Return to campus FAQs

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We ask that future students check this webpage on a regular basis. Updates will be provided here.

From the beginning of 2023, Trinity College will return to delivering our Foundation Studies programs in on-campus mode only.

There are a few things to keep in mind with this change:

  • application and acceptance deadlines will be re-introduced for each intake that allow students and their families adequate time to organise flights and visas. Details about these deadlines can be found here.
  • For programs that commence in January 2023 and February 2023, temporary online classes will be available during the first term of studies, however, these classes are only for those students who have not been able to secure a visa/flights in time to start their program on campus. As students obtain Visas and book their flights, we expect them to travel to Melbourne and will shift them into their permanent in-person classes when they arrive.
  • If a student accepts an offer to study in a program that commences in January 2023 or February 2023, but cannot arrive in Melbourne by the first day of Term 2, they will be deferred to the next available intake and will re-start their Foundation Studies program.
  • Programs that commence in the second half of 2023 (from June onwards) will not have any online classes available and all students must arrive in time for the start of their program.

We look forward to welcoming all students back to our campus!

All students (click to expand)

Do I need to provide evidence of my vaccination status to enter Australia?

No, people entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status. For the most up to date information, please visit the Government website.

If I am unvaccinated, do I need a travel exemption to enter Australia?

No, you do not need a travel exemption to enter Australia. For the most up to date information please visit the Government website.

Do I need to complete the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration when entering Australia?

No, people entering Australia do not need to provide the Digital Passenger Declaration or Maritime Travel Declaration. For the most up to date information please visit the Government website.

Do I need to inform Trinity of the date I arrive in Melbourne?

Should I visit the campus after arriving?

Yes, to organise a time, please contact academicadmin@trinity.unimelb.edu.au 

Does Trinity still arrange airport pick-up?

Current students (click to expand)

I am a current student – am I allowed to stay in my home country while finishing my Foundation Studies program?

If you have commenced in the July Comprehensive/Plus, August Standard or September Fast Track Programs in 2022, you will be required to start your on-campus classes in Melbourne by Term 3 of your program – you will not be permitted to complete your studies online.  Please refer to this link for dates.

I am a current student – do I need to bring a device?

If you started in the first half of 2022, you will need to bring your own device. Recommended devices include MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Surface Book, Surface Pro, Surface Laptop. If you started in the second half of 2022, you will be provided with a device when you arrive at Trinity College.

I did not purchase OSHC when I accepted my offer. Can I now purchase this through Trinity for the remainder of my program?

No, you must contact a registered OSHC provider, such as Bupa, and organise cover directly. The provider will pro-rata the payment according to your arrival date in Australia. You will then present evidence of purchase when applying for your student visa.

Future Students (click to expand)

I am a future student – when do I need to accept my offer by?

You need accept your offer by the Acceptance Deadline for your intake - please refer to the following table.

I am a future student – do I need to bring a device?

No, you will be provided with a device when you arrive at Trinity College.

I did not purchase OSHC when I accepted my offer. Can I now purchase this through Trinity prior to the commencement of my intake?

No, you must contact a registered OSHC provider, such as Bupa, and organise cover directly. You will then present evidence of purchase when applying for your student visa.

Students under 18 years of age (click to expand)

How do I apply for under-18 accommodation?

Our accommodation team can assist you with this. Please contact tcfs-accommodation@trinity.unimelb.edu.au

I am under 18 and have approved family guardianship. If I am able to travel into Melbourne before Term 1 commences, will my classes be online or on campus ?

Yes, if you have family guardianship approved, and are able to arrive in Melbourne you will be able to commence study. Classes are only offered on-campus, face-to-face.

Can Trinity now issue CAAW letters for under-18 students? What is the procedure?

Yes, our accommodation team can assist you with this. Please contact tcfs-accommodation@trinity.unimelb.edu.au

If I am a current U18 student – when will my CAAW commence?

If I am a future under-18 student and I cannot arrive prior to the commencement of my program, when will my CAAW commence? What date should I book my accommodation from?

Our accommodation team can assist you with this. Please contact tcfs-accommodation@trinity.unimelb.edu.au

I am an over-18 future student. I plan on arriving in time for the commencement of the intake, but if my visa is not granted in time, who do I need to notify? Can I still study online until I arrive in Melbourne?

Our academic administration team can help you with this. You will not be able to commence your studies onine. Please contact academicadmin@trinity.unimelb.edu.au

I have purchased Bupa insurance through Trinity. If I arrive in Melbourne and contract COVID-19, who do I need to notify and will Bupa cover all my treatment costs?

