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Travel Registration

Travelling for University business includes travel led by faculty and staff; promoted by faculty, staff, and units; funded by the University; or where credit is awarded or degree requirements are fulfilled. Examples include: semester/year exchange, independent study abroad and other short-term mobility programs such as internships, clinical placements, field study, research, volunteering, competitions, conference or workshop attendance.

All students who travel internationally for University business are required to complete the travel registry. By registering their trip, students will:

be provided with important health, safety, logistical updates and assistance before, during, and after the international trip;

enable rapid location and communication in an emergency;

be covered by the University’s travel insurance policy; and

meet the conditions of scholarships and funding associated with University-endorsed travel.

Students must complete registration at least 30 days prior to departure.

Travel Insurance

Travel advice and approval.

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Tertiary or TAFE students

Check eligibility

Find out if you are eligible for concession fares as a tertiary student

Apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement card

Apply online as a tertiary or TAFE student

Get a Concession Opal card

Eligible tertiary students can apply on the Opal website

about Eligibility

Eligible tertiary students can access concessions to help with the cost of public transport.

Eligibility is determined in accordance with the NSW Tertiary Student concessions guidelines (pdf 237KB) .

Australian students

NSW tertiary students are eligible to apply for concession fares in NSW if they are enrolled full-time in either:

• an accredited course of study with a registered higher education provider, or
• a Vocational Education and Training (VET) accredited course.

Tertiary students must also be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia.

A full-time student means:

• a university student who is considered to be enrolled on a full-time, on-campus basis by their university, or
• a student enrolled in an accredited course of study requiring at least 16 hours per week of classes on campus for a continuous period of at least six weeks.

Tertiary students with a disability that are enrolled part-time may also be eligible.

Check if you are attending an approved tertiary institution .

International students

International students are only entitled to concession fares when their study is fully funded by specified Australian Government scholarships.

International students on an Endeavour Scholarship, an Australian Awards Scholarship, or an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, are also eligible.

NSW TrainLink Regional services

If you are an eligible international student, you must carry a valid proof of entitlement to travel on concession fares across NSW.

Find out more about international student eligibility for travel on NSW TrainLink Regional services .

about Transport Concession Entitlement Card

If your tertiary institution's student ID card is not recognised , you'll need a Transport Concession Entitlement Card as proof of entitlement to concession fares on public transport in NSW.

Cards are issued in line with the terms and conditions for tertiary students

You can apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card if you are attending an approved institution .

Before you apply

• Check your eligibility.
• Confirm you are attending an approved tertiary institution .
• Check to see if your student ID is accepted as proof of entitlement . If you are attending an approved institution but your student card is not accepted, you need to apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• Give your tertiary institution consent to share your details with Transport for NSW. If your institution doesn’t have a specific online form for this, you can complete a consent form (pdf 254KB) and hand it in to your student centre. Please allow two business days for your information to reach Transport for NSW before applying for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card and a Concession Opal card.

Next, consider where you need to travel:

• If you need to travel in rural/regional NSW or intend to use NSW TrainLink services, you must apply for your Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• If you need to travel in the Opal network, once you have either a valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card or an approved student ID card, you can apply for a Concession Opal card, giving you access to concession fares. Find out how to order a Concession Opal card .

Complete the online application

After you have checked if you are attending an approved institution and given consent to your tertiary institution, you can complete the online application:

• Select the ‘Apply online’ button
• Select the entitlement type and enter your student ID number and your institution's name (if applicable).
• Complete the online application.

Please note:

• The Transport Concession Entitlement card is free, and valid for up to 15 months as long you’re still eligible. You need to apply to renew it by 31 March every year.
• The Transport Concession Entitlement card is specific to one institution. If you change institutions, you'll need to apply for another card.

Apply online

Renew a Transport Concession Entitlement Card

If you are still eligible, you can apply to renew your Transport Concession Entitlement Card up to 30 days before it expires. You'll need to renew it by 31 March each year.

You will need:

• student ID or TAFE NSW Tertiary Student Learner Number
• your institution's name (if applicable).

