International

Student & information services

Course Prerequisites

All courses have prerequisites that must be met by all applicants. The majority of courses require the successful completion of the Australian Year 12 or the equivalent overseas qualification. Applicants who do not meet the academic prerequisites but have relevant work experience may apply for mature age entry.

Any intending students who do not speak English as their first language, or for whom English was not the language of instruction at school, are required to meet a minimum IELTS level of 5.5 (academic). Some courses require a higher level of English prior to entry, details are available in individual course listings.

International students who do not provide an IELTS score may be required to sit an English language test and if necessary, complete an ELICOS program prior to commencing a formal course. Transfer into a formal course from ELICOS is at the discretion of the Institute and is based on the level of English language obtained.

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Exemptions and Credits

Subject credits may be awarded to students who can supply documentation of having successfully completed prior subjects of similar duration, content and assessment requirements. Students may be required to undertake challenge or theory tests as part of the process of recognising credits.

The teachers who grant the exemptions will need to be confident the information provided by the student is reliable and authentic.

Further information on exemptions and credits is available at www.kangan.edu.au/students/policies.

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Students Under 18 years of age

If you are under 18 please refer to www.kangan.com.au/policies and www.immi.gov.au/students/index.

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Credit Transfers to Further Study

Students who successfully complete a Diploma or Advanced Diploma may be eligible for one to one and a half year credit in a related degree through a system of credit transfer at any university in Australia. Packaging is available in a range of courses.
Please email international@kangan.edu.au for details.

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Academic Year

The academic year commences in early February and finishes in December. The year is divided into two semesters. All courses offered commence in February and some also have July intake. Automotive programs also have intakes in April and September. Please refer to page 20 for ELICOS intake dates.

The Institute is open from Monday to Friday, with classes normally scheduled between 8.30am and 5.30pm. However students may be required to attend classes in the evening, between 5.30 and 10.00pm, and on Saturday.

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Termination of Course

In the event that the Institute cannot provide the course, all tuition fees paid in advance will be refunded in accordance with the Refund Policy clause 2. The Institute will also assist the student in locating and transferring to a suitable course at another Institute.

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Deferment, Suspension and Cancellation

The Institute has policies and procedures that recognise and responds to cases where a student may wish to defer, suspend or cancel their enrolment. For further information please refer to www.kangan.edu.au/students/policies.

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Attendance

It is Institute policy to monitor attendance of all students in all programs. Regular attendance is critical to students academic progress which is monitored in accordance with the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007. For further information please refer to www.aei.dest.gov.au/esos and www.kangan.edu.au/students/policies.

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Transfers

Institutes: Under Department of Immigration & Citizenship (DIAC) regulations, international students are prevented from transferring from one institution to another for six months after their course commences. If students are granted a visa for an ELICOS program packaged with a formal course (certificate, diploma or advanced diploma) transfers will only be allowed after six months of the principal course.

Transfers within six months will only be approved in exceptional circumstances. For further information please refer to www.kangan.edu.au/students/policies.

Courses: It is Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE policy that international students must remain in the course as granted per visa application for a minimum of six months before a request for transfer between courses will be considered.

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Student Visa Regulations

Students are required to abide by the conditions of their student visa. These conditions must be stringently adhered to. For further information please refer to www.immi.gov.au/students/index.

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Work Rights

Once they have commenced their studies, international students can apply for a variation to their visa which allows them to work up to 20 hours per week during semester and full time during semester breaks. Any work undertaken must not interfere with studies or attendance. The Institute does not guarantee that students will secure work whilst studying in Australia.
For further information please refer to www.immi.gov.au/students/index.

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Careers and Employment

The Institute has its own licensed Employment Services Centre which provides a free service to assist students with their job applications.

The Employment Centre offers students a variety of services, including career guidance and employment counselling.

The Employment Centre’s main office is on the Broadmeadows campus and workshops on resume preparation and job applications are conducted at six campuses.

Other services the Employment Centre offers students are: weekly job vacancies lists, online tips and advice on all aspects of the job application process, advice on approaching prospective employers and tips on telephone techniques.

For further information please go to www.kangan.edu.au/servers/employment-centre.

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Appeals and Grievances

Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE has an appeals and grievance policy. Please refer to www.kangan.edu.au/students/policies.

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Scholarships

The Australian Government awards scholarships to study in Australia through AusAID and the Endeavour program. Information on the AusAID scholarships can be found at www.ausaid.gov.au and Endeavour at www.dest.gov.au.

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Budget

It is recommended that students budget between AUD$12,000 to AUD$15,000 per year for living expenses. Living expenses are not included in tuition fees. On arriving students should bring with them approximately AUD$2,000 to AUD$4,000 to cover the cost of temporary accommodation and the set up costs of permanent accommodation.

Student’s budget will increase by approximately 35% if accompanied by a spouse and an additional 20% if accompanied by one child, and increase by 15% for each additional child. If the accompanying child is of school age it is a requirement of the student visa that they must be enrolled and attend school. The costs range from AUD$6,000 to AUD$8,900 depending on level at school. Please note: This is Victorian government school 2007 fees and non-government schools fees vary, please contact individual schools. The International Office can assist with contact details.

Living costs do vary depending on lifestyle and living arrangements. The budget figures should be used as a guide only to determine actual living expenses. For currency conversions please go to www.oanda.com/converter/classic.

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Costs Associated with Study

Tuition fees do not cover the cost of books, equipment, stationery, uniforms or excursions. Estimated book and equipment costs are detailed in individual course listings. Students are required to purchase all books, uniforms and equipment as requested by their teaching department. In designated classes in hospitality, aircraft maintenance, welding and fabrication, aviation and automotive, students must wear protective clothing and or a uniform.
Students will be required to pay the AUD$50 Student Amenities Fee. This is a annual fee.

