Study in Australia

SkillsTech Australia - the lead TAFE institute in trade and technical training

Required hours
Students must be in attendance for at least 20 hours per week during the semester. This can be any combination of time at SkillsTech Australia and in a work environment. For example, students may choose to attend SkillsTech
Australia for 10 hours per week and complete 10 hours of work placement in the same week. Alternatively, they may choose to attend SkillsTech
Australia for 20 hours one week and complete 20 hours of work placement the following week.
Note: The 20 hours can only be counted towards the 400 hour work placement requirement of the program. They cannot be counted towards permanent residency.

Work placement
Work placement hours must be unpaid and within the student's field of study. Students must complete a work log book which shows the hours of work. This log book is provided by SkillsTech Australia and must be signed by the
student's employer.

Paid work
In addition to the 20 required hours, the student visa also permits the student to engage in paid work. Paid work does not have to be within the student's field of study. During the study semester, paid work can not exceed 20
hours per week. During student holidays however, students may take on as much paid work as they wish.

Attendance times
Flexible learning programs: The student and teacher will decide upon the student's study program. The student must advise the teacher of the times and days (Monday to Friday only) that they would like to attend class.
The teacher will advise the student if the attendance time is not appropriate, and a new time will be arranged. Students who arrive at SkillsTech Australia on a day or time that has not been pre-arranged may be turned away and
instructed to not return until their nominated time/day.

Block learning programs: Attendance times are predetermined
and generally three days per week. Timetables are provided at orientation.
Changing attendance times

Flexible learning programs: Students can change their attendance times by pre-arranging the change with their teacher. While every effort will be made to accommodate changes, such changes cannot be guaranteed and students will not be permitted to continually change their attendance schedule.
Block learning programs: Attendance times are predetermined and cannot be changed..

Absenteeism
Students who are unable to attend class must advise SkillsTech Australia by one of the following methods:

• Phone: Contact your teacher or administration staff member via the number provided in your orientation pack.
• Email
• In person: Approach your teacher or administration staff member during your normal class attendance times

If a student is absent on a regular basis or in a regular pattern without an acceptable reason, SkillsTech Australia is required by TAFE Queensland and the Department of Immigration to report this behaviour.

If a student is absent for three or more consecutive days due to illness, they will need to produce a doctor's certificate. The certificate can be obtained during a doctor appointment.

CRICOS Provider No. 02014M
Information for international students

Extending student visas
A student visa extension cannot be processed until the student has reached the last four weeks of their visa, and will not be granted except in the most extreme circumstances. The student must first discuss the possibility of an extension with their teacher, who will decide whether an extension is
appropriate, and if so, the extension length. If the extension is accepted, SkillsTech Australia will issue the student with a further Confirmation of Enrolment. The cost of an extension will be calculated on an individual
basis and must be paid by the student prior to gaining an extension. The student must then contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to inform them of the extension by phoning 1300 364 613 or visiting
www.immi.gov.au

Confirmation of enrolment
A Confirmation of Enrolment is provided in the induction pack, and an "e-COE" is provided by the International Student Support Officer at the time the student paid their deposit. This is also used to extend a student visa.

Permanent residency
Students who wish to apply for permanent residency will need to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship by phoning 1300 364 613 or visiting www.immi.gov.au
As an education provider, SkillsTech Australia cannot answer any questions regarding this matter, however documentation to support the application can be provided if necessary. This may include the student's certificate, attendance letter or written references. Applicants must provide documentation showing at least 900 hours of paid work within the field of which has been/is being studied. These hours are different to and not included within any of the study requirements. The 900 hours of work placement can be commenced after the first week of classes.

Finding work
SkillsTech Australia does not provide a student with work or assist a student to find work. However, students can be provided with introductory letters
to verify their identity, what they are studying and their dates of stay.
Teachers, administrative officers or international support officers may also be able to provide character/study references.

Fees
Cash, credit card or EFTPOS These payments can be made at any SkillsTech Australia Client Service Centre. A copy of the payment receipt, along with personal details, must be emailed.
For these payment types, a copy of the payment receipt, along with payment details and personal details, must be emailed.
This is done by completing the back section on the Offer
of Place. Credit card details can also be advised via this method of payment.

Student ID cards
Students must take their SkillsTech Australia Confirmation of Enrolment from the induction pack to the Client Service Centre and ask to have their student ID card photo taken. The cost of this is included in the cost of the program.
Replacement cards are at a cost of $26.50.

Completion of studies
Once the student has successfully completed all of their theory and practical study and 400 hours of unpaid work placement, they may ask their teacher to organise the printing of their certificate. The certificate will be ready for
collection within one week. Any students who are returning home or would prefer their certificate to be posted must advise their teacher.

Support services

Assistance with English
If students experience difficulty with the English language, they should contact our trained professionals in the Learning Services area. Counsellors are available for students who may be experiencing emotional, stress or anxiety issues, or if they would simply like to talk to a professional. Apppointments
can be made by phoning our trained professionals in the
Student Counsellor area.

Further information

CRICOS Provider No. 02014M Ver 1.0 Rev 22/09/08 STA0295

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