support partners (and jobs) in health-related industries.
Additionally, any COVID-19-related research and provision of parts or supplies for equipment needed to treat patients with COVID-19; or help them to recover – such as the printing of parts for ventilator machines.
Changes to semester
View fact sheet
Academic progress processes
- We made adjustments to academic progress during parts of 2020, but have now returned to the process outlined in the Student Academic Progress Policy. Visit student academic progress for more details.
- Although your fail grades may not be recorded on your academic transcript or count towards your GPA/CGPA and WAM (see grading and results update), we’ll assess your academic progress using your original grades.
Graduations
- For the latest updates and changes to upcoming graduations, please visit the graduations homepage.
Fees
- If you’ve been impacted financially by COVID-19 and are struggling to pay your fees, read about your options on the Fees webpage and contact Monash Connect for help.
- Eligible commencing international students who discontinue their studies in semester two 2021 at Monash University due to reasons relating to COVID-19, may be eligible for a full refund if discontinuation occurs prior to census date. Students must apply for a refund and provide supporting documentation.
International campuses
MALAYSIA
- Monash University Malaysia's main campus is closed until further notice due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) introduced by the Malaysian Government. Only a limited number of pre-approved research staff and students can access our main Campus and the Johor Bahru Campus for critical research functions.
- Please visit this website for updates.
PRATO
- The University has cancelled mobility programs up to and including semester one 2022. Updates when they occur will be available on the Monash Abroad Portal.
- A Green Pass is mandatory to enter the Monash Prato Centre for all students, staff and visitors, in accordance with Italian Government regulations.
- We will continue to review the situation in line with Italian and Australian Government advice.
SUZHOU
- Our campus at Suzhou, China, in partnership with Southeast University, is open as normal.
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY
- Our campus in Mumbai, India, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, is open as normal.
Placements/WIL, internships and secondary schools outreach programs
Placements and school outreach programs
- Your Faculty Placement Office will be in contact if your placement is affected.
- Individual organisations may have different strategies for dealing with COVID-19. Please follow all health and safety protocols provided by your placement provider, and continue to maintain good hygiene in line with health advice from the University.
- For school placements, each school will have their own set of measures in place to deal with COVID-19, framed on the advice of the Victorian Department of Education and Training (where applicable) and Federal and State health authorities, including the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Monash will ensure compliance to these measures when sending our students and staff on placements. For those schools visiting a Monash campus, schools must be able to provide assurance that no visiting staff or students have returned from a country or region that is at high or moderate risk of COVID-19, or been in close contact with a confirmed case.
Faculty of Education:
- We understand that recent announcements regarding COVID-19 and the impact on schools may be a cause of concern for you. We're working closely with the Victorian Government, partner placement providers and the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) to navigate our way through this unprecedented and challenging time.
- Effective Tuesday, 24 March, placements for students within the Faculty of Education have been postponed. We ask that students please thank their mentors and negotiate the completion of their remaining placement days once schools reopen.
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences:
- Information about clinical placements can be found here.
- Should I be on placement/will my placement continue?
- COVID-19 advice is changing rapidly. Your placement provider will advise whether it is appropriate for you to be on placement, and there may be certain instances where you will be required to leave.
- With the changing developments, we understand you may have concerns about being on clinical placement. Currently, the Department of Health and Human Services are supporting ongoing placements until further notice, with limited exceptions, such as in COVID emergency departments.
- If you’re feeling unwell, please excuse yourself from your clinical placement. You’ll need to:
- Follow health advice
- Complete the special consideration form online.
- Contact your placement provider and let them know.
- Will my unit/site coordinator be in touch if my placement is affected?
- Yes - the Faculty will be in touch with you if they know of your placement being affected.
- However, advice can change rapidly. You should follow the instructions of your placement provider. If your placement provider notifies you that your placement is affected, please notify your unit and/or site coordinator.
- What happens if my placement is cancelled?
- Where possible, we will make alternative placement arrangements for you. Your clinical or site coordinator will be in touch with more information about alternative arrangements. You will not be expected to source your own placement.
- You won't fail as a result of cancelled placement due to COVID, but it may impact your course progression. Your unit coordinator can provide further advice about what flexible arrangements can be made available in your course.
- I am due to graduate this year. Will I have enough placement and learning?
- Monash recognises that many students may experience disruptions to placements and other learning as a result of COVID-19, and this is true of students in all health and medical faculties across Australia. As such, your course leads are in close contact with accrediting bodies and employers to develop flexible solutions to ensure you are able to get into the workforce.
- Our Faculty leaders are working with government, peak bodies and other institutions to develop solutions. It is our intention, in these unique circumstances, to be as flexible as possible regarding attendance hurdles in the context of COVID-19. Further information will be made available as matters progress.
- Can I opt out of my placement?
- Where your placement potentially puts you in contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients, you can choose to opt-out, however we cannot guarantee the effect this will have on your course progression.
- Our programs have varying levels of flexibility due to varied accreditation requirements. As such, it's important to stay in contact with your Unit and Course Coordinators who will let you know which aspects of your studies are mandatory.
- Visit the clinical placements information page for more information.
- Should I opt in to work in a health service/be part of the "surge workforce"?
- During this time, your skills may be in demand by our health services. It is your choice to be part of the health service surge workforce. If you choose to opt-in, as a Monash student, we will continue to support you and ensure you remain fully informed.
- Please consider your own circumstances, such as your health and study commitments, before making a decision.
- We’re currently working with our health services and government on these arrangements, as well as making sure you have the resources and support needed to do so safely. If you do choose to opt-in, we will provide guidelines and checklists to support you. Check back here soon for more information.
- Will my unit/site coordinator be in touch if my placement is affected?
Internships
- Students who are currently enrolled in an internship unit as part of your studies, please direct any queries to your faculty internship/work integrated learning coordinator.
Personalised study journeys for students based offshore
- Monash is committed to ensuring students, currently based overseas, are able to start their studies in 2021.
- We’ve developed personalised study journeys for students who can’t make it to Australia, so they can complete their course and graduate.
- Eligible students have been individually contacted to review their personal study plan, which has been developed for them by a faculty course advisor.
- If you are required to undertake practical assessments to progress your studies, arrangements will be made for you to do so once you're able to return to campus - please contact your faculty for further details. If you're in your final semester, your faculty will make alternative arrangements to ensure you can complete your studies and will contact you directly.
Course progression contingent upon clinical placements and practicum
- All the above applies except for some health, medical and pharmacy courses in which face-to-face practicum and/or clinical placements must be completed for progression, accreditation and graduation. Please contact your course advisor.
Technology to support remote learning while you are overseas
- We’ve created an online guide with step-by-step instructions to help students access and login into these platforms and tools remotely.
- The guide includes instructions for lots of important and common tasks, including how to:
- Connect to Monash’s new, secure, VPN option.
- Access Moodle or specialised software for your course.
- Connect to the library and learning resources.
- Watch a video for class.