How to renew:

• Select the ‘Renew online’ button
• If your card is expired, you will need to travel with an Adult Opal card or Adult Single Trip ticket until your replacement Transport Concession Entitlement Card arrives. If you travel with a Concession Opal card without a proof of concession entitlement you can be fined.
• The Transport Concession Entitlement Card is free, and valid for up to 15 months as long you’re still eligible.
• The Transport Concession Entitlement Card is specific to one institution. If you change institutions, you'll need to apply for another card.

Renew online

Replace a Transport Concession Entitlement Card

If your Transport Concession Entitlement card is lost or stolen, you can order a replacement online (a fee may apply).

How to replace

• Select the ‘Replace online’ button. 
• If you have lost your Transport Concession Entitlement Card within the first 14 days of your application, you will need to submit a request online for a replacement Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• A card replacement fee may apply.
• You will need to travel with an Adult Opal card or Adult Single Trip ticket until your replacement Transport Concession Entitlement Card arrives. If you travel with a Concession Opal card without a proof of concession entitlement you can be fined. 
• If the lost or stolen card is due to expire within 30 days, you need to renew your card and be reassessed for eligibility.

Replace online

Change or update your details

If you have changed your name, address, email address, phone number or title, you can update your details for your Transport Concession Entitlement Card online.

Update your details

• Select the 'Update my details' button
• Complete the online form to update your details

Update my details

booking Ticket options

You must carry proof of entitlement at all times to travel on a concession fare in NSW.

opal Sydney and surrounding areas

In the Opal network, the Concession Opal card for tertiary students gives eligible applicants reduced fares for travel on public transport between home and their tertiary institution. The Opal network includes metro and Sydney and Intercity train services, buses, ferries and light rail.

You cannot travel with a Child/Youth Opal card or Child/Youth Opal single tickets.

Proof of entitlement cards for travel inside the Opal network

When travelling on your Concession Opal card in the Opal network, you must carry your proof of entitlement, such as:

• either your physical student ID card from a TfNSW  approved institution
• your institution's student ID card is  not recognised , or
• you're an approved international student .

How to get your Concession Opal card

First give your consent

For privacy reasons you'll first need to check with your student centre whether you have already given your consent for your institution to share your details with Transport for NSW. If you haven’t, and your institution doesn't have a specific online form for this, you’ll need to complete this consent form and hand it in to your student centre.

Please allow two business days for your information to reach Transport for NSW before applying for your Concession Opal card.

Check if you are eligible

• Check to see if your student ID is accepted as proof of entitlement . If you are attending an approved institution but your student card is not accepted , you need to apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card

Order your Concession Opal card

Once you have an approved proof of entitlement card and have given consent to your institution, you can apply for a Concession Opal card on the Opal website .

• Select 'Apply on the Opal website' button.
• Select 'I want to order a concession Opal card'.
• Select 'Continue ordering an Opal card'.
• Complete the registration details.
• Enter your entitlement details.
• Decide on your top up amount and make your payment. Select 'Submit'.

Apply on the Opal website

Once your eligibility is confirmed by TfNSW, your Concession Opal card will be mailed to you within 5-7 working days. You'll then need to Activate your Opal card .

Terms and conditions

Cards are issued in line with the terms and conditions for tertiary students .

Find out more about Opal terms of use .

Replacement cards

For a replacement Concession Opal card: call 13 67 25 (13 OPAL) . A replacement fee may apply.

Sydney Airport train station access fee

Eligible tertiary students pay the Concession Sydney Airport station access fee when travelling with a Concession Opal card to or from the airport train stations.

regional-train coach Regional NSW

In regional NSW, eligible tertiary students are entitled to concession fares with a Transport Concession Entitlement Card on all  NSW TrainLink Regional services (excluding sleeping berths).

When making a booking, you’ll need to produce your Transport Concession Entitlement Card and quote your student ID number which is printed on the back of the card.

Eligible international students are entitled to concession fares with an accepted form of proof of entitlement. Find out more about international student eligibility for travel on NSW TrainLink Regional services .

No further concessions apply when booking sleeping berths.

Rural and regional travel

In rural and regional NSW you need to show your Transport Concession Entitlement card to bus drivers to purchase a concession fare.

Some privately owned and operated services may not offer concession travel for NSW Tertiary Student Concession Card holders.

