Pre-departure Information
student employment
- counselling support - education
of dependant children - sexual
harassment - harassment - discrimination
- in an emergency - living
in Australia - budgeting - Australia
- electrical appliances - Melbourne
information - public transport
- driving - phone,
internet, mail - banking - useful
links
Student Employment
Advice is available to assist students in their search for work
and accommodation. This is provided in the form of one to one assistance
in accessing resources for finding accommodation as well as workshops
on writing resumes and cover letters. Upon commencement of their
course, International Students may apply for a work permit and work
up to 40 hours per fortnight provided that work does not interfere with
their studies. You must not work for more than
40 hours per fortnight during the semester. During official holidays between study periods
there are no restrictions on the number of hours you may work. It
is becoming increasingly difficult to find part-time work. International
Students must ensure their financial independence before coming
to Australia. Top
Counselling support
Australian College of Trade offers free counselling services to
students and provides referral contact information, where appropriate.
Referral to private practitioners will be at the expense of the
student. All information is treated as confidential and special
attention is given to the specific challenges international student
encounter when adjusting to a new cultural environment
(Refer to 'Professional Code
of Practice' for further details). Top
Education
of Dependant Children
In Victoria, school is compulsory for all
children aged between five and fifteen years of age. The government
provides public schools. Churches and other groups run private schooling.
You will need to check with the Department of Education for their
criteria and fee assessment in public schools. Fees are also payable
for private schooling.
Note: Students holding temporary visas may
be required to pay full school fees for their dependant children.
Check with individual schools for details. Top
Sexual Harassment
Under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995, it is unlawful
to sexually harass another. Sexual harassment is defined as, any
unwelcome form of behaviour, of a sexual nature, which takes place
in circumstances in which a reasonable person, having regard to
all the circumstances, would have anticipated that the person harassed
would be offended, humiliated, or intimidated. This includes any
unsolicited and/or unwelcome communication, including unwanted written,
telephone or electronic messages/images, display, or physical conduct
of a sexual nature, and which:
- creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive learning, academic,
working, or living environment; or
- implicitly, or explicitly, becomes a term or condition of a
person’s academic evaluation or employment;
- implicitly, or explicitly, becomes a term or condition for decisions
which bear on a person’s grades in academic evaluation,
or a condition of employment, such as, appointment, promotion,
salary, or any other condition; or
- has the purpose or effect of interfering with a person’s
academic, or work performance, such as, by denying equality of
opportunity, undermining the morale of persons, or denying the
legitimacy of their place in the College.
Note: Actions based on mutual
attraction and consent do not constitute sexual harassment. Top
Harassment
Harassment is defined as any unwelcome form of behaviour, which
takes place in circumstances in which a reasonable person, having
regard to all the circumstances, would have anticipated that the
person harassed would be offended, humiliated, or intimidated. Harassment
which amounts to intimidating or offensive behaviour will not be
tolerated by the College.
Harassment is inappropriate behaviour based on the following attributes:
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Impairment
- Race
- Breastfeeding (May 2000)
- Religious belief or activity
- Industrial activity
- Gender
- Lawful sexual activity
- Status as a parent or carer
- Marital status
- Personal association (whether as a relative, or otherwise) with
a person who is identified by reference to any of the above attributes.
- Physical features
- Political belief or activity
Examples of harassing behaviour include, “put downs”,
intrusive and inappropriate questions, or comments about a person,
unwanted written, telephone, or electronic messages, threats, or attacks,
on property or person, physical violence, promises or threats related
to status in the workplace, or as a student in the College. Nuisance
calls, physical violence, or threat of violence, can also constitute
harassment. Some forms of harassment (as above) are criminal offences
and therefore should be referred to the police (e.g. stalking, assault,
violence) This list of examples is provided as a guide to the type
of conduct which may be regarded as harassment. It is not an exhaustive
list.
Harassment that is not based on the above attributes, may also
be dealt with under the procedures for staff or student discipline.
Top
Discrimination
Discrimination is defined as any decision(s), act(s), or omission(s),
which disadvantage a person or group. Under the Victorian Equal
Opportunity Act 1995, it is unlawful to discriminate on the basis
of:
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Impairment
- Race
- Breastfeeding (May 2000)
- Religious belief or activity
- Industrial activity
- Gender
- Lawful sexual activity
- Status as a parent or carer
- Marital status
- Personal association (whether as a relative, or otherwise) with
a person who is identified by reference to any of the above attributes.