- Join a video or audio meeting with your lecturer or tutor.
- We’ve made the guide available as a webpage and a PDF document, so students can download it and save it to their device to access whenever and wherever you need to.
- For any technical difficulties during your studies, students contact eSolutions.
Support while you study remotely
- Monash is capable and experienced when it comes to flexible teaching. Students enrolled in these units will have an excellent educational experience, in parallel with those participating in on-campus programs.
- The flexible units will utilise a range of teaching strategies to support students to be active and engaged with their learning.
- Coursework materials are available on Moodle unit sites.
- When studying online, your academic may advise you of synchronous learning via zoom. Check Moodle for details of when and how to access.
- Academics and course advisors will be in regular contact with our students as they study.
- If students are having difficulty with their studies, for any reason, they can reach out to us to provide the best advice on what they need to do to succeed in their studies.
Exams and assessments
- We’ve made some changes to our assessment and exam processes in response to COVID-19, to support our students while also maintaining academic integrity. Find out more information about assessments and results this semester.
Graduate Research Students
View fact sheet
Information for new applicants
If you’re applying for admission and/or scholarship
- Monash welcomes applications from prospective students. To access the most up-to-date information on admissions and scholarship application closing dates, please visit our how to apply webpage.
- This website will guide you through the admission steps and also includes anticipated timeframes for considering your application.
Information for commencing students
Getting started with your enrolment
- If you need information on how to enrol, visit our Monash Graduate Research Office How to Enrol page for details.
- This page outlines what need to complete to finalise your enrolment by the expiry date stated in your offer letter.
Getting started with your research: induction and orientation
- Because of the current COVID-19 situation, we’ve continued our induction processes online wherever practical, normally conducting these via Zoom.
- Different faculties and enrolling academic units undertake induction differently; your academic unit and/or faculty will contact you with further details, and you can also contact them directly if you have any questions. (Refer to our faculty contacts page).
- In the meantime, we’d encourage you to complete your Monash Doctoral Program – Compulsory Module assigned to you and available in myDevelopment.
- Make sure you speak to your supervisory team about getting started, and the focus of your research project during this period.
If your commencement has been impacted by COVID
- We understand the COVID-19 global health crisis has impacted the ability of many students to travel to Australia and commence their studies due to border closures.
- The reopening of Australia’s borders to international visitors, including international students, is the responsibility of the Federal Government. Monash University continues to engage with peak bodies and State and Federal Governments in exploring ways to enable international students to return to Australia to commence and/or continue their studies on campus.
- Refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information on current Australian Government restrictions on entry to Australia.
- If you have a current offer of admission (with or without a scholarship offer) and you’re not able to commence your enrolment due to COVID-19, we recommend you review the options available to you and discuss these with your supervisor and faculty to determine the most appropriate action:
- Application for travel exemption: Refer to the Department of Home Affairs for further information and instructions on how to apply: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/travel-restrictions
PhD students: Funding to support the reimbursement of quarantine expenses for PhD is available in the 2021 calendar year. The maximum reimbursement is $3,000. Please discuss this option with your supervisor and Academic Unit as they will need to provide you with a supporting letter, and process for reimbursing quarantine costs. - Apply for offshore/remote enrolment: This option is available to students who have been granted their student visa. Please discuss the suitability of this option with your supervisor first, as your research may not be able to commence remotely, and then your faculty. If you have been awarded a Monash University stipend (living allowance) scholarship, this will not commence until (and only if) you relocate to Victoria, with the duration of scholarship support reduced by the period of prior remote enrolment. Tuition scholarship will however commence.
- Apply for deferral: Submit a request to defer/change your commencement date, which if approved, will mean we’ll send you a new offer letter. Given the current boarder closures, we recommend you discuss an appropriate commencement date with your supervisor.
English language update for graduate research students commencing 2021
Monash University Academic Board has approved a COVID-19 temporary variation of the time limit on English language test validity for graduate research applicants.
Test validity has increased from two years to three years for all faculties (with the exception of Law due to its specific requirements), and this variation applies to graduate students commencing in 2021.
Managing your scholarship
- If you’re enrolled and located within Melbourne on a scholarship administered by Monash, you’ll continue to receive payments as scheduled on a fortnightly basis.
- Any variations to your scholarship (such as applications for paid leave) are also being processed as normal.
- If you’re on a scholarship funded by an external body, sponsor, faculty or academic unit, we recommend you seek advice from that funding body or your academic unit or faculty about the conditions of your scholarship.
- If you have general questions about the conditions of your scholarship and what options may be available to you, we’ve set up a new resource page to help and guide you.
Planning your research during the current COVID-19 situation
- We understand that 2020 has been challenging for everyone, especially for students trying to progress their research while juggling other responsibilities and commitments including families, schooling and caregiving.
- Planning your research and being able to maintain momentum has been hard for many students. Below are some practical strategies to assist you:
- If you're enrolled through Monash Australia, we encourage you to refer to the Latest information section of the COVID-19 fact sheet. If you're enrolled through Monash Malaysia, please visit the Monash Malaysia site for updates on COVID-19.
- Continue to maintain contact with your supervisors, conducting your regular meetings either online via platforms such as Zoom or Skype, or face-to-face (in accordance with Monash’s COVID Safe Plan). If you are enrolled through Monash Australia and wish to have face-to-face contact with your supervisor/s, please seek advice first from your faculty on any faculty-specific requirements in relation to on-campus attendance. When on-campus, you must adhere to the health and safety strategies in Monash’s COVID Safe Plan.
- If you haven’t done so already, it’s important you contact your supervisors and put in place a work plan to manage your enrolment over the next six months, and review any existing plans.
- In developing a new work plan (or re-evaluating an existing one), consider reflecting on your current situation to determine if you need to make any changes to your research given current ongoing restrictions, agreeing on an alternative course of action where your research activities are (or continue to be) delayed.
- Consider all the variables that comprise key elements of your research and determine if they are able to progress during this time (i.e. ethics applications, industry placements, accessing libraries and archives, undertaking fieldwork, etc.).
- If it’s not practical for you to continue your research at this time and you want more information on what options are available to you, refer to the section below on Converting to part-time enrolment and Applying for Leave. You can also go to our new resource page to help you understand your candidature and scholarships.
Progress milestones
PhD and Research Masters Milestone Review Panels (MRPs) are continuing. Milestones may be conducted face-to-face or via Zoom video conferencing. Monash has detailed information and support for using Zoom here.
If you are enrolled through Monash Australia and wish to have face-to-face contact with your supervisor/s, please seek advice first from your faculty on any faculty-specific requirements in relation to on-campus attendance. When on-campus, you must adhere to the health and safety strategies in Monash’s COVID Safe Plan.
