Selection, Enrolment & Orientation

Selection and enrolment at St. George Institute of Studies is carried out in an ethical and responsible manner and we encourage people to apply for enrolment without discrimination through a variety of means. Individual interviews are conducted to ensure applicants meet the entry requirements, are well informed and provide us with the opportunity to identify any special requirements the applicant may have. All successful applicants complete an orientation program the first day of the course to familiarise them with the Institute's services, facilities and procedures.  Students will also be provided with a copy of the Student Handbook.

Student Visa Requirements

All students should be aware of the following student visa requirements:

• Students must study a full-time course which is a minimum of 20 contact hours per week;
• Students must attend a minimum of 80% of all scheduled classes;
• Students must follow Course Progress Policy;
• Students must provide current and accurate contact details to St. George. If contact details change, students are required to fill out a change of details form and hand it in to the office.
• Students who obtain work rights on their visa are able to work up to 20 hours per week while the course is in session

For more information about visa conditions visit www.immi.gov.au

Overseas Student Health Cover

All international visitors to Australia under a Student Visa are required by law to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Students are required to pay for this cover prior to arriving in Australia. Students are covered by the OSHC from the day they arrive in Australia, until the end date of their visa.

• On enrolment all international students must pay a fee for health insurance in accordance with the length of their course.
• St. George forwards payment and application on behalf of new students to OSHC World care.
• OSHC World care can take up to 4 weeks to process applications and send student insurance cards back to St. George.
• If you have any health problems before receiving your card you are still covered. When you go to the doctor and pay for your consultation, you must ask for a receipt. OSHC will reimburse your money provided you produce the receipt.
• Remember you are covered from the day you arrive in Australia (even though you may not have your card).

Education of accompanying dependents

If you come to Australia as an overseas student on a student visa, you should be aware that you will be required to pay full fees for any of your school-aged dependants who accompany you and who are enrolled in either a government or non-government school in Australia. Information about the enrolment and fees for temporary visa holders and dependants of overseas students may be obtained from:

NSW Department of Education and Communities
35 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 1300 300 229 (local call)

Website: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/gotoschool/intnl_students/index.php

The following publications are available at the above website:

• Enrolment of Permanent Residents and Temporary Visa Holders in New South Wales Government Schools: Guidelines for Schools (July 2001);
• Enrolment of Temporary Visa Holders in New South Wales Government Schools: Information and Application Package (July 2001);
• Enrolment of Temporary Visa Holders in NSW Government Schools (brochure).

Temporary resident student applications can be mailed to:

Temporary Residents Program
NSW Department of Education and Communities
Locked Bag 7004, Wollongong NSW 2520

International student applications for NSW Government Schools can be mailed to:

DEC International
NSW Department of Education and Communities
Locked Bag 53, Darlinghurst, NSW 1300

Or take your application form and required documents to our office in Sydney:

DEC International

NSW Department of Education and Communities

827-837 George Street, Ultimo, NSW 2007

For enquiries about education and training, the school system, location of policy documents:

Call the Schools and Community Senior Information Officer

Phone:  9561 8999

Email: DECinfo@det.nsw.edu.au

For more information about how to apply visit http://www.decinternational.nsw.edu.au/how-to-apply

Accommodation and living expenses

An international single student living in Sydney requires approximately AU$18,000-$21,000 for living expenses each year (Australian Education International) Note: This figure does not include tuition fees.  Remember that your cost of living in Sydney will vary according to your lifestyle. For example, eating out at restaurants all the time will increase your living costs a lot, as will driving a car (you will have to pay for petrol, registration, maintenance and insurance, as well as the car itself).

Suggested weekly budget (Remember figures are in Australian dollars):

• Accommodation $150 to $350 (for a room in a shared house or apartment)
• Food A$50 to A$120
• Public transport A$30 to A$50

Accommodation options for students:

1. Homestay - Our Homestay services provide an opportunity to stay with an Australian family and experience the Australian culture and lifestyle. If you need a homestay, we ask our students to fill out an accommodation form. We need at least 4 weeks notice before the arrival date to arrange it. Minimum Stay - 4 weeks; for homestay fees please refer to our pricelist, fees includes meals, laundry, your own room and a student desk.
2. Student accommodation is located on the outskirts of the Sydney central business district in quiet and leafy suburban streets, only minutes from public transport and local shopping facilities and for about 20-30 minutes average travel time from the heart of the city. All houses are completely furnished with quality inclusions, and equipped with everything that one would need to feel safe and comfortable in a share accommodation, such as:

• Fully equipped kitchen including fridges, a microwave, a toaster, plates, cups, cutlery and cookware;
• High speed Internet connection with shared computer for free use and also with wireless option;
• TV, DVD player and HI-FI system;
• Washing machine;
• We offer twin share rooms with free bed linen, clock-radio and bedside lamp in all rooms. To book student house we ask our students to fill out an accommodation form at least 2 weeks before the arrival date. Minimum Stay -4 weeks; for fees please refer to our pricelist.

