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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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Provision of Education & Training Services

  1. The College regularly reviews and updates its courses, and seeks approval with accrediting bodies prior to course changes or before commencing new courses.
  2. The College maintains a policy of access and equity in the delivery of all its services.
  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. All College courses and curriculum are developed according to its educational philosophy and express the mission and vision statement of Hillsong Church.
  5. 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.
  6. The College monitors and assesses the performance, course attendance and progress of students using assessments that are delivered in an approved manner.
  7. All courses delivered by the College are named appropriately and reflect the level and content students are taught.
  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.
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Educational Philosophy

Hillsong College (HC) exists to train Christian leaders for ministry in every sphere of the church and community life. The College operates in a symbiotic relationship with Hillsong Church, which provides a wide and diverse number of resources and opportunities for the theoretical and practical aspects of the College’s educational processes.

The College recognises the divine call upon every Christian to servant-leadership, to serve God through Jesus Christ, and to serve one another. Each student is viewed as having inherent value and great potential to impact their sphere of influence. HC is committed to helping students identify their God-given calling and develop the personal talents and leadership skills that will enable them to fulfil their life purpose and ministry. In its broadest sense, ministry consists of service in every area of life including the local church, community, and workplace. However, the College recognises the specialist demands of ordained ministry and trains students for a broad scope of ministry expression, some of which include youth, children, missions, music, TV and media, as well as general church leadership.

Effective ministry flows out of the whole person. Therefore the College adopts a holistic approach to all its educational programs and is deeply committed to developing all areas of the individual. This extends beyond knowledge to skills, values, and attitudes. Training and education pervade all areas including the spiritual, cognitive, affective, relational, and practical domains. Spiritual development remains the highest priority and is an integral component of all courses. The College specifically seeks to instil in students a distinctive approach and philosophy to church life and ministry, reflected in Hillsong Church’s life and ministry, which includes values such as servant-hood, excellence, dedication, and integrity. These things underscore all of the College’s curriculum and culture.

As a Christian College, the Bible forms the core of the curriculum and is the standard for all teaching and praxis. Classes are conducted in a way that stimulates reflection, encourages personal growth, and allows for self-directed study. Students are equipped with a sound knowledge of the Bible, as well as an understanding of the analytical processes for its application to personal growth and ministry. Teaching is always aimed at transformation, with a strong emphasis on the application so that students’ lives display consistency in belief and practice.

The College recognises the different strengths and capacities of students and as such, seeks to provide a range of courses that cater to varying levels of academic ability. The acquisition of skills is an essential part of the College curriculum and subjects typically contain a high skills component. This ensures that students demonstrate competency in the workplace and include leadership, study skills, personal life skills, interpersonal and communication skills. The College employs a variety of teaching approaches with a heavy emphasis on learning through practical experience. Practicum and coaching are integral features of academic programs. Students are able to learn both theory and practice side by side in and through the ministry departments of Hillsong Church or the student’s local Church.

Because of the practical approach to education and emphasis on modelling, care is given to employing leaders and teachers that are proven in their areas of specialisation. The teaching approach of the College is highly relational and the staff are engaged in a significant degree of pastoral involvement with the student body. Students work alongside highly skilled and motivated leaders who impart not only knowledge and expertise, but also ethos and attitude.

The College provides training services to adherents of all church streams but maintains the distinctive emphasis of the Assembly of God denomination (also known as Australian Christian Churches within Australia). While being Protestant in belief, it is referred to as being ‘Pentecostal in application’. The premise for all religious teaching in the course is based on the AOG Articles of Faith. The College also welcomes students from all Christian Church affiliated denominations.

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CRICOS Registration

CRICOS Registration

The College’s current registration with CRICOS includes:

Registration as a Registered Training Organisation to provide 3 accredited courses:

  • Certificate IV in Ministry
  • Diploma in Ministry
  • Advanced Diploma in Ministry

Approval for student numbers permitted to study.
Approval of delivery sites for CRICOS courses

 

Review and Amendments
The Compliance Manager/Academic Dean advises CRICOS of any changes to the academic program as they occur.