It’s important that you talk to your supervisors in the lead up to all scheduled milestones, and especially important in the context of COVID-19. A checklist for graduate research students undertaking Milestone reviews during the COVID-19 situation is now available on the website. This form is used by Milestone Review Panel Chairs to help speak to students and their supervisory teams about research progress in the context of COVID-19. Below are some questions included on the checklist for you and your supervisory team to consider when planning for your milestone under the current circumstances:
- Has your research project been impacted by COVID-19? (for example, is there any experimental work that you are required to do, such as data collection, interviews, fieldwork, travel, conference participation, which has been delayed)? If so, have you had a discussion with your supervisors about what this impact means for your research project (for example, does the project need to be re-scoped)?
- If your project has had to be re-scoped, have you agreed on an action plan to achieve this?
- Does your research project rely on access to external resources (archives, laboratories, industry partners or funding)? If so, have you been able to continue to access these resources?
- Have you experienced any delays with other activities that form part of your research project (ethics applications; liaising with industry partners/other research collaborators)?
- Do you have any requirements for ongoing access to computers; specialist software and/or equipment and/or sites (labs; tissue or seed banks; archives; libraries; repositories; field sites); and human resources (other students; lab technicians etc.)?
- Is your research timeline feasible under the current COVID-19 situation?
If your milestone can’t proceed and needs to be rescheduled, rest assured you can apply for an extension to a milestone. The COVID-19 situation is an acceptable reason for seeking an extension.
Monash Doctoral Program (MDP)
- Professional development: TheMonash Graduate Research Office, faculties and other units (e.g. Library) continue to deliver professional development training via webinar. This is in addition to the large volume (over 300 hours) of existing online training within myDevelopment under the topic of Graduate Research. A dedicated google site lists online and webinar activities offered by the Monash Graduate Research Office. We’ll provide updates on upcoming workshops and online content via our regular Graduate Research student newsletter.
- Coursework units: If you are required to complete coursework as part of the Monash Doctoral Program, your faculty graduate research office can assist you with your enrolment queries.
Extending your thesis submission date
- In recognition of these challenges, we’ve put in place a series of measures to support students during this time.
- If you need to apply for an extension to your thesis submission date due to COVID-19, it’s important that you provide details about how COVID-19 has impacted your research as part of your application. That way, we can process your application more quickly. COVID-19 also meets our definition of compassionate and compelling circumstances for international students on Australian student visas.
- Specific details on how we are supporting you are outlined below, and you can also visit our new understanding your candidature and scholarships website to learn more about your thesis extension options.
- If you’re an international student on an Australian student visa, and you’re not sure how an extension may impact on your student visa, please visit Monash’s student visa page for information. Please note that if you apply for an extension of enrolment and do not hold a tuition fee paying scholarship you will be charged tuition fees.
Supporting our doctoral students
- If you are a current Monash Australia student and you were enrolled on or prior to 8 April 2020, we’ve automatically applied an extension to your thesis submission date, meaning your thesis submission date has been adjusted to 3.5 years equivalent full time, pro-rated for part-time students.
- If you want to view your adjusted thesis submission date, visit your Research Enrolment Summary.
- If you need to apply to extend your thesis submission date beyond 3.5 years equivalent full-time due to COVID-19, you can apply for a further extension to your thesis submission date up to 4 years equivalent full-time, pro-rated for part-time students.
- As a temporary measure, we are also being more flexible in considering extensions to your thesis submission date beyond the maximum four years equivalent full-time. Extensions of this type are only considered under exceptional circumstances up to a maximum of 4.5 years equivalent full-time. We consider COVID-19 an example of an exceptional circumstance where it’s impacted your research.
Supporting our research master’s students
- If you’re a current research master’s student, you can apply for a thesis extension.
- As a temporary measure, we are also being more flexible in considering extensions to your submission date beyond the maximum two years equivalent full-time. Extensions of this type are only considered under exceptional circumstances up to a maximum of 2.5 years equivalent full-time. We consider COVID-19 an example of an exceptional circumstance where it’s impacted your research.
Graduate Research Completion Award (GRCA)
- We’ve introduced a supplementary Graduate Research Completion Award to support graduate research students in their final year, who have been significantly impacted during COVID-19 and are close to submitting their thesis for examination.
- Monash Australia doctoral and masters by research students who are close to submitting, may be eligible to apply for this award which provides funding at the RTP/MGS stipend rate of up to 12 weeks equivalent full time (doctoral students) and six weeks equivalent full time (masters by research students). If you would like further information on this award, including eligibility, selection criteria and the application process, we encourage you to visit our page dedicated to this scheme.
Converting to part-time enrolment
- Given current circumstances, we understand that students may need to consider converting to part-time enrolment for a specific period of time.
- If you’re considering this as an option, we encourage you to speak to your supervisory team first to determine if part-time enrolment is an option for you.
- If you are on a Monash scholarship (such as a MGS or RTP Stipend), please be aware there may be implications to your scholarship when converting to part-time (for example, under ATO requirements, part−time stipends are taxable). Students seeking taxation advice should refer to the Australian Taxation Office. Students on any other scholarship, including scholarships funded by other funding bodies, should first check with them to confirm part-time enrolment is permitted.
Applying for leave
- If you are not able to undertake your studies at this time due to COVID-19 disruptions or caring responsibilities, you can apply for a leave of absence.
- This leave is available to all graduate research students, including international students on an Australian student visa, as COVID-19 is considered grounds for leave under compassionate and compelling circumstances. In your application, just remember to provide details on how COVID-19 has impacted your research.
- For more information, the leave options are outlined in the Doctoral and Research Masters handbooks (Chapter 4) and you can also visit our new understanding your candidature and scholarships website to learn more about options that may be available to you.
- Other ways we are supporting you include:
- Expanding sick leave entitlements to cover leave for those with family caring responsibilities during COVID-19 restrictions.
- Permitting students to request unpaid leave beyond the 12 month maximum for an unpaid leave of absence due to COVID-19.
Study away/travel grants
Study away with or without a travel grant
- Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents are restricted by the Federal Government from travelling overseas from 25 March, 2020.
- This prohibition is aligned with the Government's decision to raise the DFAT smartraveller travel advice to level 4 - do not travel overseas.
- No applications for international travel will be approved until further notice.
- Domestic travel should be avoided but will be considered where the laboratory or fieldwork is absolutely essential and formally approved by the Dean. Please contact your faculty office prior to completing a Study Away/Travel Grant form. Review the information on student travel insurance and ensure you attach a completed Travel Plan with your application. Travel grants are available for approved domestic travel.
- If you need to request an extension to a research overseas period, please email your Faculty Office.
- Please refer to the Monash COVID-19 Fact Sheet for more information.
Internships and placements
- If you are undertaking an internship managed by APR Intern, these are continuing to operate. APR Intern is liaising closely with organisations where internships are currently in place or are pending commencement.
- If you are on an internship or placement, make sure you follow the directions of the organisation and University at this time.
Joint PhD programs
- If you are currently enrolled in a joint award program, it’s important that you follow the advice and/or direction of Monash and the partner university at this time, and remain informed of any restrictions that apply at the partner.
- Make sure you also maintain contact with your Monash main supervisor and seek their guidance if you have any questions.