- Physical features
- Political belief or activity Top
Direct Discrimination
- Section 8 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 states:
- Direct discrimination occurs if a person treats, or proposes
to treat, someone with an attribute less favourably than the person
treats, or would treat, someone without that attribute, or with
a different attribute, in the same, or similar circumstances.
- In determining whether a person directly discriminates, it
is relevant:
i. Whether or not that person is aware of the discrimination,
or considers the treatment less favourable;
ii. Whether or not the attribute is the only or dominant reason
for the treatment, as long as it is substantial reason. Top
Indirect Discrimination - Section
8 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1995 states:
- Indirect discrimination occurs if a person imposes, or proposes
to impose, a requirement, condition, or practice:
a) That someone with an attribute does not, or cannot comply with;
and
b) That a higher proportion of people without that attribute,
or with a different attribute, do or can comply with; and
c) That is not reasonable.
- Whether a requirement, condition, or practice is reasonable
depends on all the relevant circumstances of the case, including:
a) The consequences of failing to comply with requirement, condition,
or practice;
b) The cost of alternative requirements, conditions, or practices;
c) The financial circumstances of the person imposing, or proposing
to impose, the requirement, condition, or practice.
In determining whether a person indirectly discriminates, it is
irrelevant whether or not that person is aware of the discrimination.
Top
In case of emergency
There are many legal and support services
available to students in Melbourne. Most of these are provided free
of charge to anyone seeking help or making enquiries. The list below
details some of the more common services. In case of emergency,
or students requiring assistance should contact the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Aakash Kumarwho is available to all students,
for assistance 24 hours a day on Mobile 0417 364 344. Top
Emergency contact details
Police, Fire & Ambulance (Emergency) 000
Special services contact details
| 24 hour
Women's Domestic Violence |
(03) 9373 0123 |
| Vic Deaf Hearing Services |
(03) 9657 8199 |
| Beyond Blue National Depression |
1300 224636 |
| Victorian Poisons |
13 11 26 (24hrs,
7 days a week) |
| Vic Roads |
13 11 71 |
| 24 Hour Drug and Alcohol Counseling
Information and Referral Service. |
(03) 9416-1818 |
| Alcoholics Anonymous |
(03) 9429 1833 |
| Gamblers Anonymous |
(03) 9696-6108 |
| Grief Line |
(03) 9596-7799 (12pm
to 12am) |
Legal services contact details
| Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) Legal Referral Service |
(03) 9607 9550 referrals@liv.asn.au
|
| Victoria Legal Aid |
(03) 9269 0234 |
Top
Living in Australia
For the cost of groceries, food, clothing, household goods and
similar everyday items see the following web sites:
www.coles.com.au
www.woolworths.com.au
www.aldi.com.au
www.bigw.com.au
Entertainment Approximate Cost (AUD)
Cinema ticket (full price) $19.00
Nightclub entrance $10.00 upwards
Transport Approximate cost (AUD)
Taxi $7.00 upwards
Bus, tram or train fare up to $12.12 daily (see www.ptv.vic.goc.au for timetables, fares and so on.
Top
Budgeting
In addition to your tuition fees, you will be responsible for planning
and budgeting your living costs. Below is an estimated cost of living
guide per month for a single student living in homestay accommodation
| Melbourne Accommodation |
Approximate cost per week (AUD) |
| Homestay prices (single room) |
From $165.00 -$300 |
For more information on cost of living and
living and studying in Australia try the following link.
http://www.studiesinaustralia.com/living_in_australia
and for more accommodation
http://www.studiesinaustralia.com/studying-in-australia/accommodation
| Supplements |
Cost
(AUD) 2012 |
| Enrolment fee* |
$250 |
| Stationary and textbooks (approx) |
$300-$500 |
| Living costs per annum (estimated) |
$16,100 |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)** |
$492 - 1 year single person |
| Accommodation placement fee |
$240x |
| Airport transfer fee - Tullamarine |
$99 |
| Airport transfer fee - Avalon |
$235 |
| |
| *Compulsory,
non-refundable fee included with initial payment |
** Please note that health costs will vary with your length of enrolment.
For more details see http://www.medibank.com.au/osh |
Top
Australia
Although European exploration started before 1770, it was the British
that landed and explored the east coast of Australia in 1788. The
industrial revolution had created a lot of unemployment and dispossessed,
in turn creating an increase in crime. The Americans won their war
of independence and Britain was left with an increasing number of
prisoners with nowhere to put them. Australia was initially settled
to become a penal colony and there was a large supply of convicts,
when the stealing of a loaf of bread led to transportation for fourteen
years.