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Payment of Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are payable prior to the commencement of a semester. A late fee of AUD$50 per week will be payable if fees are not paid by the due date. If less than one semester of ELICOS is required, the ELICOS fee and one semester’s fee of the formal course must be paid prior to the release of the confirmation of enrolment. Repeat subjects will attract a minimum additional fee of AUD$14 per student contact hour.

If you have a brother or sister enrolled as a full fee-paying international student at Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE at the same time as you, you are entitled to a 10% discount on your annual course fees, for the period of time your brother or sister is enrolled as a full fee paying international sudent at the Institute.

If you wish to apply for the sibling discount, contact Kangan Batman Institute of TAFE International Office.

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Airport Pick-up

International students are met on arrival at Melbourne airport by an Institute representative and taken to their temporary accommodation.

The cost for temporary accommodation is approximately AUD$60 per night and includes some meals (price current as at June 2007 - subject to change). Travel arrangements must be forwarded to the Institute seven days prior to arrival. This is a free service offered by the Institute, however a fee will be charged if you have requested airport pick-up and do not use the service.

To access this service the completed Airport Pick-up / Temporary Accommodation form must be filled in and returned to the International Office seven days prior to arrival in Melbourne. This form is available from the Institute or download here. This service cannot be guaranteed if the completed form is received within seven days prior to arrival in Melbourne.

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Accommodation

Students have a number of accommodation options. The Institute provides a free accommodation placement service to assist students in locating suitable accommodation, with the exception of some homestay placements where students will pay an AUD$120 placement fee. This fee is payable to a homestay agency (not the Institute) and is subject to change.

Homestay: Homestay offers accommodation in a private home with a host family. Students are provided with a furnished bedroom with study space. The host provides meals, but the student must pay for their own travel, telephone calls, entertainment and personal needs. The approximate weekly cost is AUD$200 to AUD$220 per week. This is payable two weeks in advance to the host family.

Rented Rooms: Students can rent a room in a private house which can be either furnished or unfurnished. Meals are not normally provided, but students have access to the kitchen to prepare their own meals. Rent varies from AUD$100 to AUD$120 per week and may or may not include gas and electricity costs.

Private Rental: A popular option for students is to share an apartment or house which are normally rented through a real estate agent. Rental costs do vary dependant on type of property, number of bedrooms and location. Rent varies from AUD$200 to AUD$400 per week. A month’s rent in advance and a bond equivalent to one month’s rent is required when renting a property. To rent a property from a real estate agent their rental application form must be filled out and they may require a reference letter and financial and identification proof. The majority of rental properties are unfurnished. Approximately AUD$2,000 to AUD$4,000 will be required for the above requirements, household goods, gas, electricity and telephone connection. For further information on renting a property please refer to www.tuv.org.au.

Permanent accommodation usually takes two to four weeks to arrange, depending on the type of accommodation required. Permanent accommodation cannot be arranged prior to arriving in Australia.
These costs are indicative only and are correct as at June 2007 and subject to change.

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Orientation

International students at the Institute are required to attend an orientation program, which is conducted one week prior to the beginning of the semester. The program covers aspects of living and studying in Australia.
Sessions at orientation include: adapting to Australian course requirements, lifestyle, health insurance, compliance with student visa requirements, study skills, enrolment, (including timetable for current semester, booklist and student card) and orientation to local environment.

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Counselling

The Institute employs fully qualified counsellors who provide confidential help with study or personal problems. This is a free service. For further information please refer to www.kangan.edu.au/services/personal-counselling.

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Health Insurance

All international students are required by the Australian Government to take out Health cover. The Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provides international students with free public hospital care for non-elective treatment and 85% rebate of the standard doctor’s fees. For further information please refer to www.oshcworldcare.com.au.

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The ESOS framework-providing quality education and potecting your rights

The Australian Government wants overseas students in Australia to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding place to study. Australia’s laws promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws are known as the ESOS framework and they include the Education Services for Overseas (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code.

Protection for overseas students: As an overseas student on a student visa, you must study with an education provider and in a course that can be found on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) at http://cricos.dest.gov.au. CRICOS registration guarantees that the course and the education provider at which you study meet the high standards necessary for overseas students. Please check carefully that the details of your course, including its location and then match the information on CRICOS.

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Your rights

The ESOS framework protects your rights, including:

  • your right to receive, before enrolling, current and accurate information about the courses, fees modes of study and other information from your provider and your provider’s agent. If you are under 18, to ensure your safety, you will be granted a visa only if there are arrangements in place for your accommodation, support and welfare
  • your right to sign a written 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. You should keep a copy of your written agreement
  • 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 is unable to teach your course.

The ESOS framework protects your right to know:

  • how to use your provider’s student support services
  • who the contact officer or officers are for overseas students
  • if you can apply for course credit when your enrolment can be deferred, suspended or cancelled
  • what your provider’s requirements are for satisfactory progress in the courses you study
  • if attendance will be monitored for those courses
  • what will happen if you want to change providers
  • how to use your provider’s complaints and appeals process.

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Your responsibilities

As an overseas student on a student visa, you have responsibilities to:

  • satisfy your student visa conditions
  • maintain your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of your stay
  • meet the terms of the written agreement with your provider
  • inform your provider if you change your address
  • maintain satisfactory course progress
  • if attendance is recorded for your course, follow your provider’s attendance policy
  • if you are under 18, maintain your approved accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements.

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