- Where your mandatory residency requirement is impacted by current travel bans, it’s important that you discuss your research project requirements and timelines with your supervisors to accommodate potentially delayed or shortened residency at the partner.
- If you need advice specific to your situation, the Monash Graduate Research Office team can provide you with assistance.
GRIP programs
- If you are enrolled in a GRIP program, it’s important that you follow the directions of the partner organisation and the University at this time. Please maintain regular contact with your Monash supervisory team, and seek their advice if you have any questions or concerns.
Graduate research examinations
- Thesis examinations are continuing as normal and submission is available here.
- As always, we recommend that your supervisors contact potential examiners in the first instance and ascertain their ability to undertake the examination process at this time.
- If you are not ready to submit, you can apply for a thesis submission extension (refer to Extending your thesis submission date above).
Contacting the Monash Graduate Research Office and your faculty
- The Monash Graduate Research Office (MGRO) is currently operating virtually, however is available to assist you with any queries as usual from Monday to Friday during business hours.
- If you have any question relating to the administration of your enrolment, you can contact:
- The Monash Graduate Research Office (MGRO)
- E: mgro-candidature@monash.edu
- T: +61 3 9905 3009
- Your faculty (refer to the faculty contact lists)
- The Monash Graduate Research Office (MGRO)
Health advice and safety measures
View fact sheet
General health information
- All students and staff must follow the health advice of the Department of Health and Human Services and that of the Monash Chief Medical Officer.
- If you have recently visited a COVID-19 hotspot or public exposure site, you must follow the Department of Health's requirements for testing and isolating, as outlined (i.e. tiers 1-3, a rating system for the level of exposure). To see where to get tested in Victoria, visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19.
- As of 12.01am Monday, 16 March, all people who arrive in Australia are required to self-isolate for 14 days. If you are experiencing symptoms, wear a surgical mask if you have one to help avoid potential spread of any illness, separate yourself from others, and call the Department of Health and Human Services dedicated COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 hours, 7 days a week). If you have severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, call 000 and request an ambulance, and inform the paramedics where you have recently been.
- Further guidance on home isolation is found here.
- Monash University’s Health Service continues to take direction from the local medical authorities and will follow the established COVID-19 reporting framework.
- Follow basic hygiene rules to prevent further spread:
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze (with a flexed elbow or tissue, not your hand).
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid touching your face and mouth after touching surfaces.
- Don't spend time with people who are sick.
- Don't go to work or attend campus if you feel sick.
- Staff and students must continue to check the advice as it is likely to be updated regularly as this situation develops.
Face masks
- Face masks must be carried at all times and must be worn indoors and outdoors, unless a lawful exception applies. If you are in a single occupant office alone with the door closed, you can remove your mask.
- For the purposes of communicating, teachers and education support staff are not required to wear face masks while teaching, but those who wish to do so, can. Students can remove their mask for presentation purposes.
- If a student does not have a face mask, a limited supply is available at Security office receptions, the entry points to libraries Monash Sport, and the Campus Centre, Clayton.
What to do if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
- If you have any symptoms such as fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of sense of smell or taste, however mild, you should seek advice and get tested. To get further advice, call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398, or your general practitioner. In certain circumstances, headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.
- It’s important that we continue to keep our University community safe, and we all play a role in ensuring we can continue to deliver excellence in education and research. It’s important that any staff or students who are presenting with any potential symptoms of COVID-19 – including mild symptoms like a scratchy throat or runny nose – get tested and refrain from coming to the University until their test results are known.
- If you are sick, stay home. If someone else is sick, please discuss with a staff member.
- For general information on COVID-19, you can also contact the Department of Health national hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 020 080.
- On campus, University Health Services (UHS) has modified its operations and now includes a Fast Track Clinic on the Clayton Campus only, for COVID-19 telehealth consultations and testing. If you need advice on COVID-19, please call the Triage nurse on 9905 3175. For after-hours advice, call the coronavirus hotline 24/7 on 1800 675 398.
- We have also developed infographics for staff and students to help you navigate the Department of Health and Human Services and Monash Chief Medical Officer’s recommended health advice.
What to do if you suspect you have been in close contact with a confirmed case
- If you suspect or are concerned you may have come into close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, separate yourself from others and call the dedicated Victorian Department of Human Health and Services COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 hours, 7 days a week). Here you will receive detailed information on what you need to do next, including what to do if you need testing, if you are required to isolate yourself or if you can continue your usual activities.
- Visit this website for more information.
- A suspected case is someone who has symptoms or signs of COVID-19 and who is being tested for infection but has not found out the results of the tests yet.
- Until the results are known, there is a risk that you could have the COVID-19 infection and could spread the virus to other people. While it may take a few days for the test results to be returned, you must not attend campus until you receive your test results, and have been informed it is safe for you to resume your usual activities. Refer to the DHHS suspected case factsheet.
- Staff who have been identified as a suspected case should immediately notify their supervisor who will advise Access HR on hr@monash.edu or via phone on 9902 0400.
- If you have been notified by the DHHS that you are a close contact of a confirmed case, separate yourself from others. DHHS will give you detailed information on the next steps, including what to do if you need to arrange to be tested.
- You must not come to campus, and must isolate in your home for 14 days until you are informed by public health authorities that it is safe to return to your usual activities. Refer to the DHHS close contact factsheet for more information.
- ‘Close contact’ is defined as having face-to-face contact for more than 15 minutes with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, or alternatively sharing a closed space with them for more than two hours. Close contact can happen in many ways, but examples include:
- Living in the same household or household-like setting (for example a hostel).
- Direct contact with the body fluids or laboratory specimens of a confirmed case.
- Being in the same room for two hours or more.
- Face-to-face contact for more than 15 minutes in some other setting, such as in a car, in a lift or sitting next to them on public transport.
If you have been identified as a suspected case
If you have been notified by the DHHS that you are a close contact of a confirmed case
What to do if you are tested for COVID-19 and the test is negative
- If you have been tested for COVID-19, it may take a couple of days for the test results to be returned to you. During this time, you must isolate yourself in your home until your test results are received. If your test result is negative, you will no longer need to remain in isolation and can return to your normal activities once you are well again.
- For more information on self-isolating, see here. There is no need for others in the house to quarantine unless you are confirmed to have coronavirus.
- If you test negative, your doctor or the clinic you were tested at will advise you of your result.
- Refer to the Department of Health information for people with a suspected case fact sheet for more information.
What to do if you are tested for COVID-19 and the test is positive
- Your doctor or the clinic where you were tested will contact you by phone or SMS to advise you of your results, regardless if it is positive or negative.
- If you test positive, whether or not you have symptoms, you will need to immediately self-isolate – you should have already been isolating at home while waiting for these results. You will be contacted by a public health worker from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for advice on next steps.
- If you have tested positive to COVID-19, you must follow the recommendations of your medical professional and the Australian Health Department, including the required self-isolation period.
