Medical Certificates for International Students in Australia
Studying in Australia far from home is exciting — but it can also be stressful, isolating and overwhelming. When illness, stress or anxiety means you genuinely cannot sit an exam or attend class, a medical certificate is often what your university needs to support special consideration or an extension.
When international students need a medical certificate
Australian universities and colleges usually require a medical certificate as evidence for special consideration, exam deferral, an assignment extension, or an explained absence. The certificate needs to come from a registered practitioner to be accepted.
Mental health and international students
Being away from family and adjusting to a new country takes a real toll. Orygen, Australia’s leading youth mental health body, has highlighted the unique and critical mental health needs of international students, who face higher risks of isolation and psychological distress. Stress and anxiety that stop you from studying are legitimate health reasons a GP can assess.
How to get a certificate accepted by your university
Complete the online assessment and Dr Rupinder Singh Walia, an AHPRA-registered GP, personally reviews it within 24 hours. If a certificate is clinically appropriate you receive a signed medical certificate with a QR verification code your institution can check — for $14.95 flat, covering up to two days.
Get help if you are struggling
A certificate supports your studies, but if you are struggling please reach out for support. Your university’s counselling service, Beyond Blue and headspace all offer free, confidential help.
Students who are unwell can also request a sick note reviewed by an AHPRA-registered GP.
Students who also work can get a medical certificate for work reviewed by Dr Walia (AHPRA-registered GP) – $14.95 flat, up to 2 days leave.
Sources & references
“An Orygen program designed to address the unique and critical mental health needs of international students has received overwhelming support in an evaluation report, with 94 per cent of respondents agreeing the program helped them and 98 per cent saying they would recommend the program to others.”
— International students and mental health, Orygen“New research from headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation has revealed that nearly half of young Australians (49%) are experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress.”
— Nearly half of young Australians experiencing high psychological distress, headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation- Notice and medical certificates — Fair Work Ombudsman
- Sick and carer's leave — Fair Work Ombudsman
Need a medical certificate for work?
Apply online for a certificate reviewed by an Australian GP. If clinically appropriate, your certificate is emailed as a PDF.
Start Application — $14.95