Vaccination information

You can withdraw from units until the last withdrawal date displayed on the Academic Calendar. If you withdraw from a unit after the census date has passed but prior to the last withdrawal date, you will be liable for the full fees of the unit/s, however you will not be academically penalised. If you withdraw from a unit during this window, you will have a WD (withdrawn) recorded against the unit on your Academic Transcript. 

If you are a student studying on campus, you can withdraw from units via eStudent. 

Further information is available in our

The academic penalty date or last withdrawal via eStudent, is the last date you are able to withdraw from units within that study period.

If you withdraw from a unit any time between the census date and the academic penalty date, you are liable for the full fees of the unit/s, however you will not be academically penalised. If you withdraw from a unit during this window, you will have a ‘WD’ for withdrawn recorded against the unit. If you are withdrawn from a unit after the last date to withdraw, you will have a ‘Fail’ recorded against the unit.

If you have experienced an adverse and unexpected event that has had a significant impact on your studies and created a need for you to withdraw from a unit after the academic penalty date, you will need to lodge an application for a refund and remission of fees to withdraw.

View the academic calendar on the Curtin website for these dates. Ensure you select the relevant study period for your course when viewing the calendar. 

If you still require assistance you can submit an online enquiry with Curtin Connect.

State Government modelling and experience interstate and internationally illustrates that even with a high vaccination rate of 90% of persons aged 16 or older, COVID-19 will still be transmitted in the community and there is still the potential for individuals to become seriously ill or die from COVID-19. 

The University has a duty to, as far as reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a working environment in which employee are not exposed to hazards and to provide a safe environment for students, contractors and visitors to our campuses.

Vaccinations are considered to reduce transmission of COVID-19, and importantly, reduce the likelihood of severe illness and death. We consider that mandating vaccinations is the control which will be most effective in minimising the risks from COVID-19 to Curtin’s community.

Curtin University requires all employees to be vaccinated, provided they are eligible and can be vaccinated.  

In addition, Curtin University requires anyone 16 years or older attending our campuses or activities in Western Australia to be vaccinated. This includes: 

• Students
• Contractors
• Tenants
• Visitors (including those attending events held on our campuses)

From 21 February 2022, staff and students are required to provide evidence that they have been administered with at least one dose of an approved vaccine or have a University exemption.

From 21 March 2022, staff and students are required to provide evidence that they have been administered with two doses of an approved vaccine or have a University exemption.

Staff and students will also then need to provide evidence of any subsequent booster dose or doses of an approved vaccine recommended by ATAGI website within 1 month of being classified by ATAGI as eligible to receive the same, or any longer period as determined by the Chief Operating Officer.

Curtin University has made vaccination a requirement for anyone attending our Western Australian campuses and any activities we organise or facilitate in third-party or public settings involving physical interactions with other people.

The requirement only applies for students who plan to visit a University campus, including any events the University may hold on or off campus (e.g. Graduations).

If you are completing your studies remotely and do not plan to attend campus (e.g. to visit a library or attend an event including in-person Graduations when they are able to resume) then you will not need to meet the vaccination requirement.

However, if you do intend to visit campus for any of these reasons, then you need to meet the vaccination requirement before you attend.

The University has a duty to, as far as reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a safe environment for students, staff, contractors and visitors to our campuses. 

Curtin University has been monitoring and evaluating our safety controls throughout the pandemic and has added the vaccination requirement as a control measure to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and the severity of illness from COVID-19 on Curtin campuses.

Although the government has removed the requirement to show proof of vaccination to enter venues and businesses, mandatory workplace vaccination requirements and Curtin's vaccination mandate remain in place. COVID Marshals will continue to randomly check the vaccination status of people on campus, including at events.

Domestic students can book now with Curtin Perth Medical Centre, you can book an appointment online, by visiting reception, or by calling (08) 9266 7345. Alternatively you can find a vaccine clinic closer to your location on the Roll up for WA website.

International students cannot be vaccinated at the Curtin Medical Centre, and will need to go to a Vaccine Hub. Please see locations on the Roll up for WA website.

The Curtin Perth Medical Centre has a team of dedicated general practitioners and other health care professionals who can administer the COVID-19 vaccines. For information on how to book an appointment please visit the Curtin Medical Centre website.

