Please select a section to find your frequently asked questions. Please use the 'Contact Us' form if the information you are seeking is not shown.
Do I need to apply to enrol in courses offered by Sydney Short Courses.
A small number of courses require an application before enrolment. This may be due to limited places, competitive entry, or eligibility criteria linked to professional experience or special funding arrangements. If a course has an application process, full details will be provided in the “Application process” accordion on the course page. We recommend reviewing this information carefully before applying.
What are Bridging Courses?
Bridging courses are short educational programs specifically designed by the University of Sydney academics to help you acquire the assumed knowledge or foundational skills required for a particular course or subject.
Who can enrol in Bridging Courses?
These courses are open entry to anyone with an interest in the topic, they are designed for students who may not have the necessary prerequisites for their desired program of study. The aim of a bridging course is to prepare you for successful participation in your intended course by covering essential concepts and skills.
What happens if my course gets cancelled?
An email will be sent notifying you that your course has been cancelled, and you will automatically receive a credit note for the amount paid. Please contact us to have this converted to a refund.
Can I transfer or reschedule my course?
- We require a minimum of 7 days’ notice (excluding public holidays) to either reschedule or cancel your enrolment.
- If you wish to cancel or reschedule your enrolment with less than 7 days (excluding public holidays) prior to your class start date due to extenuating circumstances (e.g. illness), you will need to provide supporting documentation explaining your inability to attend your course (e.g. a medical certificate). Note, we cannot accommodate changes in work or personal circumstances (i.e., changes to company policy or work schedule).
- Alternatively, you can elect to transfer the enrolment to another individual at no cost. Please contact us for assistance.
- Please refer to our full terms and conditions for a list of cancellation policy exemptions.
Am I eligible for a refund?
We provide refunds in the following circumstances:
- If you cancel your enrolment within 24 hours of purchase (exclusions apply)
- If Sydney Short Courses cancels your class
- If Sydney Short Courses is legally obliged to do so.
Please refer to our full terms and conditions for further information regarding our cancellation policy.
Where can I find the details of my credit voucher?
If you have been issued a credit voucher, the details will have been sent to you in an email from short-courses@sydney.edu.au. This includes a unique voucher code, expiry date, and credit amount.
Please contact us if you have been issued a voucher but have not received an email confirmation.
My credit voucher has expired. Can I still use it?
Our credit vouchers are valid for 36 months. No extensions are possible.
Where are Sydney Short Courses held?
Sydney Short Courses are held online and at various locations across The University of Sydney campuses, or within the Sydney area. Please refer to the session details listed under the ‘class schedule’ section of our course outlines to see session locations.
How do I get to The University of Sydney?
Please see the university's Getting to Campus page for public transport and parking options.
Where is my course if the Venue is ‘TBA’?
If your course is ‘face-to-face (venue TBA)’, it will be located at one of the university's campuses or an external venue, but the exact classroom and building has not yet been assigned. You will receive a venue update email once a venue has been allocated.
How many people are in each class?
Generally, face-to-face classes are between 8-30 people. However, please note that class sizes vary, depending on the course, location, etc. Please contact us to confirm current class numbers and vacancies.
I want to contact a course facilitator, where can I find their contact details?
Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with facilitators’ contact details. Please contact us and we can contact them on your behalf.
What is a corporate pass?
Provides organisations with an option to purchase credit in advance so their team members can enrol in identified and pre-agreed courses without individual staff having to pay upfront.
It provides your organisation with full visibility and control over who enrols and which classes they can access.
Each time the pass is used instead of payment, an automated invoice is sent to your nominated email address. No payment is required—these invoices are for tracking purposes only, allowing you to monitor usage.
For more information visit our corporate pass page
How do I arrange to purchase a corporate pass?
Please contact us so we can find out more about your organisational requirements.
Do I get a Digital Badge for completing a Sydney Short course?
Digital Badges are issued for microcredentials only and not for short courses.
Do I get a certificate for completing a Sydney Short course?
We provide a Statement of Completion to participants who complete their course. You will be sent a Statement of Completion email which will include a PDF download link. The timing depends on course-specific requirements, but it is typically issued within one week of completing those requirements. You can also link the Statement to your LinkedIn profile.
Do I get continuing professional development points for completing a Sydney Short course?
You are advised to check with your professional or governing body to determine if the educational activity undertaken meets their CPD criteria. You will be provided with a Statement of Completion, which will confirm that you have completed the course and will include the dates and total duration. Digital Badges also include verification that confirms the course duration and date completed. Please refer to the individual Course pages to find out the number of Professional Development points offered, if applicable.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
I can’t find my Statement of Completion or the email, how can I get another copy?
You can log in to the Student Portal using the same details you used to enrol to download a copy.
Read further instructions on the Student Portal page.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
What types of courses does Sydney Short Courses offer?
Sydney Short Courses provides an extensive range of courses developed by our colleagues in the University’s faculties, schools and centres. These include:
- Bridging Courses
- Executive education
- Microcredentials
- Professional development
- Short Courses
How are courses delivered?
