Children and study

At the University of Sydney, you have the right to access education as the parent or carer of a child. The University provides various facilities to assist you with your childcare needs, such as baby change and feeding rooms. 

Bringing children to campus 

Children are welcome on campus if they are under the supervision of an adult. Children will not be permitted to access spaces with potential hazards or that pose significant risk, such as laboratories.

If you need to bring your child to class, make a request to your unit coordinator or teacher. If you are a research student who shares a workspace, consult your supervisor and fellow students. 

Breastfeeding on campus

In Australia, it is your legal right to breastfeed in public. Under the federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984, it is illegal in Australia to directly or indirectly discriminate against a person for breastfeeding.  

There are parent rooms across all University of Sydney campuses, including baby change facilities, spaces for expressing and storing breastmilk, and feeding rooms. If you would like further information about these spaces, or are having trouble arranging access, you can email diversity.inclusion@sydney.edu.au.

Facilities such as parent rooms and feeding rooms are provided for comfort and convenience, but this does not mean they are the only places you can breastfeed your child. It is legal to breastfeed in public in Australia. 

The Australian Breastfeeding Association provides practical breastfeeding information, chat support, and a 24-hour breastfeeding helpline. 

Connecting with other student parents

SUPRA Student Carers' Network

If you care for an adult, have the responsibility of taking care of children, or are expecting a baby or babies, this network is designed to connect you with fellow students who are in similar situations.

The network aims to:

• offer a platform where students in similar situations can find each other
• hold events for student carers, including events specifically for students with kids
• gain insights into the needs of students with caregiving responsibilities.

Find out more and sign up for the Student Carers' Network.

Usyd Student Parents Network

The Usyd Student Parents Network can help you connect with other students who have children. SUPRA is a partner in the network.

Join the Facebook group to share tips and experiences and learn about events for you and your family.

Childcare

Types of childcare

Childcare services in Sydney are expensive, and it can be competitive to secure a place for your child. Your decisions about childcare may depend on the type of childcare provided and the associated costs.

You can find out about different types of childcare on Starting Blocks, the government’s childcare website. Starting Blocks also offers information on childcare close to you. 

The University of Sydney childcare resources list also has useful information about other services and University networks.  

Long daycare

Long daycare usually operates 7am – 6pm and is provided through a daycare centre. Meals are often included. Cost is per day, and the service is for children from birth to school age. Many domestic students, and some visa holders, may be eligible for substantial subsidies for these services.

Family daycare

Family daycare hours vary and are negotiable, but they are usually similar to long daycare. These services are run at a family home. Meals are often included. Cost is hourly, and the service is for children from birth to 12 years of age. 

Occasional care

Occasional care is for casual care only and is usually run at a daycare centre. Meals are usually provided. Cost is hourly, and the service is for children from birth to school age.

Preschool

Preschool is for children aged 3 to 5 years. Preschools have a structured education program. They usually operate 9am – 3pm. Meals may or may not be provided.  

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) or Out-of-school hours (OOSH) 

OSHC and OOSH programs run before and after school. They are for school-aged children only and are commonly run at their school. Meals are included. Hours are usually 7–9am for morning care and 3–6pm for evening care, on school days only.

School holiday programs

These are usually themed programs, such as sports programs, for school-aged children. They typically cost $100 – $235 per day and can run over multiple days. 

Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness (SUSF) run school holiday programs. 

Childcare services close to the University 

There are several childcare services both on and close to University campuses, offering occasional care, long daycare and family daycare. A list of these services is provided by the University. Some of these services offer discounts to Usyd students who have USU memberships. Note that these services may have long waiting lists. 

Are carers’ responsibilities impacting your studies?

If your carers’ responsibilities are impacting your studies, you may be eligible for a Carers’ Plan through Inclusion and Disability Services (IDS). If caring responsibilities are preventing you from completing assessments on time or making a scheduled class, a Carers’ Plan can provide regular extensions and accommodations with attendance. A Carer’s Plan is a good option if your caring responsibilities are known in advance and may impact your studies.

SUPRA strongly recommends reaching out to the IDS team even if you don’t think you are eligible. Even if you aren’t eligible, IDS will be able to recommend a range of supports and services. You can contact SUPRA for advice and support with the application process.

If you have unexpected carers’ commitments that impact your ability to complete your assessments, you may apply for simple extensions (assessments only), or special consideration or special arrangements (assessments and exams). Contact us if you need assistance.

Financial support for parents

The Australian government offers different forms of financial support to parents, including childcare subsidies, parenting payments and tax benefits.  

Child Care Subsidy

The Australian government offers a Child Care Subsidy (CCS) for eligible parents and guardians. Usually, you have to be an Australian resident or Australian citizen, although some visa holders may also be eligible.

If you are eligible, the subsidy is paid directly to your childcare provider to reduce the fees you pay. You are required to pay the gap between the subsidy and the fees.  

Check your eligibility for CCS payments, and calculate your subsidy.

Parenting Payment

The Parenting Payment is an income support payment for principal carers of young children. Eligibility requirements include being the principal carer; meeting income and asset tests; and satisfying residence rules. Find out if you’re eligible for the Parenting Payment. 

Family Tax Benefit

The Family Tax Benefit (FTB) is a payment for carers of children. The FTB is split into two parts: Part A and Part B. 

Part A

The Australian government pays Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A per child. The amount paid depends on your family’s circumstances. You must meet an income test and residence rules. Find out about Part A income tests and eligibility. 

Part B

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part B is a payment for parents or carers who earn less than $120,007 per year. Additional parents or carer’s income, and the age of the child, also affects the amount that you can receive. Find out about Part B income tests and eligibility.  

Contact us if you need any help or support with accessing government payments. 

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Written by SUPRA Postgraduate Advocacy Service September 2025