Students can contact Bupa for answers to these questions on 1800 888 941 or OSHC@bupa.com.au
Please click here for more information.

How do I prove my vaccination status once I arrive in Melbourne?

People entering Australia do not need to provide evidence of vaccination status. For the most up to date information, please visit the Government website.

I am under-18 and have family in Melbourne. How do I arrange to stay with them?

Our accommodation team can assist you with this. Please contact tcfs-accommodation@trinity.unimelb.edu.au

If under-18 future students have booked accommodation for an intake commencement and the CAAW has been issued, but the visa is not granted in time, who do they notify? Do they need to apply for a new CAAW? Is the accommodation contract flexible or will there be a financial penalty if the accommodation date is extended due to the visa grant delay?

Yes, there is some flexibility – our accommodation team can assist you with this. Please contact tcfs-accommodation@trinity.unimelb.edu.au

For under-18 students who are not in Melbourne for the entire Trinity program, will Trinity's approved under-18 accommodation partners provide flexible lease dates?

Yes, there is some flexibility – our accommodation team can assist you with this. Please contact tcfs-accommodation@trinity.unimelb.edu.au

What are the approved under-18 accommodation options for Trinity College Foundation Studies students?

Can students arrive in Melbourne via tourist visa and apply for a student visa onshore? What is the process for under-18 students?

Trinity College strongly recommends students obtain their student visa first, before arriving in Melbourne, especially for under-18 students.

FAQs from 2020-21 (click to expand)

How will students receive their password and log-in details?

The Trinity College Online Learning Environment (TCOLE) username and password will be emailed direct to students four weeks prior to the relevant TCFS intake, and one week prior to the relevant TCAEP intake.

To ensure authenticity of student assessments, a student’s credentials will be cleared and re-generated if it is believed that anyone other than the student has logged into the TCOLE site.

What happens if a student visa is rejected after the commencement of online studies with Trinity College?

If a student commences online studies, is required to complete their Trinity College program in Melbourne, and has their subsequent student visa rejected, the student will receive a full tuition fee refund. All other issues relating to tuition fee refunds will be processed according to Trinity College's Refund Policy.

Am I eligible for a refund of OSHC for the period I was studying online offshore?

Yes. If you choose to use Trinity’s preferred OSHC provider, Bupa, you will be able to apply for a refund for the period of cover prior to your arrival.

If you choose another OSHC provider, you will need to contact that provider to seek advice.

Once you have booked your airline tickets to Australia you will need to email the BUPA team at bupaoshcpartnership@bupa.com.au with the following information:

  1. Student name
  2. Bupa membership number or student ID
  3. Airline ticket showing date of arrival
  4. Copy of student visa
  5. Bank account details for any refund due (the refund will then be calculated based on the end date of the student visa).

    Australian bank accounts
    Account name:
    BSB:
    Account number:

    International refunds
    Country:
    Bank name:
    Branch address:
    Account name:
    Account number:
    Beneficiary's address:
    Swift code:
    Branch identifier [IBAN or IFSC code]:

You can contact Bupa either prior to arrival or once you have arrived for Bupa to process this change. You will then receive an email confirmation of the change along with a new verification letter.

How will Trinity College be delivering its intakes in 2021 and 2022?

Currently our 2021 intakes to date have commenced online. Whilst we hope to offer our future 2021 and 2022 intakes face to face in Melbourne, this will be dependent on Australian Government border policies closer to the time. If the Australian Government opens its borders to any countries prior to the relevant intake start date, students will have the option to commence face to face if they are able to secure a student visa in time.

How long will students be required (or able) to study online?

Students will be required to study online until the Australian Government reopens its borders to international students.  Please note that Trinity will continue offering online studies until all students are able to travel to Melbourne.  Unfortunately we do not have a date for this as yet.

Will students be disadvantaged from studying online?

With Trinity College transitioning to online study in March 2020 due to the pandemic, our February Main 2020 students studied the majority of their curriculum online, with the July Fast Track 2020 intake studying the entire program online. We are proud that there was no decline in the percentage of students eligible to study at the University of Melbourne at the end of both programs when compared with previous years, with a very high percentage commencing studies at the University in Semester 1, 2021.

Has Trinity College received feedback from current students regarding the experience of studying online?

An online survey was recently conducted with our online students. The below information captured the student experience of 85 student respondents who commenced their program online.

Overall impressions

Students found online learning a positive experience. An overarching theme from the survey emerged suggesting a significant desire to build a strong online community, that fosters both academic support, personal camaraderie and the human connection.

Recorded lectures

Students like the fact that they 'can pause the recording or return back to it later for a better understanding.’