International students cannot be vaccinated at the Curtin Medical Centre and will need to go to a Vaccine Hub. Please see locations on the Roll up for WA website.
 

Yes, if you have been vaccinated with a vaccine approved for use in Australia or recognised for the purpose of travel to Australia, by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

COVID-19 vaccines including boosters are free for everyone in Australia, as per the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

To help you make an informed decision, you should contact a trusted medical practitioner. 

Students can also book an appointment with a GP at the Curtin Perth Medical Centre if they have questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccination. Please note that effective immediately, Curtin Health Services is moving to telehealth. If you are an existing patient, book a telehealth appointment online. If you are a new patient please call 9266 7345 to book an appointment. Please read the OASIS news item for more information. See the Medical Centre website for details.
 

Vaccinations will be at no cost to the recipient.   A Medicare card may be required at general practices for bulk-billing purposes.

If you are an international student, you can access a free COVID-19 vaccine without a Medicare card. Please visit the Department of Health's Vaccine Clinic Finder to help you find vaccination centres.

All Curtin policies and procedures have a review date, which is usually every three years. The review date in the draft policy and procedures circulated in the engagement period is earlier, being on 1 April 2023. Given how rapidly the situation is evolving, Curtin will regularly review the policy and procedures.

Students may provide proof of their vaccination status by completing the COVID-19 Vaccination Status Collection webform. This must be completed by all students by 11.59pm Sunday 20 February 2022.

Students may provide proof of their vaccination status by completing the COVID-19 Vaccination Status Collection webform. 

Evidence of acceptable vaccination documentation to the University will be a copy of the person’s:
a)    COVID-19 digital vaccination certificate - downloaded from your Medicare App;
b)    Immunisation History Statement;
c)    international COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate issued by the Commonwealth Government to the person showing the COVID-19 vaccination recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register; or
d)    Other evidence approved by the Chief Operating Officer or Provost (or their delegate).

In order to have your documentation validated, your evidence must contain your full name, date of birth and all vaccination dates that you have indicated on your webform. If your name is different to the name prefilled on your webform, please also upload change of name evidence.

All COVID-19 vaccinations provided will be reported to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).  Find the best way to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination on the Services Australia website.

Where you are vaccinated with a vaccine approved or recognised by the TGA, we will also accept a foreign vaccination certificate that meets the criteria set out by the Australian Passport Office in its guidance on foreign vaccination certificates, available on the Australian Passport Office website.

Vaccines approved or recognised by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Current approved and recognised vaccines are:

• AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
• AstraZeneca COVISHIELD
• Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty
• Moderna (Spikevax or Takeda)
• Sinovac Coronavac
• Bharat Covaxin
• Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (for people under 60 years of age on arrival in Australia)
• Gamaleya Research Institute Sputnik V
• Novavax/Biocelect Nuvaxovid
• Johnson & Johnson/Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine.

Mixed doses count towards being fully vaccinated as long as all vaccines are approved or recognised by the TGA. Doses of Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV only count towards being fully vaccinated if the traveller is under 60 years of age on arrival in Australia.

Please refer here for further information in regards to the vaccines and doses approved for use in Australia. For further information about the International COVID-19 vaccines recognised by Australia click here.

No. If you were vaccinated outside of Australia, you must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved or recognised by the TGA. This vaccination needs to be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register when you get to Australia. However, you may be eligible for a State Government temporary exemption (which Curtin recognises) in certain circumstances.

Once your vaccination record is included on the Australian Immunisation Register, it will appear on any of the following which can be submitted as evidence of your vaccination status:

• COVID-19 digital certificate
• International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
• Immunisation history statement

However where you are vaccinated with a vaccine approved or recognised by the TGA, we will accept a Foreign vaccination certificate that meets the criteria set out by the Australian Passport Office in its guidance on foreign vaccination certificates, available on the Australian Passport Office website. 

The TGA continues to review other vaccines in widespread use around the world for the purposes of determining ‘recognised vaccines’ for assessing incoming international travellers as being appropriately vaccinated.

