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STI Testing for Uni Students
Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan, MBBS, FRACGP · AHPRA MED0001663310 · Last reviewed: 23 September 2026
STIs are common among students, and most cause no symptoms. In 2025 there were 94,184 chlamydia diagnoses in Australia, and around half were in people aged 20 to 29. Regular testing is the only way to know, and with telehealth you can do it without waiting for a campus appointment.
How it works
- Book online. We're open 9am to 7pm (Sydney time), 7 days, so you can fit it around classes and work.
- Talk to a doctor. A short, private phone or video consult with an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor.
- Get tested. Your pathology request is sent to your phone for any collection centre, including ones near campus. Most tests are a urine sample, a self-collected swab and/or a blood test.
- Get your results. We text you when they're in, explain them and arrange treatment if needed.
What's tested
A routine check usually covers chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis, depending on your risks. See what's included in a standard STI check.
Cost for domestic students
If you have a Medicare card, the consultation is bulk-billed and standard STI tests are covered by Medicare, so there's usually nothing to pay.
International students
Most international students don't have Medicare and are covered by Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) instead. OSHC usually covers some or all of the cost of GP consultations and pathology, but there may be a gap, so check your policy. Students from some countries with reciprocal health agreements may also be eligible for Medicare; Services Australia can confirm this. Public sexual health clinics are often free and don't need a Medicare card. Our location pages list the public clinic in each major city.
Your privacy
Your consultation and results are confidential. We don't share them with your university, family or regular GP without your consent, except where the law requires confidential reporting of certain infections to public health authorities.
Staying safe
Condoms help prevent most STIs. If you're at higher risk of HIV, PrEP is highly effective. If you've had a possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours, you need PEP urgently.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Medicare to get tested?
No. With a Medicare card, the consult and standard tests are bulk-billed. International students can use their OSHC, which usually covers some or all of the cost, or visit a public sexual health clinic, which is often free without Medicare.
Will my university find out?
No. Your consultation and results are confidential and aren't shared with your university.
How often should students get tested?
At least once a year if you're sexually active, and whenever you have a new partner or symptoms. Test every 3 months if you have multiple or casual partners.
Can I get tested near campus?
Yes. Your pathology request works at any approved collection centre, so you can choose one near campus, home or work.
Sources: Kirby Institute: Chlamydia data; privatehealth.gov.au: Overseas Student Health Cover.