Check with your local transport operator before you travel to find out if you're entitled to concession fares on privately-operated local bus services.

Terms and Conditions

Transport concession entitlement card for eligible tertiary students.

• A Transport Concession Entitlement Card is not a ticket for travel. A valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card entitles you to purchase concession fares on public transport within NSW.
• When travelling on Opal services, you must use your Concession Opal card issued to you by Transport for NSW to pay for your journey and carry your valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card or an Approved Form of Student ID to demonstrate your proof of entitlement to the concession fare. For more information on Approved Forms of Student ID please refer to the Guidelines for Issuing NSW Tertiary Student Concessions (pdf 237KB) . For a list of Tertiary Institutions with an Approved Form of Student ID , visit www.transportnsw.info/tertiary-students.
• When travelling on Opal services using your Concession Opal card, you must produce your valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card or an Approved Form of Student ID upon request by a bus driver, Revenue Protection Officer or Police. Failure to produce your Transport Concession Entitlement Card or an Approved Form of Student ID upon request may result in a fine being issued to you.
• When travelling on other services, you must show your valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card to purchase a ticket at the concession fare. You must continue to carry your valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card at all times when travelling on a concession fare and produce it upon request by a bus driver, Revenue Protection Officer or Police. Failure to produce your Transport Concession Entitlement Card upon request may result in a fine being issued to you.
• To be eligible for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card as a tertiary student you must meet the eligibility criteria set out in the guidelines published by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) pursuant to the Transport Administration Act 1988 (NSW) or other legislation (Guidelines). The Guidelines can be found at  Guidelines for Issuing NSW Tertiary Student Concessions (pdf 237KB) .
• Your eligibility for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card will be assessed by your tertiary institution in accordance with the Guidelines.
• The Transport Concession Entitlement Card is not transferable and must only be used by you. You must not allow other people to use your Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• Your Transport Concession Entitlement Card is valid for up to 15 months after it is issued, subject to you continuing to meet the eligibility criteria. The expiry date is printed on the back of your Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• If you still meet the eligibility criteria you can renew your Transport Concession Entitlement Card up to 30 days before expiry. Applications for new cards can be made online at www.transportnsw.info/tertiary-students. It is your responsibility to renew your Transport Concession Entitlement Card and you may be fined if you travel without having a valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• If you no longer meet the eligibility criteria you will no longer be entitled to concession fares, and will no longer be able to use your Concession Opal card (if you have one), and must no longer use your Transport Concession Entitlement Card.
• If your Transport Concession Entitlement Card is lost or stolen you can apply for a replacement card which, subject to you still being eligible, will have the same expiry date as your previous card. Applications for replacement cards can be made online at www.transportnsw.info/tertiary-students. A card replacement fee may apply.
• The Transport Concession Entitlement Card remains the property of Transport for NSW.
• You must pay a full adult fare if you do not hold a valid Transport Concession Entitlement Card. This includes if you are waiting for a replacement card or a new card. Note: An exception is if you are travelling on Opal services and holding a valid Concession Opal card and Approved Form of Student ID.

Privacy notice

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information in accordance with the  Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (NSW) and the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002 (NSW) .

We collect, hold and use personal information for specific purposes relevant to our functions. Personal information you provide in relation to your application is collected for the purpose of administering and managing your Transport Concession Entitlement Card and Concession Opal card, and for directly related purposes such as audit, management and operational activities for concession travel.

You may choose not to provide your personal information or health information. However this may mean that it is not possible or practicable for us to deal with your application for concession travel. We also generally require them to manage the personal and health information that they hold on our behalf in a way that complies with the NSW privacy laws.

For information about how your personal information is collected, used and disclosed by us please see our Privacy Policy at  transport.nsw.gov.au/about/privacy .

For information about how your personal information is collected, used and disclosed in the Opal ticketing system, read our Opal Privacy Policy at  transportnsw.info/opal-privacy-policy .

Transport for NSW will keep your information at 18 Lee Street, Chippendale NSW 2008. You can ask to access or amend your personal information held by us at any time during business hours, by contacting  [email protected]  or  PO Box K659 Haymarket NSW 1240 .