The University is seeking urgent advice from the Government and Department of Health as to how individuals who have are vaccinated with vaccines that are not TGA approved will be classified within the vaccinated economy. We are working to get more guidance on this situation and will update this website with further information as soon as it is available.

Vaccination information will be validated as quickly as possible and within 3–5 working days providing the documentation provided meets the requirement. 
Please only submit your documentation if you are planning to attend campus in the near future and before you attend for the first time.
 

No. You must wait until the vaccination documentation has been validated before attending campus. You will receive a notification once your documentation has been validated and you are permitted to attend campus.

Your Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) is very sensitive information, primarily used to assist healthcare providers in communicating and accessing records. Curtin does not need to receive your IHI when you upload your proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

In order to protect your personal information, we ask that you remove (or redact) your IHI before uploading your proof of vaccination. Please refer to our guide on redacting your IHI before uploading your proof of vaccination. 

Please follow our guide on redacting your IHI before uploading your proof of vaccination.

If you’re not eligible for Medicare, you need an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) to get your proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

You can get an IHI using the Individual Healthcare Identifiers service (IHI service) through myGov. Visit the Services Australia website for instructions on setting up your IHI.

International students:
Before you depart your home country, ensure you have your approved vaccination certificate as listed on the Australia Government guidelines.

Upon arrival in WA, we recommend that you apply for an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI) as you will need this to access a COVID-19 immunisation statement via the myGov website. Please note that it may take a few weeks to get IHI therefore we recommend applying as soon as possible. 

When you have your IHI, make an appointment at the Curtin Health Service to request their assistance to upload your international vaccination certificate (s) to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You will need to bring the following documents to the appointment along with your IHI:

• your vaccination certificate(s) from the country that issued your certificate
• your passport to verify your identity

The GP is required to verify your documentation before they can upload your vaccination information into AIR and this will cost $15. Once the information is uploaded into AIR, you can download your Australian COVID-19 digital certificate by visiting the Services Australia website. 

No. If you’ve had a booster dose, you can choose to update your digital certificate to show all your COVID-19 vaccinations. You need to share your updated COVID-19 digital certificate with your ServiceWA app.

To do this, first delete your old digital certificate from your check in app. Then, follow these steps to share your digital certificate with your ServiceWA app to save your updated digital certificate.

Once updated, the COVID-19 digital certificate will show all your COVID-19 vaccinations, including your booster dose.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 you may receive your next dose of the vaccine once you have fully recovered or defer the dose for up to 4 months. Speak with your health care provider to determine which option is best for you.

Should you wish to defer your booster dose due to the above, to remain complaint with Curtin's COVID-19 Vaccination Policy you will need to submit your exemption via our webform by selecting 'COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements'. 

When completing this form, select 'Temporary exemption from State Government' as your vaccination exemption. You must provide one of the following acceptable pieces of evidence confirming you contracted COVID-19:

• An SMS or email from the Western Australian Health Department confirming registration of your positive rapid antigen test result or positive PCR test result; 
• An SMS or email from another State or Territory health department confirming registration of your positive rapid antigen test result or positive PCR test result; 
• A printout from a pathology laboratory of your positive PCR test result; or
• A doctor's letter confirming you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and the date of infection.
   

Read more on vaccination after COVID-19.

The Curtin Perth Medical Centre will continue to be accessible by all, regardless of their vaccination status.

Please note that effective immediately, Curtin Health Services is moving to telehealth. If you are an existing patient, book a telehealth appointment online. If you are a new patient please call 9266 7345 to book an appointment. Please read the OASIS news item for more information.

University exemptions will be granted in limited circumstances. These include where a person:

• has an exemption approved by the State Government;
• has a medical exemption;
• who is ineligible to be vaccinated in Western Australia at the time they attend campus;
• who attends campus with the sole purpose of seeking health care from an accredited health care provider; 
• is required to attend on campus to respond to an emergency;
• is required to perform urgent and essential work on campus to protect the health and safety of people or to protect assets and infrastructure; 
• is required to attend campus to perform law enforcement function, or to perform a statutory duty or function;
• is attending on campus for the sole purpose of community sport played outdoors, or is participating in a University activity held off campus that is community sport; or
• is a parent, carer or family member who is attending the Curtin University Early Childhood Centre to drop off or pick up a child enrolled at the Centre.

