How to Apply for the Bachelor of Design

• Read the Bachelor of Design course guide and application guide.
• Complete an online application form through the Apply Now button at the top of this page. Alternatively you can email study@whitehouse-design.edu.au to discuss your application further.
• Submit a copy of your required documents with your Application Form or at your interview.
  • Passport or Birth Certificate
  • Resume / CV
  • Your latest Academic Transcripts (High School Report, HSC/VCE Results or Highest Qualification Achieved)
  • Creative Portfolio (6-8 pieces in any medium)
  • Motivational Statement (300 words, please see interview and portfolio guide)

Once you have submitted these documents, a member of the Whitehouse Admissions Team will be in contact with you to arrange a meeting and campus tour. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to call us on 1300 551 433.

Documents Available for Download

Portfolio & Interview Guide

Domestic Students Application Guide 2019-2020

International Students Application Guide 2019-2020

Bachelor of Design - Course Guide

Bachelor of Design - Domestic Application

Academic Entry Requirements

Entry into the Bachelor of Design is based on a combination of academic achievement and creative potential.

To be eligible for admission you must satisfy one of the entry requirements below:

• NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) or Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent with an Australian Tertiary Admisson Rank (ATAR) of 67.95. Queensland Overall Position (OP) equivalent would be 15; OR
• Recognised Tertiary Preparation Certificate; OR
• Certificate IV level or higher vocational level qualification; OR
• Completion of at least one-year full-time study or equivalent in a degree course at a higher education institution; OR
• At least 5 years of significant professional practice within the creative industries.

If you do not meet any of the five minimum entry requirements, you may be able to apply for entry under special admissions provisions including mature age, disadvantage, or bonus ATAR points due to completion of creative arts subjects or VET for Secondary Students.

If you are a year 12 student applying prior to official release of results, you will need to supply your most recent academic results (high school report or other). Whitehouse Institute can make conditional offers and provides early entry to applicants based on current academic performance. You are encouraged to apply early to secure your place with us. Enrolment will be confirmed on satisfactory completion of your year 12 studies. If your ATAR is below 67.95, you are encouraged to contact Whitehouse Institute to discuss our bonus ATAR scheme.

Note: Applicants may be required to complete a literacy assessment. This will take the form of a 1000 word written task on a topic defined by the Academic Director. Submission of this document does not guarantee admission, but can be used as evidence of English proficiency in combination with your portfolio and personal statement.

Creative Entry Requirements

Creative Portfolio

Whitehouse Institute uses your Creative Portfolio and Motivational Statement to assess your creative potential. We look at how you demonstrate your interest, commitment and motivation for studying in your chosen design specialisation.  The Creative Portfolio should be a selection of original work (6-8 pieces). This could include but is not limited to illustrations, digital work, photography, garments, creative writing, textile design and artworks.

Motivational Statement

Your motivational statement should be (300 words) stating why you have chosen to study design at Whitehouse and what/who inspires your creativity.  You may want to include what personal interests and career goals.

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. It is advisable that international students are familiar with the entry requirements, course structure, tuition fees and Whitehouse policies before lodging an application to study.

Before applying, we recommend you visit the official Australian government website for international students studying in Australia, studyinaustralia.gov.au

Academic Entry Requirements

Entry into the Bachelor of Design is based on a combination of academic performance and creative potential.

To be eligible for admission applicants must satisfy one of the listed recognised international qualifications;

• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
• A Levels
• American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
• Advanced International Certificate of Education
• European Baccalaureate
• Tertiary or Foundation Studies

If your secondary school qualification differs from the recognised international qualifications listed above, you may still be eligible for admission. Please contact enquiry@whitehouse-design.edu.au for country-specific requirements.

Special Entry Requirements

Applicants may be regarded as eligible for admission if they:

• Have at least five years of relevant professional practice within the creative design industries. To support your application, please provide a personal statement and resume with detailed work history, including references.
• Are able to provide information and results on any relevant courses completed or attempted.

Overseas students are subject to the same entry standards as domestic students, however there a couple of additional requirements:

• Be 18 or over at the time of enrolment.
• Are eligible for an International Student Visa, and plan to only study on a full-time basis.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements may apply to international students and Australian permanent residents. Applicants can satisfy the English language requirements in a number of ways, such as by undertaking an IELTS or TOEFL test, or by having undertaken previous study in English. Documentary evidence is required.

• IELTS 6.5 with no band score less than 6.0
• TOEFL 577 + with TWE 4.5 (paper-based test), 79 + with Writing 21, Speaking 18, Reading 13, Listening 13 (internet-based test)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 58 + with no communicative skill below 50
• Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of - Advanced English (CAE) 176 + with no skill below 169

Note: Applicants may be required to complete a literacy assessment. This will take the form of a 1000 word written task on a topic defined by the Academic Director. Submission of this document does not guarantee admission but can be used as evidence of English proficiency in combination with your portfolio and motivational statement.