Great Britain claimed New South Wales, the colonies all flourished
separately but eventually established as the nation, Australia in
1901.
The Commonwealth of Australia is a democracy with its own federal
government. The Federal Government is elected every three years
and is led by the Prime Minister. The country is divided into 6
states and two territories; each has a separate Government and is
led by the Premier. Top
Electrical Appliances
Australia uses a different electrical socket to most other countries.
Appliances will work in Australia. However, adaptor plugs will be
needed to fit Australian sockets. These sockets are easy and chap
to purchase in Australia. If the voltage of any appliance you bring
with you is not rated at 220-240 volts they will not work in Australia
and lower voltages will burn out on their first use. Top
Melbourne Information
As Australia’s second largest city, there is always something
to do. The pleasant climate, safe environment and reasonable living
costs make this an outstanding place to study. Melbourne city centre
has exciting shopping facilities in the CBD such as Melbourne Central
and the QV Centre, with stores that offer the best of international
and Australian goods. There are many cinemas, theatres, cafes, restaurants
and entertainment centres in the heart of the city, as well as in
close-by suburbs. Melbourne has a thriving interest in the arts,
with a performing Arts Centre and a substantial Art Gallery. Top
Top Attractions
Attractions near the campus include Melbourne Zoo, the Royal Botanic
Gardens, the MCG, the Tennis Centre, Docklands, Telstra Dome and
Eureka Tower, famous heritage sites, Queen Victoria Market and the
largest museum in Australia.
The River Yarra, with its picnic and BBQ areas, surrounded by the
Royal Botanic Gardens and the Myer Music Bowl used for open air
concerts, but in winter turns to an ice skating rink.
Venture into Victoria for a reminder of the rich gold-mining history
of the state, see Sovereign Hill. Victoria also offers many opportunities
for bush walking, camping, cycling, soaking in bubbling mineral
spas, skiing at Mt. Buller, Hotham or Falls Creek, extensive sightseeing.
Wonderful beaches in Melbourne and along the coast down the famous
Great Ocean Road, the surf beaches and The Twelve Apostles. Top
Activities in Melbourne
Students have the opportunity to see many of Melbourne’s exciting
places of interest. The MCG is the home of Australian cricket, the
Tennis Centre the home of the Australian Open Tennis, the First
Grand Slam for the year, restaurants and an active night life. Make
Australia your home away from home. Each year more than 150,000
students choose to study in Australia - many because of Australia's
reputation for quality education. When you can study surrounded
by pristine beaches and natural landscapes, why would you want to
live anywhere else? Top
Public Transportation
You can get around Melbourne by bus, train or tram. Overall, these
services are regular and very reliable. All services use the same
ticketing system and the same ticket can be used on different services
on the same day.
All information relating to transport around Melbourne including
fares and timetables can be found at www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
. You can also call the Metlink information line for help and
information on 131 638. They will also take any feedback or comments
relating to the transport system in Melbourne.
Driving
Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. The maximum
speed limit is between 100 and 110 km/h (62 - 68 mph) on some roads
outside cities, and 50 km/h (30 - 31mph) in urban areas. Australia
is notorious for its speeding fines, so make sure you keep to the
speed limit. Seat belts must be worn by drivers and all passengers
at all times. The minimum age for driving varies from state to state
- make sure you check - but it is generally 17 or 18. Car rental
companies may require you to be older.
If you hold a license to drive a car in your home country and
would like to drive in Australia, you will probably need to get
an Australian State license. You may also need to do a practical
test. For more details visit Vic
Roads web site. Top
Phone, Internet, Mail
Australia has an extensive network of Public Phones throughout
the country - easily recognized by the orange and blue Telstra emblem.
