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COVID-19 advice

The health and safety of our staff and students will always be our highest priority. Our COVID-safety measures will only work if everyone plays their part.

Current alert level

Our current campus alert level is LOW risk.

Read the ANU COVID-safe Guidelines for more information on the COVID-safe Campus Alert System.

Receive updates from ANU

All COVID updates will be communicated to staff and students via the weekly On Campus email newsletter. 

You can find previous staff On Campus and student On Campus editions here.

Download ANUOK, our campus safety app, on Google Play or the App Store, and turn on notifications to stay informed about what's happening that affects our community. To enable notifications in the app, click on current notices > about/preferences > push notifications > enable notifications.

COVID-safety at ANU

Please follow all COVID-safety measures when you come to campus including getting tested if you feel unwell.

Refer to the COVID Safety Management chapter of the University's WHS Management System Handbook for more details.

Notification of positive cases

It's important that you let us know if you test positive for COVID-19. By notifying the University, we can help determine the risk of exposure to your colleagues and students in line with ACT Health Guidelines and, where appropriate, pass this information on to colleagues and students so they can take the necessary steps.

If you test positive to COVID-19, please:

  1. Alert the University through this online form and;
  2. Inform your supervisor or course convenor.

Wearing a mask on campus

Masks are no longer required indoors at ANU except in clinical settings.  

Staff and students and visitors to campus will need to wear a mask in clinical settings until further notice. 

Wearing a mask in clinical settings 

  • You must wear a mask indoors at ANU when in clinical settings. ​ 
  • Mask are strongly recommended for students in Residences and are required if you are unwell and have to leave your room. ​ 
  • Masks are no longer required to be worn at ANU events or commercial premises.​

Exemptions in clinical settings

  • The requirement to wear a mask does not apply in the following situations:  

  • Where an individual holds a medical exemption. 
  • When teaching; if required to ensure good communication and you are comfortable doing so. You must remain at the front of the class at least 1.5 metres away from others.  ​ 
  • In laboratories identified as having sufficient mechanical ventilation and where it is considered safer not to wear a mask. You will be told if this applies to a laboratory you are using.​ 
  • To communicate with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing where visibility of the mouth is essential for communication.​ 
  • When consuming food, drink or medicine. 
  • When undertaking vigorous exercise.  
  • In an emergency.​

Why is ANU continuing to require masks in clinical settings?

  • We know that masks help stop the spread of COVID and make our community safer - and we want the campus to be the most COVID safe place it can be.​ 

  • They also give our community additional confidence as people go about their work and studies on campus.​

I am unable to wear a face mask and have a medical exemption. What do I do?

  • If you are unable to wear a face mask, you should ask for a letter from your GP confirming that you have a health condition that makes wearing a mask unsuitable. You do not need to disclose the specific health condition or reason for the exemption.​ 

Vaccination

Vaccination remains the best way to protect ourselves and our community from COVID-19. Vaccinations rates in Australia are very high and Canberra is the most vaccinated city in the world. In addition, all international arrivals to Australia are required to provide proof of full vaccination with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved or recognised vaccine.

Remember that there are many ways to keep COVID safe and vaccination is only one element. Social distancing and density limits, frequent hand washing and staying home if you're unwell are all important for staying COVID safe. More information is available in the COVID Safe Guidelines.

ANU Current position

  • The University strongly encourages staff and students to get vaccinated, including receiving a booster dose when eligible. Vaccination is required in some University settings such as in our residences and in other settings, including where required by the ACT Government.​ 

Where to get vaccinated

Returning to Campus for teaching and learning FAQs

ANU will complete the full transition to pre-pandemic modes of study in 2023. We strongly encourage students who may currently be studying remotely offshore, to make arrangements to travel to campus as soon as possible. We're looking forward to having all our students on campus next year.

When will the remote learning options for in-person courses end?

From 1 July 2023, online classes that were offered in response to the pandemic will have transitioned back to face-to-face mode through on campus delivery. Student visa holders will be expected to be on campus and studying at least two-thirds of their courses in-person, as per student visa conditions.

Why are remote learning options for in-person courses ending?

The flexible delivery mode for in-person courses and distance learning was offered in recognition of the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including domestic lockdowns and international border closures. This flexible delivery was a temporary measure introduced to ensure the safety of our students, staff and the community. It also allowed impacted overseas students, who were unable to travel, to continue their studies fully online.

With international borders re-opening and overseas students once again able to travel to Australia for study, ANU as a CRICOS registered provider of education to international students, must comply with its regulatory requirements by 30 June 2023. This is in accordance with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act.

How do I know if my program is an on-campus program?

To check if your program is on-campus in Semester 2 2023:

You can also contact your Academic College for further information: 

I am currently overseas. Do I need to return to Canberra? If so, when?

Yes, the Australian Government requires international students who hold an Australian student visa to return to study in Australia by the start of your first course(s) after 1 July 2023. This means all students enrolled in in-person programs will be expected to attend and engage in on-campus studies on ANU campuses.

We encourage all students to join us on-campus prior to Semester 2 2023 - this will maximise your university experience and ensure you do not experience delays in completing your program. Plus, you'll get to attend O-Week! Find out more about O-Week and to register for our exciting events to help you connect with the ANU community.

I am currently overseas and I am unable to travel to Australia?

If you are a continuing student on a student visa and you cannot study courses on-campus for compassionate or compelling reasons, you may consider applying for program leave (if you have already completed a course at ANU). Please refer to the Program leave - international coursework student page for more information.

I have an ongoing medical condition that makes it difficult to attend classes on campus. Can I study remotely?

If you have a disability, or an ongoing medical condition that hinders your attendance on campus, please contact Access and Inclusion to discuss options for you.

I need more information. Who can I speak to?

ANU offers a range of supports for students moving to Canberra from overseas or other parts of Australia. Visit the following pages for more information:

ANU COVID-19 positive notifications form