Overseas access for students
Student accounts are critical tools for learning. The department is introducing new measures to increase protection for students and their personal information restricting access to student accounts when logging in from overseas or when using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).
Use of VPNs
Students are not permitted to use VPNs to log into department systems at any time.
VPN traffic can look like unapproved overseas access or may mimic cybercriminal behaviour by making it appear as if the student is logging in from Australia.
If a student uses a VPN, their account may be locked or scrambled as a security precaution. If this occurs, students will need to contact their school during school operating hours to regain access to their account.
Accessing digital systems while overseas
If your child is planning to travel overseas and needs to maintain access to their school digital accounts, there are important steps and rules to follow:
- Approval required before travel - parents or carers must notify the school of travel dates and request approval for overseas access before your child leaves Australia.
- Temporary overseas access - schools have the authority to approve temporary overseas access. This approval allows students to access their accounts from outside Australia for up to 12 months.
- Learning while overseas - approval for overseas access is at the discretion of the school principal or teachers, depending on the student’s enrolment status and learning arrangements during the travel period. If the school determines that learning activities should continue while the student is overseas, temporary access may be approved to support that learning. Schools are not required to provide schoolwork or supervision for students who are travelling overseas.
How to request overseas access
- Notify your child’s school of your intended travel dates well in advance.
- The school will assess eligibility based on enrolment status and learning requirements.
- When approved, students will have access based on the timeframe entered by the school. Your child will be able to use their department digital accounts during travel.
Security and account safety
- Using secure and reliable internet connections is essential.
- The safest way to connect to the internet when travelling is by using your mobile phone’s personal hotspot.
- Do not use public Wi-Fi networks (such as those at airports and hotels).
- It is not permitted to use a VPN to connect to department systems.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
VPNs can mask true locations and look like suspicious activity to security systems, which may result in account restrictions or locking.
Contact your child’s school for assistance during school operating hours, the school may not be able to resolve access issues during school vacation periods.
No. If the school determines that learning activities should continue while the student is overseas, temporary access may be approved to support that learning. Schools are not required to provide schoolwork or supervision for students who are travelling overseas.
Access can be approved for up to 12 months, depending on the length of travel and school assessment.
Contact your child’s school directly to inform them of travel dates and request access approval.
Contact your child’s school during school operating hours to request assistance.
When your child returns to Australia their access will continue seamlessly. If your child is still overseas past the dates advised to their school, you will need to contact their school to request an extension to their overseas access.
Yes, if your child has been approved for overseas access, they will be able to access all the normal school systems.
Yes, student access will be available in all countries.
Need Help?
If you have further questions, please contact your child’s school.