• These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time. Any changes will take effect when they are published on our website.

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It’s been too long — we must revive the NSW campaign for international student travel concessions

Every year in the annual SRC elections, candidates and factions promise to lobby for the extension of travel concessions for international students. These are pledges which go largely unnoticed in the larger scheme of Council businesses and the constant attacks on higher education levelled by the Federal Government and university management. 

Little substantive change has materialised. Today, despite efforts ranging from a 500-person petition to parliamentary representation, no progress has been made in over three decades. In fact, the only small win, in the form of discounted MyMulti tickets, was abolished in 2016 . 

NSW’s intransigence stands in stark contrast with Victoria, where the international student community managed to secure a significant win in 2015 when undergraduate students became eligible for a 50% discount on MyKi annual passes. This plan was the fruit of a concerted, years-long effort between advocacy groups, the state government and universities. Notably, as stated by Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan in 2015, Victoria’s travel concessions were co-funded by a 50-50 split between the government and universities. Furthermore, the plan was bipartisan, having been a legacy from the preceding Napthine ministry. 

It is hard to deny that the Victorian model was premised on a profit incentive, due to the economic benefits international students bring to the state. After all, as of 2019, international education is a sector worth some $40 billion. Although imperfect, six years on, the Victorian initiative continues to thrive and goes some way to alleviate financial hardships encountered by overseas students. 

In comparison, a short history of the tense relationship between Transport NSW and international students started in 1989, when the liberal government under Premier Nick Greiner withdrew the discounts. Another watershed moment arrived in 2006 when the Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) under the behest of Jenny Leong, took the Labor Transport Minister John Watkins to the Administrative Decisions Tribunal and won the arguments on the basis that exclusion of international students was discriminatory . 

However, this victory was short-lived, with the government swiftly enacting legislation to render the tribunal order ineffective. This was based on the argument that all international students were wealthy and thereby should not enjoy concessions: “They then pay up to $40,000 to the Federal Government to undertake their degree,” Watkins argued on the floor of the Legislative Assembly. “Why then should hardworking New South Wales’ families be expected to foot the bill for providing them with half fare travel on public transport?”

For international student advocates such as Mabel Coelho, Watkins’ speech dismisses the difficulties facing her community: “Sydney is one of the most expensive cities for [international] students, so a lot of us are at a disadvantage,” Coelho said. “I struggled a lot with financial stability and jobs especially when the pandemic started.” She notes that the unaffordability of living in Australia has impacted her mental health. Indeed, according to a report by Professor Alan Morris, overseas students face a multitude of housing, work, and wellbeing challenges — in some cases even resorting to hot-bedding . 

Despite these challenges, Coelho believes that the crux to overcoming public misperception of issues facing international students lies in building understanding through mutual communication and listening between the lived experiences of locals and students: “If international students are open to talk and share stories, and others are willing to listen, I believe we’re going to make a big difference.” 

Hence, for advocates like Coelho, a shift away from the narrative that the sole contributions of international students lie in profitability and towards a narrative based on multiculturalism, collective achievements and community belonging is key to mobilising grassroots community support for her community in order to secure positive policy outcomes.  To this end, groups like the Overseas International Student Hub (OISH) have been providing a supportive space for students as they navigate the transition between their culture and independent living in Sydney. 

Down south, despite the exclusion of postgraduates, the Victorian community remains committed to push for change: Luba Grigorovitch, Victorian Branch Secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union says: “The RTBU supports the campaign to ensure public transport is affordable for all students in need. Now more than ever we must pull together as a society to ensure our recovery doesn’t leave anyone behind and removes barriers to get people back onto public transport as soon as it is safe to do so.”

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Student organisations demand equal travel concessions for international students

By ABHA HAVAL

In the face of impending Opal fare spikes and a worsening cost-of-living crisis, international students in NSW have found themselves in an especially precarious financial position. Now, pressure is mounting on the NSW government to grant concession cards to international students.

Transport for NSW recently announced a fare rise of 3.7 percent from October 16. The price surge is below the 7 percent annual increase in the Sydney Consumer Price Index in June 2023, and weekend fares will be applicable on Fridays, allowing commuters to travel all day for no more than $8.90. A 30 percent fare discount on public transport will also apply Friday to Sunday.