Creative Entry Requirements

Creative Portfolio

Whitehouse Institute uses your Creative Portfolio and Motivational Statement to assess your creative potential. We look at how you demonstrate your interest, commitment and motivation for studying in your chosen design specialisation.  The Creative Portfolio should be a selection of original work (6-8 pieces). This could include but is not limited to illustrations, digital work, photography, garments, creative writing, textile design and artworks.

Motivational Statement

Your motivational statement should be (300 words) stating why you have chosen to study design at Whitehouse and what/who inspires your creativity.  You may want to include what personal interests and career goals.

NOTE: As an international student, your submission will be accepted digitally. Upon the receipt of these documents, a Skype/Facetime interview will be scheduled with you.

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 an 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 the 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 your student visa. Should a student choose to renew OSHC independently, they are to provide proof of renewal to Student Administration before the commencement of studies or before the date of OSHC expiry. Non- renewal of OSHC is a breach of student visa condition.

Under an 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 - visit the Medibank Private website for information and premiums.

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

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.

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

The Bachelor of Design degree at WHITEHOUSE consists of six study periods in a trimester model and is completed within 2 years.

Students undertake five subjects each study period as follows:

Design Contexts

45 delivery hours per trimester - 6 credit points

Looks at historical, cultural and social influences that impact on contemporary design practices. Students relate their research to their chosen specialisation and how the relationship of culture, history and marketplace informs design and designers today.

Digital Design

45 delivery hours per trimester - 6 credit points

Focuses on visual communication through print and digital media. This area of study examines the principles of communication realised through effective and innovative visual outcomes.

Illustration for Design

45 delivery hours per trimester - 6 credit points

Focuses on communication techniques relevant to the specialisation of choice.  A diverse range of media is investigated, used and mastered to successfully communicate design intent through illustration.

Design Methods

45 delivery hours per trimester - 6 credit points

Investigates and interrogates design innovation in your chosen specialisation area. Materiality is explored to aid design innovation.

Design Workshop

180 delivery hours per trimester - 24 credit points

Supports students through the realisation of their 2D design to a 3D prototype. This area of study provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply their skills and knowledge from all other subject areas. Discipline-specific technical practices are developed in the design workshop.

Bachelor of Design - Domestic Students

Academic Dates and Fee Schedule 2019-2020

The Tuition Fee schedules apply for 2018/2019 only and are subject to annual review and alteration.  All fees are in Australian Dollars and inclusive of GST where GST is applicable. The Fee documents attached are for tuition only and do not include course material costs. For further information on course material cost estimates please call us on 1300 551 433 and ask to speak with the Admissions Team.

Tuition Fee Payment Options

You can choose to pay your tuition fees in the following ways:

• FEE-HELP
• Pay Fees Upfront
• Upfront Payment for Single Unit/s + FEE-HELP

Tuition fees for each study period are to be paid in advance before the commencement of each study period.  You can either elect to pay upfront, in full or a portion upfront, with the balance deferred to FEE-HELP.

If you elect to pay your tuition fees up front, this does not prevent you from accessing FEE-HELP at any time, provided an electronic Commonwealth Assistance form (eCAF) to defer tuition to FEE-HELP assistance form is lodged before the relevant Census Date for the study period.

FEE-HELP

FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that helps eligible Australian fee-paying students (full-time or part-time) pay their tuition fees.

FEE-HELP can cover all or part of your tuition fees. The Australian Government pays the amount of the loan direct to Whitehouse. You’ll make repayments on your loan through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) whenever your income is above the threshold, or you can make voluntary repayment to ATO at any time.

No interest is charged on your FEE-HELP loan, however, the Commonwealth Government applies a one off loan fee and it is indexed each year with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in line with the cost of living.

The Government’s Study Assist website provides more information about FEE-HELP, eligibility and your rights & obligations.

Eligibility

To be eligible for FEE-HELP you must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa whilst remaining a resident in Australia, or a permanent visa holder who is undertaking study for overseas-trained professional and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of studies.

When is a FEE-HELP debt incurred?

You incur a FEE-HELP debt immediately after the census date for the study period for which you received FEE-HELP assistance. If you have requested a FEE-HELP loan, but change your mind about studying, you must cancel or defer your enrolment in writing from the subject(s) on or before the census date or you will incur a debt to the Commonwealth Government.

*This information is current as of 18 October 2017. Any changes to government legislation will be updated when available. For more information about FEE-HELP, your rights & obligations, please visit the Commonwealth Government website: http://studyassist.gov.au/FEE-HELP

Cancellation and Refund Policy

By accepting a place in any one of the Whitehouse Institute’s courses, the student enters into an agreement to study a course for the expected published duration of the enrolled program of study – their enrolment then is bound by the terms and conditions of the Cancellation and Refund Policy. Download a copy of the Cancellation and Refund Policy.

Financial Support

Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia is registered by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and as such Youth Allowance or Austudy or other financial support options are available for eligible Australian citizens attending Whitehouse. Further information www.centrelink.gov.au.

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 HESA.  For further information contact Whitehouse. Click here to read the Tuition Assurance Statement in full.