Hostel accommodation is a popular option for international students, especially in the first months of their arrival. A small, furnished room is provided with access to a shared bathroom, laundry, lounge and recreational activities. Some hostels also provide computer access. It is recommended that students considering Hostel accommodation options look at two or three properties prior to making a decision. Many hostels are privately run and as such come under the Rooming House Act. Please note, if the student signs a lease, they are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act.

Apartment/flat rental varies greatly in cost and conditions. For long term arrangements, it is strongly advised that the student is familiar with the suburb or area. For purposes of bond payment and moving arrangements the student must be available to sign agreements. For this reason international students are advised to secure short term accommodation upon arrival so that flat and apartment hunting may be started after they have settled in and begun to seek out areas they would like to live in.

ESOS Framework

The following is from information provided by Australian Education International (AEI) (www.aei.gov.au)

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 Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code 2007.

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.deewr.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 - match the information on CRICOS.

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 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:

• orientation and access to support services to help you study and adjust to life in Australia;
• who the contact officer or officers is for overseas students;
• if you can apply for credit transfer and/or recognition of prior learning;
• when 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;
• if attendance will be monitored for your course, and a complaints and appeals process;
• One of the standards does not allow another education provider to enrol a student who wants to transfer to another course, and has not completed six months of the final course of study planned to undertake in Australia. If the student wants to transfer beforehand the student needs the provider's permission.

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 education 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, and;
• if you are under 18, maintain your approved accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements.

Contact details

For information about	Who to contact	How
Policies and procedures that affect you	Student Services Officer	Level 6, 127 Liverpool Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Ph: (02) 9299 8166 Web: www.stgeorgecollege.com.au
Your ESOS rights and responsibilities	Department of Education	ESOS Helpline: +61 2 6240 5069 Website: www.aei.gov.au
Your Visa matters	Department of Immigration and Border Protection	Website: www.immi.gov.au Phone 131 881 in Australia Contact the DIBP office in your country

 

Facilities

At St. George, courses are designed to provide intensive training for career success in a professional learning environment that is both challenging and motivating.

General facilities for students include:

• computer labs;
• care and counselling;
• social programs;
• help with accommodation;
• internet access;
• language assistance;
• student lounge.

Campus Location and Contact Details

Address:

Business campus: Level 6, 127 Liverpool St, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

Telephone (main): +61 2 9299 8166

Facsimile: +61 2 9299 8712

Website: www.stgeorgecollege.com.au

E-mail: info@stgeorgecollege.com.au

Deferral, Suspension or Cancellation of Enrolment Policy

Under certain limited circumstances, a student's enrolment may be deferred, suspended or cancelled. A student's enrolment can be deferred, suspended or cancelled by St. George Institute of Studies, or by the student. Deferral means to delay the commencement of a course. Suspension means the temporary postponement of enrolment during a course. Cancellation means termination of enrolment in a course.

Deferral, suspension or cancellation by a student

Students who wish to defer, suspend or cancel enrolment can apply to do so only if the course in which they were enrolled is unavailable, their visa is delayed or there are compassionate or compelling circumstances. Compassionate or compelling circumstances are usually beyond the control of the student and have an impact on the student's course progress or the student's well-being. Compassionate or compelling circumstances include:

• serious injury or illness, supported by a medical certificate which states that the student was or will be unable to attend classes, bereavement of close family members such as parents or grandparents;
• major political upheaval or natural disaster in the home country, requiring emergency travel which has had an impact on the student's studies;
• traumatic experiences such as being a victim of, being involved in, or witnessing, a serious crime.

Effect of deferral, suspension or cancellation of enrolment on a student's visa

Deferral, suspension or cancellation of an enrolment is likely to have an effect on a student's visa. Students should contact the nearest DIBP office or refer to www.immi.gov.au for further information. All deferrals, suspensions and cancellations of enrolment are notified to DIBP via the PRISMS system and all documentation about the deferral, suspension or cancellation of a student is filed in the student's file.

Deferrals, suspensions or cancellations

St. George Institute may defer the commencement of a course if the course is not offered.

Suspension

St. George Institute may suspend a student for misconduct, under circumstances where the student

• has been in breach of a St. George rule;
• is in breach of enrolment conditions;
• is assessed as providing a threat to the well-being of other students or staff.

If the suspension of a student's enrolment will result in the student being unable to complete the course within the course duration as specified on the CoE, the student must apply for a course extension by making a written request with the Student Services Officer. The student will be advised to check with the nearest DIBP office for information about the impact of the extension of the course on the student's visa.

Cancellation

St. George Institute may cancel the enrolment of a student if the student:

• is in breach of enrolment conditions;
• has been in breach of a St. George rule;
• is assessed by the PEO as providing a threat to the well-being of other students or staff;
• has been assessed as behaving in a way such as to constitute serious misconduct;
• fails to meet the requirements of the course progress policy;
• fails to pay tuition fees;
• fails to re-enrol.

Notice of intention to defer, suspend or cancel enrolment

Where a suspension is initiated by St. George, the student will receive a notice of intention to suspend enrolment. In each case, the notice will clearly identify that the student will be given 20 working days to access the St. George Institute internal complaints and appeals process. If an appeal is lodged, St. George will maintain the student's enrolment until the internal appeals process is complete. St. George Institute of Studies reserves the right to not provide learning opportunities during this process should it be deemed appropriate.

