Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia

overseas student specific information

Application Information - Overseas Students

The Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia is pleased to welcome overseas students to its campuses in Sydney and Melbourne. Whitehouse has a diverse student community with students coming from all over Australia and from various international destinations. The following information has been provided to assist you to understand what you need to do to apply, enrol at Whitehouse and maintain your visa conditions.

It is advisable that overseas student applicants are familiar with the entry requirements, course program, tuition fees and Whitehouse policies before lodging the Application for Enrolment. Applications will continue to be accepted until all places have been filled. You are encouraged to lodge your application early to avoid disappointment and to allow for Student Visa approvals.

Studying in Australia

Sydney is home to over four and half million people, making it Australia's largest capital city. It's situated on the Sydney Harbour surrounded by mountains and bushland. Melbourne is Australia's second largest city with over three and half million inhabitants and is the capital of Victoria, which is considered the Garden State. Both cities are famous for their wildlife reserves, national parks, glorious beaches, theatres, museums, art galleries, cinemas, restaurants and nightclubs and are renowned for being safe, tolerant and multicultural.

The cost of living in any city depends on your choice of lifestyle. Students living in Australia can usually manage on approximately AUD$350/$400 per week. This covers rent, food and public transport but may not incorporate social activities or the cost of running a car. For overseas visitors and students, the exchange rate of the Australian Dollar and the affordable cost of living makes travel and study an attractive proposition. We recommend you visit the official Australian government web site for international students studying in Australia. www.studyinaustralia.gov.au

What you will need to apply

Overseas students are subject to the same entry requirements as domestic students. Entry into the Bachelor of Design is based on academic performance and creative potential. Academic results are to be submitted with the application and differ depending on the category of applicant. All applicants are then required to present a creative portfolio in an interview (remote students may submit their creative portfolio via mail or digitally and then participate in a phone interview).

Secondary School Students (current to 21 years)

Category A applicants are those who have achieved a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank of (ATAR) of 65 (ENTER 65, OP16, TER65). A certified copy of the achieved ranking and final results must be enclosed with your application*.

Category B applicants are those who completed secondary school but did not apply for or are not eligable ATAR. A certified copy of your final results must be enclosed with your application*.

*Current Year 12 applicants applying prior to release of final academic results are to attach mid year results with application.

Other Applicants

Category B also includes mature age students (over 21) and applicants that did not complete year 12 but have undertaken other studies (18 or above). Also students who did not achieve an ATAR of 65 (ENTER 65, OP16, TER65). Your application should by accompanied by certified copies of all relevant academic records along with any additional supporting documentation including a resume, personal statement or references.

Category B applicants may be required to complete literacy assessment or literacy workshop. Participation does not guarantee admission to the degree program, but can be used as evidence of recent study in combination with the portfolio/personal statement.

Additional requirements:
Overseas student applicants must be aged 18 at time of application
Provide evidence of achieving a minimum Academic IELTS 6 or TOEFL 227

Application Checklist:
Applicants will need to include the following with the Application for Enrolment form:
• A copy of your academic records for the highest level of schooling you have completed and any other relevant studies completed or attempted in Australia or overseas.
• A copy of your resumé, reference or any other relevant supporting documentation that will assist in assessing your application
• Certified copy of your passport (and any current visa's)
• Certified copy of English Proficiency test result

For students unable to attend an on campus interview - your creative portfolio can be sent to the campus with your applicantion or if applying online in a pdf format. Refer to the information in the following section for putting together your creative portfolioCreative Portfolio

PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT

The Whitehouse Institute uses your portfolio to assess your creative potential for success in the Bachelor of Design. We look at how your work demonstrates:

An interest, commitment and motivation for studying in your chosen design specialisation
A desire to learn, and the ability to investigate and develop ideas independently
An understanding of design and its connection to the community
The ability to communicate – visually, in writing and verbally during interview/assessment.

THE CREATIVE PORTFOLIO

The creative portfolio is to be put together to support your Whitehouse application and is to be a minimum of 6 to 8 pieces of work in any medium that best evidences your creativity (no more than 20 pieces). This could include drawings, artwork, textile design, photographic work and more. It should have a theme or follow a design process and is to include a written piece relevant to your design specialisation (historical/theory research).

In addition, the portfolio is to include the one of the following assessment tasks, specific to your preferred discipline.

The portfolio must comprise of your own work and is to be recent (completed within the last 12-18 months). Work to be mounted and should have headings or descriptions, which will assist in the assessment of your work. The size and presentation format of your portfolio is open to your own creative ability but is to be no larger than A3. Digital submissions must be in PDF format.

Design Beginnings and Portfolio Workshops specially target development of a creative portfolio if you feel you need more assistance before submission of your application and interview. See the website for more details.

Be creative and most importantly, have fun!