Bachelor of Design - International Students

Academic Dates and Fee Schedule 2019-2020

The Tuition Fee schedules apply for 2018/2019 only and are subject to annual review and alteration.  All fees are in Australian Dollars and inclusive of GST where GST is applicable. The Fee documents attached are for tuition only and do not include course material costs. For further information on course material cost estimates please call us on 1300 551 433 and ask to speak with the Admissions Team.

For International Students, payment of the Bachelor of Design tuition fees are to be paid in advance by study period.

• An invoice for the first study period tuition fees + OSHC for the duration of expected visa grant will be issued on the submission of enrolment documentation.  This will need to be paid before issue of the CoE and OSHC Certificate
• The subsequent tuition fees for the duration of enrolment will be invoiced at the end of the study period and are due before the commencement of next  study period in which you are enrolled.
• Additional tuition fees cannot be accepted to paid in advance other than the current study period.

Tuition Fee Payment Options

International students are not eligible to access Commonwealth support for payment of tuition fees.  All tuition fees are payable upfront each study period of enrolment.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

By accepting a place in any one of the Whitehouse Institute’s courses, the student enters into an agreement to study a course for the expected published duration of the enrolled program of study – their enrolment then is bound by the terms and conditions of the Cancellation and Refund Policy. Download a copy of the Cancellation and Refund Policy.

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 HESA.  For further information contact Whitehouse. Click here to read the Tuition Assurance Statement in full.

NON-TUITION FEES

Non-tuition fees are governed by the Higher Education Support Act. Students must be able to complete the requirements of their course of study without the imposition of fees that are additional to tuition fees except in the following circumstances:

• for a service that is not essential to the course of study; or
• for alternative forms of access to a service that is an essential component of the course of study, but is otherwise made readily available at no additional charge by Whitehouse; or
• the fee is a fine or penalty, provided it is imposed principally as a disincentive.

• * Reissue of academic transcripts and or Transcript/Qualification must be made in writing (see Request Issue of Transcript form) with payment/credit card authority and include current mailing and contact details, and in advance.
• **Graduation ceremony – students are not required to attend the ceremony and can be conferred award in absentia without charge.
• ***Students may be required to undertake private tuition due change of design specialisation or missed content though unsupported absences to assist with progression.  Private tuition is also available upon request.

The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) will be introduced from 16 September 2019.

 What is the SSAF?

The SSAF is for student services and amenities of a non-academic nature, such as recreational activities, student socials, special events, counselling services etc.

Learn More

Who pays the SSAF?

Any person who is enrolled or seeking to enrol with a higher education provider can be charged a student services and amenities fee.

When is the SSAF due?

The SSAF is being introduced 16 September 2019 and is payable by the census date

The SSAF annual fee will take effect from 1 January 2020 and is payable by the census date each study period.

How much is SSAF?

The amount you pay depends on your fee type and study load.

Each year Whitehouse will charge an annual SSAF calculated in accordance with government regulations.

• As at 16 September 2019, the maximum amount to be charged will be $101.00 for full time students.
• Students who are not full time will pay a pro-rata amount according to their study load.

How do students pay the SSAF?

Domestic students can pay upfront.

If you do not wish to pay upfront and you are eligible, you can request assistance from the Commonwealth and defer the fee through the element of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) known as SA-Help

Learn More

Under SA-Help, the amount of the fee will be added to your students accumulated HELP debt.

International students are not eligible for SA-Help and must pay the fee up-front.

Who decides what the SSAF is spent on?

The Student Representative Council (SRC) in consultation with the student body and Whitehouse Management, will have an important say in how the fees are allocated and spent, ranging from services such as, student wellbeing, learning support and career advice, or recreational activities outside normal class time.

The SSAF can’t be used for the provision of academic service, to support political parties or the election of a person to a Commonwealth, state, territory parliament or local government body.

For further information refer:

Australian Government, Department of Education and Training

Whitehouse Student Services and Amenities Policy and Procedure will be available on the Whitehouse website by 16 September 2019.

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

The Whitehouse Institute offers students the opportunity to experience a wide range of different studio practices, each of which will require specific materials and equipment.  It is the student’s responsibility to determine what materials and equipment are required for each class prior to the class being held. - this will be listed in the course outline for each subject.  Students are to attend each class with the correct equipment.

The cost of materials and supplies will vary depending on the specialisation.  Costs will be incurred for specialist art papers, fabrics and accessories.  Specialised Studio Workshops require additional materials and supplies and these costs are determined by the student’s choice of items.

The design staff have put together Art and Technical Kits together to ensure that student have the essential supplies to assist them in the execution of high quality work and consistency across specialisations. These supplies are required at the commencement of studies.

An indicative cost of these are:

Art Kit: $850.00

Fashion Technical Kit: $550.00

Creative Direction Technical Kit: $210.00

Interiors Art & Technical Kit: $550.00

All students are to have an Art Kit as well as a Technical Kit specific to your specialisation at the commencement of studies.  Students are under no obligation to purchase Art or Technical materials from Whitehouse. Students can assemble the kits as per the Art & Technical kit listings. Students who enrol in September will only require an Art Kit, the Technical Kit can be ordered prior to February classes.