A person can apply to the Provost or Chief Operating Officer for an exemption for themselves or for an activity in exceptional circumstances.  The Chief Operating Officer or Provost (or their delegate) may grant a University exemption if they are satisfied there would be no adverse effect on other members of the University community, the student experience or other aspects of the University’s operations, and no increased risk to health and safety.

Please apply for an exemption using the application form and submitting via the webform by selecting “Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements.

Evidence satisfactory to the University to demonstrate the eligibility for the relevant exemption is required on request. In the case of a medical exemption, the evidence required is a relevant medical exemption recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register.

Please apply for a University exemption using the application form and submitting via the webform by selecting “Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements.

No. There are no exemptions other than those contained in the COVID-19 Vaccination Procedures (outlined in the previous question). Negative PCR or rapid antigen test results, and the wearing of N95 masks are not valid exemptions to the vaccination requirement.

Yes. You are permitted to attend campus if you have provided valid medical exemption information.You should liaise with AccessAbility Services by phoning +61 8 9266 7850 or emailing access.ability@curtin.edu.au to make an appointment to review your particular circumstances and any reasonable adjustments the University may be able to implement to support your safe participation on campus.

You should consult with your doctor or specialist about your own risks when attending campus activities and how to manage these risks. We also recommend that you liaise with AccessAbility Services by phoning +61 8 9266 7850 or emailing access.ability@curtin.edu.au to make an appointment to review your particular circumstances and any reasonable adjustments the University may be able to implement to support your safe participation on campus.

If you have concerns about attending campus, please contact the Wellbeing Team by phoning 1800 244 043 to discuss your situation. Some students may be able to progress their studies without undertaking subjects with compulsory in-person requirements (either on campus or at an off-campus setting).  Where this is not possible, the Wellbeing team will provide advice on what options may be available to you, including an appointment with your Faculty Representative to talk through your study options or contact the Curtin Connect team via the webform.

The University's Policy does not apply to people under 16. 

No. Medical exemptions must be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register.

Exemptions will apply for those with a valid reason for being unable to be vaccinated, including for example, medical reasons. We will endeavour to support individuals with a valid exemption to safely complete their study or undertake their work, in a manner that is reasonable and practical. Where people choose not to vaccinate for other reasons, it may be possible for them to swap into an online unit (where available), but they will not be permitted to attend campus or participate in University activities involving physical interactions.

It remains your private decision whether you choose to get vaccinated and you are encouraged to seek medical advice from a registered practitioner who will be best placed to provide you informed guidance.

You may apply to the Provost or the Chief Operating Officer for a University exemption. If that is not granted, it may be possible for them to swap into an online unit (where available), but you will not be permitted to attend campus or participate in University activities involving physical interactions.

For some courses, vaccination will be mandatory due to the nature of the course and the requirements of off-campus placements or accreditation bodies or State Government Directions. We will work through this the implications of this with affected individuals.

Please apply for an exemption using the application form and submitting via the webform by selecting “Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements.

Students in Western Australia who are intending to receive the Novavax/Biocelect Nuvaxovid (Novavax) vaccine will not be granted an extension to the University’s vaccination requirements.

Students will need to wait until after they have received the first dose of the Novavax vaccine and have uploaded proof of vaccination before coming onto a campus or facility or participating in Curtin activities. From 21 March 2022, students must have received (and provided evidence of) two doses of the Novavax vaccine to come to campus or participate in a Curtin activity.

Yes. University enrolled students, including graduate researchers, undertaking an on-site activity arranged, organised or facilitated by Curtin wherever it takes place (e.g. at hospitals, fieldwork, off-campus course-related meetings) are required to provide valid vaccination information to the University prior to undertaking this activity.

You will need to be vaccinated or have a valid exemption in order to be permitted to attend any of the WA Curtin University campuses or University activities held in other WA locations.

Continuation of study may be difficult for some subjects, which include compulsory, essential hands-on activities on campus or in an off campus setting and/or activities, which cannot be delivered online.

We will work through the implications of this with affected individuals. If you cannot meet the deadline please submit an online enquiry with Curtin Connect and one of the team will get back to you.