But part-time students and international students in NSW are ineligible for travel concessions. NSW is the only Australian state or territory that does not offer any form of discounted travel to international students.

Students activists have intervened in solidarity with their international peers. The Student Representatives’ Council at the University of Sydney (USyd) and Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) have started a petition demanding the NSW Government “listen to students and end this discrimination.”

The petition states, “if international students could access transport concessions, they would not only be more likely to study in NSW, but also engage in revenue-generating activity like state-wide tourism, retail, and paid employment.”

International students generate revenue of $3.3 billion per year for NSW. Extending travel concessions for international students would cost the NSW government approximately $169 million per year.

“Part-time students provide vital revenue to the state, and these students have historically been excluded from the concession program because of the belief that they are engaged in the workforce at least part-time.”

Research suggests that students who study part-time are overwhelmingly women, carers, and people with disabilities.

“Rising rents and extreme cost-of-living pressures are forcing students to live further away from campuses, and to choose between travelling to university or paying rent. Students need concession now more than ever.”

USyd SRC President Lia Perkins told City Hub , “the recent increase in cost of public transport will affect us all. I believe public transport should be free.”

“For students who cannot access concession cards, this increase in cost will exacerbate struggles with the high cost-of-living in Sydney.”

“For many students, an increase in cost may prevent them from coming to campus as often, or force them to work more hours to cover costs,” she said.

The SRC International Students’ Officer is deeply concerned about the increased costs of public transport affecting the international students’ community.

“It’s crucial to emphasise that international students are already ineligible for travel concessions, and an increase in cost of public transport will only create an additional and inequitable financial burden on us.”

“Public transport is not just a convenience, it is a crucial factor in ensuring that international students such as myself can fully engage in campus life, access part-time jobs opportunities, and explore the rich cultural experiences that NSW has to offer.”

Rising rents and extreme cost-of-living pressures are driving students away from the city affecting their health and well-being.

“In the case of international students, at a time when travel concessions are not jut a luxury, but a lifeline, [students] would inevitably be forced to limit their travel or cut costs compromising on their overall well-being.”

“In situations where public transport is the most feasible and efficient mode of commuting, students may have no practical choice but to continue using it, despite the increased costs, to ensure they can access education and essential services.”

“This will in-turn affect their ability to take care of their physical and psychological well-being.”

The petition has over 900 signatures, and the SRC is hoping to get 20,000 signatures.

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Travel concessions

For travel within the opal network.

The UTS Student ID Card has been approved by Transport for NSW to be used as proof of entitlement within the Opal Network from February 2017.

As the UTS ID card has been approved, you will be able to travel using your UTS Student ID card and your Concession Opal card.

For travel outside the Opal network

This includes many rural and regional buses as well as NSW TrainLink Regional services.

You will need to apply for a Transport Concession Entitlement Card (TCEC) via the Opal website  (opens an external site) to prove your eligibility to travel on a concession fare.

More information is available via  transportnsw.info/tertiary-students  (opens an external site).

How to get an Opal concession card

The Opal concession card is available to eligible UTS students .

If you are eligible , please complete the following two steps in order to receive your card:

Step 1:  Log into My Student Admin , click on the 'Consents' tab, and provide consent for UTS to share your details with Transport for NSW  (opens an external site).

The status of your Opal Privacy Consent must have a status of Accepted for your details to be shared with Transport for NSW” – as shown below.

Note for 2016 students: The way you prove your entitlement to concession travel on NSW public transport has changed.  Travel concession stickers will no longer be issued and will no longer be accepted by Transport for NSW.

Step 2:  To Apply:

Remember: You must complete Step 1 or you will not be able to apply for concession on the Opal website.

After you have provided consent through My Student Admin , it will take up to 48 hours before your details will be loaded into the Opal website.  After 48 hours please click on "order an Opal card" on the Opal website  (opens an external site).

Please provide your contact details during the application process so that Opal can contact you if your eligibility changes.

Once you have completed your application on the  Opal website  (opens an external site), your new card will be sent to you within 5-7 days.

You will then need to activate your card by following the instructions provided with your card.

