Admissions
Admission to UNE involves a number of steps as set out below. These steps may assist applicants through the various stages of the admission process. If applicants have any questions at any stage during the process they should contact ISBT for assistance (info@isbt.nsw.edu.au).
- All international students applying to study a full time UNE course at ISBT must complete the International Student Admission Form and submit it to ISBT admissions for assessment.
Applicants who wish to apply through one of ISBT’s authorised agents can access the following website to locate their nearest agent: www.isbt.edu.au
Applicants should ensure that they attach certified copies of transcripts of all relevant previous studies and evidence of English language proficiency and any other documentation requested on the application form.
If documents are in a language other than English, an officially certified English translation of each document must be provided together with certified copies of original documents. - Upon assessment, if the application is successful a ‘provisional’ offer of Admission will be made by the admissions department at ISBT. The application form with other documents is then forwarded to UNE, Armidale for a final assessment. UNE will issue a conditional or unconditional offer of admission, together with the UNE International
Offer Guide, an Offer Acceptance Form and all other information relevant to an applicant accepting their offer. UNE will advise students if their application is unsuccessful. - Applicants need to sign the Offer Acceptance Form and return it to International Marketing and Pathways, UNE with the required payment and any other documentation requested.
- When International Marketing and Pathways, UNE receives the completed Offer Acceptance Form and the required tuition fees, it will process payment and issue of the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) - the form used to apply for a Student Visa from an Australian Embassy, High Commission or the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) as appropriate. Students must obtain a Student Visa before they come to study full time in Australia. Information on obtaining a Student Visa is available online at http://www.immi.gov.au
- Upon being granted their Student Visa, students intending to study should make travel arrangements including applying for accommodation if needed.
Students should advise ISBT admissions staff at: info@isbt.edu.au of their travel arrangements and request airport reception. (Current charges $100) - Students should arrive and attend the International Student Orientation and Enrolment after which they will commence their formal UNE course at ISBT.
Tuition fees
Annual Course Fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as books and equipment, accommodation and living expenses. For students successful in gaining admissions to study a UNE degree at ISBT the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees a student should pay. The Offer of Admission will also list other fees payable including compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover. UNE has a fixed fee policy. This means that students will be charged the same rate of tuition fees payable in the year of their initial enrolment for the normal duration of their course. However, other changes such as Overseas Student Health Cover and accommodation fees may vary annually.
Overseas student health cover
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is the private health insurance international students and their dependents are required to purchase as a condition of their Student Visa. UNE currently has an agreement with Medibank Private, a private health fund, to facilitate the provision of OSHC for international students.
Students should note that it is a condition of their Student Visa to maintain current OSHC for the duration of their visa. Medibank Private Overseas Student Health Cover pays the cost of most medical and hospital treatment students may require while studying in Australia and will contribute to the cost of prescription medicines and emergency ambulance transport.
The current cost of Overseas Student Health Cover and further information about the scheme is located at: http://www.medibank.com.au.
Refund of tuition fees policy
The University of New England’s refund of tuition fees policy is based upon and is in accordance with the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students (The National Code 2007), the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act 2000) and Education Services for Overseas Student Regulations 2001(ESOS Regulations 2001). This policy applies to all international students regardless of the person actually paying the fees. This policy is located at: http://www.une.edu.au/imp/apply/admissionsinfo.php
Obtaining a student visa
International students intending to study full time UNE courses at ISBT will need to obtain a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website, http://www.immi.gov.au has comprehensive information on applying for a Student Visa to study in Australia, including application forms.
Please note that Student Visas granted to international students for their study in Australia have conditions attached. These are outlined in detail on the DIAC website and students’ obligations are also outlined in the International Offer Guide issued with the Offer of Admission. Students should regularly check the DIAC website for updated information and changes to legislation and processing arrangements affecting their intention to study in Australia on a Student Visa.
Work rights
International students are able to work after they arrive in Australia and have commenced their course of study. To do this they need to apply for a Student Visa with a Work Permit for which there is a minimal fee. Generally, students are limited to 20 hours work per week during semester; however they may work full time during holiday periods. All initial Student Visas granted do not include a Work Permit for Australia. Students will only be able to apply for a Student Visa with Work Rights after they arrive in Australia and have commenced their course of study. Generally students are limited to 20 hours work per week whilst the course of study is in session. Dependents may apply to work a maximum of 20 hours per week throughout the year. Family members of the following students can apply to work unlimited hours once the student starts their main course: students studying Masters by coursework (visa 573); students studying Masters by research or a Doctoral degree (visa 574), see: http://www.immi.gov.au/students/students/working_while_studying/conditions.htm for more details. Students should check current information with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) in Australia for the latest requirements as these requirements vary.
Advanced standing
Applicants wishing to apply for Advanced Standing for their previous studies should complete the relevant section of the International Student Admission Application Form, as well as an application for Credit (Advanced Standing) found online at http://www.une.edu.au/for/current-students/forms/advanced-standing.php Students need to complete this form and provide the necessary documentation (i.e. descriptions of subjects previously studied) and return it along with the International Student Application form to admissions ISBT.
The university’s policy on Advanced Standing is located at the following web address: http://www.une.edu.au/policies/pdf/advancedstanding.pdf. Students receiving Advanced Standing are still required to maintain a standard full time load of 24 credit points (equivalent of four units) per semester.
ESOS framework
International students who are intending to study on-campus in Australia should be aware that Australia’s laws promote quality education and consumer protection. These laws are known as the ESOS framework and they include the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code 2007.
For further information about the ESOS framework, students should refer to the following Australian Government website: http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/ESOS/QuickInfo/ESOS_frameWork_pdf.pdf
Modes of study and assessment methods
UNE courses at ISBT incorporate a number of different teaching and learning approaches with students depending on the nature of their program.
Lectures
Lectures are the traditional method of university teaching and are used to give information to a large number of students. Lectures are held in lecture halls. The majority of lecture halls are equipped with modern teaching facilities including video and data projection equipment, microphone and overhead projects and viewing screens.
Tutorials and seminars
These are small groups that allow students to discuss work in more depth, led by a tutor. Tutorial groups are held once a week, generally for one hour. Seminars also generally occur once a week, but can be of longer duration. These sessions are designed to give students the opportunity to ask questions and develop ideas and students are expected to actively participate in the discussions.
Assessment methods
Methods of assessment vary for each unit but they can include written assessments and essays, presentations, group work, practical work and examinations. These methods are outlined in the Unit Guide for each unit issued to student when they enroll.
Students under 18 years
International students under the age of 18 are ineligible for admission to UNE unless they are being cared for in Australia by a parent or suitable nominated relative.
Course completion expectations
International students enrolled in UNE courses at ISBT are expected to complete their awards within the normal duration of the course as specified in their offer letter and candidature rules.
UNE may allow students to undertake no more than 25 percent of their total course by distance and/or online learning. However students may not enroll exclusively in distance or online learning units in any compulsory study period.
There are defined compassionate and compelling circumstances that the University may consider in the event that an international student is unable to complete their course within the expected duration, are unable to meet attendance requirements, or wish to defer, suspend or cancel their enrolment. For further information please refer to: http://www.une.edu.au/imp