ASSESSEMENT TASKS

Further Information:
Applicants can contact the Office of Administration via the contacts page.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Students may apply for RPL or Advanced Standing for previous studies they may have undertaken. An Application for RPL, along with supporting documentation and payment of the RPL fee is to accompany the Application for Enrolment or to be lodged before commencement of studies. Applicants considering an application for RPL are recommended to obtain a copy of the RPL Information and Application for RPL form as well as the Subject Descriptors from Whitehouse administration.

Important Application Dates - overseas students

Applications now open
Interviews will be conducted from September 2010 to February 2011
First round applications close on Friday 17 December 2010
Final round applications close Friday 18 February 2011*

*There is no offical closing date for enrolments so all applicants are encouraged to apply early. Places are limited and once classes have been filled, students are waitlisted and Whitehouse cannot guarantee further classes will be confirmed.

How to apply

Either complete an online application or post your completed Application for Enrolment form along with supporting documentation to: The Office of Admissions, at the perspective campus. Applicants should ensure that all relevant supporting documentation relating to the entry requirements are enclosed prior to submission.

After application:
1. Applicants residing in Australia, on receipt of your application a Whitehouse staff member will contact you to schedule an interview. During the interview you will be discussing your design aspirations as well as presenting your creative portfolio. Interviews will be held between September 2010 and February 2011.
2. For applicants residing in Australia who are unable to attend an on-campus interview; Whitehouse will make alternative arrangements such as a phone interview and you will be required to send in your portfolio with your application
3. For applicants residing overseas; Whitehouse will assess your application along with supporting documentation and creative portfolio upon receipt.

After the interview/application assessment, successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer confirming their acceptance into the Bachelor of Design. Should an applicant not meet all of the entry requirements they may receive a Conditional Letter of Offer which will require further documentation or examination prior to offer of enrolment. All relevant documentation will be included with the letter of offer, including:

1. Overseas Student Enrolment form
2. Student Handbook and 2011 academic dates
3. Overseas Student Fee schedule
4. Overseas Student Refund Policy
5. Information on Art and Technical Kits
6. Information on Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Enrolment Procedure

The Letter of Offer confirms your acceptance into the design specialisation of the Bachelor of Design, instructions on completion of the enrolment documentation and to notify you of key dates including Registration Day and course commencement. Applicants who accept the offer to enrol will have to return to the Office of Admissions the completed enrolment documentation, proof of identity (if not already supplied) 2 passport sized photos and tuition reservation deposit (refer to the fee schedule). Applicants awaiting final academic results in Australia can take up the option to enrol prior to the publication of results to secure their position early, enrolment will be confirmed on receipt of final results.

Ensure you read and understand the Student Declaration on the Overseas Student Enrolment form prior to signing. Ensure you also read and understand the Student Handbook which outlines Whitehouse policies, business notices, roles and regulations for Overseas Students prior to signing the Student Contract. Overseas students are to ensure they understand the terms of the Overseas Student Refund Policy prior to signing.

Once your enrolment is received and processed, you will be allocated a student number and a position in the class. Your tuition reservation deposit is applied to the annual tuition fees and becomes subject to the conditions of the overseas student refund policy. Upon enrolment you will receive, in writing, confirmation of your enrolment, receipt of fees paid and statement for balance of tuition fees. Applicants requiring a student visa to study at Whitehouse, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) will be issued to assist with student visa application.

Registration Day
Registration day is to provide you with all the additional information you require to prepare for the commencement of study in the Bachelor of Design. You will receive the semester timetable, organise student cards and discuss materials and equipment required by your course discipline. Registration day is also the last day to finalise any fee's or outstanding enrolment documentation.

Academic Dates 2010

Semester 2:	Monday 8th Aug - Friday 24th Sept
Mid Semester break:	Saturday 25th Sept - Sunday 3rd Oct
Semester 2 (cont):	Monday 4th Oct - Friday 3rd Dec
Semester 2 Census	Monday 6th Sept

Academic Dates 2011

Orientation	Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd Feb
Semester 1 dates:
Semester 1 Mid Semester break: Semester 1 cont.	Monday 28th Feb - Friday 15th Apr Saturday 16th Apr - Tuesday 26th Apr Wednesday 27th Apr - Friday 1st Jul
Semester 1 Census:	Thursday 31st Mar
Mid-year recess:	Saturday 2nd Jul - Sunday 7 Aug
Semester 2 dates: Mid Semester break: Semester 2 cont.	Monday 8th Aug - Friday 30th Sept Saturday 1st Oct - Sunday 9th Oct Monday 10th Oct - Friday 2nd Dec
Semester 2 Census	Wednesday 31st Aug

Overseas Student Fee Schedule 2011

* Fees are offered exclusively for 2011 and are subject to review & alternation. All fees are in AUD and are inclusive of GST.

