Student service

Whether you are deep into your studies and deadlines, or trying to take some well earned rest, we aim to help you fully enjoy your experience in Melbourne. Our dedicated staff are always available should you need them for anything; accommodation, learning or anything else that may be required.

Before you arrive…

When you arrive in Australia, our Student Services staff are already one step ahead of your needs. They are intent on making sure you settle in quickly and easily into Australian student life. You will be given the Australian Academy Handbook that has everything you need to make an independent start; transport info, food services, shopping updates, as well as much needed health, emergency and legal services that are available.

Arrival assistance

We even have a Student Welcome Desk at Melbourne Airport which is visible when you arrive. Run by the Victorian government, it offers vital information on arrival. For Student Welcome Desk opening hours, visit www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au

Orientation

This is a wonderful event where you will meet all your fellow students, be introduced to the staff, and general familiarise yourself with the campus. It is a great opportunity to find out everything you need and to ask as many questions as you wish to.

Student activities

Life at college would not be complete without those much needed social events and gatherings. They allow us to make friends and connections and to unwind and relax during our studies. We offer a lively and colorful social calendar which is updated monthly with a wide range of activities and social events. It really helps our students feel at home and to begin to explore the city with new friends. From Pizza Nights, Cupcake Days and even Bingo Parties (with prizes!) there is so much to fit in.

Counselling services

Mental health and well being is valued above all else at Australian Academy. We have a wonderful resident counsellor who is always available for confidential support and guidance. For those difficult situations that we sometimes find ourselves in, our experienced counsellor is on hand for counselling, welfare and grievance resolution also. You can make a booking very simply with the front desk staff.

From start to finish

While studying at Australian Academy, our amazing Student Support Services will become like a large, supportive family. They will make sure you achieve your fullest potential, keep you safe, happy and healthy throughout your studies. Every step of the way, we will be with you – supporting, guiding and encouraging. We even award a Student of the Month certificate to recognise students for their outstanding academic achievement. You could be that student!

Visa requirement

Applying for your student visa

A student visa is legally required before you travel to Australia. Visas are issued by the Department of Immigation. How to migrate to Australia? Requirements for your visa will differ for each country, as will your chosen level of study. For more information visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au  

Genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement

This safeguarding measure ensures that all student visas are used as intended. Maintaining ongoing residency in Australia is not permitted on a student visa. How to migrate to Australia? All student visa applicants are under the jurisdiction of the GTE requirement. Personal circumstances and immigration history will be considered by the Visa Officer. The requirement is not designed to exclude students who, after study, go on to apply to become Australian permanent residents.

Overseas student health cover (OSHC)

Is a mandatory requirement that international students have OSHC for the duration of their course. These costs must be paid prior to the issue of a student visa. OSHC is health insurance that covers doctors visits and some hospital treatments, as well as ambulance cover and some medicines. For more information see www.health.gov.au or your OSHC provider. Australian Academy can help in arranging your OSHC.

Paid work in Australia

Students in receipt of a visa are permitted to work for a limited number of hours under Australian immigration laws. The current limit is 40 hours per fortnight during a study period, and full-time hours during study-breaks. Under no circumstances should students rely on income earned in Australia to pay tuition fees.

Bringing your family

It is a requirement for school age dependants to be enrolled in school in Australia. School fees must be paid and school is mandatory until 16 years of age. It is optional to attend Year 11 and 12. Please check first with the Australian Department of Education www.education.gov.au or an Australian Diplomatic Mission in your country, as there may be restrictions.

ESOS framework

Upheld by the Australian Government, the ESOS Framework is legislation which promotes quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. The laws include the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code 2018. Australian Academy must fulfil the obligations set out in the ESOS Framework under the Act. For a full description of ESOS Framework, download the factsheet here: www.internationaleducation.gov.au

Tuition protection service

The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is an initiative of the Australian Government which assists international students whose education providers are unable to fully deliver their course of study. The TPS ensures that international students can either: complete their studies in another course or with another education provider. or receive a refund of their unspent tuition fees. In the unlikely event your education provider is unable to: Deliver a course you have paid for Does not meet their obligations to either offer you an alternative course that you accept. Pay you a refund of your unspent prepaid tuition fees (this is called a provider’s ‘default obligations’) The TPS will assist you in finding an alternative course or offer help with claiming a refund if a suitable alternative is not found. For further information, please visit: www.tps.gov.au

