Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements*

*Students without formal qualification but are having work experience in the course related field may be eligible to enrol into courses through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). For detailed information on RPL, please refer student handbook.

An IELTS (or approved equivalent) Test Report Form more than two years old may be accepted as evidence of present level of language proficiency  if accompanied by a proof that a candidate has completed his studies in an Australia where medium of instructions is English.

Australia has a reputation as a safe, progressive and dynamic place to study; and we maintain this reputation by providing quality education and consumer protection specifically developed for overseas students.

The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and associated legislation is the legal framework governing the responsibility of education institutions towards overseas students. These laws set out rights and responsibilities of the overseas students. The Department of Education, Employment and Work Relations (DEEWR) is responsible for administering the ESOS Act and its associated instruments.

Student’s rights

The ESOS framework protects your rights by ensuring the following:

• right to receive information about the courses, fees, modes of study and other information from your provider prior to the enrolment.

• right to sign a written student acceptance agreement with your provider before or as you pay fees, setting out the services to be provided, fees payable and information about refunds of course money.

• your right to get the education you paid for. The ESOS framework includes consumer protection that will allow you to receive a refund or to be placed in another course if your provider defaults in providing the course.

The ESOS framework sets out the standards Australian education providers offering education services to overseas students must obey. These standards cover a range of information you have a right to know and services that must be offered, including:

• appropriate induction and access to welfare services to help you study and adjust to life in Australia

• if you can apply for  recognition of prior learning (RPL)

• situations in which  your enrolment can be deferred, suspended or cancelled

• what your provider’s requirements are for satisfactory progress in the courses you study and what support is available if you are not progressing well

• a complaints and appeals process.

• One of the standards does not allow another education provider to enroll a student who wants to transfer to another course, but has not completed six months of the principal course of study you plan to undertake in Australia. If you want to transfer before hand you need your provider’s permission.

 Student’s responsibilities

Further ESOS Information

Website: www.aei.gov.au/ESOS

Email: esosmailbox@deewr.gov.au

Fax: (02) 6123 5870

Students with school aged dependents, staying in Australia for more than 3 months, must enrol their dependents in either a State government or Private (non-government) school.  Most State Schools are free or provided at a minimal cost to Australian permanent residents and citizens.  Financial contributions are required by all people in Australia whom do not have permanent residency status and require their dependants to be schooled.

Information about the enrolment and fees for temporary visa holders and dependants of overseas students may be obtained from:

NSW Department of Education and Training

Arrangements for students under 18 years of age

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) requires all international students who will be under 18 years of age when entering Australia on a student visa, to have appropriate accommodation, support and welfare arrangements in place. When you apply for a student visa, you will need to provide evidence that will be living with a parent, custodian or relative, or that the College has approved your care arrangements.

Students who have not turned 18 are subject to visa conditions that require them to maintain adequate welfare and accommodation arrangements. If the College has agreed to your care arrangement, you must not change these arrangements until you have obtained written approval from the College.

If student is aged below 18 years, guardian must have signed an undertaking for the care of the student.

Other Information

Advanced Standing/RPL

Student who have successfully completed accredited courses e.g. Certificate, Diploma etc. from a recognised training organisation in Australia or overseas prior to enrolling at Pacific College of Technology may be eligible for Advanced Standing/RPL towards their current studies at this college. Student wishing to apply for Advanced Standing/RPL must complete an application for Advanced Standing/RPL form after they have received and accepted a formal offer of a place from the College. This form is available from reception desk. Forms must be submitted for processing before term census dates.

Student holding a Student Visa must apply Advanced Standing/RPL before enrolment. This is a requirement of Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Considering the number of Advanced Standing/RPL Units the department will make a decision for student’s duration of stay in Australia to complete the rest of the Course in this college.

For more information about Advanced Standing/RPL, consult the Student Handbook.

Teaching and Assessment Method:

The teaching method includes theoretical concepts and classroom discussion with cases from different organisations. Students will be facilitated to develop skills and knowledge to fulfil the requirements for each competency unit and their elements.

All assessment of units of competence will be conducted in accordance with the assessment guidelines and competency standards of the officially endorsed Training Package for this qualification.

The assessment, procedures and the criteria for judging performance will be made clear to all participants enrolled in this course. Assessments will be conducted for each part of the training program, and the processes will be valid, reliable, fair and flexible.

