Student Support
The Student Support section of our website is designed to make your transition to study in Australia as easy, enjoyable and trouble free as possible. It provides a great wealth of information on basic topics such as health cover, visa requirements etc.
General Information
English Language Requirement
To qualify for an offer of placement at the SCSC you must be conversant in English and you will be required to present an official assessment of your English language skills. You may opt to sit for such a test in one of the many International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment centres a score of 6.0 or above is required for admission. For more information about this test go to: www.ielts.org.
Alternatively you can sit for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) assessment. In this test you must also score 550 or above.
For more information on this test go to: www.ets.org
How to advance your skills in the English language
If you are interested in furthering your English language skills whilst you are in Australia you can obtain more information from the following websites:
Please see below for sample information on the courses conducted at the above institutions.
TAFE NSW
TAFE offers short courses in English for adults from language backgrounds other than English. It is a flexible course which teaches you listening, speaking, reading and writing skills to suit your needs.For more information go to: www.tafensw.edu.au.
Quality English Language Programs
NCELTR is a leading Applied Linguistics centre, staffed with highly qualified and experienced teachers. It is unique in its close collaboration with academics and, is the longest running National Key Centre in Australia.
Teachers and Administrative staff at NCELTR are trained in intercultural awareness and communication and work hard to ensure that students are able to develop friendships with each other across many cultures.
Studying English at NCELTR does not simply improve your English language knowledge: it also helps prepare you with the intercultural communications, understanding and skills you will require for success in a competitive international environment.
For more information please visit the NCELTR website www.nceltr.mq.edu.au/elp or contact us via phone 61 2 9850 7667 or email.
English Australia (EA)
- EA is the representative body for quality public and private English language colleges in Australia
- Over 80% of students learning English in Australia study at an ENGLISH AUSTRALIA college
- English Australia guarantees and protects students' fees
- English Australia colleges are located in capital and regional cities throughout Australia
For More Information go to www.englishaustralia.com.au
Overseas Student Health Cover
Australia has a special system of health cover for international students in Australia. This is called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and, with the exception of students from Sweden and Norway, all students are required to have this cover for the duration of their study in Australia. OSHC provides a safety net for international students similar to that provided to Australians through Medicare (Australia's national health insurance scheme).
How to Obtain OSHC
You will need to complete an application for OSHC which is available from registered OSHC providers. You will be required to join one of the following registered health funds:
How much does it cost?
OSHC costs depend on how long you will be in Australia and vary depending on the health fund. However, the approximate cost for one year is $320.00.
What is covered?
The OSHC covers most medical expenses and the cost of hospital care which international students may need while in Australia. OSHC will also pay for most prescription drugs and emergency ambulance transport.
What is not covered?
Dental care and optometry costs are not included in the cover but students may take out additional cover.
Students are advised that OSHC does not cover any pre-existing conditions (such as pregnancy or prior illness) and such expenses must be met by the student.
School Age Dependants
Students with school age dependants who are intending to study with the SCSC are advised that any school aged dependants accompanying them to Australia will be required to pay full fees for their schooling if they are enrolled in either a government or non-government school.
Age Requirement
Due to the academic nature of the course the SCSC will not accept any students under 18 years of age. Upon enrolment we require proof of age such as a copy of your passport or birth certificate (translated into English).
Student Liaison Officer and Counselling
The SCSC liaison officer, Ms Teresa Fibrich has a responsibility to care for students needs on a daily and ongoing basis. Should you require the services of this person simply approach the reception area and ask for an appointment to be scheduled. Should you require professional counselling facilities again approach the Administration Manager where you will be directed to the appropriate counselling services for your needs.
If a student is in need of affordable dispute resolution services the SCSC generally refers all disputes to the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET).
The SCSC does not have a qualified counsellor on the premises, however, we have established firm links with professionals should any student require this service.
Please feel free to contact us if you require these additional services.
Ms Jaala Haynes is available for confidential assistance to help you with the challenges and difficulties often faced by international students. She is available Monday –Friday from 9am –5pm
To study in Australia as an international student you must have a valid Australian Student Visa. Student visas are subject to strict conditions. Failure to comply with visa conditions may result in the cancellation of your visa. Cancellation of your student visa will require you to leave Australia immediately.
It is your responsibility to read and understand the conditions of your visa. For a list of explanations of your visa conditions, please refer to the information booklet under your visa subclass in the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (www.diac.gov.au) website or contact your nearest Australian Diplomatic Mission.
Working Whilst Studying
Conditions for Working While Studying
If you are given permission to work, there are restrictions on the number of hours you can work.
The information below outlines the work entitlements for you and your dependant family members if you are granted permission to work.