- If you are a Monash staff member, you must also immediately notify your supervisor, and your supervisor will advise Access HR via email at hr@monash.edu or phone on +61 03 9902 0400.
- If you are a Monash student, we also ask that you notify Monash Connect on 9902 6011 for further support and follow-up.
- People who have had close contact, as identified by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, including family members and people you live with will be required to isolate themselves for 14 days from their last contact with you.
- If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath:
- Call 000 and request an ambulance.
- Inform the ambulance officers that you have a confirmed case of COVID-19.
- You must be cleared by a Public Health Officer and determined to be no longer infectious before you can leave your home isolation and re-enter the Monash or wider Australian community.
- Refer to the Department of Health information for people with a suspected case fact sheet for more information.
Campus safety measures
The health, safety and wellbeing of our community is our top priority, and we continue to be guided by the health advice of the Victorian Government, and the University’s Chief Medical Officer.
Below is a consolidated list of the strategies and actions we have in place to manage COVID-19. More information can be found in our COVID Safe Plan.
- No staff, student or member of our community can visit any of our campuses if they’re feeling unwell and/or displaying the mildest of symptoms associated with COVID-19. They MUST get tested immediately and stay home until they have received a negative test result, and are fully recovered.
- Strict physical distancing measures have been implemented across all of our campuses to ensure a distance of 1.5 metres between people can be maintained. This includes signage and floor markings.
- Individual work activities are to be assessed by faculties/divisions, and designed to maintain physical distancing so far as practicable. For essential activities that require people to come within 1.5m of one another, a risk assessment must be undertaken and additional safety measures implemented including reducing the time of the activity, the size of groups and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE). The University’s OHS team is available to assist with risk assessments.
- Health alert posters have been installed across our campuses and on digital screens in all central teaching facilities to reinforce basic hygiene rules (e.g. washing your hands regularly; cough and sneeze etiquette etc.) to prevent further spread of COVID-19
- Hand sanitiser stations have been installed across all buildings to allow staff and students to sanitise their hands before they enter and exit.
- In addition, all faculties and divisions are asked to provide hand sanitiser in their local offices/areas to allow staff and students to regularly sanitise their hands during the day.
- To protect the Monash community’s health and safety, all staff, students and visitors must:
- Scan the Services Victoria QR code every time they enter a building. Swiping of Monash IDs on door-readers will still be required by staff and students to enter buildings with restricted access.
- If you don’t have a smartphone, please check in via one of the kiosks below.
Caulfield: Caulfield Library, Monash Connect, Monash Sport, Building C, Building D.
Clayton: Monash Sport, Doug Ellis Swimming Pool, The Menzies Building, Monash Connect (Campus Centre), Matheson Library, Hargraves Library, Law Library, The Chancellery, The Woodside Building, Learning and Teaching Building, and Biomedical Learning and Teaching Building, Robert Blackwood Hall, The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts.
Parkville: Parkville Library, Scott Security Office G30.
Peninsula: Peninsula Library, Monash Sport, Monash Connect, George Jenkins Theatre.
- If you don’t have a smartphone, please check in via one of the kiosks below.
- Scan the Services Victoria QR code every time they enter a building. Swiping of Monash IDs on door-readers will still be required by staff and students to enter buildings with restricted access.
- Increased cleaning in all of our buildings by staff wearing Hi-Vis pink jackets, following Monash's COVID-19 Cleaning Specifications Plan which meets the DHHS guidelines. This includes:
- Wiping down high-touch surfaces in all areas across campus at the start of each day, such as faculty/division and common areas.
- Continued cleaning of high-touch surfaces in the common areas throughout the day, which includes wiping down of light switches, doors handles, lift buttons, stair balustrades, flat table surfaces in the retail and public spaces.
- Additional cleaning of restroom facilities, including wiping down of the doors, sinks and hand dryers.
- To support the University’s increased cleaning regime:
- All facilities and divisions are asked to provide alcohol wipes in their offices and areas to allow staff and students to regularly wipe down their work station and equipment - particularly shared-use equipment and spaces.
- Laboratory areas are asked to provide appropriate cleaning materials to allow staff and students to clean their work areas and shared equipment and infrastructure.
- BPD provides all central teaching spaces with cleaning materials for the academics to clean the lectern, computer and audio-visual equipment. The cleaning materials are also provided to allow students to clean down the desks/tables, chairs and any shared equipment.
- All faculties are to provide cleaning materials in their teaching and collaboration spaces for academics and students to use.
- To support the University’s increased cleaning regime:
- All staff, students and visitors must carry a face mask at all times, and wear it while indoors and outdoors unless a lawful exception applies.
- The central ventilation systems have been changed to maximise the fresh air intake of the system and increase the number of air changes in a building.
- Daytime air purging of the buildings has been programmed to provide a full fresh air change in the buildings three times during the day. Air filter systems are regularly changed.
- Staff and students are encouraged to undertake activities outside, where possible. Meetings, discussion groups etc. which do not require technology should ideally be undertaken outside if the weather permits.
- The University has a detailed management plan in place for a positive or suspected case of COVID-19 within the community, and has established a Crisis Management Team (CMT) who meet regularly to manage the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the University and its community.
High-risk health categories
In line with health advice from our Chief Medical Officer, the University commenced the return of staff that fall under the Victorian Government’s high-risk health categories to onsite work, effective 23 April 2021:
- Staff aged 70 years and over;
- Staff aged 65 and over with chronic medical conditions; and
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50.
Staff in the above-mentioned categories have returned to working at University locations on a substantive basis, or under an approved flexible arrangement as agreed with local supervisors.
Working from home arrangements for staff with poorly controlled chronic medical conditions or who are immunocompromised will continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis through their supervisors and HR.
COVID-19 vaccination appointments at UHS
Monash staff and students aged between 16-39 years who have a Medicare card can now book an appointment to receive the Pfizer vaccine at our dedicated University Vaccination Clinic adjacent to Monash University Health Service (UHS) Clayton.
UHS continues to offer the AstraZeneca vaccine to eligible staff, students and community members in line with government guidelines. Due to stock limits, Pfizer vaccination appointments are available to eligible Monash staff and students only.
One of the five reasons to leave home during lockdown is to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
International students currently in Australia have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, and can make a free appointment at a state government-run vaccination clinic, GP Respiratory Clinic, or community pharmacies that are administering COVID-19 vaccines by contacting the National COVID Booking Line (1800 675 398). More information can be found here.
It is most important that you attend your pre-booked COVID-19 vaccination appointment. Supplies remain limited and we don’t want UHS to have to waste vaccines that are not required as a result of cancellations, or staff and students not attending appointments.
Fixed-term and ongoing staff can apply for sick leave, in accordance with existing entitlements, to attend a vaccination centre or GP off-campus for COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Staff attending UHS on campus can do so without applying for leave, subject to first obtaining approval for their absence from their supervisor(s).
Students who make a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at UHS or a vaccination centre are permitted to be absent from a specific learning activity (without penalty), provided the appointment does not clash with a compulsory assessment. Students are not required to show proof of booking, however can do so if they wish.
