• Current rules
    • Other rules and regulations

      Computer and Software Use Regulations

      The University has regulations governing computer and software use which apply to students. To talk to someone about these regulations contact the University's IT Service Desk.

      Copyright rules

      Students should be aware of copyright issues. To talk to someone about these rules contact the University's Senior Librarian (Copyright).

      Library rules

      The University Library has Library Rules which apply to students. To talk to someone about these rules please get in touch with Library staff.

      Examination rules

      The University has examination rules which govern the conduct of examinations. To talk to someone about these rules contact the Associate Director, Student Administration.

      Scholarship regulations and conditions

      The University has regulations and conditions which apply to students who hold scholarships or awards. For the regulations and conditions, application procedures and application forms visit the Scholarships website. To talk to someone about these regulations and conditions contact the Scholarships Officer.

      • Infection Control Requirements

        The University requires students enrolled in certain courses involving clinical placements and patient care to comply with infection control policies. Students who do not comply with the relevant requirements may not be able to go on placement and may have their enrolment in their course withdrawn.

        Infection control is managed for the following courses:

        • Doctor of Dental Medicine (UWA Dental School)
        • Doctor of Medicine (UWA Medical School)
        • Doctor of Medicine (Global) (UWA Medical School)
        • Doctor of Optometry (School of Allied Health)
        • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (School of Allied Health)
        • Master of Clinical Audiology (School of Human Sciences)
        • Master of Clinical Pathology (School of Biomedical Sciences)
        • Master of Pharmacy (School of Allied Health)
        • Master of Social Work (School of Allied Health)
        • Bachelor of Nursing (School of Allied Health)

        1. Hepatitis B immunity

        Required for the following courses:

        • Doctor of Dental Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine (Global)
        • Doctor of Optometry
        • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
        • Master of Clinical Audiology
        • Master of Clinical Pathology
        • Master of Pharmacy
        • Master of Social Work
        • Bachelor of Nursing

        All students must have a blood sample taken to determine hepatitis B immunity.

        Evidence of immunity to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is required. Serological testing (a blood test) should be performed by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory. A hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titre of ≥10 mIU/mL is required.

        If HBsAb titre is <10 mIU/mL and there is nil or incomplete documentation of prior vaccination, the student requires completion of a hepatitis B vaccination course prior to undergoing repeat serological testing.

        Testing should be performed at least 4 weeks after final vaccination. A student may be undergoing vaccination at the time of enrolment, but the School must be made aware of this. If there is no response to a full course of hepatitis B vaccination, the School must be contacted. Management will be in accordance with the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

        Students who are known to have HBV infection must discuss this with the School.

        2. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) status

        Required for the following courses:

        • Doctor of Dental Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine (Global)
        • Doctor of Optometry
        • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

        All students must have a blood sample taken to determine their HIV and HCV status. Testing must be performed by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory.

        This guideline is in accordance with current WA Health 0388/12 Health Care Worker Immunisation Policy. Students with Hepatitis C or HIV infection will be allowed to enrol. Prior discussion must take place with the School and, during training, to ensure compliance with Communicable Diseases Network (CDNA) guidelines.

        3. Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Varicella immunity

        Required for the following courses:

        • Doctor of Dental Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine (Global)
        • Doctor of Optometry
        • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
        • Master of Clinical Audiology
        • Master of Clinical Pathology
        • Master of Pharmacy
        • Master of Social Work
        • Bachelor of Nursing

        All students must provide evidence of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, as referred to in the The Australian Immunisation Handbook 3.3.7.

        Acceptable evidence of immunity includes:

        • Documented evidence of a prior full vaccination course (two vaccinations at least one month apart); or
        • Presence of adequate antibodies on serological testing (measles IgG, mumps IgG, rubella IgG, and varicella IgG). Testing must be performed by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory.

        Depending on the evidence produced, primary or booster vaccination may be required. This will be determined by the reviewing GP. Repeat serology following a completed vaccination course is not required.

        4. Pertussis immunity

        Required for the following courses:

        • Doctor of Dental Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine (Global)
        • Doctor of Optometry
        • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
        • Master of Clinical Audiology
        • Master of Clinical Pathology
        • Master of Pharmacy
        • Master of Social Work
        • Bachelor of Nursing

        All students must provide documentary evidence of up-to-date immunisation against pertussis (whooping cough).

        Immunity against this infection cannot be determined by blood testing. Immunity is assumed if at least one documented dose of vaccine has been received within the last 10 years. If not previously vaccinated, or if vaccination records are incomplete, vaccination will be necessary.

        5. Tuberculosis screening

        Required for the following courses:

        • Doctor of Dental Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine (Global)
        • Doctor of Optometry
        • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
        • Master of Clinical Pathology
        • Master of Pharmacy
        • Master of Social Work
        • Bachelor of Nursing

        All students must have a Quantiferon-TB blood test or a Mantoux test (Tuberculin skin test) to determine evidence of past exposure to tuberculosis. If either of these tests are positive, further action is required.

        The student will be referred to the Anita Clayton Centre (previously Perth Chest Clinic) for review and a chest x-ray. A positive test does not preclude a student from enrolling. However, the case must be discussed with the School. This is in accordance with the WA Health Policy 6.3 Active Surveillance for Tuberculosis in Health Care Workers.

        6. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening

        Required for the following courses:

        • Doctor of Dental Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine (Global)
        • Doctor of Optometry
        • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
        • Master of Pharmacy
        • Master of Social Work
        • Bachelor of Nursing

        Any student who has worked, volunteered or been a patient in a health care facility (e.g. hospital, nursing home setting) outside Western Australia in the 12 months prior to starting work in a WA hospital, must have nose, throat and skin lesion swabs (if needed) taken to determine whether they are carriers of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Work in hospitals cannot be commenced until eradication treatment is commenced. See WA Health Operational Directive for more information.

        7. Influenza vaccination

        Required for the following courses:

        • Doctor of Dental Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine
        • Doctor of Optometry
        • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
        • Master of Clinical Audiology
        • Master of Clinical Pathology
        • Master of Pharmacy
        • Master of Social Work
        • Bachelor of Nursing

        It is mandatory that all students receive yearly influenza vaccinations.

        9. COVID-19 Vaccination

        Required for the following courses:

        • Doctor of Dental Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine (Global)
        • Doctor of Optometry
        • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
        • Master of Clinical Audiology
        • Master of Clinical Pathology
        • Master of Pharmacy
        • Master of Social Work
        • Bachelor of Nursing

        All students should have completed a primary course of vaccination, followed by booster vaccination as per recommendations in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

        10. Hepatitis A

        Required for the following course:

        • Bachelor of Nursing

        Non-compulsory, but recommended for the following courses:

        • Doctor of Dental Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine
        • Doctor of Medicine (Global)
        • Doctor of Optometry
        • Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
        • Master of Pharmacy
        • Master of Social Work

        Although not compulsory for all the above courses, students should consider vaccinating themselves against hepatitis A virus (HAV). The UWA Immunisation Guidelines and WA Health recommend vaccination by persons working in early childhood care and healthcare workers in remote Indigenous communities. It is recommended that students discuss this vaccination, including its costs, with their GP. More information regarding hepatitis A can be found in The Australian Immunisation Handbook.

        Medical Contraindication

        Students may be exempted from vaccinations if they have a valid medical reason (known as a medical contraindication).

        Your doctor will need to update your record on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) to say you have a medical contraindication.

        Procedure

        The University will contact students due to commence in the relevant courses with information regarding the infection control requirements, including relevant paperwork for your general practitioner, and access to the University’s placement software to upload documentation.