Here's a summary of the most important information you might need when you study at Chisholm. You will find more detailed information in the Chisholm International Handbook and the Pre-departure booklet.
General Information Policies and Procedures
The Australia Government has set a number of requirements, which operate and protect the industry and prospective students. The Institute application procedures for international students are in accord with ESOS Act 2000, ESOS Regulations 2001 and the National Code 2007.
Detailed information of the above legislation and act can be found from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website, or visit the following direct web pages:
Chisholm Institute also has a range of policies and procedures including ones for international student refund and complaint resolution. You can access these from the link on the Chisholm International website footer, or refer to the course guide.
ESOS
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 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.
For more information on your ESOS rights and responsibilities please refer to the course guide.
You can also contact:
Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations
Website: www.aei.gov.au
ESOS Helpline: +61 2 6240 5069
Email: esosmailbox@deewr.gov.au
For visa matters contact:
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
Website: www.immi.gov.au
Telephone: 131 881 in Australia
Or contact the DIAC office in your country
Academic Information
Course pre-requisites
For the majority of courses at Chisholm you need to have completed Australian year 12 or equivalent, or apply under mature age entry with relevant work experience.
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. Students must obtain an equivalent of IELTS 5.5 before transferring into a mainstream course.
Students under 18
Where students under the age of 18 are not being cared for by a parent or suitably nominated relative, Chisholm will make sure that a guardianship is in place.
The guardianship program is responsible for a student until he/she is 18 years of age and form the transition period for school transfers unless an alternative guardianship has been approved by Chisholm. Students are required to live in a homestay arrangement until the age of 18.
Click here to download the Under 18 Guardianship form.
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 a July intake. See the course guide for ELICOS intake dates.
Attendance and Academic Progress
Your teaching department will maintain attendance and academic progress records.
It is a condition of your student visa that you must achieve an attendance record of at least 80% and you must pass at least 50% of the course.
For further information on attendance and academic progress please refer to the course guide.
Working while you study
International students are permitted to work for up to 20 hours per week during the study period and unlimited work hours during the semester breaks. A work permit can be obtained via the DIAC website, or through the nearest DIAC office.
DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship): www.immi.gov.au
Enquiry Hotline: 131 881 in Australia
You will need to apply for a tax file number to work in Australia. Apply to the Australian Taxation Office: www.ato.gov.au
Chisholm's Student Advisory Services department assists students seeking part time or casual employment by providing information, assistance and advice on where to look for work, how to write resumes, how to apply for jobs, use the telephone and interview techniques.
Job listings are displayed at the major campuses which may be able to match students with employment opportunities.
All students are introduced to the employment services available from Chisholm's Learner and Community Engagement department during orientation.
Health and insurance
You are required by the Australian Government to join the Overseas Student Health Cover Scheme (OSHC) and to hold health insurance for the duration of your studies. The OSHC is designed to cover the costs for medical and hospital care that you or any family members accompanying you may need while in Australia without causing you undue financial hardship. Chisholm Institute recommends that you purchase OSHC for the full duration of your program. This protects you from rate rises in OSHC and gives you the security of continuous cover.
OSCH will cover most medical expenses whilst the student is in Australia.
Doctors are available close to all locations. A list of medical centres is given to the students at their orientation.
Getting around in Melbourne
All Chisholm international student locations are close to public transport links within the Melbourne metro travel system. You can also easily access Melbourne city by train, bus or the famous Melbourne tram.
To drive a car in Australia you must have a valid driver's licence and the car you drive must be registered and insured according to state government regulations. Refer to VicRoads: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular and more bike paths and bike lanes continue to be opened up around Melbourne.
Accommodation assistance
There are many accommodation options available and the International Student Office can provide assistance in helping students choose from the following:
Homestay
As part of homestay accommodation students will live in a private home with a family. Full board with a family will include a furnished room and most meals. Students may be required to do their own laundry and clean their own room. The cost is AUD$250 per week and you must agree to a minimum stay of one month. Other terms and conditions apply.
