Australian Government
Australian Education International
Frequently Asked
Questions
for International
Students and Education Providers
Who
can I talk to about my personal situation?
The best
person to speak to is the student adviser at your institution. They can talk
you through the options and services that are available.
If you are
unable to pay your tuition fees, you should talk to your student advisor or
international office to discuss payment plans or a possible payment extension.
Applications
will be assessed by your institution on a case by case needs basis.
Contact
your University International Office for direction to your student
advisor.
If you are
studying at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institution please contact
the International Student Officer or the Student Administration Office within
your institution for assistance.
Can
a student apply for a course deferral or for a reduced study load on compelling
and compassionate grounds?
Under
Standard 9 of the National Code, a provider may allow an international student
to study at a reduced load or put a deferral in place. This would require an extension of the
Certificate of Enrolment for compassionate or compelling reasons, i.e.
circumstances beyond the control of the student and which affect the students’
course progress or wellbeing.
Your
institution will make a case by case decision based on its internal policies
and procedures under the National Code.
For further information see the National Code.
If
I defer my course of study or reduce my study load can I increase the hours I
am permitted to work under the conditions of my student visa?
If students
are permitted to defer their course of study, their course is considered
“out-of-session” and there is no restriction on hours of work permitted.
Higher
Degree by Research students (visa Subclass 574) have unlimited work rights once
their Master or PhD by Research course has commenced.
Students
are also permitted to apply to their institution to reduce their course load to
part time and retain their student visa status.
Work restrictions still apply but this avenue could reduce the financial
cost of tuition fees per semester.
Under the
Knight Review changes, students’ permitted work hours are now calculated on a
fortnightly basis rather than weekly.
When a course is in session students are permitted to work up to 40
hours per fortnight (previously 20 hours per week). You may not work more than 40 hours per
fortnight during any fortnight when your course is in session.
Students
are permitted to remain in Australia on a student visa if they have agreement
from their institution for an agreed period of course deferral.
What
if I am not currently working, how can I find a job?
For
information on employment opportunities you should consult the International
Office at your institution. They will be
able to provide you with information on the employment services they have to
assist you to find work.
The Study in Australia website also includes some practical advice
that may assist you in finding work.
What
can the Australian Government do to help me get my money from
From 1
March 2012, all financial transfers valued at