Tutorials

92% of respondents stated that the live online tutorials provide the support needed to have a positive learning experience.

Online break-out rooms

80% feel more relaxed in these smaller groups; this includes their mentor sessions.

Student orientation

Students found that the orientation activities helped them feel prepared for class, and to meet their peers and teachers.

Library services

Students are appreciative of the access and support offered by our librarians.

Students in the 2021 January Comprehensive suite of intakes were surveyed a month after their commencement about their thoughts on Trinity, including what ‘surprised them’.  Below are just a few of their responses:​

  • I’m surprised that all the teachers are responsible and dedicated. When I send messages on weekend to teachers, I receive long, detailed and comprehensive feedback which helps me a lot. 

  • In Trinity, teachers are so kind that I often receive a long section of feedback and encouragement on my homework. And every time I ask them a question, they will enthusiastically answer until I understand, which makes me feel very surprised and happy. 

  • I love all the teachers there because of their friendly and patient attitude. Actually it reduces my nervousness about learning in a new school. ​ 

  • ​I am quite surprised that I can chat with teachers like friends and that they give a lot of useful advice to me.  Before I went to Trinity, teachers in my country were really serious. 

  • I was surprised that teachers would check homework and then send me a message telling me how to modify it. 

If students have the ability to commence in Melbourne whilst the borders remain closed to international visitors (eg they are currently studying at a high school in Australia), will Trinity provide face to face teaching in 2021 and 2022?

Trinity College will ascertain the numbers of onshore future commencing students four weeks prior to each intake. We will then communicate directly with those students as to the format of lectures and tutorials. We currently have a small number of 2021 February Main students studying face to face tutorials on campus.

Has the University of Melbourne endorsed Trinity College’s approach to online teaching whilst the borders are closed?

The University of Melbourne is a prestigious Australian university with an international focus. Founded in 1853, the University upholds a long and outstanding academic tradition and commitment to world-class research and innovation.

To enable students to continue with their University studies throughout this pandemic and in establishing its own virtual campus, the University has taken extraordinary care to create an environment that provides students with the opportunity to study effectively, achieve their learning objectives and ensure their skills and knowledge are fully recognised.

Through our Academic Board, the University supports the same approach for the Trinity College Foundation Studies Program, which will be providing remote learning until such time as it is possible for students to study in person in Melbourne. The Trinity College Foundation Studies Program is considered suitable as an entry pathway for international students who wish to go on to become University of Melbourne undergraduates.

Professor Michael Wesley
Deputy Vice Chancellor International

Will Trinity issue COEs and CAAW letters for future intakes?

Trinity College will issue COEs for future intakes. Please note that the Australian borders still remain closed, and students do not require a student visa for commencement of an online intake. Please continue to monitor the Department of Home Affairs website for further information regarding visas.

Trinity College will not issue CAAW letters for under-18s students until the booking at one of our approved under-18 accommodation providers is confirmed through our Accommodation Office. This can be undertaken once students are able to travel to Australia. Please contact tcfs-accommodation@trinity.unimelb.edu.au if you have further queries relating to this. Flights should be booked in line with the commencement dates of the accommodation contract – please include a copy of the flight itinerary.

Do I need a student visa to commence my study online?

No, whilst you are studying online outside of Australia and travel restrictions remain in place, you will not need a student visa to commence your studies. A student visa is required to enter Australia and to participate in an eligible course of study. You will need to apply for your student visa once the travel restrictions are lifted, or a date for the restrictions to be lifted is confirmed by the Australian Government, and you wish to travel to Melbourne to continue your studies.

Accepting your offer

You will need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) to commence your studies, irrespective of whether you’re applying for a visa or not.

Your CoE will be issued as part of the acceptance process. In order to complete your acceptance and receive your CoE you will need to:

  • Pay your tuition fee deposit
  • Provide evidence of your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your packaged course.  If OSHC is not purchased at the time of acceptance, this will need to be undertaken directly with the chosen OSHC provider when the visa application is lodged.  Home Affairs will not issue a student visa without proof of OSHC purchase.

I am an under 18 international student. Do I need to apply for a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) if I cannot commence my studies in-person in Australia?

If you are under the age of 18 and wish to commence your studies online from your home country while there are travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19, you do not need to apply for a CAAW. This is a temporary arrangement. Once travel restrictions are lifted and you wish to enter Australia, you will need to have your accommodation and welfare arrangements approved for a CAAW to be issued.

Do I need to apply for a student visa if I am under 18 and commencing my studies in my home country?

If you commence your studies online in your home country due to travel restrictions and you are under the age of 18, you do not need to apply for a student visa. This is a temporary arrangement. Once you are able to travel to Australia to resume your studies in person, you will need to apply for a visa and have your accommodation and welfare arrangements approved to be issued with a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW).

