Student travel guidance
This page provides important guidance for undergraduate students who are:
- currently overseas on an approved program, or
- planning to travel in the coming months.
Travel disruptions and safety updates
Updated: 19 June 2026
Monash is actively monitoring global fuel supply constraints and distruptions associated with Middle East tensions. Thsese conditioons continue to affect airline operations and international transit routes, particularly through major Middle Eastern hubs.
Please note that Monash University maintains its own comprehensive risk assessment frameworks and internal travel policies. The university's active travel suspensions, safety restrictions, and specific conditions for managing risk will overlay any fluctuations or downgrades in DFAT Smartraveller levels. All staff and students must ensure their itineraries comply with Monash-specific directives prior to booking or undertaking university-related travel.
In line with DFAT Smartraveller advice, travel to and via high risk Middle East locations is suspended regardless of whether airlines recommence operations.
Graduate research students
Check our specific advice for graduate research students and their supervisors.
Undergraduate students
(Exchange or study abroad students in Europe, United Kingdom, or other regions)
As you prepare to return to Australia or Malaysia, disruptions may affect your travel plans — particularly if your journey involves transit through the Middle East.
If your flight does NOT transit through the Middle East
- No action is required at this time
- Continue to monitor airline communications
If your flight DOES transit through the Middle East
You must change your travel arrangements.
What you need to do
- Register your flight details with Monash Abroad
- Contact your airline or travel provider to review your booking and seek advice about changing your plans
- Change or cancel your flight to avoid Middle East transit routes
- Book alternative routes via Asia, the Americas, or direct services
- Keep all records (receipts, confirmations, correspondence)
- Seek refunds or credits from your airline where eligible
- Submit an insurance claimonly after airline options are exhausted
Travel through restricted locations may:
- impact your travel insurance coverage, and
- limit Monash’s ability to support you during disruptions
Before you book
- Do not book flights that:
- transit through the Middle East
- include DFAT Level 3 or 4 destinations
- Check all itineraries carefully, including:
- stopovers
- connecting flights
- code-share flights (e.g. Qantas operated by Emirates)
If you have already booked via the Middle East
- You must change your booking through your airline or provider
- If you have not yet booked your ticket and require assistance you can seek support from: Reho Study Tours via: hello@rehostudytours.com
Travel insurance and financial considerations
- Monash travel insurance applies to DFAT Level 1 and 2 destinations only
- It does not cover travel to Level 3 or 4 destinations without prior University approval
- For bookings made after 2 March 2026:
- Claims related to this disruption may be limited
- Claims are assessed case-by-case
- You must first seek refunds from airlines
You may need to:
- pay upfront for alternative flights
- seek reimbursement later through airlines or insurance
Support and advice
If you have any questions or require additional support beyond what is outlined here, please email us at monashabroad.enquiries@monash.edu