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International Students

  1. The College supplies accurate and current information to enable a person unfamiliar with the Australian education and training system and living conditions to make an informed decision about the appropriateness of the provider and its courses to the student’s needs.
  2. The College has obtained National registration for international students for its courses.
  3. The College will ensure that staff involved with international students are not only suitably qualified but also sensitive to the culture(s) of the students being taught and will provide for training of such staff as appropriate.
  4. The College informs prospective students of the migration regulations governing international student entry to and stay in Australia. The College informs prospective and enrolled students of any changes to student entry visa conditions, as advised by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) or its equivalent. This information includes advice on visa conditions, work rights, course requirements (including enrolment in a full-time course of study, attendance and academic progress matters), and to maintain adequate arrangements for the education of dependants, and to seek the prior approval of DIBP or its equivalent for certain course changes or before commencing or changing courses.
  5. The College supplies support services particularly pertaining to the special needs of international students (practical, social and academic) throughout the enrolment, arrival and integration phases.
  6. The College notifies the relevant Government authority if a student is no longer participating in a course at an institution for which they were enrolled.
  7. Providers will ensure that the recruitment and placement of international students comply with equal opportunity legislation and are consistent with immigration requirements.

Tax File Number (TFN)

To work in Australia you need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). If you do not have an Australian TFN already, simply fill out the form “Tax file number application or enquiry” available at enrolment or from the Australian Taxation Office [ph: 13 2861]. You will need to show proof of identity (this is listed on the form).

To apply, you will need your completed tax file number application and proof of identity (ie. passports, birth certificates etc). You may lodge your application as follows;

In-Person:

Parramatta: Commonwealth Offices, 2/12 Macquarie St

(To get to Parramatta, catch the bus to Seven Hills or Blacktown train station and catch the train to Parramatta. It is then a short walk from the station.)

Online:

ato.gov.au

Overseas Student Health Cover

International students* are required to pay for health cover (Overseas Student Health Cover – OSHC) as a part of visa requirements.  This is paid as a part of the initial fee payment to confirm your place in the course, as outlined in your Offer of Place Letter.

Hillsong College partners with NIB to provide students with OSHC.  The College will set up a policy in your name before you arrive, and your NIB Membership Card will be available for your collection within the first two weeks of the semester

For information on coverage provided, please visit www.nib.com.au/oshc.  Please note that all payments need to be made through the College for visa purposes.

* Norwegian, Swedish, and Belgian students may be exempt from OSHC due to a reciprocal arrangement between governments (please ensure that you have written evidence from your own health cover provider to this effect).

Bank Accounts

There are many banks to choose from, and various branches are available within reasonable distances from both the Hills and City campuses. The charges on a bank account can be costly and vary between banks, so find out about these charges before opening an account. It will cost you more if you use an ATM that is not run by your bank (up to $2.00 per transaction). Many banks charge you for taking money out, even from their own machines and tellers. Therefore, try and open a charge-free student account.

To open a bank account, you will need:

  • Passport
  • Commencement letter from college or a valid Student ID card

You must open an account within six weeks of arriving in Australia or else banks will require Australian ID.

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Financial Standards

  1. There is proper documentation of the contractual and financial relationship between the students and the College. The College makes copies of this documentation available to the student.
  2. The College refund policy allows for return of monies for any agreed services not delivered including instances where the College defaults.
  3. In dealing with fee-paying students, the College will seek to avoid causing financial distress and exploitation.
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Marketing of Education & Training Services

  1. The College markets its courses with integrity and accuracy; avoiding vague, misleading and ambiguous clauses.
  2. In the provision of information, no false or misleading comparisons are drawn with any other educational institution or course.
  3. The College markets its courses in accordance with the principles and requirements of the accrediting or endorsing bodies relevant to each course.
  4. The College markets its courses to international students according to the education, cultural and regulatory systems of countries in which they seek to market, and will not detract from the reputation and interests of other Australian institutions.
  5. The College gains written permission from students before using any personal information in marketing materials.

Marketing and Advertising

All forms of advertising and marketing are designed in line with the spirit and vision of Hillsong Church and accurately present the College and its courses.

The Marketing Approval form is used as a checklist to ensure compliance with SNR standards, CRICOS requirements and consistency in design and communication of College goals and ethos.

All new marketing materials are to be co-signed by the Brand Manager and another member of the College Executive Team.

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Provision of Education

Provision of Education and Training Services

  1. All College courses and curriculum are developed according to its educational philosophy and express the mission and vision statement of Hillsong Church.
  2. The College has policies and management practices which maintain high professional standards in the delivery of education and training services, and which safeguard the educational interests and welfare of students. These standards comply with regulations set by Government bodies. Copies of standards are available on request.
  3. The College maintains a learning environment that is conducive to the success of all students. The College has the capacity to deliver the nominated courses, provide adequate facilities and use methods and materials appropriate to the learning needs of students.
  4. The College monitors and assesses the performance, course attendance and progress of students.
  5. The College maintains a policy of access and equity in the delivery of all its services.
  6. All courses delivered by the College are named appropriately and reflect the level and content students are taught.
  7. The College regularly reviews and updates its courses, and seeks approval with accrediting bodies prior to course changes or before commencing new courses.
  8.  The College recognises prior learning and credit gained at other registered training organisations. The College recognises awards with AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainments issued by other RTOs. Advanced standing is granted on the basis of documented evidence and compliance with predetermined criteria set according to course objectives and curriculum equivalency.