Your rights as an International Student studying in Australia
As an International Student you have certain rights under the ESOS act. These include:
• The right to information about:
o Your course
o The University
o Living in Wollongong
o Circumstances which may lead to your enrolment being cancelled
• The right to Support Services
• The right to a complaints and appeals process
The right to information
Under ESOS legislation the University must provide you with certain information about:
As an international student you have the right to information about your course.
The course handbook includes information on:
• Content of your course
• Entry requirements for your course
• Qualification or accreditation gained on completion of your course
• The duration of your course
• Teaching methods and assessment.
The international students fees page provides current fee information.
Ask your faculty about information on teaching methods and assessment as this will vary across faculty and subject.
Information about the campus location and facilities is available from The University homepage under 'Information about' and the prospective students’ homepage.
The University’s website ‘About Wollongong’ provides the information you need to assist in planning for your stay and future in Wollongong.
Circumstances which may lead to your enrolment being cancelled
Not making course progress
All students must make satisfactory course progress in accordance with The University Course Rules (8.55-8.72) and the Course Progress Policy.
At the end of each session students who fail to meet course progress are advised by SOLSMail. This is a warning and students are expected to take steps to contact support services that will assist them to improve their academic performance. Students are always given the chance to appeal any decision regarding their enrolment. Students who are excluded for poor academic progress will be reported to DIAC.
If you are having difficulties with your course you should seek advice from your course co-ordinator or contact the Learning Development Centre.
If you are reported to DIAC for not making course progress you will need to report to the DIAC office in Sydney within 28 days, otherwise your visa will be cancelled.
Not paying your fees on time
If you do not pay your fees on time the University will cancel your enrolment and report you to DIAC for non payment of fees. This may lead to the cancellation of your student visa.
If you experience difficulties paying your fees on time speak to Student Central Staff, Building 17. You should do this before your fees are due.
Under enrolling without permission
As an international student you are required to complete your course within the duration of your CoE. This means that, in most circumstances, you should enrol in a full time load (usually 24 credit points). If you consistently under enrol without permission and ignore warning messages from the University regarding your enrolment the University may be forced to cancel your enrolment and report on your CoE. This action notifies DIAC and may lead to the cancellation of your student visa.
If you are unable to study a full time load and can not complete within the duration of your CoE you must apply for permission to reduce your study load. You will need to demonstrate compassionate or compelling circumstances that prevent you from completing your course within the time specified on your CoE.
The right to Support Services
The University must provide Support Services to help you adjust to study and life in Australia and that help you to achieve your learning goals and achieve satisfactory progress towards meeting the learning outcomes of your course.
Student services provide a range of programs and services to help you during your time at the University of Wollongong. The following are only some of the services provided.
Contact the Student Equity and Diversity Liaison Officer (SEDLO) in your faculty to receive counsel or referral for almost any problem you may be facing. SEDLO’s are employed to look after the welfare and equity of all students. They can provide information on a wide range of issues both personal and specific to your studies.
Learning Development provides a variety of services to assist you to develop your study skills. Services include academic skills and English language workshops. It is recommended that you contact Learning Development early in your studies if you require assistance.
The PASS program is for all students that want to improve their understanding of course material and their grades. PASS encourages student to work together to develop their study skills.
The right to a complaints and appeals process
If the University makes a decision affecting your enrolment you have the right to access the University’s complaints and appeal process. You have 20 working days in which to submit an appeal to Student Central. Decisions affecting your enrolment include being excluded for not making satisfactory course progress and cancellation for non payment of fees. If your enrolment is cancelled for any reason you will be notified in writing and given details of the appeal process you should follow. If, you are unsure of the appeal process you should contact Student Central immediately.
If your appeal is unsuccessful you have the right to access an independent appeals process. You have 10 working days, from the completion of your internal appeal process, to contact the NSW Ombudsman and lodge an external appeal. If you choose to lodge an external appeal you should notify the University, in writing, of your action.
None of these processes remove your right to access independent legal advice in order to solve any dispute you may have with the University.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns just Ask Us!
Visit us @ Student Central Ground Floor, Building 17
Phone: Australia 1300 ASK UOW International +61 2 4221 3927
Facsimile: (02) 4221 4322
Email: askuow@uow.edu.au
|