The cost of a local call is 50 cents with most phones accepting
coins and pre-paid telephone cards. International calls can be made
from pay phones. Charges vary depending on the time of day and distance.
Sundays are the best days to make interstate or international calls
as all day discount rates generally apply. Pre-paid Telephone cards
can be purchased at most news agencies, convenience stores and Post
Offices.
To get more information about the cost of a call to your home country,
phone the numbers below. Please note that there will be an extra
charge for calling these numbers.
| |
Number to call |
| Local/National Directory Assistance |
1223 |
| International Directory Assistance |
1225 |
| Call Connect (operator assistance to find and connect to a
number) |
12456 |
| Reverse Charge (collect call) |
1800 362 162 |
To find a payphone nearest you, visit
http://www.telstra.com.au/abouttelstra/commitments/payphone-services/ For International dialing
codes click the link or look them up in Whitepages Australia. Top
Mobile Phones
There are numerous mobile providers in Australia, all offering
different plans and services. Telstra, Optus, VODA are three of
the larger providers, but there are many others. Top
Landlines
There are 2 main telephone service providers in Australia: Telstra
and Optus. The cost of call rates, monthly fees etc vary with each
company.
Please contact them directly for further information:
Telstra 132 200
Optus 133 345
Top
Email and Internet
There are many internet providers in Australia but the two main
ones are Telstra and Optus Net Cable. The best way to find a complete
listing of Internet providers is to do a search for ‘Internet
Access Providers’ in the Australian Yellow pages or Google.
For help choosing an Internet
Service Provider go to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission web site
www.accc.gov.au/consumers/internet-phone/internet-services
Top
Mail
Australia Post is the national postal service provider. There are
post offices located in most Australian suburbs and shopping centres.
Services include postage of letters, faxes, parcels, money orders
(similar to a cheque) and a bill paying service.
To find the post office nearest you, visit the Australia
Post Web site. Top
Banking
To open an Australian bank account you will need to take along
some identification (ID), such as a passport, a birth certificate,
and/or a driver’s licence. Your bank can tell you exactly
what you will need to bring. You will also need to provide your
tax file number (TFN) so that you can be identified for tax purposes.
While this is not essential, if you do not provide your TFN, any
interest your accounts earn will be taxed at the highest rate.
ATM (Automatic Teller Machines) cards can be used in Australia
so long as they have been enabled for international access. Your
ATM card must carry either the CIRUS, PLUS or STAR international
ATM mark or the Interlink or Maestro POS mark. Top
Tax File Number (TFN)
Tax file numbers (TFNs) are unique numbers issued by the Australian
Taxation Office (ATO) to identify individuals, companies and others
who lodge income tax returns. All international students are considered
a ‘resident for tax purposes’ after they have lived
in Australia for more than 6 months. Application forms can be downloaded
from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) Web site. or you can apply
in person at your local Post Office. Top
Money
To cover your initial expenses we recommend you bring a bank cheque
to the value of A$1500.00. Once you have opened a bank account,
the bank cheque can be deposited into it. It may take a few days
for the bank cheque to clear so we recommend that you bring approximately
A$300 in cash to cover costs until the funds are cleared. Top
Other Useful Links
Study in Australia:
https://aei.gov.au/Regulatory-Information/Education-Services-for-Overseas-Students-ESOS-Legislative-Framework/ESOSQuickInformation/Documents/ESOS%20Factsheets/ESOS%20Factsheets%202012/The%20ESOS%20framework.pdf
Tourism:
www.australia.com/
www.visitmelbourne.com/
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/
Employment:
www.CareerOne.com.au
www.seek.com.au
www.mycareer.com.au
Banking:
www.anz.com.au Tel:
131 314
www.commbank.com.au Tel:
13 22 21
www.nab.com.au/ Tel: 13 22
65
www.westpac.com.au Tel:
13 20 32
These are the four major Australian Banks. Many
International and small banks also operate in Australia.
Australian Taxation Office:
www.ato.gov.au
Libraries:
http://librariesaustralia.nla.gov.au/apps/kss
http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=6g8vd17991c61
Climate and Weather Forecasts:
www.bom.gov.au/
www.weather.com.au
Top