Monash staff and students don’t need to have visited UHS previously, you can visit the UHS COVID-19 vaccinations page to make your booking.
COVID Queue
Looking for a Pfizer vaccination appointment in Victoria? COVID Queue presents available Pfizer vaccine bookings across Melbourne and regional areas in real-time. A bell will 'ding' when a new booking becomes available in your selected clinics. You should log into the Victorian Government's online portal ahead of time, so you are ready to book when an appointment becomes available.
COVID-19 vaccination information for staff and students without a Medicare card
- COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone, including staff and students who don’t have a Medicare card (such as international students).
- If you don’t have a Medicare card, you can apply for an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI).
- An IHI will enable you to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
- Applying for an IHI and being vaccinated for COVID-19 will not impact your visa status or your eligibility for government payments.
How to get an IHI
The quickest way to get an IHI is online through your myGov account. If you don’t have an account, it’s easy to create one. You’ll need one of the following identification documents:
- your passport, with a valid Australian Visa
- your Australian driver licence.
These documents will be used to verify your identity and give you an IHI. Follow these steps to get an IHI online:
- Sign in to myGov
- Select services or link your first service.
- Select IHI service from the list.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Non-Medicare card holders can only receive free vaccination appointments at Victorian Government-run GP Respiratory Clinics or vaccination centres, and community pharmacies that are administering COVID-19 vaccines. Non-Medicare card holders cannot make an appointment to be vaccinated at General Practitioners without incurring a fee.
There are a number of Victorian Government-run vaccination locations within the South East Public Health Unit (of which Monash Clayton and Caulfield are within), including Sandown Racecourse. For a full list, click here.
To book an appointment online, follow the below steps. Alternatively, you can call the National COVID Booking Line on 1800 675 398.
- Visit the online booking system
- Create an account
- Complete your ‘Personal details’ – if you don’t have a Medicare card, leave this field blank
- Complete your ‘Contact details’
- Complete the ‘Other details’
- Complete all other steps to finalise your booking
What to bring to your appointment
- a face mask
- any emails about your vaccination appointment (on your phone or printed)
- photo identification, if you have one, such as a passport or driver’s licence
- a Medicare card or IHI number
Getting to your COVID-19 vaccination appointment
If you don’t have a car or access to appropriate public transport, there are alternative options you can explore such as 13cabs, Uber or DiDi.
DiDi are offering discounted rides to COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Visit the website for more information.
Getting proof of your COVID-19 vaccination appointment
If you don’t have a Medicare card, or are not eligible for Medicare, you can get proof that you have had your COVID-19 vaccination by:
- Asking your vaccination provider to print a copy of your Immunisation History Statement (IHS) for you.
- Calling the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809. For interpreting services call 13 14 50 to have an IHS sent in the mail. It can take up to 14 days to arrive in the mail.
Top five things to remember
- One of the five reasons to leave home during lockdown is to be vaccinated against COVID-19
- The best COVID-19 vaccine you can get is the one you can get today – there are ample AstraZeneca appointments, however Pfizer appointments are limited.
- Honour your pre-booked COVID-19 vaccination appointment to ensure vaccines aren’t wasted
- Everyone has access to free COVID-19 vaccination appointments, including non-Medicare card holders
- If you have received your first COVID-19 vaccine, book an appointment or set yourself a reminder to get your second COVID-19 vaccine dose at the recommended interval.
COVID Queue
Looking for a Pfizer vaccination appointment in Victoria? COVID Queue presents available Pfizer vaccine bookings across Melbourne and regional areas in real-time. A bell will 'ding' when a new booking becomes available in your selected clinics. You should log into the Victorian Government's online portal ahead of time, so you are ready to book when an appointment becomes available.
Travel advice
View fact sheet
Key travel restrictions
- Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents are restricted by the Federal Government from travelling overseas from 25 March, 2020.
- This prohibition is aligned with the Government's decision to raise the DFAT smartraveller travel advice to level 4 - do not travel overseas.
- All requests for international travel exemptions made by Australians and other nationalities, for travel in or out of Australia, are managed by the Australian Border Force. Exemption requests may be made on the basis of:
- Essential or necessary travel
- Travel in the national interest
- Travel on compassionate and/or humanitarian grounds.
- All requests for international travel exemptions made by Australians and other nationalities, for travel in or out of Australia, are managed by the Australian Border Force. Exemption requests may be made on the basis of:
- International travel restrictions are imposed on all people arriving in Australia.
- If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and need Australian consular assistance, you can find more information on the smartraveller website.
University-related travel
Domestic travel
- As the impact and response to COVID-19 continues, including the imposition of state and territory government restrictions, travel may be subject to change at short notice across domestic borders.
- Accordingly, the University directs that domestic travel be avoided unless it is ‘absolutely essential for the performance of the traveller’s work or study and formally approved on that basis by the traveller's Portfolio Head or Dean, prior to booking.
- The traveller must check and ensure compliance with all relevant and current state and territory travel restrictions.
- All travel must be strictly in accordance with the University’s procedures.
International travel
- Effective 25 March, 2020, staff are not permitted to book any university-related international travel. For students, all curricular and co-curricular overseas programs have been suspended (see Study Abroad below). This is consistent with advice from the Australian Government's Department of Health and Smartraveller.
- This advice has been issued for two key reasons:
- Potential higher risk of contracting COVID-19 overseas.
- Travel is becoming more complex and unpredictable. Entry or movement restrictions are changing often and quickly.
- Monash is continually monitoring advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and will not compromise on the safety and wellbeing of staff and students.
- If you have any queries related to existing bookings or travel requests, including deferred travel, please contact the Monash Security Office at travelsecurity@monash.edu.
Completing students finishing at Monash and leaving Australia
- Check with a reputable travel agent concerning the status of your flight/s. It may be difficult for you to get current flight information without the support of a travel agent at this time (websites are not reliable because the information is changing rapidly).
- Check and register, if possible, with your home country embassy or consulate for information about repatriation flights that might be happening.
- If your student visa is due to expire before you are likely to be able to leave Australia, consider applying for a visitor visa or another visa which you are eligible for that allows you to extend your stay.
Travel insurance
There is different University travel insurance coverage dependent on whether you booked before, on or after Friday 6 March 2020 (AEST). In all instances, you will need to contact your travel agent, airline and accommodation provider to alter arrangements and seek a refund before submitting a claim.
Bookings made prior to 9am Friday 6 March 2020 and travelling within 60 days of this booking (students and staff)
- If you need to cancel or amend your travel for reasons permitted under the insurance policy, there is no change and losses will be reimbursed. This includes for COVID-19-related reasons. Insurance cover includes:
- Loss of deposits, cancellation costs, curtailment and disruption (including COVID-19 related disruptions).
- Medical costs and losses from cancellation, disruption or curtailment in the event of contracting COVID-19.