Type of Applicant Work Entitlement
Students granted permission to work:
You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the term and unlimited hours when your course is not in session.
Notes: Work that is a formal registered part of your course is not included in the limit of 20 hours per week. If you are doing voluntary or unpaid work you must apply for permission to work. It is included in the limit of 20 hours per week.
Dependant family members granted permission to work:
You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week throughout the year.
Important: You must also comply with the State and Territory laws of Australia. Under all State and Territory laws, you cannot work during school hours if you are under the school leaving age, which in most states is 15 years of age.
When is your course in session?
The department considers your course to be 'in session':
- for theduration of the advertised semesters (including periods when exams are being held)
- if your Confirmation of Enrolment is still in effect
- if you are undertaking another course, during a break from your main course and the points will be credited to your main course.
This information was taken from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship - www.immi.gov.au
Finances
To open a bank account you will need your passport and other forms of identification such as birth certificate or international drivers licence.
Always make sure you understand the conditions of any bank account you open. Banks in Australia provide savings and cheque accounts, plus a wide range of other financial services such as; personal loans, bank drafts and transfer of funds.
Tax file numbers (TFNs) - what are they?
An individual Tax File Number (TFN) is issued to each tax payer in Australia. You need a student work visa before you apply for your TFN if you intend to work in Australia.
Tax file numbers are issued by the Tax Office. We use your number to identify your tax records.
Everyone has a different tax file number. Your tax file number is yours for life, even if you change jobs, move interstate or change your name. If you leave the country and later come back to Australia, you still use the same tax file number.
When you make enquiries about your tax records, we will ask you for your tax file number; we will also ask for other information to check that you are who you say you are.
Your tax file number is valuable. Do not share it with friends and do not provide it over the internet when applying for jobs.
Why do you need a tax file number?
It is not compulsory to have a tax file number. However, without a tax file number:
- your employer must take 46.5% of your wages in tax
- institutions are required to tax your interest at 46.5%
- is more difficult for us to look up your records and discuss them with you.
Who can ask you for your tax file number?
Only certain people and organisations can ask for your tax file number, the most common being:
- Tax Office
- your bank or other financial institution
You do not have to give your tax file number when asked but there may be consequences if you do not.
If you are asked for your tax file number you have the right to be told:
- legal basis the organisation has for asking for it.
- you are not committing an offence if you do not provide it.
What will happen if you do not provide it?
Your Bank in Australia will ask for you TFN when you apply to open an account. If you do not have a TFN when you open an account you can register your TFN with the bank when you receive it.
To apply for a TFN, you will need to complete an application for which is available from the Post office or at the nearest Australian Taxation Office (ATO). To apply for a TFN you will need identification such as your passport, as well as a bank statement,drivers licence or credit card.
For more information go to www.ato.gov.au
Transfering Money
Money can be sent from your home country to Australia by bank drafts, cheques or telegraphic transfers. Credit cards are also a convenient way of transferring funds. Check on the interest rates that will be charged. Bank drafts or cheques from overseas take a few days to arrive and can take up to 10 working days to clear through an Australian bank. Telegraphic transfers usually take only a few days, but cost more than other methods.
Induction
Student orientation day is conducted for all new students at the beginning of each semester. It is essential for all new students to attend this session to understand the Sydney College of Skin Care academic systems, rules and regulations and familiarise themselves with the facilities. Students must bring with them; valid passport and current residential address.
Typically the orientation day includes:
- Introduction to College facilities and the study environment
- Introduction to trainers and administration team
- Highlighting the information contained in the student handbook
- Introduction to course structure, academic calendar and timetable issues.
- Information about academic and attendance requirements governed by the department of immigration and student visa regulations.
At the end of the orientation day students will receive all student kits and resource manuals. Students will then be asked to sign a Student Orientation and Compliance Declaration form that acknowledges that they understand and agree to comply with student visa conditions and aware of their rights and obligations as students of the Sydney College of Skin Care.
Policies and Procedures
As part of the induction process the students will be introduced to additional Policies and Procedures and will be available on request. These documents include but are not limited to:
- Marketing Policy
- Course Credit Policy
- Language Proficiency Policy
- Refund Policy
- Critical Incident Policy
- Transfer Between Registered Providers Policy/Procedure
- Complaints and Appeals Policy/Procedure
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Study Completion Policy/Procedure
- Course Progress Policy
- Attendance Policy
Policies and procedures regarding International students can be found in the International students Handbook
Useful Links
The following are some links you might find useful. They cover studying in Australia and information on Australia in general:
The following are some links from the Simple Savings website which has tips on saving money.