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International Admissions

International Students

 As an international training institution, the College is well equipped to provide for and international students.

The College has procedures in place that ensures compliance with the ESOS Act 2000.

Admissions Process
The admission of the international students is the responsibility of the Admissions Co-ordinator who also fulfils the responsibilities of the International Student Contact Officer.

  1. Enquiries
    Send out an enquiry pack about Hillsong in response to enquiries by phone or email. This includes the College Prospectus and Hillsong Church information.
    Forward academic enquiries of students to faculty members.
  2. Offer of Place
    Processing of applications.
    Send Offer of Place to successful applicants.
    Arrivals and Accommodation Guide
  3. Arrival
    The arrival of students to the College is facilitated by the Accommodation Team.
    Hills : A shuttle bus is organised to the Hills campus from the airport and new students are met by the Student Housing Co-ordinator and their student team. Students are taken from the College campus to their accommodation and are given practical assistance in the early stages of settling in (e.g. Visit to the supermarket for groceries) from the new student welcome team.
    City: Students catch a taxi from the airport or are encouraged to find suitable transportation from the airport to the College City campus.

Continue reading “International Admissions”

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Student Admissions

Student Admissions
Applications for study at the College are processed promptly by the admissions staff with the highest degree of customer service. Applications are not accepted more than one year in advance due to the likelihood of changes in course/fees.

Meeting Entry Requirements
Requirements for entry are clearly outlined in the College marketing material. Prospective students provide full information upon application which includes personal details, Christian life details, educational qualifications (including Year 12 results for Bachelor level students and evidence of satisfactory Academic IELTS score, or similar evidence showing capabilities in the English language for international students of whom English is not their first language), character references (including a Pastoral Reference Form), work history during the last five years, criminal history, medical details including learning difficulties and financial declarations.

This information is then used to complete an Application Checklist by the Admissions Team to ascertain the suitability of the applicant and to detect any potential disabilities or difficulties that may affect their studies. The Pastoral Reference Form is particularly important in this process. Continue reading “Student Admissions”

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Transfers with other Providers

Transfers to and From Other Providers

 The transfer of international students to and from HC is regulated by ESOS legislation and its corresponding National Code. The College’s policy on this issue falls under two headings:

Transfers to HC from Other Providers
The College will not actively recruit international students from other providers during their first six months of study. The College will not knowingly enrol an international student from another registered training provider prior to the student completing the first six months in their principal course of study with that provider. The only time the College will do this is if:

  • The current provider issues an official letter of release
  • The provider ceases to operate, loses its registration, or is under some government sanction.
  • A government sponsor believes it is in the student’s best interest, and has communicated this in writing.

In cases where an international student who has been studying elsewhere in Australia applies for enrolment, the Admissions officer will check on PRISMS if student has completed six months in principal course.

Continue reading “Transfers with other Providers”

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WWCC

Working with Children (Child Protection)

The Child Protection (Working With Children) Act 2012 makes it an offence for a person convicted of a serious sex offence (a prohibited person) to apply for, undertake or remain in, child related employment whether paid or unpaid.

Therefore, it is a requirement by the College that all Staff, volunteers and students undergo this screening process. This will be done by filling the Working with Children Form – Prohibited Employment Declaration and Working with Children Form – Background Check Consent at Enrolment and at Staff induction or when a volunteer commences work at the College. In addition individuals will need to comply with the state requirements for a Working With Children Check (NSW, VIC, QLD) where a background check is conducted by the required authority. A Police Check application form will need to be submitted before providing the required formal identification to the Roads & Maritime Service.

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Feedback

Feedback on these Policies

Feedback is formally taken:

  • From students – on their classes at the end of each term
  • From students – on the College at the end of each term (primarily via the Head Students)
  • From students – on the Executive Team and Faculty at the end of each year.

This feedback is reviewed and changes implemented where required.

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Relocation of Premises

Relocation of Premises

In the event of a relocation or addition of premises for classes, students will be notified in writing by the Principal a minimum of 3 weeks prior to the relocation occurring. The Compliance Manager will notify ASQA in the event of venue relocation through the appropriate channels.