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Check if you're eligible for the CPP this semester 🤔

If you're studying teaching, nursing, or social work and have to undertake a placement as part of your course this semester, you may qualify for financial assistance through the Australian Government's Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP). Visit the CPP page to find out if you're eligible and how to apply. 

Register with Inclusion and Disability Services for support in formal exams ✏️

If you have a disability, medical condition, or carer responsibilities (temporary or ongoing) which may disadvantage you in your formal exams, you may be eligible for reasonable adjustments through Inclusion and Disability Services. To be approved for adjustments in your Semester 2 formal exams, you will need to apply to register, book a consultation appointment, and be registered with Inclusion and Disability Services by Wednesday 8 October (week 9). 

Please note: If you are enrolled in an intensive unit which has a final exam, please ensure you are registered with IDS three weeks prior to the commencement of the relevant exam week for that unit. 

Please see the Inclusion and Disability Services webpage for further information about the registration process.

Find out what the Student Centre can help you with 🤝

Not sure where to go for support? Find out what the Student Centre can support you with, opening hours (Monday to Friday, 9 am–4:30 pm), and ways to get in touch with the team on the Student Centre contact page.

Make sure you have your Unique Student Identifier (USI) 🪪

A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is your personal education identifier from the Australian Government, and you’ll need one to study in Australia, access your results and graduate. Make sure you have a USI and provide it to us in Sydney Student. Visit the USI knowledge article to learn more.

University life can get busy, but it’s important to make time to stay connected with friends and family. Peer Support Advisors (PSAs) are current University of Sydney students trained to help you navigate campus life, systems, and support services. Here, our PSAs share their favourite ways to check in and support friends during stressful study periods:

💬 Quick catch-ups: Dolores sends voice messages or memes to friends, while Camille schedules at least one non-negotiable weekly catch-up.

📚 Study dates together: Shysie grabs a table with friends at a café or library, working on separate tasks but taking breaks to chat.

👂 Mindful listening: Mahla and Shysie let friends speak at their own pace, reflect back what they hear, and follow up with thoughtful questions.

📱 Staying connected from afar: Cynthia arranges periodic FaceTime calls with friends overseas to keep friendships strong.

These small habits show care and help friends feel heard, supported, and connected – even during the busiest weeks.

💡 Searching for more tips? Check out the full story to read reflections from our Peer Support Advisors, and see the full list of events and activities happening the week of R U OK? Day on Thursday 11 September where you can put these ideas into practice.

Last month, students and staff came together for two panel events, AI and You, to discuss the University's approach to artificial intelligence (AI), share experiences using AI for learning and assessments, and explore the evolving role of AI in higher education. Find out what students and staff had to say AI's role in education and how we're responding to the challenges and opportunities of this technology.

Keep the conversation about artificial intelligence (AI) going by attending the Sydney Opera House's panel event Is this AI’s Black Mirror Moment? on 28 September. Enter your student details to go in the draw to win a double pass to the AI event and have the chance to see Dr Karl and other experts unpack the of impact AI.

We’re all about making sure Student News is valuable to you. Whether you'd like to see more student stories, campus events, wellbeing tips, or something else entirely, let us know what keeps you clicking!

Keen to share your experience as a USYD student, celebrate your peers or promote your student group, club or society event? Submit news, stories and events to Student News for the chance to be featured in our weekly newsletter.

Experiencing financial hardship? We're here to help.

Advertised bursaries are financial assistance available to domestic students experiencing financial hardship from specific challenges or circumstances. You may be eligible for a bursary based on your faculty, year of study, if registered with Inclusion and Disability or if you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The full list of advertised bursaries and how to apply can be found on the advertised bursaries webpage.

For the month of September, USU is running Creative Month – a campus-wide activation of innovative, creative expression that transforms everyday spaces into surprising, immersive experiences on campus.

Check out the full schedule of workshops, events and art exhibitions happening throughout the month on the USU Creative Month website and stay up to date via the @usu_usyd Instagram account. All events are free!

Life (2024) by Shai de Vletter-Sont, featured artwork of the Disability Inclusion Festival 2025.

Join us 8–23 September for interactive events, inspiring speakers, and activities at the The Disability Inclusion Festival 2025. The Festival will feature panel discussions, creative workshops, and opportunities to connect to celebrate disability inclusion. This year’s Festival artwork, Life by Shai de Vletter-Sont, reflects the theme Our stories, our community and will appear across the event.

Join us at the Chau Chak Wing Museum on Tuesday 9 September, 2.30pm for Undergraduate to postgraduate: an information session for current students. Gain valuable insights into advancing your education and career and consult directly with University experts to find the best degree for you.

Get your applications in for the 2025 Humanitarian Innovation Pitch. The Pitch is an annual national prize recognising postgraduate and higher degree by research (HDR) students for research addressing pressing issues in underserved communities. Submissions close Monday 8 September 2025.

Sharon Mose and Ethelyn Zheng. Photo credit: University of Sydney

The University of Sydney's employability program for international students has been recognised in the Australian Financial Review Higher Education Awards.

Job Smart participant Hsin-Yu Su, who graduated with a Master of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations, said she enjoyed taking on the role of a course marshal team leader at the Sydney Marathon.

“It is a great experience to be part of such a huge and important event in Sydney,” Hsin-Yu said.

“Although this is my first time volunteering and participating in the Sydney Marathon, they offered me the chance to be a team leader, which taught me to interact with crowds, communicate with people in different roles and make quick decisions.”

The University has announced Digital Sydney – our plan to make life at the University easier by creating seamless, inclusive and user-focused digital experiences. For you, this means a world-class digital environment that’s reliable, easy to use and tailored to your needs. 

Over the next seven years, we’ll be rolling out new tools and systems designed to simplify and support your journey. This includes tools powered by artificial intelligence, collaborative platforms and interactive resources to supercharge your learning. We're also introducing smarter support systems to help you succeed, plus tools to track your progress, explore career options, connect with mentors and employers, and stay engaged with the University community well after graduation. 

Download to read more about Digital Sydney (pdf, 5MB)

Mary Smoker with scholarship recipients, Daisy Grady and Kyra Dunning. Photo credit: University of Sydney/ Saman Shad.

Two students share how their scholarships led to more than just financial support – thanks to their donor, Mary Smoker, they’ve found mentorship, guidance, and a connection that feels like family. Her support has helped them focus on their studies, pursue opportunities beyond the classroom, and thrive at Sancta Sophia College.

Keep in touch

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