Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia

FEE-HELP Approved

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 does 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 (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 (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

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 display an understanding of the design process, it is to include a written piece relevant to your design specialisation (historical/theory research).

In addition, the portfolio is to include the assessment task 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!

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

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process by which applicants can have any prior qualifications or previous industry experience recognised formally and mapped into the Bachelor of Design curriculum. In order to grant RPL the Academic Coordinator must review the unit descriptors of previous qualifications or a written explanation of industry experience. Students wishing to apply for RPL should obtain a copy of the Application for RPL from the website or Whitehouse administration.

Advanced Standing

Whitehouse Institute of Design has agreements in place with several TAFEand other institutions across Australia. If you have completed an Advanced Diploma in a Fashion Design or Interior Design discipline you may be eligible to receive direct articulation into semester four of the Bachelor of Design.

Important Application Dates - overseas students

Applications now open
Interviews will be conducted from August 2011 to February 2012
First round applications close on Friday 16 December 2011
Final round applications close Friday 17 February 2012*

*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 August 2011 and February 2012.
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 2012
2. Student Handbook and 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) and current rates

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 2012

Click here to view Academic dates 2012 - Sydney Campus

Click here to view Academic dates 2012 - Melbourne Campus

Overseas Student Fee Schedule 2012

* Fees are offered exclusively for 2012 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 annual tuition fee being 8 units per year at $3,085.00 per unit. Students complete 4 units per semester Plus OSHC* (where applicable)
Duration 3 years full-time (6 semesters)	Units of Study & Fee Schedule

Overseas students have the option to pay their 2012 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 26 June 2012. Penalty fees will apply for late payments.

Up front: $3,000 tuition reservation deposit + $21,680 balance = $24,680.00

Time Payment Schedule:

Tuition reservation deposit payable on enrolment	$3,000.00
First installment due on enrolment + $400 surcharge	$11,240.00
Second installment due 26 June 2012 + $400 surcharge	$11,240.00
Total tuition fees paid on completion of 2012	$25,480 (24,680 + 800 surcharge)
These fees do not include OSHC

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 OSHC is not required if student is exempt or already has OSHC, provide membership and expiry details. Refer to OSCH section further on the page.

Late enrolment: At the discretion of the Whitehouse, students may be admitted up to three weeks after the course has commenced. A late enrolment 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 for the duration of the student’s program. This agreement means there is an obligation on the student’s behalf to pay the published tuition fees throughout the student’s enrolment. Students are to refer to the Changing Enrolment process in the handbook for information on the consequences of their actions if withdrawing or deferring from studies. In the event of a student withdrawing or deferring from studies after lodgment of enrolment/re-enrolment forms, the following applies.

Overseas Student Refund Policy

Withdrawal or Deferral is not permitted for holders of student visas except in exceptional circumstances. Written applications with supporting documentation for withdrawal or deferment in exceptional circumstances and a request for a refund must be submitted to the Student Administration Manager. Applications will then be considered on an individual basis, at the discretion of the CEO.

Overseas students on temporary residency visas other than a student visa, are permitted to defer or withdraw (in full or part) and are required to lodge a completed Notification to Withdraw or Defer Studies with supporting documentation to the Student Administration Manager for consideration.

If an overseas student lodges a Notification to Withdraw or Defer Studies after submitting their enrolment/re-enrolment documents, all tuition fees are paid and the withdrawal or deferral is approved, the following applies:

Notification is received 28 days or more before the course commencement date, prepaid tuition fees will be refunded, less the O/S Withdrawal Fee being $3000
Notification is received in the period 28 days of course/semester commencement date through to course/semester commencement or once course/semester has commenced: Tuition fees are non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances
Refunds will be paid within four (4) weeks of approval by the CEO
The students CoE will be cancelled and reported to DIAC.

No refund will be granted to a student whose enrolment is terminated due to failure to comply with Whitehouse policies including, but not necessarily limited to, withdrawal without notification, bad behaviour and unsatisfactory progress or due to the 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.

In accordance with the provision of the ESOS Act 2000 and ESOS Regulations, 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'), 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 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.

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 or deferral after the census date due to exceptional circumstances may be accepted as grounds for a total or partial refund of tuition fees or re-credit of FEE-HELP debt. This is subject to the submission of the Application to Refund Tuition Fees or Re-credit FEE-HELP debt form and the provision of acceptable documentary evidence in support of a claim if:

Enrolment in a unit of study is withdrawn after the census date due to exceptional circumstances, or
A student has not completed the requirements for a unit of study due to exceptional circumstances.

Exceptional circumstances are considered unusual, uncommon or abnormal - these include:

Death of a 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 (applies only to overseas students )

Exceptional circumstances, as outlined in the Higher Education Support Act 2003, are circumstances that:

Were beyond a student’s control
Did not have a full impact until on or after the census date of the unit of study
Made it impractical for the student to complete the unit 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)

Students on an overseas student visa are legally required to provide evidence of maintaining Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) while studying in Australia. When accepting offer to enrol at Whitehouse Institute and payment of requested tuition fees, overseas students are required to also take out OSHC for the proposed duration of their student visa. Non payment of OSHC could delay issue of your student visa

In the event of a new student to Whitehouse already holding OSHC with Medibank Private, Whitehouse can renew on your behalf with required payment for the proposed duration of student visa. Should a student choose to renew OSHC independently, provide proof of renewal to Student Administration before commencement of studies or before date of OSHC expiry. Non-renewal of OSHC is a breach of student visa condition.

Under agreement between the Commonwealth Government and Belgian/Norwegian Governments, students are considered to have met 'adequate insurance' requirements on the basis of the Reciprocal Health Care Agreement between Australia and Belgium/Norway. If you are a Belgian/Norwegian student, you will not have to take out OSHC. Swedish students may be waived the compulsory OSHC visa requirement. Swedish students whose insurance is provided by CSN International (the Swedish National Board of Student Aid) or Kammarkollegiet (the Swedish Legal, Financial and Administration Agency) will not need to take out OSHC. If you are a Swedish student who is not covered by CSN or Kammarkollegiet, you will need to take out OSHC.

Only Australian registered private health insurers can offer OSHC. The Australian Government monitors and regulates insurers covering people living temporarily in Australia. The Government is not able to protect the interests of people insured by overseas insurance companies in the same way. Whitehouse uses Medibank Private for OSHC - click here to view brochure

More information can be found www.immi.gov.au/students/ or http://www.health.gov.au

Accreditation

Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia is a private higher education provider registered by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Whitehouse is approved to deliver the accredited Bachelor of Design to local and overseas students in Victoria and New South Wales. The Bachelor of Design is registered 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

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.

Incidental Fees

Click here to view Incidental fees 2012

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 Student Administration. 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 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, Government and regulatory authorities such as DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship); DEEWR (Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations); DIISRTE (Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education); 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.