Individuals who do not provide the necessary vaccination certification will be considered and treated as unvaccinated without a valid exemption. It may be possible for them to swap into an online unit (where available), but they will not be permitted to attend campus. Therefore, continuation of study may be difficult for on-campus, essential hands-on activities.

Access control may be withdrawn if you have not provided valid vaccination information. We recommend submitting your vaccination information for validation 1 week before you need access to campus.

We recognise that, like many of the things we have been asked to do during the pandemic, making vaccination a requirement may raise concerns.

The University takes its legal obligations very seriously. The University considers that this approach is lawful and reasonable and will enable us to ensure our campuses are safe for work and study.  For some individuals, exemptions will apply.

You may apply to the Provost or the Chief Operating Officer for a University exemption. If that is not granted, it may be possible for them to swap into an online unit (where available), but you will not be permitted to attend campus or participate in University activities involving physical interactions.

For some courses, vaccination will be mandatory due to the nature of the course and the requirements of off-campus placements or accreditation bodies or State Government Directions. We will work through this the implications of this with affected individuals.

Please apply for an exemption using the application form and submitting via the webform by selecting “Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements.

Yes. Curtin University respects the privacy of individuals and will collect and manage personal information in accordance with its Privacy Statement.  You will be provided with a Collection Statement before you provide us with your personal information which explains how we will collect and handle this information.

You should talk to your GP or other qualified health professional to discuss your personal circumstances. However, updated guidelines on the ATAGI website state that it is safe to get vaccinated as soon as you recover and you no longer need to wait 6 months.

Studies have shown that having COVID-19 may not be as protective as being vaccinated against COVID-19. And people who have had COVID-19 and get vaccinated are better protected than everyone else.

Where students choose not to attend campus for health reasons, it may be possible for them to swap into an online unit (where available). 

However, continuation of study may be difficult for subjects which include compulsory, essential hands-on activities on campus or in an off campus setting and/or activities which cannot be delivered online. 

Students who do not wish to attend campus, should contact their Faculty Representative to talk through their study options or contact the Curtin Connect team via the webform. 

International students: As part of your student visa obligation, you are required to continue to be enrolled in a full-time load. Once you arrive in WA, you may be able to study your units online in Semester 1, 2022 as long as the units are available for online delivery.  Students should contact their Faculty Representative to talk through your study options or contact the Curtin Connect team via the webform. 

Yes, even if you have had COVID-19, it is important to be vaccinated for extra protection, and to meet our vaccination requirement. 

After recovering from the acute illness a vaccination or booster can be administered. Your medical practitioner can provide specific advice.

Curtin University continues to invest in risk mitigation strategies, as we have since the beginning of the pandemic, and when required by government.

These measures include staying home if you are ill, adopting good hygiene practices and thorough cleaning processes, wearing masks as required, following occupant density requirements, testing, and improving building ventilation where required.

We understand that some members of our community may be hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. We recommend speaking with your GP or treating medical practitioner.

Individuals who have not met the vaccination requirement will not be able to access campus buildings. This will be managed via access control permissions for staff and students, and COVID Check-in Marshals stationed at buildings that are accessed by visitors. COVID Check-in Marshals will also be stationed at on-campus events and ad hoc in other buildings where necessary.

Any person on campus may be required to provide valid vaccination information to confirm their eligibility to be on site if asked.

Yes. The requirement for vaccination extends to students, staff and visitors attending a University event. This includes guests at Graduation Ceremonies.

Yes, all students in residence at University managed student accommodation, including non-Curtin University students are required to be vaccinated or have a valid exemption. The staff team in your residence will contact you with details of how to confirm your eligibility status.

The Federal Government has introduced a ‘no-fault’ indemnity scheme for COVID-19 vaccinations. This scheme will provide Australians with access to compensation for claims related to the administration of approved vaccination for anyone who experiences moderate to severe side effects.  

All Curtin policies and procedures have a review date, which is usually every three years. The review date in the draft policy and procedures circulated in the engagement period is earlier, being on 1 April 2023. Given how rapidly the situation is evolving, Curtin will regularly review the policy and procedures.