What are the benefits for me?

BENEFIT 1 – More Study Options

Though most international students will be required to undertake 24 credit points per session, if you experience difficulties throughout your study then you will be able to seek help and possibly change your pattern of study.

If appropriate, you will be able to take a leave of absence in a wider range of circumstances and have your student visa remain valid. Prior to 1 July 2007, international students were only able to take a leave of absence as a result of medical circumstances or the death of a family member.

From 1 July 2007, international students will be able to take a leave of absence if they can demonstrate and provide evidence of compassionate or compelling circumstances. The University’s Leave of Absence policy, procedures and form is in the process of being changed. From 1 July 2007 international students will be able to apply for leave under the new rules.

An alternative to taking leave is to see your Student Equity and Diversity Liaison Officer (SEDLO) to discuss if it would be appropriate for an intervention strategy to be activated for you. An intervention strategy may include an agreed program of study, language and learning support, referral to an appropriate support service, academic advice or referral to a Faculty based remedial program and arrangements.

BENEFIT 2 – Clear and Transparent Study Information

The National Code 2007 specifies in great detail that the University needs to be clear and transparent in the information provided to a student prior to their enrolment about the course, the course location and facilities available to students. We have amended our offer letters and acceptance forms to meet these obligations and have reviewed the material about the University online.

The National Code 2007 also specifies how complaints and appeals should be handled by an Australian Education Provider. Under these requirements the University is required to have internal complaints and appeals policies and procedures that: 

• provides each student with the opportunity to formally present his or her case at minimal or no cost to themselves
• allows the student to be assisted or accompanied by a support person
• includes provision of a written statement of the outcome or appeal, including details and reasons for the decision
• assessment or investigation of an appeal must begin within 10 working days of the provider receiving the formal written lodgement of the complaint or appeal
•  keeps a written record of a complaint or appeal if it cannot be resolved informally
• inform a student of an external organisation if they remain dissatisfied of a decision after the internal appeal process has been completed

These added requirements ensure that you as a student are protected when commencing study in Australia.

BENEFIT 3 – Ability to change Education Providers after 6 months

Currently students cannot change education providers for the first 12 months of their principle course. This is a requirement under condition 8206 on a student visa. This means that if you come here to do a Bachelor of Commerce, then you cannot change education providers until you have completed 12 months of your Bachelor of Commerce degree. You can apply for a letter of release from UOW or apply directly to DIAC to remove the condition 8206 from your student visa. There are no guidelines set as to how an application for a letter of release is to be assessed.

From 1 July 2007 all international students will be able to change their provider after completing only 6 months of study at your principal provider. This is a reduction in the amount of time international students were previously required to stay at their original provider. The rules on when a student can be granted a letter of release have also changed. National Code 2007 specifies that the University must have a release policy and that the policy should fit within certain boundaries. We are implementing this standard by writing Course Rules to deal with the release of international students and writing a comprehensive release procedure and guidelines.

Information about the details of this process will be made available shortly.

Have questions? Ask Us!

Visit us or contact us for further information

Student Central, Ground Floor, Building 17.
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday.
Phone: 1 300 ASK UOW
Facsimile: (02) 4221 4322
Email: askuow@uow.edu.au or Click Here

Last reviewed: 4 July, 2007