• You are required to  carry  your UTS Student ID card  at all times  when you are using your Opal Concession card. If you do not carry both cards whilst travelling on public transport, you may be fined. 
•  You will need to to add credit to your card before you can use it. You can also set your card to top-up automatically- more information is available on the  Opal website  (opens an external site).

If you have further questions about the Opal Concession card you can:

• view answers to frequently asked questions
• call 13 67 25 (13 OPAL) 24 hours, 7 days a week
• lodge an enquiry via the Opal feedback and enquiry form .

Eligibility

Full details of eligibility are available in the NSW Transport Guidelines for Issuing NSW Tertiary Student Concessions  (opens an external site).

A student is eligible for concession who:

• is an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia; and
• resides in New South Wales; and
• is enrolled in an Australian Qualifications Framework accredited higher education or vocational education and training course at an Institution authorised by TfNSW to participate in the Scheme; and
• is a full-time student enrolled on an internal basis (except where a person, by reason of disability, is enrolled on a part-time basis and/or on an external basis); and
• has agreed to the terms and conditions for use of a Concession and has consented to the disclosure of certain personal information to TfNSW by their Institution as set out in the guidelines.

​Further updated information on Transport for NSW eligibility criteria is available on the TfNSW website  (opens an external site). 

International students

• If you are a Full-fee paying International Student at UTS on a temporary visa you are not eligible for a NSW Travel Concession.
• International students will need an Adult Opal card (unless they are eligible for concession travel). The Adult Opal card offers a range of travel benefits like daily and weekly travel caps, including all day travel on Sundays for just $2.50 (excluding Sydney Airport station access fee).
• If you are an international tertiary student and your study is fully funded by specified Australian Government scholarships, you may be eligible for concession fares, including Concession Opal cards.

To find out if you are eligible and for more information, download the Guidelines for Issuing NSW Tertiary Student Concessions  (opens an external link).

Eligible International students at UTS on temporary visas must:

• be enrolled full-time (minimum of 18cps per semester), and
• not be engaged in business or employment or receive any remuneration (scholarships and allowances such as Austudy and Youth Allowance are not counted as remuneration),
• an Australia Awards Scholarship OR
• an International Research Training Program Scholarship (IRTP)

Concurrent study and cross-institutional students

Concurrent study students.

If you are a UTS student who is studying a subject at another university via concurrent study , you must first provide proof of a full-time study load to your UTS Student Centre in order to be eligible for concession.

Once you have provided proof, please select UTS as your home institution when applying for an Opal Concession card.

Cross-institutional students

If you are a student who is studying a subject at UTS via cross-institutional study , you can apply for a statement of enrolment , which you can then take to your university to provide evidence of your enrolment at UTS.

Once you have provided proof, please select your university as your home institution when applying for an Opal Concession card.

Transport concession on other types of transport

For information about travel concession on other forms of transport please visit the  Transport for NSW website (opens an external site) .

More information on student concession and discounts for travel and other services, refer to our Financial Help page. 

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

Sydney International Student Award

The Sydney International Student Award celebrates our diverse and talented community of international students. We want to help motivated applicants to achieve their personal and academic goals, by supporting their study at the University of Sydney.

Recipients will be awarded a University contribution of 20 percent of their tuition fee for the duration of their course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this award, you must:

• be an international student
• hold citizenship in one of the countries or regions listed below
• receive admission into a full-time undergraduate coursework or postgraduate coursework degree, commencing in 2024*
• not be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia
• not have already started a degree at the University of Sydney at the time that you apply for the award. However, you are eligible if you are completing a degree here and are applying for the award with a second degree. 

*This award is not available for the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Executive MBA (EMBA), study abroad, executive education programs, or courses offered in distance mode or to students participating in a Law Dual Degree pathway program.

Eligible countries and regions

• Bangladesh 
• Philippines
• South Korea

Or any of the countries listed in the regions below: 

• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Congo, Democratic Republic of 
• Congo, Republic of
• Cote d'lvoire
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Western Sahara

Central Asia

• Afghanistan
• Turkmenistan

Eastern Europe

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• The Republic of North Macedonia

South and Central America (including Mexico and the Caribbean)

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bolivia, Plurinational State of
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic 
• El Salvador 
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines 
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of

How to apply

Apply for your chosen degree.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to select your nationality. If you are a citizen of an eligible country, you will be prompted to upload a personal statement.