What happens if the Australian borders are not re-opened during the relevant Trinity College intake?

If a student is required to complete their entire Trinity College program online due to Australian Government border policy, a student visa will not be required for the program. A tuition fee refund is not possible in this case after commencement of online studies. All other issues relating to tuition fee refunds will be processed according to Trinity College's Refund Policy.

Will students need to bring their own device?

Yes – students can bring any device but considering the teaching requirements, the following devices are recommended:

  • MacBook Pro
  • MacBook Air
  • Surface Book
  • Surface Pro 
  • Surface Laptop

Students need to have a web camera, either in their computer or connected to it.

If students wish to bring an Apple device, they will need to connect the device to the internet and register this at the following web link:  https:/trinity.rainmd.com/enrol.  As a security measure, the student will be asked to enter their Trinity username and password.

What internet capability and access will I require?

Stable direct internet connection (without VPN) providing at least 2Mbps of upload and 2Mbps of download bandwidth. Preferred access method would be a wired connection to the internet modem and where that’s not possible, wireless should suffice. Application URL’s and connection details will be shared at relevant point in time.

What support will Trinity College's IT Department provide - both in the lead up to, and during, the intake?

The ITS Help Desk will support Agents or prospective students for any questions or problems they might have. Hours of operation are 0800 hrs – 2000 hrs (AEST), Monday to Friday. ITS Help Desk can be contacted  through the following channels:

Will the same tuition fee be applicable?

Given we will not be issuing a Trinity College iPad to students commencing in online TCFS intakes, we will be reducing the fee by A$1,000, which will be deducted from their second semester instalment. TCAEP fees will remain the same.

For Main and Fast Track 2021 intakes, fees will be maintained at the 2020 level in recognition of the challenging economic climate that we are all operating within. This will be applied through a A$1,330 discount. We hope this one-off gesture enables, in some small way, more students to pursue their studies with Trinity College.

Will students be required to attend online tutorial classes at a specified time?

Yes, all tutorials will be timetabled and attendance will be monitored for all classes. Students will be able to download online lectures at a time convenient to them, but will be required to attend their online tutorial in accordance with their timetable. No face to face tutorials will be scheduled before 10.30am AEST. Wherever possible, students from regions other than Asia will have a tailored timetable created taking into account their relevant time zone.

All TCAEP classes will commence at 10am AEST.

How will online teaching be delivered?

The teaching will be delivered via TEAMS (Office 365) and will follow our current model of lectures and tutorials, plus online consultations. All students will also receive online support not just for academic success but for their well-being. Click here to view examples of our online lectures.

How will assessment be undertaken?

Assessments will use a variety of online tasks from quizzes to essays to videos and interviews. While there will be no face to face exams, we will use the exam period to assess students in a variety of ways that have all been approved by the University of Melbourne.

Is Music still available?

At this point in time Music is available and the University of Melbourne is developing online delivery methods. The College plans to connect each student to an online tutor. 

The Music surcharge will be waived.

Will subjects involving laboratories still be offered online?

Yes.

How will laboratories be managed?

Laboratories will be assigned to each student via their online timetable. Laboratory demonstrators will explain and demonstrate how to conduct each experiment and how to handle equipment.

Click here to watch a video on how our online laboratory classes are run.

Will laboratory fees be waived for relevant subjects taught online?

Yes

What websites will Foundation Studies students need to view / access?

What websites will TCAEP students need to view / access?

What online academic support will students be offered from Trinity College's teachers?

Outside of live tutorials, one on one consultations with teachers are offered to all students throughout semester. Students will also ‘meet’ with their mentor (in most cases one of their teachers) on a regular basis during the program. The level of academic support provided to students will be the same when compared with face to face teaching, however will be provided in a format conducive to online teaching.

How will Trinity College support and enhance the wellbeing and performance of students during online studies?

Students in collaboration with their Trinity College mentor, will create their own personalised wellbeing plan. The My Wellbeing Planner is the evidence-based tool that helps students do well in their studies as well as have a good wellbeing. There will also be ‘virtual’ clubs and societies which students can join, so as to meet students outside of their classes.

COVID-19 update from Study in Australia

Click here to view the update.

What is the current Australian Government policy regarding people arriving from overseas?

Information can be found here.

Who can students contact if they have any questions relating to booking accommodation in Melbourne?

Who can students contact if they have questions not indicated above?

Please contact foundationstudies@trinity.unimelb.edu.au or click on the Trinity College website chat icon to talk with our Admissions staff live, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday AEST.