Private rental
Many students share flats, units or houses rented through real estate agents. A two bedroom flat may cost around AUD$160 per week in rental and a three bedroom house may cost about AUD$190 – AUD$260.
Students will also need about AUD$2,000 – AUD$2,500 to spend on furniture, household goods, gas, electricity and telephone connections.
Rented rooms
Chisholm can provide the latest accommodation information from the local community free of charge. Please contact the International Student Office on arrival at Chisholm Dandenong for detailed information. Rented rooms in a private home normally do not provide meals and students will have the use of the kitchen to prepare meals. Rents may vary from AUD$80–AUD $120 per week plus ongoing.
Please note costs may vary according to fluctuations in property prices and economic conditions. Refer to the International Student Office for full information.
Family schooling
Education in Victoria for school age students
There are three main providers of school based education in Victoria: Victorian Government schools, Independent schools and Catholic schools, all providing world class education for both primary and secondary school students.
If you have school-aged dependants who will accompany you to Australia, you must enrol them at a school as fee-paying students.
Further information about Victorian Government Schools is available at: www.study.vic.gov.au/Intstu/AbtVGS.htm
For further information about Independent schools visit: www.privateschoolsdirectory.com.au
For further information about Catholic schools visit: web.cecv.vic.catholic.edu.au
For further information about visas for dependants of student visa holders, please visit DIAC: www.immi.gov.au
School fees for Dependant International Students
Dependant international students are those whose parents are studying as international students at a registered Victorian tertiary institution and hold a 570 or 572–575 student visa. Dependant students travel under their parent's student visa and are usually covered by Overseas Student Family Health Cover (OSFHC). Below is an example of the Victorian Government schools fees (2008) for Dependant International Students. Independent and Catholic schools in Victoria may charge different fees, it is important to check with the individual school for fees details.
- Level: Primary (Prep – Grade 6)
- Tuition Fees: $6,180
- Level: Junior Secondary (Years 7 – 10)
- Tuition Fees: $8,190
- Level: Senior Secondary (Years 11 – 12)
- Tuition Fees: $9,170
The Victorian school year
The Victorian Government school year is split into four terms. School aged students take 'school holidays' during times outside of term dates. The 2009 Victorian Government term dates are listed below. There may be other days where a school may be closed, it is important to check with the individual school for details. Independent and Catholic schools in Victoria may operate using different term dates, it is important to check with the individual school for details.
2009 Term dates
- Term 1: 28 January to 3 April
- Term 2: 20 April to 26 June
- Term 3: 13 July to 18 September
- Term 4: 5 October to 18 December
English language and study skills support
This support is available to international students in all courses and at all locations. The ongoing program helps students to adjust to the requirements of the Australian education environment.
An English language teacher is available by appointment and without charge. Support is provided to help students improve their English skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Other program topics are provided, such as understanding assessment criteria; research skills; oral presentation skills; structuring assignments and familiarisation with Australian English.
Flexible study options
Chisholm's flexible study options allow you to make changes to your study plan if you change your mind.
Entertainment and recreation
International students can access a variety of social, fun and interesting events throughout the year. Chisholm organises a number of on–site days and sporting competitions, trips and tours, which are popular with local international students.
Counselling services
Chisholm employs fully qualified counsellors who provide confidential help with study or personal problems. They also provide vocational counselling.
Living expenses and costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you are advised by DIAC that the annual sum of AUD $13,000 is estimated for living costs which cover the expense of accommodation, transport, food and general daily expenses.
The tuition fee does not cover the cost of books, equipment, uniforms, stationery or excursions. Textbooks may cost up to AUD $500 per year.
Permanent Residency
Due to the high demand for trade qualifications in recent years, successful Chisholm graduates may be eligible to further their career in Australia.
For further information on permanent residency, students should contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) directly on +61 131 881, or visit the official website: www.immi.gov.au
Any change to a student's visa status as a result of Permanent Residency and how that affects student classification and fees are further explained in the 2009 International Handbook.
