In a statement, Vice Chancellor Andrew Vann said the university would begin "moving to online delivery" from March 23, but that "some classes, where it is safe, may still be face-to-face in this transition week".

The university break will be brought forward by two weeks to begin on March 30 and will return online from April 14.

A spokesperson for the university told The Daily Advertiser contingencies would be in place for any residential student who required to stay at the campus, but that majority were encouraged to leave.

"If students can return home, they should," the spokersperson said.

"If students are unable to return home, they can remain on campus."

It is understood some services will still be accessible to those who remain at the university.

"However we are asking students to consider this only if they normally live with someone who is in a high-risk group or is currently self-isolating, or if they are international and unable to return to their home country.

"If a student has another reason to remain on campus, this can be arranged. No student will be put in a position where they have nowhere to live."

In accordance with advice from department of health, the university has suspended non-essential activities and all overseas travel until April 30.

The vice chancellor said it would also be restricting domestic travel.

"The university has decided to cancel non-essential domestic travel," Professor Vann said.

"The university has decided to cancel all non-essential events.

"We will work directly with event organisers to follow this advice."

The situation will continue to be monitored before more advice can be given.