Bookings made after 9am Friday 6 March until 12pm Tuesday 17 March 2020 and travelling within 60 days of this booking (students and staff)
- If you need to change or cancel arrangements for any reason associated with COVID-19 before you travel, other than you have contracted the illness, (for example, an organiser cancels an event due to COVID-19 or flights are cancelled) losses incurred are not covered by the University travel insurance policy. This includes loss of deposits, cancellation costs, disruption costs and curtailment costs.
- If you need to cancel your travel prior to the scheduled travel date due to contracting COVID-19 or being required to be in self-isolation, losses of deposits, cancellation costs, disruption costs and curtailment costs are covered due to illness.
- Should you contract COVID-19 whilst travelling, you will be covered for medical expenses and associated curtailment costs under the University travel insurance policy.
- There are some instances where travel losses may be incurred that are not covered by the University’s travel insurance. The University will review requests via the hardship support process. Ensure you keep receipts and communications with travel suppliers.
Bookings made after 12pm Tuesday 17 March 2020
- If you purchased or made booking arrangements on or after 12 pm 17 March 2020, or embarked on travel commencing 12pm 17 March 2020, you will not be covered for any claim and/or loss arising due to COVID-19. This includes loss of deposits, cancellation costs, disruption and medical and/or evacuation.
Study Abroad
Since March 2020, all overseas travel programs for students have been suspended, consistent with advice from the Australian Government's Department of Health and Smartraveller. This includes exchange, independent study abroad, global work integrated learning, research, study tours, sporting and club events and co-curricular activities.
If you’ve had your exchange or study abroad program cancelled, or if you’re considering study abroad in 2022 if it becomes available, visit the Monash Abroad COVID-19 FAQs for information on your options.
Students currently in Australia
If you leave Australia at the conclusion of semester two, you may not be able to return in time for semester one 2021 and that may impact your ability to progress your studies. Currently, Australian borders remain closed to international students, with few exceptions.
Read key travel restrictions for more information.
Support for students
View fact sheet
Services available for students affected by COVID-19 pandemic
Mental wellbeing
University counselling services offer telehealth (video and phone) consultations and 24-hour services are available. In a mental health emergency, please contact: +61 2 8295 2917.
Support with fee payments
Payment plans to support students in paying fees can be applied for through the Web Enrolment System. If you are experiencing extreme financial difficulty and require a further extension on a fee payment plan, speak to Monash Connect for assistance.
Special consideration
If your circumstances are impacting your ability to complete an assessment, you can apply for special consideration.
Financial support
Student grants, including a $500 Emergency Grant for students in financial hardship, are available for those who need immediate support. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply. Student loans, either $750 short-term or $3,000 long-term, are available for study-related expenses.
Students living on campus
Monash Residential Services (MRS) continues to operate for students wishing to live on-campus.
Monash Residential Services must adhere to all Victorian Government Department of Health restrictions in relation to COVID-19 in order to support the health, safety and wellbeing of the residential community.
In response to COVID-19, Monash Residential Services (MRS) has adapted its operations to protect the health and wellbeing of residents including delivering an extended range of online community engagement programs and activities; increasing security in our residences in all halls; maintaining fully resourced Residential Support Teams for 24/7 support and supporting any residents required to self-isolate.
Residents are reminded to notify a member of their Residential Support Team if they are not well or have been tested, to enable MRS to provide appropriate support.
COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS WITHIN MONASH RESIDENTIAL SERVICES ACCOMMODATION
The University’s Chief Medical Officer has, and continues to be, in consultation with the Department of Health (DH) in relation to Victorian Government COVID-19 restrictions and their application within the Monash Residential Services (MRS) environment.
The below Department of Health restrictions within MRS accommodation are effective as of 8pm Thursday, 5 August 2021.
Capacity limits in rooms/studio apartments
- No more than two residents are permitted in any resident’s bedroom/studio apartment at a time (including the resident of that room). Both residents must be wearing a fitted face mask.
Communal space capacity limits
- You must adhere to all room capacity limits as displayed on the entrances to each communal space
- Wearing a face mask is mandatory in all indoor residential communal spaces
- It is recommended to keep at least 1.5 metres between yourself and others at all times and remember to practise good hygiene in communal spaces
- Peninsula Residential Village residents are not permitted to use the communal spaces on the ground floor of Gillies Hall
- The Clayton South East Flats and Peninsula Residential Village are viewed by the State Government as household dwellings and as such, residents of a flat can occupy the same household communal space without restriction.
- When using the shared kitchens within halls please ensure that you do not gather in the kitchen area, clean all surfaces you come into contact with and remember to practice good hygiene. Avoid sharing personal household items. You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils or tea towels with other people. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Service Victoria QR code requirements
- All residents and visitors must register using the QR code upon entry to the MRS Administration Offices and the Halls Cafe.
Face masks
- Face masks must be carried at all times and must be worn indoors and outdoors except if an exemption applies.
- Wearing a face mask is mandatory in all hall communal spaces and when visiting a MRS Administration Office or the Halls Cafe.
- Halls: Residents in Halls must wear a face mask in all communal areas outside of their bedroom/studio apartment, including bathrooms and kitchens (except when eating or drinking) and when entering/exiting the hall.
- Households: As the Clayton South East Flats and Peninsula Residential Village are viewed by the State Government as household dwellings, residents are not required to wear a face mask when inside their own residence.
- Face masks are available for residents at the MRS Administration offices at Clayton and Peninsula.
Visitors/partners
- No visitors are permitted in any type of MRS residential accommodation, except for MRS staff and authorised contractors.
- This includes no visitors from other MRS halls/residences.
MRS Halls Cafe
- The Halls Cafe remains open for take-away only and will operate 7 days a week during lockdown.
- Upon entry to the MRS Halls Cafe, all residents and visitors must register using the QR code posted at the entrance.
Other MRS areas
- The MRS Administration office hours remain as normal.
- MRS sport field (Clayton Campus) and MRS BBQ areas will be closed during this time.
- Upon entry to the MRS Front Offices, all residents and visitors must register using the QR code posted at the entrance.
- Shopping for necessary goods and services is permitted (one person per household, once per day, a support person can accompany if required).
- Public gathering for social interaction for up to two people from separate households
- Public gathering of up to five people from two households if all persons aged 18 years or older have received two vaccine doses
- Permitted for personal training for up to two people plus the trainer
Shopping
Please note that MRS Halls are not considered ‘households’ in the above context. The South East Flats and Peninsula Residential Village are considered ‘household dwellings’ by the State Government.
Public gatherings
MONASH RESIDENTIAL SERVICES RESPONSE TO COVID-19 AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Cleaning
In response to COVID-19, Monash Residential Services (MRS) has adapted its operations to protect the health and wellbeing of residents. This includes implementing additional cleaning in all communal bathrooms, toilets and common areas within halls. Permanent sanitiser stations have also been installed in each hall.
