Chinese government announcement 2023 FAQ
On 28 January 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Education announced that they will not accredit any online studies undertaken by Chinese students at foreign universities in or after the first session for the Southern Hemisphere (Autumn session 2023). This means all students from China will need to study on campus from Autumn session 2023 or their qualification/degree may not be accredited by the Chinese Government.
For general information on Chinese government requirements, please consult the frequently asked questions on the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) website.
Do I need to be in Sydney for Autumn 2023?
UTS strongly encourages all students to join us in Sydney during Autumn session 2023 to maximise your learning journey and avoid delays in completing your qualification/degree. We will provide you with support to help you find accommodation and adjust to learning on campus at UTS.
Can I study online from China?
UTS recommends that you follow the advice from the Chinese Ministry of Education. Your degree may not be accredited if you study online in China for Autumn session 2023.
If you are enrolled in online subjects for Autumn session 2023, UTS strongly recommends that you make arrangement to join us in Sydney as soon as you can.
You will be able to continue to study online until you are able to arrive in Sydney. Faculties will make every effort to accommodate students requests for face-to-face study after arriving in Sydney. Remember to keep the relevant documents and emails from UTS to submit to the Chinese Ministry of Education in order to obtain your accreditation.
Can I study online from Sydney?
UTS recommends that you follow the advice from the Chinese Ministry of Education.
If you are enrolled in online subjects for Autumn session 2023, UTS strongly recommends that you make arrangement to move to face-to-face classes were possible. If you need to make official changes to your study plan that you cannot self-manage in My Student Admin, you must submit an online application called an eRequest.
Will UTS provide me with documentation to provide to the Chinese Ministry of Education about my online studies?
UTS will provide a ‘Letter of Evidence’ for eligible students from China who undertook online study in Autumn session 2023, were not able to travel to Sydney and are set to complete their studies (degree) at UTS; and continuing students who are unable to come to Sydney in Autumn session 2023 but will arrive by Spring session 2023.
To request a letter, please submit a formal request through our online portal. If your request is approved, you will be emailed a soft copy of the ‘Letter of Evidence’ within 10 working days. Please remember to keep any correspondence from UTS and other types of evidence confirming that you were not able to return to face-to-face learning in Autumn session 2023, as you may need to provide it to CSCSE at the time you apply for the certification of your degree after you complete your course.
No 'Letter of Evidence' will be provided for online study undertaken from Spring session 2023 as all international students are required to return to face-to-face study from 30 June 2023.
I completed my course before Autumn session 2023. Will my degree be accredited by the Chinese Ministry of Education?
The Chinese Ministry of Education has previously confirmed that qualifications obtained from 2020 to 2022, that include online study, will be recognised by the Chinese Government – provided a student’s studies were disrupted by COVID-19. Students are advised to retain records where possible.
Can I get help finding accommodation?
UTS Housing helps students find accommodation and provides important information about renting in Sydney. For more information, please head to the dedicated accommodation assistance page. You can also call the team on +61 2 9514 8102, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Sydney time.
Remember to look out for scams when you pay money for accommodation. If you are unsure about an arrangement, please contact us first to check.
What if I miss Orientation?
Don’t worry! We'll continue to offer Orientation activities throughout Autumn session, with weekly events and campus tours available.
Who can I talk to when I get to Sydney if I have more questions?
We are really looking forward to welcoming you! Come and visit us at the International Student Centre on Level 3A of the UTS Tower Building 1. We are here to help you with any questions you may have and can talk to other services about your questions as well.
We are open 9am to 5pm Sydney time. You can also email us at internationalstudent@uts.edu.au.