TIV FAQ’s

An International Educational or Migration Agent can assist you for your application to TIV. If they are not listed as an accredited TIV agent please request them to contact us to become one. Alternatively, you may contact TIV directly to assist you on your application.

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5. How can I gain credit for study that I have already completed?

Credit Transfer (CT) is the recognition of nationally recognized training qualifications in Units of Competency undertaken at TAFE Colleges, accredited private providers, professional organizations or enterprises and universities. To secure a Credit Transfer, the Units of Competency which you have already completed must be the exact equivalents of the Units you would otherwise be required to study.

If you believe that Credit Transfer applies to you, tick the CT ‘YES’ box on your Application form. You will be contacted by a member of TIV staff to discuss your situation and assist you in processing the CT request.

Please note that a qualification or statement of attainment in a similar but not identical unit is not suitable for Credit Transfer. In such cases the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process may apply. For further information contact our Training Administration staff.

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6. Do I need to have health cover to study in Australia?

Yes. All international visitors to Australia under a Student Visa are required by law to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Students are required to pay for this cover prior to arriving in Australia. Students are covered by the OSHC from the day they arrive in Australia, until the end date of their visa.

On enrollment all international students must pay the required fee for health insurance in accordance with the length of their course.

TIV recommends Australian Health Management (AHM) as the preferred student health cover agent. For fees, terms and conditions refer to AHM’s website http://www.ahm.com.au/
Applications and payments can be made through TIV when enrolling into your course.

TIV will assist you to apply the OSHC at no extra cost to AHM. Processing can take up to 5 weeks. AHM will send your membership card to TIV who will then forward to you.

If students have any health problems before receiving their card they are still covered. When you go to the doctor and pay for your consultation, you must ask for a receipt. AHM will reimburse your money provided you produce the receipt.

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B) Fees and costs

1. Where can I find information about course fees?

Course fees can be found under each course, choose the “Courses” of our website menu bar, and then follow the drop down menus to see the course you are interested in. Please note that course fees are subject to change and it is best to contact us to confirm course fees.

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2. How can I pay my course deposit before I start my course?

TIV accepts the following payment methods:

Direct Deposit
Cheque
Credit Card
B-pay
Cash

View the Payment Options.

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3. Do I need to pay the entire course fee to accept my offer?

No. You will be required to pay the semester fee in advance of you commencing each semester.

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4. How do I know TIV has received my fees?

We encourage you to contact our accounts department to confirm your fees payment. Can be email by accounts@tradeinstitute.vic.edu.au, or by telephone: +61 3 9399 9566. If you choose to come to TIV, please arrange an appointment with our accounts department.

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C) Visa information

1. Can I study part-time?

No. Full-time enrollment must be maintained in order to successfully complete your program within the specified course duration that is indicated on your electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (eCOE), and to meet the requirements of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Full time study means at least an average of 20 hours of class time per week.

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2. Can my family or I work while I am studying in Australia?

If you were granted a student visa on or before the 26 April 2008, you will need to apply to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) for permission to work.

If your student visa was granted after 26 April 2008, you will have work rights automatically assigned to your visa.

Automatic work rights will allow you to only work:

For the duration of your student visa.
Once you have commenced your course.
A maximum of 20 hours per week whilst your course is in session.
Any number of hours during the summer or winter non-teaching periods.

Your dependents are eligible to apply for a work rights visa and are permitted to work 20 hours per week.

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3. What changes to my visa status do I need to inform TIV of?

You must notify us if changes to any of the following occur immediately:

Visa status (e.g. you become a permanent resident)
Student visa renewal/extension

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4. What happens to international students if they breach a condition of their visa or enrollment?

At the time that a student is reported to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), the student will be:

Notified of the intention to report and,
Given the right of appeal against the decision.

If the student’s appeal is unsuccessful, or the student does not appeal, the student will then be:

Advised in writing of the report to DEEWR
TIV will proceed with the report to DIAC
The student must then present themselves to a DIAC office within 28 days of the report.

Please contact the DIAC for further advice regarding your student visa status.

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5. What migration appeal rights do international students have if their visa is cancelled?

For all matters relating to your VISA, contact DIAC on 131 881.

If you have met with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) office within the required 28 days of notification of the visa cancellation and your visa was then cancelled, you can appeal to the Migration Review Tribunal (MRT) to reconsider your case.

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D) Studying at Trade Institute of Victoria

1. What are my responsibilities as an international student?

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid passport, student visa and health cover and that you comply with conditions of your student visa.

You must:

Attend at least 80% of classes each semester.
Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.
Make sure you do not breach the work rights of your visa.
Not work in Australia before commencing your studies.
Enter your contact details within seven days of when you first arrive in Australia, with TIV
Inform TIV of your contact details within seven days of any new changes.
Maintain current Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your studies.
Hold a current electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (eCoE) document.

More information regarding your student visa conditions can be found at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

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2. What is Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)?

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) regulates the education and training sector’s involvement with overseas students studying in Australia through the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework. This protects Australia’s reputation for delivering quality education services and the interests of overseas students by setting minimum standards and providing tuition and financial assurance. The ESOS framework is designed to ensure that overseas students in Australia have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding place to study.

More information can be found at:

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3. What are my student attendance and academic progress requirements?

If you are studying on a student visa, your visa conditions require you to attend a minimum of 80% of your classes for each semester. If you fail to meet this minimum requirement, without eligible reasons, TIV is obliged to monitor your attendance and may report you to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

All students must achieve satisfactory academic progress. Your progress will be monitored according to TIV’s Policies and Procedures. If you are identified as at risk of not making satisfactory progress, your Trainer will require you to attend a progress meeting and may impose conditions on your enrolment, or introduce measures to help you improve your progress. Sustained lack of satisfactory academic progress may result in TIV issuing a notice of intention to report you to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

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4. What are my accommodation choices as an international student?

Students must arrange their Melbourne accommodation before they arrive in Australia.

Accommodation options include:

Renting an Apartment, Flat or House
Sharing an Apartment, Flat or House
Hostel Accommodation

You could search TIV’s assistance in find the accommodation. This is a fee charge service at a cost of AUD $150. You could require this assistance on your Application Form. Please noted that the cost of this assistance is not refundable.

Students can also find out about their legal rights and obligations as tenants in Melbourne by searching the following website www.consumer.vic.gov.au

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E) Other Common questions

1. I can’t find the course I want or a course that suits me. Can TIV develop a course to suit me?

Ensure you check our website or contact us directly for the Forthcoming Courses. You may find a course that suits you.

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2. How can I get a copy of a transcript of my results or a record of previous study?

Contact the Administration Department at TIV on +61 (0)3 9399 9511 for assistance.

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3. I completed a course last year and want to know if I can get an exemption in the TIV course I want to study. Who can give me this information?

You may qualify for Credit Transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning. Contact Administration Department at TIV on +61 (0)3 9399 9511 for assistance.

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4. My question is not answered here. What can I do next?

Check to see if your question is addressed in one of the other FAQ sections listed at right, or:

Call the TIV office on + 61 (0)3 9399 9511, or
Visit (ensure that you make an appointment) the TIV Office at 195 Champion Road, Williamstown North, Melbourne, VIC, 3016 (8.30 am to 5 pm business days), or
Submit an online enquiry.

Trade Institute of Victoria Pty Ltd / RTO No. 21920 / CRICOS Provider No. 02949G