For the shared ‘household’ accommodation style in the South East Flats and Peninsula, MRS has provided residents with cleaning supplies, instructions and cleaning equipment including: bucket, dust pan, toilet brush, toilet cleaner, cloths, anti-bacterial spray, floor cleaner and gloves.
You can also find out more about the University’s campus safety measures on the COVID-19 updates website.
Department of Health correspondence/policy
Monash Residential Services (MRS) has not set any of the COVID-19 restrictions. However, it is our role to ensure government directives are strictly adhered to.
MRS and the University have been working with the Department of Health (DH) throughout this year via the University’s Chief Medical Officer.
At all times, Monash has highlighted the circumstances in our residences and worked with the DH to find the best way possible to implement the numerous health requirements. The health and safety of all our residences is our top priority throughout this time and beyond.
MRS are not trying to enforce additional restrictions to those already mandated by the DH.
Dining
Victorian Government guidelines for restaurants and cafes do not apply in Monash Residential Services (MRS) as it is a communal living environment.
'Household' classification
The Department of Health (DH) has directed that Monash Residential Services (MRS) halls are considered communal living environments, rather than households.
Mental health support
A range of mental health support services are available to Monash Residential Services (MRS) residents, including free confidential counselling via video or phone consultation. To make a booking, call (03) 9905 3020.
See this resource for more information on the support services available.
Outbreak
The University has a detailed management plan in place for a positive or suspected case of COVID-19 within the community, and has established a Crisis Management Team (CMT) who meet regularly to manage the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the University and its community.
Rent
Monash Residential Services (MRS) accommodation fees are very competitive and are 25 per cent less than market rates. We’re not offering reduced rent for residents.
Reporting/enforcing
If you see a resident breaking any Victorian Government COVID-19 regulations, please report this to your RSTO. Restrictions will be enforced by members of the Residential Support Team and MRS Services Personnel.
Any breach of the restrictions will be managed under Section 13.2 of the MRS conditions of Residency for all MRS properties except (Briggs Hall and Jackomos Hall)
Any breach of the restrictions will be referred to the office of student conduct for residents of Briggs Hall and Jackomos Hall.
Studios
The Urban Community is considered a communal living environment as each hall has a common room, games room, laundry, two kitchens on each floor and an outdoor BBQ/garden area.
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Residents are reminded to notify a member of their Residential Support Team if they are not well or have been tested, to enable MRS to provide appropriate support.
Student visas and confirmation of enrolment
- Monash understands students may be concerned about the impact an increase in online study might have on their student visa.
- The Australian Government has confirmed that Monash can deliver more than one-third of a course via online study to international students during the COVID-19 pandemic, for students both in Australia and overseas.
- We understand from the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) that qualifications would be recognised including an online study component if students are currently enrolled at the University and their on-campus study has been disrupted by COVID-19, with them having to continue their study with the university through online means during the disrupted period. Students are advised to maintain records of their communications with the University to provide CSCSE with documentation, which verifies that they have indeed been impacted by the COVID-19 situation.
- Depending on your individual course, assessments will be adapted to suit the mode of study. Please contact Monash Connect if you’d like to discuss any changes to how your course is being delivered.
Implications for your enrolment:
- The Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) that is issued by Monash is the University’s guarantee to the Department of Home Affairs that a student is enrolled in an approved Monash course, and on receipt of a CoE from Monash the Department issues the student visa. Only the Department of Home Affairs can issue or cancel a student visa.
- Once issued, there are specific visa conditions that must be adhered to. Students must remain enrolled in an approved course, and the CoE issued by Monash provides the evidence of this enrolment.
- Because Monash is now able to deliver more of your course online, the University will manage your enrolment in the following ways:
Monash won’t make any changes to your CoE if:
- You want to study online in your home country and intend to return to Australia;
- You are currently in Australia, but want to return home and study online for a period of time before returning to Australia to complete your degree; or
- You are currently in Australia, and your course has been moved to online study.
Monash will cancel your CoE if:
- You return home to complete your course with no intention to return to Australia. If you change your mind later and wish to return to Australia and your visa has been cancelled, you will need to apply for a new student visa.
Visa application and date changes
- If you’re waiting on a decision on a visa application and have a revised CoE from Monash, you should advise the Department of Home Affairs of the new CoE. This is to ensure your student visa will reflect the adjusted dates on your most recent CoE.
Other student visa changes
- The Department of Home Affairs has temporarily increased the number of hours that individuals on a student visa can work, in certain fields of work.
Other visa enquiries
- The Department of Home Affairs is the only agency with the power to issue or cancel a student visa. If you have questions about the status of your visa or your application, you should contact the Department of Home Affairs. Further information is available on their website.
Changes to international student visa arrangements:
- The Australian Federal Government announced the following visa changes for international students on 20 July:
- The Government will recommence granting student visas in all locations lodged outside Australia. This means when borders re-open, students will already have visas and be able to make arrangements to travel.
- International students will be able to lodge a further student visa application free of charge, if they are unable to complete their studies within their original visa validity due to COVID-19.
- Student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to COVID-19 will be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa.
- Graduates who held a student visa will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia if they are unable to return due to COVID-19.
- Additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where COVID-19 has disrupted access to these services.
Will online study be recognised by the Chinese Government?
- The Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) released a statement on 3 April, 2020 confirming that online study undertaken due to the impacts of COVID-19 will be recognised. Please see below translation of the statement released by the CSCSE:
- Our Centre understands and supports measures some overseas universities have implemented to help Chinese students finish their studies, such as the extension for enrolment, offering online courses, flexible final assessments and thesis' in response to COVID-19.
- If Chinese students undertake online study for part of their course due to difficulty in returning to campus, or the resultant time remaining offshore not meeting normal course requirements, these won't be factors affecting their degree certification.
- Students are advised to practise proper self-protection, follow the special measures implemented by your university at this particular time, and keep records of relevant university notices and communications.
- In response to concerns from students, our Centre will publish up-to-date information in a timely manner during COVID-19. We have set up a consultation hotline for enquiries regarding overseas qualification certification. Students can call 010-62677800 or email renzheng@cscse.edu.cn.
Support for international students
- We continue to work with the Federal Government to ensure the safe return of our overseas students who require hands-on, practical skills learning or placements to complete their studies.
- The Department of Home Affairs website states that select student cohorts can return to Australia if they have been nominated by their education institution under an approved International Student Arrival Plan. As stated on the State government’s Study Melbourne website, timing for the commencement of international student arrivals to Victoria is yet to be confirmed, following further consultation with the Australian Government. For more information about international student arrivals to Victoria, please see the Study Melbourne website.
- We are also exploring opportunities at our campuses in Sunway, Malaysia, and Suzhou, China, subject to any border restrictions of those countries, that will allow students to complete their degree in these locations, should they wish to do so.
- In addition to support from Monash, there are a range of government and community-funded packages and programs open to eligible international students studying in Victoria. Visit Study Melbourne’s COVID-19 support hub and community support and food relief page for the latest information.
Positive or suspected COVID-19 case notification: Information for supervisors
- If you are a manager/