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Access and Equity Policy

Hillsong College is committed to equal opportunity in all areas of its operation. Access to the programs delivered by the College is open to all candidates with a sense of divine calling on their life, regardless of age, gender, race, national background, marital status, pregnancy, socio-economic background, or physical disability.[1]

The College has clear guidelines on the use of non-discriminatory language. Both staff and students are to avoid language in speech and in written communication that discriminates, stereotypes, or denigrates people on the basis of their sex, age, race, marital status, ethnicity, linguistic or religious background.

There is instruction for use of non-discriminatory language within assignments provided in the Assessment Guide of the Student Handbook.

[1] Copies of the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 are available through NSW legislation

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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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Student’s Rights & Treatment

Students’ Rights and Treatment

The College is committed to protecting the rights and treatment of students. The College policy relating to managing students is outlined in the Staff Code of Conduct. All faculty and support staff are required to treat all students fairly, consistently and without discrimination.

Students are expected to adhere to the certain behavioural standards as outlined in the Student Handbook. In cases where standards are contravened, the Disciplinary Policies apply to ensure consistency and fairness in the carrying out of discipline. Students are also given opportunity to voice their complaints and concerns according to the Complaints and Appeals Policy.

Students are informed of relevant policies, rights and responsibilities through the College Prospectus, the Application Acceptance Pack and the Student Handbook. Students are kept aware of updates on these policies through the orientation programs, the Head Students and student information sheets.

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