Submit a personal statement

As part of the application process for your chosen degree, you will be asked to submit a personal statement using this template to apply for the Award.

In this personal statement, you will be asked to:

• Tell us about yourself (maximum 200 words)
• Tell us what has inspired you to apply to the University (maximum 200 words)
• Tell us what you want to achieve with your studies at the University or how it will help you to achieve your goals (maximum 200 words).

If you are successful in receiving the Award, you will be advised when you receive your offer of admission via email. The Award contribution will be applied to your tuition fee in your admissions offer letter. 

Terms and conditions

1. background .

The Sydney International Student Awards are available to international students from select markets to recognise the exceptional quality of our students and the strategic importance of those markets for the future of the University. The Award is open to all commencing students from the defined markets enrolled full time in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree.

2. Eligibility

a. To be eligible for the Award, applicants must be an international student as defined in the Higher Education Support Act 2003. This excludes Australian citizens and permanent residence.

b. Applicants must hold citizenship of one of the countries listed as eligible for the Award. Proof of residency will be required. Countries within Africa, South & Central America, Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan etc), Eastern Europe as well as Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

c. Applicants must have an offer of admission for a new undergraduate coursework or postgraduate coursework degree at the University of Sydney at the time of application for the Award.

d. Applicants commencing a second degree at the University of Sydney are eligible to apply.  

e. Applicants can hold a conditional award offer, but it will only transition to a full Award when they meet all of the criteria for their course and the Award.

f. The Award is not applicable to students studying in MBA, EMBA, Study Abroad or Executive Education programs, or courses offered in distance mode or to students participating in a Law Dual Degree pathway program. Research degrees may only be included where agreements already with eligible sponsors or by approval by the delegate authority.

g. The Award is only applicable to degrees where tuition fees are payable to the University of Sydney.

h. The Award is applicable to new commencements in 2024.

3. Selection criteria

a. To be successful in obtaining the Award, applicants will need to meet the entry criteria for the University and complete a personal statement as part of the application process for admission to an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree. 

b. The personal statement should not exceed 200 words for each of these sections:

I. Tell us about yourself

II. Tell us what has inspired you to apply to the University of Sydney

III. Tell us what you want to achieve with your studies at the University of Sydney or how it will help you to achieve your goals

c. Applicants from eligible countries will be prompted to apply for the Sydney International Student Award in their application process. 

d. Applicants who do not fulfil the criteria of the Award will be offered a place without the Award being applied to their offer and cannot retrospectively apply for the Award after commencement. 

a. Award recipients will receive a 20 percent contribution of their tuition fee from the University for the duration of their course.

b. No payment will be made directly to the student, the Award will be applied to the applicants' offer which will reduce the applicants’ overall tuition fee liability.  

c. No other amount is payable.

5. Ongoing eligibility

a. To continue receipt of the Award, the recipient must have no outstanding fees.

b. The Award is transferable to another major or degree offered at the University of Sydney but is not transferrable to another University. If a student transfers to another degree at the University of Sydney, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the Award has been transferred to their changed enrolment. If the Award has not been transferred, the student should immediately notify the Student Contact Centre. The Award cannot be retrospectively applied to the tuition fees for a given semester once the census date of that semester has passed.

6. Termination

a. The Award will be terminated if the recipient:

I. withdraws from an eligible course or fails to enrol;

II. becomes a domestic student or obtains Australian Permanent Residency; 

III. commences part-time study without prior approval;

IV. fails to complete their course in the given timeframe indicated in their Certificate of Enrolment (CoE); 

V. is determined by the University to be guilty of serious misconduct, including, but not limited to, having provided false or misleading information as part of their application; or

VI. any other provision as indicated in these terms that would lead to termination.

7. Other requirements

a. Award recipients may be invited to promote the program in which they are enrolled as well as represent the University of Sydney at student events, marketing events and corporate networking events. The costs of representing the University of Sydney at these functions will be met by the University of Sydney.

Register your interest