Further visa information

See the Australian Government immigration page for more information at www.homeaffairs.gov.au

Australian academy of business and technology

Download Australian Academy forms and brochure

Obligations as student

Full-time study

International students must undertake a full-time study load as per their student visa conditions. This is normally a minimum of 20 hours per week during the study period. All scheduled classes or workshops are compulsory. If you do not attend classes you may risk failure.

Use of personal information

To ensure we meet our obligations under the ESOS Act and the National Code 2018, Australian Academy must collect information on this form and during your enrolment. This ensures your compliance with the conditions of your visa and your obligations under Australian immigration laws. Information collected about you on this form and during your enrolment can be provided, in certain circumstances, to the Australian Government and designated authorities and, if relevant, the Tuition Assurance Scheme and the ESOS Assurance Fund Manager.

Academic progress and visa cancellation

If a student at Australian Academy does not make satisfactory academic progress, then rules and policies governing this may be followed and the student would be reported to the Department of Immigration. As a result of this, your student visa may be cancelled. If a student fails more than 50% of units in two consecutive study periods (terms). If there is a failure in more than 50% of units in one study period, then a review of progress will be undertaken and an intervention strategy put in place.

Policies

For more information on Australian Academy policies and procedures, plus all downloadable forms, see Australian Academy Policies

Tuition fee deadlines

All students must have sufficient funds to support themselves and pay tuition fees. This is a visa requirement and if fees are not paid promptly the college reserves the right to cancel enrollment and notify the Department of Immigration.

Change of address

Please inform Australian Academy of your Australian residential address and if those details change we ask that you update us promptly. It is solely your responsibility to ensure that we have the most current contact information for you. Your visa conditions legally require you to ensure that we are informed of your residence. If a visa condition is breached, Australian Academy may send notice to the address in question.

Complaints and appeals

The college seeks to continuously provide a high-quality education and training environment that is safe, fair and free from discrimination. A setting in which all are encouraged to strive for excellence and fulfil their potential. Our resolution process focuses on a rapid re-establishment of good educational working relationships and positive outcomes.
Complaints and Appeals can relate to academic and non-academic matters and is available to all staff and students of Australian Academy. There is no charge for Australian Academy complaints and appeal process or if the student seeks an external appeal through the Overseas Student Ombudsman www.ombudsman.gov.au. The Australian Academy complaints and appeals policy does not limit the rights of individuals to take action under Australia’s Consumer Protection Laws.

Useful links

Australian Government immigration www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Australian Skills Quality Authority www.asqa.gov.au
Australian Qualifications Framework www.aqf.edu.au
Australian Education International aei.gov.au
City of Melbourne www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for International Students) cricos.deewr.gov.au
ESOS Act and National Code 2017 internationaleducation.gov.au
Emergencies (Ambulance, Police, Fire Brigade) Dial 000
Royal Melbourne Hospital: 9342 7000  www.rmh.mh.org.au
St. Vincent’s Hospital: 9288 2211 www.svhm.org.au
International Student Welfare Program  www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
Living in Melbourne Australia www.living-in-melbourne.com
Overseas Students Ombudsman www.oso.gov.au
Study in Australia www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

Transport

In cases when public transport is not available, taxis or hire car services may be available. For further information please visit:
www.melbournecitycabs.com.au
www.13cabs.com.au
www.13cabs.com.au 

Transport(Public)

Metlink offers students everything they need to know about Melbourne Transport. Click on link to know more about metlink
www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au

Tuition protection service

Student safety

The ‘Think Before’ tagline reinforces the message that international students need to be aware of their surroundings, particularly late at night on public transport, and to plan their travel. These vital safety messages are available in 13 different languages and are also presented as an animated video. ‘George’ a fictional student has been created to allow international students a chance to consider these important messages. Think Before is available through a website www.thinkbefore.com.au A Student Safety in Victoria brochure can also be downloaded from www.police.vic.gov.au