The following USC programs include compulsory placements in settings that require COVID-19 vaccination. 

Allied Health 

• Bachelor of Dietetics/Bachelor of Dietetics (Honours)  
• Bachelor of Health Science (Environmental Health and Prosthetics and Orthotics extended majors)  
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) 

Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine 

• Bachelor of Midwifery 
• Bachelor of Nursing Science 
• Bachelor of Nursing Science (Graduate Entry) 
• Bachelor of Paramedicine/Bachelor of Paramedic Science 

In order to complete placement and be eligible to graduate, it is a requirement that all students enrolled in these programs provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.    

The following USC programs include optional placements in settings that require COVID-19 vaccination.

Allied Health 

• Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology 
• Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science 
• Bachelor of Biomedical Science 
• Bachelor of Biomedical Science Accelerated 
• Bachelor of Counselling 
• Bachelor of Counselling / Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) 
• Bachelor of Nutrition 
• Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science 
• Diploma in Allied Health Assistance 

Allied Health

• Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
• Bachelor of Primary Education
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Science
• Diploma in Education Studies (Early Childhood) 
• Diploma in Education Studies (Primary) 
• Master of Teaching (Primary)
• Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Social Work, Psychology and Human Services 

• Bachelor of Human Services (including all double degrees) 
• Bachelor of Social Work (including all double degrees) 
• Master of Counselling
• Master of Psychology (Clinical) 
• Master of Psychology (Professional) 
• Master of Social Work (Qualifying)

Please note that some placement host organisations have chosen to continue requiring COVID-19 vaccination. If you are not fully vaccinated, it is important to know that placement opportunities in the above programs may be limited. UniSC still strongly recommends that all students undertaking placement within these programs are fully vaccinated and provide evidence of this vaccination status to the University.

Vaccination requirements for these programs may also be impacted by future government directives.  

• If COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement for compulsory placements within your program, it will appear in your mandatory checks in Sonia Online.  
• To be eligible for placement, you must upload proof of your vaccination to Sonia Online as soon as possible.  

• For information on how to obtain proof of your COVID-19 vaccination, please visit the Services Australia website.  
• It is important to know that providing misleading or false evidence of vaccination status is considered to be academic misconduct under USC’s Student Conduct – Governing Policy. 

• While USC recognises that some students may not be able to be vaccinated or receive a booster dose due to a medical contraindication, currently there are no exemptions provided by State and Federal Governments for students undertaking placements. 

• However, if you’re unable to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or to receive a booster dose due to a medical contraindication, or you are currently enrolled in a registered Australian COVID-19 vaccination clinical trial, you’ll need to provide evidence of this to the Fit for Placement Office and organise to speak with a USC Program Adviser to discuss your options. 
• If you are unsure about what constitutes appropriate evidence, please contact the Fit for Placement Office on 07 5456 5487 or at FFPO@usc.edu.au to discuss your circumstances.  
• It is important to know that providing misleading or false evidence of a vaccination or a vaccination exemption may be considered academic misconduct under USC’s Student Conduct – Governing Policy.  

• USC supports your right to make an informed choice regarding COVID-19 vaccination. However, as an education provider, the University does not have the authority to waive the requirements set out by a facility hosting a student for placement, or by the Queensland or Federal Governments. 

• If you are enrolled in a program with compulsory placement that requires COVID-19 vaccination, but choose not to be vaccinated or to receive a booster dose, you should organise to speak with a USC Program Adviser to discuss your options. 

• The USC Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students. Under the Student Charter, you are expected to respect the safety and wellbeing of others, and to refrain from behaviour that could reasonably be considered unsafe, intimidating, harassing or bullying, or disruptive to other members of the USC community.
• In the context of COVID-19, this means following all advice and directives from USC and Queensland Health. It also means treating your fellow students and USC staff with professionalism and respect.
• USC understands that this is a stressful and uncertain time, and that COVID-19 has disrupted many students’ placements, studies and lives. Staff are doing everything they can to support students, but it is important to understand that many factors, such as government directives and/or regulations, are outside the University’s control.
• Please remember to be kind to yourself and others, and to act with professionalism and respect when liaising with USC staff. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please ensure you take advantage of the support services available to you at USC.