Quick answer
What are the photo rules for an Australian university student card?
Each university sets its own rules, and none of Sydney, Melbourne, UNSW, Monash, UQ or ANU publishes a pixel size. They want a recent, unedited colour photo of your head and shoulders on a plain light background. Most accept uploads, ANU and UNSW take photos on campus, and Monash needs a live selfie.
Australian universities set their own student card photo rules. Most let you upload a photo online before you arrive, some take it on campus, and Monash asks for a live selfie. None of the six below publishes a pixel size, but they all want a recent, unedited colour photo of your head and shoulders on a plain light background.
Student card photo rules by university
| University | How to submit | Photo rules |
|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | Upload in Sydney Student (My studies > Enrolment > Upload photo) | Plain light background; from just above the head to mid-chest; taken within 6 months; no caps or dark glasses |
| University of Melbourne | Upload in CaptureMe after uploading your ID | Plain white background; head, neck and shoulders; colour; no filters or retouching; no sunglasses |
| UNSW Sydney | Taken in person at an on-campus appointment; distance students email a photo | Unedited passport-sized JPEG, less than 6 months old (distance students) |
| Monash University | VerifyMe: upload your ID and take a live selfie | No pre-prepared images; plain light background; nothing covering the face; no shadows |
| University of Queensland | Upload online | JPG, PNG or PDF; plain white or light background; face and upper shoulders; no filters |
| Australian National University | Taken in person at Student Hub Kambri | No photo upload option; face visible from chin to forehead |
Rules that apply almost everywhere
Do
- A recent colour photo (Sydney and UNSW ask for one taken within 6 months)
- Plain white or light-coloured background
- Head and shoulders, facing the camera, with your face clearly visible
- Religious head coverings that leave your facial features visible
Don't
- Filters, retouching or edited backgrounds
- Caps, hats or sunglasses
- A photo of your passport or ID card instead of a real photo
- Low-resolution or blurry images
How to submit your student card photo
- Find your university's method. Check the table above: several universities take uploads, UNSW and ANU take photos in person, and Monash asks for a live selfie in VerifyMe.
- Take a recent colour photo. Head and shoulders, facing the camera, on a plain white or light-coloured background. Sydney and UNSW ask for one taken within 6 months.
- Leave it unedited. No filters, retouching or edited backgrounds, and no caps, hats or sunglasses.
- Upload it. Submit it through your university's portal, such as Sydney Student or CaptureMe. If an upload fails, reduce the file size and try again.
Physical cards for exams
Some universities still require the plastic card. The University of Sydney does not accept digital student cards for exams, and UNSW requires a physical card for exams from Term 1 2026. UQ issues digital IDs to external students.
Student card photo FAQ
Most Australian universities do not publish a pixel size. They ask for a clear, recent colour photo of your head and shoulders on a plain light background. If an upload fails, reduce the file size and try again.
Usually yes, if it is recent and shows your head and shoulders on a plain light background. Monash is the exception: VerifyMe asks for a live selfie and does not accept a pre-prepared image.
Yes, religious head coverings are accepted at the universities listed here, as long as your facial features are clearly shown. Caps and sunglasses are not.
Official sources
- University of Sydney: Student cards
- University of Sydney: Student card photo guidelines (PDF)
- University of Melbourne: My first student card
- UNSW Sydney: Student ID card
- Monash University: Get your M-Pass
- University of Queensland: Student ID cards
- ANU: Student cards
Last checked . Requirements and fees can change, so always confirm with the issuing agency before you apply. This site is independent and not affiliated with any government agency.