Courses are delivered either face-to-face or online. You can find out more on the where you can learn page.
Does Sydney Short Courses provide digital badges?
Digital badges are only provided for successful completion of microcredentials. We provide Statement of Completions for all other courses offered through Sydney Short Courses
What discounts are available?
Each course registration page with provide you a clear outline of what discounts are available, these include:
- Early bird discounts
- Group discounts
- University of Sydney alumni, staff and students
- Past SE Plus course registrants for new SE Plus courses
- Chau Chak Wing Museum members
Please check individual course pages and classes for information. Noting that discounts cannot be applied cumulatively to lead to a greater total.
Does Sydney Short courses offer fee support?
As Sydney Short courses are non-accredited (no exams or formal AQF qualification), there is no capacity for course fees to be covered by HECS / HELP loans or any other payment plan options. Full payment is required at time of enrolment.
How can I get a PDF copy of my invoice?
The tax invoice email you received when you paid for your enrolment contains a link that's active for 30 days and some instructions on how to download a PDF copy of your Invoice.
Alternatively, you can log in to the Student Portal using the same details you enrolled with and navigate to the “History” > “Finance” section to download a copy.
Read further instructions on the Student Portal page.
How can I enrol?
Most courses on the Sydney Short Courses website are open for immediate enrolment and payment. We encourage prospective participants to review the “Who is this course for?” and “Prerequisites” sections on each course page to ensure the course is a good fit before enrolling.
I have enrolled in a course at Sydney Short Courses, what happens now?
Once your enrolment has been processed, you will receive the following emails:
- Enrolment confirmation: you will receive this immediately after your enrolment has been processed.
- Tax invoice: the payer of your enrolment will receive this immediately after your enrolment has been processed.
- Course reminder: you will receive a reminder 3 days before your class.
- Course materials: Depending on which course you enrol in, you may receive a SharePoint link and password to access course materials 2 days before your class. If your course is being delivered via our online learning platform (Canvas), details of your user login and how to access the coursework will be sent in a separate email.
- Learning Management System: If your course is being delivered via our online learning platform (Canvas), details of your user login and how to access the coursework will be sent in a separate email.
- Zoom link (for online classes only): If your course is presented via Zoom, you will receive a Zoom link and password 2 days prior to class commencement. If your course has multiple sessions, use the same link and password to access each session.
Please contact us for assistance should you not receive any of these emails.
Is lunch included?
Lunch may be provided for courses that are more than five hours long. Please check your Enrolment Confirmation or Course Reminder emails to confirm whether your course includes meals.
If I am no longer able to attend a class in person, can I attend online?
No, you can’t. Our online classes run separately from our face-to-face classes. Please contact us to request an enrolment transfer into an alternate class. Terms and conditions apply.
The class I want is full or no class is available. Can I join a waitlist?
Yes. Click the 'Join waiting list' button shown under the course simply add your details and you will be notified when a new class has opened up.
Can I join more than one waitlist?
Yes. You can join multiple course waiting lists and will be notified when each has a new class added.
Will you add extra sessions if demand is high?
Sometimes. Being on the waiting list helps us gauge interest and may lead to additional dates.
Can international students enrol into Sydney Short courses?
Yes. All our courses are open to everyone for enrolment, including visitors on holiday and temporary residents. Note, as our online classes are run in real-time from Sydney, please consider any time differences prior to enrolment.
Can I get a student visa from enrolling in a course at Sydney Short courses?
Sydney Short Courses provide a range of non-award courses. Registrants cannot use enrolment in a non-award course to support eligibility requirements for entry into Australia for study or student visas.
Are there any placement tests for language courses?
We don't have placement tests for our language courses, so please review the course outlines carefully to determine which course is appropriate for you. For additional assistance or advice, please contact us.
Please check your course information for any language prerequisites.
How will I access my course?
You will receive instructions by email before your course starts, including details on how to access any online learning platforms, course materials, or virtual classrooms.
When will I receive access to my course materials?
Access arrangements vary by course. Any pre-reading, resources, or access instructions will be provided prior to the course commencement date.
I haven't received my course access details. What should I do?
Please check your junk or spam folder first. If you still cannot locate the email, contact Sydney Short Courses at short-courses@sydney.edu.au for assistance.
Will I have access to course materials after the course ends?
Access periods vary by course. Information about ongoing access to course materials will be provided as part of your course information.
Will recordings be available if I miss a session?
Not all courses or sessions are recorded. Where recordings are available, participants will be advised by the teaching team.
What should I do if I have technical difficulties accessing my course?
Contact Sydney Short Courses at short-courses@sydney.edu.au for assistance.
How are course materials distributed or accessed?
Check your enrolment confirmation for full details.
For courses that utilise Canvas, course material is available through the Canvas course website.
For the Criminal Law CPD Series, the webinars are released on a rolling schedule and available through SharePoint.
For Sydney Executive Plus courses, you will be contacted directly by their team to ensure your access.
What is the MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme
For more information see MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme. You can contact MySydney Entry and Scholarship via email at admission.pathways@sydney.edu.au.
