PRE-ENROLMENT INFORMATION

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) covers all qualifications in post-compulsory education and training. It was developed to meet the need for an overall system of qualifications to support reforms in vocational education and training. The AQF was introduced throughout Australia in January 1995. https://www.aqf.edu.au/

ESOS framework
The Australian Government wants overseas students in Australia to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding experience of study. Australia’s laws promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws form the ESOS (Education Services for Overseas Students) framework.

The provision of education and training services to overseas students in Australia is regulated by the Department of Education through the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 and the National Code 2018.

The purpose of the legislation is to protect the interests of people coming to Australia on student visas, by providing tuition and financial protection and by ensuring a nationally consistent standard for all registered providers. Bentley College protects students’ fees through membership of the Tuition Protection Scheme (TPS) and ensures the protection of student fees through the ESOS Assurance Fund.

As a CRICOS registered provider, Bentley College must comply with the ESOS Act, associated legislation and regulations. There are penalties for failure to comply. Under the ESOS Act, Bentley College must report directly to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) a student who breaches student visa requirements, in particular the requirements about student’s maintaining satisfactory progress in their course. Should you wish to obtain further information about the ESOS Act we invite you to access the website https://internationaleducation.gov.au/Regulatory-Information/Pages/National-Code-2018-Factsheets-.aspx

As an overseas student on a student visa, you must study with an education provider and in a course found on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) at http://cricos.education.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.

ESOS framework protects you on:

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 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,
What support is available if you are not progressing well If attendance will be monitored for your course, and
A complaints and appeals process.

Standard 7 of the National Code 2018 does not allow another education provider knowingly to enrol a student who wants to transfer to another provider prior to the student completing six months of the principle course of study. If you want to transfer beforehand you need your original provider’s permission.

English language entry requirements
You need to show your English competence to get a visa. In general, you must be able to read, write and understand English to benefit from a vocational course. Your English proficiency is one of the admissions criteria for Bentley to make the decision of offering you a place for the course you are applying for.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Australia has an efficient health care system, which is subsidised by the Australian Government. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) provides insurance cover that permits you to use this system. OSHC covers some of the costs for any medical or hospital care you need, while studying in Australia. It also provides part payment for most prescription drugs and emergency ambulance transport. If you are an international student studying in Australia, you must purchase an approved OSHC policy from a registered health fund before applying for your visa. You will also need to maintain OSHC throughout your stay in Australia. You can find out more about Overseas Student Health Cover at these websites:

https://oshcaustralia.com.au/en

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/overseas+student+health+cover+faq-1

Working while studying
International students are allowed to work 40 hours a fortnight while they are studying (during the term). This excludes any work undertaken as a registered component of their course of study or training. During term breaks international students can work unlimited hours.

Students granted student visas on or after 26 April 2008 receive permission to work with their visa grant. This applies to both the primary student and any family members travelling with them on their student visa. As a result, most student visa holders no longer need to apply separately in Australia for permission to work.