Bachelor of Design fees (all design specialisations)*	$24,680 annual tuition fee ($3,000 tuition reservation deposit + $21,680 balance) $429.00 OSHC* (where applicable)
3 years full-time (6 semesters)	Students are enrolled in 8 units per year at $3,085.00 per unit Students complete 4 units per semester - Units of Study

Overseas students have the option to pay their 2011 tuition fee upfront in full at enrolment or by installment.
If paying by installment, the first installment and tuition reservation deposit is due on enrolment. The remaining installment is to be paid no later 28 June 2011. Penalty fees will apply for late payments

up front $24,680

in instalments:

Tuition reservation deposit (non-refundable)	$3,000
First installment (50% of balance of tuition fee)	$10,840
Total fees payable on enrolment or before registration	$13,840 + $429.00 OSCH (if applicable)
Second installment (remaining balance of tuition fee)	$10,840
Total tuition fees payable on completion of 2011	$24,680 (not including OSCH)

Payment details

tuition fees may be paid by personal cheque, bank cheque, money order, credit card (VISA/MasterCard), EFTPOS or direct bank transfer
a 2% surcharge applies on all electronic transactions (credit card or EFTPOS)
cheques and/or money orders are to be made payable to 'Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia'
cash payments over $150 will not be accepted
penalty fees $20 per day (from due date) will apply for late payments

Your enrolment at Whitehouse will be confirmed and CoE issued after submission of completed enrolment documentation, payment in full or part of reservation deposit and tuition fee and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) if applicable. *Payment of $429.00 is not required if student is exempt or already has OSHC, provide membership and expiry details.

Late enrolment: At the discretion of the Whitehouse, students may be admitted up to three weeks after the course has commenced. A late enrolment penalty fee of $200 applies. (This does not include private tuition if required).

Overseas Students Refund Policy

By accepting a place at Whitehouse Institute, the student enters into an agreement to study the Bachelor of Design and for the period of the expected duration of the student’s program. This agreement means there is an obligation on the student’s behalf to pay the published program fees throughout the student’s enrolment.

OVERSEAS STUDENT REFUND POLICY:

Deferment or withdrawal after enrolment is not permitted for holders of student visas except in exceptional circumstances. Written applications with supporting documentation for deferment or withdrawal in exceptional circumstances and request for refund to be lodged with Student Administration and will be considered on an individual basis at the discretion of the CEO
Overseas students (on temporary visas other than a student visa) are permitted to withdraw and required to send written notification of withdrawal or deferment with supporting documentation to Student Administration
In the event of an overseas student withdrawing or deferring from studies after lodgment of enrolment forms and payment of tuition fees the following applies (except in exceptional circumstances):
Notification of withdrawal or deferment lodged 28 days or more before the course commencement, prepaid tuition fees will be refunded, less the annual tuition reservation deposit ($3000)
Tuition fees are non-refundable at lodgement of notification of withdrawal or deferment within 28 days prior to course commencement or once the course has started
Refunds will be paid to the student within 4 weeks of CEO approval
CoE will be cancelled and DIAC advised for holders of student visas
No refund will be granted to a student whose enrolment is terminated for failure to comply with Whitehouse policies including, but not necessarily limited to, withdrawal without notification, bad behaviour and unsatisfactory progress, or due to cancellation of their visa by DIAC for non-compliance. The appropriate debt recovery actions will be enforced for any outstanding annual tuition fees and academic transcripts will be withheld until all fees are paid
If the course does not start on the notified starting date, or if the course ceases to be provided before it is completed, or if the course is not provided in full (known as 'provider default') the provisions of the current relevant State and Commonwealth legislation will apply. This means that refunds will be granted in accordance with the provisions of the ESOS Act and ESOS Regulations 2001. Refunds will be paid within 14 days of the provider default. The Whitehouse Institute may arrange for another course, or part of a course, to be provided to students at no extra cost to the student as an alternative to refunding course fees. Where the student agrees to this arrangement, the Whitehouse Institute will not be liable to refund the money owed for the original enrolment. Whitehouse Institute may arrange for Tuition Assurance Scheme to offer affected students a place in suitable alternative course(s). If the student accepts the offer of placement in a an alternative courses(s), in writing, the Whitehouse Institute is relieved of its liability to provide a refund to the student
This policy does not remove your right to take further action under the consumer protection laws of Australia or to pursue other legal remedies.

EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

A written request for withdrawal due to exceptional circumstances may be accepted as grounds for a total or partial refund of tuition fees. This is subject to the submission of application for refund and provision of acceptable documentary evidence in support of their claim. Exceptional circumstances may include:

Death of the student or close family member (parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, child)
Partial or total incapacitation
Medical or personal circumstances
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) refusing to grant a student visa for study in Australia

Whitehouse Institute will consider whether to accept the claim provided it is satisfied that the exceptional circumstances applied to the student:

were beyond their control
did not make their full impact until on or after the census date: and
were such they made it impractical for the student to complete the course or unit(s) of study requirements

Tuition Assurance

Whitehouse has met the tuition assurance requirements of the Higher Education Support Act (HESA) as a member of the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET). Whitehouse is compliant with the Overseas Student Tuition Assurance Scheme (OSTAS). For further information contact Whitehouse.

Education Services for Overseas Students

The Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS Act) determines, in part, the nature of the relationship Whitehouse will develop with you. The ESOS Act has been established to ensure a high quality learning experience in Australia. For more information, visit the government website Australian Education International www.aei.gov.au/AEI/ESOS

Visa and Immigration Matters

Your right to study in Australia as an overseas student is embodied in your student visa, which in turn imposes certain conditions that you must fulfil to stay in Australia. The Whitehouse must remind you that it is your responsibility to fulfil these requirements and that failure to comply with these requirements means that the Whitehouse is required by law to report any breaches of the visa conditions to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

The Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia cannot, as a matter of regulatory compliance, quality assurance and business policy, assist an overseas student with any of the following matters:
• Initial applications to the Australian Government to obtain a student visa
• Subsequent applications for visa renewal or variation
• Reversing visa cancellations for defaulting students
• Visa applications from family members or associates of students
• Residency applications following course completion
• Requests from immigration agents or lawyers

The Whitehouse Institute will not compromise its status as a registered provider of higher education, or the accreditation of its courses by inappropriately advising or assisting students on visa or immigration matters. For information or assistance visit www.immi.gov.au

Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC)

As an overseas student on a student visa you are legally required to provide evidence of maintaining approved OSHC while in Australia as a student. When you have been accepted into a program of study at the Whitehouse, and you have paid your tuition reservation deposit you will be issued with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Whitehouse can apply on your behalf for the first year of study or, you may present the CoE to Medicare to apply for OSHC. You must provide Student Administration with evidence that you have successfully applied for OSHC by Registration Day or prior to the commencement of class. Failure to do so will jeopardise your enrolment and visa conditions.

Accreditation

Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia is a private education provider and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) with the New South Wales Department of Education and Training (DET) and Victorian Registration & Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and is registered for the Bachelor of Design on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS):

NSW CRICOS Course Code: 061438J - NSW CRICOS Provider No: 02863C
VIC CRICOS Course Code: 063936G - VIC CRICOS Provider No 02963K

Incidental Fees

Application for Recognition of Prior Learning	$100 per unit
Late Enrolment fee	$200.00
Late payment penalty (tuition fees)	$20.00 per day
Dishonoured Payment	$50.00
Re-issue of Testamur	$50.00
Re-issue of an Academic Transcript	$30.00
Locker Hire (Sydney campus only)	$50.00
Re-issue Student Card	$30.00
Overdue Library Book Fee ($1 per day for first 7 days, $10 per day thereafter)	$1.00 / $10.00
Lost Book Fee - minimum $50 or replacement cost (whichever is higher)	$50 minimum
Readers	$15.00 - 20.00

Art and Technical Kit

Whitehouse Institute will provide you with a detailed list of basic art materials and technical items. The kits vary according to course requirements and, although not compulsory, they are the starter kits for your design studies. Students may make their own arrangements for supplies and can be assembled by you or purchased from Whitehouse prior to commencement. Since costs of materials and supplies vary according to the program you study and individual projects, you will need to make provisions for special items. Specialised Studio Workshops require additional materials and supplies and the costs are determined by your choice of material and items.

Privacy Statement

The information supplied is required by Whitehouse to manage your application, potential enrolment and to inform you of relevant news and events. The information supplied will be held by the Student Administration Manager. Please note that failure to supply any part of the information may result in Whitehouse not being able to properly assess your application. You may also not receive relevant information and correspondence important to your application and/or studies. Supply of misleading, incomplete or false information may result in the cancellation of your application or subsequent enrolment. Whitehouse reserves the right to verify academic qualifications as supplied by you in your Application for Enrolment to the Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia. No personal information will be given to a third party without your consent, except where required by law.

On occasion, and as required by law Whitehouse Institute may be required to disclose the personal information of students, staff and clients to outside organisations, providing such organisations are aware of our published Privacy Policy and agree to comply. This includes accounting auditors and lawyers, Governement and regulatory authorities such as DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship); DEEWR (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations); VETAB (Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board); ATO (Australian Taxation Office).

Further Policies & Procedures
Please refer to the student handbook or the Whitehouse Institute for further information on Policies and Procedures governing the Whitehouse Institute.

2011 Application Guide

Click here to download Application Guide 2011

Click here to download 2011 Application Guide and Postal form

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