Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Last updated: 3.00pm, 31 March 2020

The University of Melbourne continues to work closely with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Australian Government and health experts. Our number one priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our University community.

Recent changes and developments

  • Current information regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19.
  • A new Emergency Support Fund is available to assist undergraduate and graduate coursework students who have experienced financial hardship as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19).
  • The University will waive fees for children enrolled in but not attending early childhood education services at the University from 23 March.
  • We have now transitioned to a virtual campus model. Further detail is provided below regarding online and limited in-person service provision.
  • The Academic Calendar for 2020 has been adjusted. Information regarding semester 2 arrangements is available for students.
  • New information is available for students regarding special consideration and associated procedures.
  • We are asking students not to attend campus, we are also asking staff to work from home in most cases.
  • We continue to do selected priority research on campus. An example is the COVID-19 research undertaken across the University with the Doherty Institute, which is of international importance.

The University is doing everything that it can to reduce rates of infection in the community.

The University has transitioned to a virtual campus model, effective Monday 30 March.

The Academic Calendar has been adjusted to allow for a one-week extension to our semester 1, 2020 teaching calendar. Mid-semester break will now take place from Monday 6 April to Sunday 19 April inclusive. Winter and semester 2 dates have also been adjusted by one week, following the changes to semester 1.

University library services are now being offered via virtual delivery. In-person service at all library buildings across campuses is now closed. Special Collections and Archives are unfortunately be unavailable at this time.

Student Services continue to be delivered via virtual channels. Students can access advice and support from Stop 1 via phone and chat appointments, online workshops and email enquiries. Our careers and employability, academic skills, global mobility, course planning and more are being delivered remotely, with extended contact hours available in some cases.

We are not closing the University. We will be maintaining essential services to support online teaching, critical on-campus research activities, key business functions, essential buildings and grounds maintenance, IT and security services.

In line with the State Government’s advice, childcare services are considered an essential service and continue to operate. The University will waive fees for those children enrolled in but not attending early childhood education services at the University from 23 March.

The Health Service also continues to provide in-person services to University staff and students.

We must continue to do selected priority research on campus. An example is the COVID-19 research undertaken across the University with the Doherty Institute, which is of international importance.

We will also maintain other priority categories of campus-based research on the grounds of exceptional importance and long-term impacts, where they can be managed safely and responsibly in line with other essential services.

We continue to work with students and accommodation providers to devise arrangements for continuity of support for our students.

We have enhanced infection control and cleaning measures in place on campus, and guidelines on social distancing protocols are available on our dedicated student and staff pages to ensure we’re creating the safest environment and continuing to prioritise the health and safety of our community.

Non-essential gatherings such as graduation ceremonies and social events have been cancelled. Non-essential public spaces such as galleries and MUSport facilities are now closed. Other non-essential buildings have been closed and are currently accessible via access card only, they will be closed entirely from midnight 30 March.

All non-essential domestic and international travel has been cancelled. As of 25 March 2020, the Australian Government has issued an overseas travel ban for all Australians. Australian citizens and permanent residents currently overseas who wish to return home should do so as soon as possible, while commercial options are still available. Further information is available from the Smartraveller website. All travellers arriving into Australia from international destinations need to self-isolate for 14 days in line with Australian Government requirements.

Student information

With the University now operating a virtual campus model, we are asking students not to attend their regular physical campus.

Please regularly check your student email and the student advice and support section linked below. If you require further assistance, please contact Stop 1.

Detailed student information

Staff information

Staff are working from home wherever possible. Please work with your supervisor to establish that you have what you need to continue working remotely.

Staff involved in essential on-campus research and services, please check the attending campus information at the link below.

Please regularly check your email and the Staff Hub section linked below. If you need further advice or support speak to your supervisor. If your query cannot be resolved locally please email corona-virus-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au.

Detailed staff information

Research guidance and FAQ

Our research makes a vital contribution to our community, and we seek to maintain these research activities to the extent they can be sustained safely for all, and in compliance with all federal and state government directives. Read our current guidance and FAQ for staff managing research activity.

Supplier information

In the current climate, delivery of physical goods and services to all campuses has been severely impacted. If you have not yet received clarification from the University, please contact your business partner/representative or commercial-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au.

As the situation evolves, it is possible that operational arrangements will change and suppliers are advised to regularly check this site.

Your health

The most important thing we can all do as individuals is to look after our health and wellbeing. This is how you will keep yourself, your loved ones and the most vulnerable people in our community safe and well.  Your mental health is just as important as your physical health in this time of uncertainty. All our support for students and staff will remain available.

If you are feeling unwell, you can use the DHHS interactive self-assessment tool to help you decide if you should be tested.

If you are experiencing common symptoms including fever, breathing difficulties, cough, sore throat and fatigue, please follow advice from DHHS, call the dedicated hotlines on 1800 675 398 (Victoria) or 1800 020 080 (national), and seek medical advice and testing.

After seeking medical advice you should let the University know by emailing Campus Community and also inform your supervisor. A privacy collection notice (PDF 102.0 KB) is available.

If you have recently travelled internationally or have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 please take note of health advice and self-isolate in line with advice provided by DHHS and the Australian Government Department of Health.

Government resources

The following government resources are being updated regularly:

COVID-19 hotlines also offer 24/7 support:

  • 1800 675 398 (Victoria Department of Health and Human Services)
  • 1800 020 080 (Australian Department of Health)