Assessment processes will cover a broad range of skills and knowledge needed to demonstrate competency and will integrate knowledge and skills with their practical application. Assessment processes will provide for the recognition of competencies no matter how, where or when they have been acquired.

In general during this course, assessment involves students’ performance on a range of criteria including class performance and presentation, oral and written test, class work, and case studies.

Students will receive feedback upon the completion of the assessment process from the relevant assessor. If students are not satisfied with the assessment result, they can appeal for reassessment according to the College reassessment policy and procedure (refer to the Student Handbook).

Campus Location:

The campus is conveniently located in Auburn, which is approximately 20 km from Sydney CBD and is just 3 minutes walk from the Auburn Train Station. The street address is Level 1, 91-95 Rawson Street, Auburn, NSW 2144. 

Local environment and facilities:

Australia is a multicultural country. A large number of international students come to Australia to pursue their study annually.  Our campus is situated in Sydney, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Sydney has renowned places to visits including the beautiful Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach.

Our class consists of students from different countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. Classrooms are equipped with modern computers with the latest equipment and high-speed Internet search capabilities. Other facilities include a library with resource books and reference books, kitchen, etc.

Our classes are small in size and our friendly lecturers focus on individual students needs during the learning process.

Many lecturers use multimedia projectors or overhead projectors for visual aid during their classes. Computers are available in computer-labs for student use. Students can use these computers during their class hours to complete their assignments, or for Internet research. Assignments can be printed for a nominal charge or can be submitted to lecturers through e-mail

Support Services:

Arrivals

Students are met at the airport and transported to their accommodation venue by a College representative, should the airport pick up service be requested. The airport reception fee is AU$200.

Accommodation

Temporary and permanent accommodation arrangement can be made for students upon request. Please seek help at reception. Students requiring accommodation prearranged before their arrival should notify the College two weeks prior to departure.

Banking

The College can provide assistance to international students who need to open a bank account. To open a bank account in Australia, identification such as a current passport, current drivers’ license and a tax file number are required. Tax file number can be obtained through the Australian Taxation Office. Students who show proof of their student status, e.g. student ID card, may be exempt from paying fees and charges. Further information can be obtained from reception.

Common Room

The College provides basic kitchen amenities, such as microwave, fridge and boiling water facilities.

Fax Services

The College reception keeps all faxes it receives. Students must collect their personal faxes within 2 weeks. Any faxes not collected within such period will be destroyed. Students can fax their document at a price determined by the College for such service.

Legal Advice Service

The College does not currently have a student’s legal advisor who can assist students with legal matters. Students however can discuss their problem with the Student Contact Officer.

Students should note that there are number of agencies in the Australian community that offer inexpensive or free legal advice and help. The Legal Aid Office in each state will give free advice in short interviews, at certain times, to anyone. It will give free legal help to persons with limited income who are charged with certain serious crimes. They sometimes have a Duty Lawyer at courts for people who have no lawyer. Apply through any Legal Aid Office, Court or private lawyer. Legal Aid is a limited resource and may be difficult to obtain.  

Accidents

The College regards seriously its corporate responsibility under the various Occupational Health and Safety Statutes and will ensure that all members of the College staff understand clearly their individual responsibilities outlined in such legislation. However in any case of unfortunate incident students should notify a Pacific College of Technology staff member about the accident immediately. A first aid kit is available at reception.

Social Activities

The College frequently organises a number of social activities. Students are advised to check the College Noticeboard for the date of such activities. These activities may include:

• Sporting activities

• Sightseeing

• Cultural events and festivals

• BBQ and College Dinner

• Nature walks

• River cruises

• End of Term Party

Family:

In many cases, students are able to bring family members with them during their study in Australia. For more information on visas for family members, please visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website at http://www.immi.gov.au/students/students/bringing_family/. Please note that any school-aged dependants accompanying a student to Australia will be required to pay full fees if they are enrolled in either a government or non-government school.

Transfer:

Students already studying in Australia and applying for transfer of their student visa to Pacific College will be considered for entry only if the college is satisfied that all the requirements (including payment of fees) of the former college have been met. A letter of release from the previous college may be required.  

Cost associated with study in Australia:

The cost of receiving an education in Australia is fairly high, taking into account tuition fees, living costs, and international travel. Living cost always depends on individual students however, the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs advises students to have AU$18,000 per year. Therefore you have to make arrangements to ensure payment of costs incurred in Australia before making the move. 

Fees:

Please refer to the course tabs for current tuition fees.