Code of Practice

St. George Institute of Studies is committed to the following code of practice and customer service standards:

Students will have access to this and other information before a course commences.

Information for Course Participants

• Prior to a course starting students have access to all the information they require and know where and how to ask questions about St. George, the courses we offer and living and studying in Sydney.
• The fees, course details, and terms and conditions of enrolment plus more will be provided on the website and print material. 
•  Staff will be available to answer further questions by phone, email and in person.
• Our courses prepare students for working in the Business professions in Australia. Courses include both theory and practical.
• We expect to have an interesting blend of cultures and students in our classes and cater for this in our teaching and examination methods.

Acceptance in a Course

• Acceptance in a course will be based on the application form showing your education, English language level, experience and eligibility. 
•  We encourage you to apply and ask questions. “Do not be shy to tell us about your interests, skills and career goals”.
• The entry requirements for our courses including English levels are set out in the marketing material and on the website. 
•  All students will have access to information on the website prior to confirmation of enrolment.

Training Delivery and Assessment

• Courses are run in well equipped classrooms.
• Wherever you are learning you will feel safe, comfortable and work with friendly staff.
• Student progress will be monitored and assessed.
• Our assessments are consistent with industry standards.

Our Teachers, Trainers and Assessors

• All vocational teachers are qualified practitioners specialising in different areas. Teaching staff are required to maintain their professional expertise.
• We ensure that our staff will be sensitive to the culture and learning needs of the students. Some of our staff speak a second language (Asian or European) and can help you with your questions.
• We support the principles of access and equity for students and staff.

Vocational Education and Training Standards

•  As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), St. George Institute of Studies will adopt policies and management practices which maintain high professional standards in the marketing and delivery of our courses.
• We will safeguard the interests and welfare of our students.
• We are listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. (CRICOS Provider 03372C) and will ensure our Institute meets all government requirements under the ESOS Act and the National Code 2007. 
•  We believe in good customer service and will continuously improve, to meet the standards set out by the government under the Australian Quality Framework.

Keeping up to date with Nationally Recognised Training and Legislation

• The Director of Studies makes sure that all relevant legislation and regulations are ethically applied across the Institute.
•  Staff and students have access to this information and can contact an external third party if they want to talk to someone about their rights and responsibilities.
• Staff are responsible for maintaining high standards in our course programs that are also flexible, fair and equitable to all students and their different needs.
• We will use approved courses and nationally recognised training packages.

Recognition of Prior Learning or Credit Transfer

• Students with relevant nationally recognised qualifications from registered training organizations can request for credit transfer for parts of their course.
• Students may also have other prior learning such as degree and work experience in Australia or overseas.
• These students can apply for recognition of prior learning at the application stage and talk to our marketing staff about their experience.  
• Each application is judged individually on evidence presented plus an interview.
• The fee for RPL and Credit Transfer will be explained at application. Adjusted course length and course fees will be explained in writing.

Client Welfare, Counselling and Guidance Services

• We will be sensitive to cross cultural issues.
• We employ counselling staff to assist our students.  
• We can refer you to specialist agencies where required.

We will continuously monitor the social and academic need of our students and provide learning support through a range of teaching and assessment methods.

Marketing Our Courses

We will market our courses with integrity, honesty and accuracy. No false or misleading information will be provided. Our website, brochures and other materials will use approved logos.

Complaints and appeals

Click here for more details

• All complaints must be dealt with in a constructive and timely manner. Our Policies set out how this will be done and the time limits for a response in writing.
•  If a student disagrees or disputes the outcome of an assessment, it is important that this is settled as quickly as possible. Our assessment appeals process is detailed step by step in the student handbook.
• This will be explained at the start of every course.

 

Fees and charges procedures

Our Fees are set out in the enrolment form and marketing materials. It is very important that students read the terms and conditions of enrolment. Students should also read the Student Handbook.

• When students accept an offer of place in a course they are reminded of their rights and responsibilities and accept the terms and conditions we set down as an agreement between the Institute and the student.
• All students are protected under the Australian Consumer Law and overseas students are protected under the ESOS Act should there be a dispute or the Institute ceases to operate.
• We are obliged to clearly explain what happens to students in these situations and how students can pursue their rights through management and third parties.
• Our refund policies are detailed and carefully explained in the student handbook and in the enrolment terms and conditions. Students have the right to be informed on how fees are managed by the Institute.

 

Quality Customer Service comes from Customer Satisfaction

St. George Institute of Studies takes pride in our reputation as a well managed, high quality CRICOS approved Institute

We look forward to welcoming you at St. George and helping you achieve your goals.

St. George Institute of Studies

Contact us:

Phone: (+61 2) 9299 8166

Fax: (+61 2) 9299 8172

Postal Enquiries at:

Level 6, 127 Liverpool Street Sydney NSW 2000 AUSTRALIA

Website: http://www.stgeorgecollege.com.au

Email: info@stgeorgecollege.com.au