Do MySydney Scholarship recipients receive complimentary enrolment into Faculty of Science Bridging Courses?
MySydney scholarship recipients starting their studies at the University of Sydney, may qualify for complimentary enrolment in the Faculty of Science Bridging Courses prior to the commencement of the semester. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive a separate invitation to register for these courses from the MySydney Scholarship team.
What type of online courses are available?
Our online courses include short courses, continuing professional development and microcredentials.
Some of our courses are completely self-paced and can be completed at your convenience. Others have live sessions which are recorded for playback.
How will my live (synchronous) online course be conducted?
Online classes are run through a platform called Zoom, which allows for real-time, interactive classes. Facilitators and participants interact through audio and video, and the facilitator shares their screen with the class for the purpose of demonstrations. Zoom also allows for the class to be split into smaller groups, for group work and other activities. Please ensure that you have a stable internet connection.
Do I have to attend my live (synchronous) online class at the scheduled time, or will it be recorded?
With the exception of Sydney Executive Plus courses, you are required to attend the live sessions.
Using Zoom
If you have not received your Zoom link within 24 hours of the first date, please contact us
Please ensure that you can access Zoom prior to the course commencement. You can create a free account at Zoom Workplace (download the desktop or mobile app) and sign in. Click Join and enter the provided Meeting ID and passcode to attend.
Do I need to install special software?
You may need to have specific software pre-installed for some courses. Please read the course outline and all course communications thoroughly.
My course is face-to-face - where can I park?
For courses delivered on campus we offer parking options for drivers, but also encourage the use of transportation like cycling and public transport. For more details, visit the Getting to campus web page, or contact the Traffic and Parking Office on 02 9351 3336.
Course outlines on the Sydney Short Courses website feature links to site pages in the “Upcoming Classes” section. Site pages include maps to help you find public parking near the class location. Please note that Sydney Short Courses cannot validate parking tickets.
What payment methods does Sydney Short courses accept?
We accept the following payment methods:
- Mastercard
- Visa
- American Express (only available for enrolments made through the Sydney Short Courses website)
- Electronic bank transfer (by prior agreement only) requiring the completion of request for company invoice form
- Journal transfer (University of Sydney staff only) requiring the completion of journal transfer form
My employer is paying for my course. Is it possible to be invoiced?
Yes. If your employer is paying for your course, there are two options.
Yes. If payment will be made by credit card, you can enter your company details during the checkout process so the invoice is issued in your company’s name. Instructions are available here: https://short-courses.sydney.edu.au/payment-options
If payment will be made by EFT, please fill out the Company Invoice Authorisation Form. Once we receive the necessary details, your enrolment/s will be processed accordingly, and an invoice will be issued to the payer. Please note enrolments will be processed once payment has been made.
How can I get a PDF copy of my invoice?
The tax invoice email you received when you paid for your enrolment contains a link that's active for 30 days and some instructions on how to download a PDF copy of your Invoice.
Alternatively, you can log in to the Student Portal using the same details you enrolled with and navigate to the 'History' > 'Finance' section to download a copy.
Where I can find out more information about how my personal information is managed.
Yes. All our courses are open to everyone for enrolment, including visitors on holiday and temporary residents. Note, as our online classes are run in real-time from Sydney, please consider any time differences prior to enrolment.
What is a self-paced course?
This is a course that is delivered fully online. You can learn at your own pace accessing a variety of educational content and tools. Each course page will indicate the duration of time you have access to the online course, please review this before purchasing.
What technology and software does Sydney Short Courses use for online courses and to distribute course materials?
We use the following software:
- Zoom to deliver online courses in real-time
- SharePoint to distribute course materials (Law only)
- Canvas to deliver online sessions, distribute course materials, administer assessments, and support self-paced learning
Please check your course reminder email or the course outline for software requirements specific to the course you are attending.
I’m using my own device in class, why can’t I connect to the Wi-Fi?
Your computers security settings may prevent you from joining the free University Wi-Fi network. If you have antivirus software on your device, you may need to disable the firewall to join the network. Alternatively, we recommend using your smartphone’s ‘personal hotspot’ to connect your computer to the internet.
My course is BYO device, will I need to install special software?
You will need to have specific software pre-installed for some courses. Please read the course outline and all pre-course communications thoroughly as these will outline in detail what is required.
A computer will be provided by Sydney Short Courses for my IT class, will I need my own account to use any software?
If using our computers in class, you will be able to use our training accounts to log into any required software. We encourage participants to exercise caution and avoid the use of any personal accounts, or accounts provided by your workplace, when using Sydney Short Courses devices.
Is Sydney Short Courses able to accommodate participants with special needs (e.g. mobility, dietary requirements, hearing or sight impaired, and more)?
We make every effort to accommodate participants with special needs. For example, dietary requirements will be provided to the caterer, a venue without stairs will be allocated to accommodate mobility issues, and most University venues are equipped with Hearing Loops and Braille signage. Please ensure you list any special needs when you enrol.
Will Sydney Short courses give me entry or pathway into university award courses?
No, none of our courses provide a pathway to University entry.