Terms and conditions of study

In accepting an Offer of Place with Brisbane North Institute of TAFE (BNIT):

• Students must have read and understood the information provided about BNIT and the Program/s of their choice.
• It is understood that payment of tuition fees will not be accepted by BNIT until a signed and dated Application Form for International Students is received, thereby agreeing to the International Student Refund Policy and Terms and Conditions.
• Students have read, understood and agree to abide by the Conditions outlined in the Offer of Place, prior to the Program commencement.
• Students understand that it is their responsibility to provide BNIT with the necessary evidence to satisfy the Conditions of Entry into the Program as outlined in the Offer of Place, before the Program begins.
• It is understood that students who fail to satisfy the Conditions outlined in the Offer of Place will not be able to commence their Program.
• Students understand that all fees detailed in the Offer of Place must be paid by the advised due date and that failure to pay each semester's fees as they are quoted by the due date, may result in students being unable to enrol into class.
• Students understand that they will not be allowed to commence their Program until all fees are paid i.e. Health Cover (OSHC), late fees, administration charges and any outstanding fees from previous enrolments.
• Students understand that they are responsible for payment of associated sundry expenses including textbooks, stationery, material fees, uniforms and other personal expenses throughout the duration of their Program (tuition fees do not include these costs).
• The structure and duration of BNIT programs are subject to change. Program fees reflect the content of the Program and the award, not the duration, therefore there is no automatic reduction of tuition fees if you complete the Program in a shorter time than the published length of the Program.
• Students are required to ensure that full payment of material fees is finalised prior to the commencement of each semester of the Program.
• Students are aware of the estimated costs of their stay in Australia and understand that the financial capacity to meet such costs is their responsibility.
• Students are required to advise BNIT of any information which may impact upon their ability to undertake the Program i.e. illness, injury, disability, learning, or support needs, and that the fees outlined in the Offer of Place are based upon the information provided by the student in their Application.
• Students understand that any school-age dependants accompanying them to Australia will be required to pay full fees if they are enrolled in either a government or non-government school.
• Students are required to arrive at BNIT in time for the International Orientation and prior to the commencement of their Program.
• If a student is unable to commence their Program by the advised dates, it is understood that approval to commence the Program is at the sole discretion of the Manager - International Business.
• Students are required to supply a copy of their passport and visa (where applicable).
• Students are aware that their personal information may be shared between BNIT and the Australian Government and designated authorities as per the ESOS Act 2000 and The National Code 2007. This information includes personal and contact details, course enrolment details and changes, and the circumstances of any suspected breach by the student of a student visa condition.
• Students agree that BNIT may use the email address they supply to email them any information BNIT deems necessary.
• BNIT is required under Section 19 of the ESOS Act 2000 to advise Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) about certain changes to a student's enrolment, and any breach by the student of a student visa condition relating to attendance or satisfactory academic performance.
• Students further understand that they must meet the following DIAC student visa conditions as follows:
  • Maintain full-time enrolment in their Program
  • Maintain a minimum of 80% attendance according to the terms of their Program (if students do not maintain a minimum of 80% attendance, BNIT will report their attendance to DIAC, and also may report their attendance to their Agent, Parents and/or Guardian)
  • Achieve and maintain satisfactory academic performance
  • Maintain payment of Program fees by the due date for each instalment
  • Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire period of their study in Australia
  • Advise BNIT of any change to their address or contact details within 7 days of the change
  • Maintain enrolment at BNIT for the first 6 months.

When assessing an application for entry to a formal program in BNIT, a number of factors are considered. Applicants must satisfy Academic and English language entry requirements.

Brisbane North Institute of TAFE reserves the right to accept or deny entry.

1. Academic Requirements - there are two basic conditions of entry to BNIT formal programs. These are English language proficiency and academic standards. Minimum English requirements are specified below. Each program has specific minimum academic requirements that are listed in the Brisbane North Institute of TAFE International Programs for International Students. Applicants must provide authorised original documentary evidence (or certified copies) of meeting the required minimum proficiency as listed for each program. An offer will remain conditional on satisfying academic and or English requirements until the appropriate documentary evidence is presented. Please refer to <url:http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/QualificationsRecognition/default.htm - bad link> for a general indication of equivalent academic standards for each country.
   
2. English Language Requirements - All applicants must satisfy one of the following English language proficiency requirements. Please note; English language test results are valid for 12 months only.
   
   • IELTS (academic module) - score of 5.5 (with no individual band score less than 5)
   • TOEFL - score 530 (paper-based)
   • International Second Language Proficiency Rating (ISLPR) - 2+ in all skills
   • TAFE Queensland Certificate IV in English
   • Cambridge First Certificate of English, "A" or "B" grade
   • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English
   • Sound Achievement or equivalent in Australian Year 12 English (must be Board of Studies English for Queensland high schools)
   • Sound Achievement in both Year 11 and 12 in English Communication, as specified by the Board of Senior Studies, Queensland
   • Successful completion of an acceptable certificate or diploma program (not English language program) where the medium of instruction throughout is English.
     
3. Mature Age Entry - Consideration for special entry to a formal program may be granted to mature age students (21 years of age or over) who can provide evidence of prior work or life experience in an area related to the program. Applicants are required to provide details of the nature and duration of the work undertaken, the level of responsibility and a reference(s) from the employer(s). Mature age applicants must also satisfy the English language entry requirements, specified above.
   
4. Student Leaving an Australian High School - Applicants wishing to leave a High School and come to BNIT before completing their studies must satisfy the entry requirements outlined above, as well as obtain from the principal of the school:
   • Written permission to transfer or a Letter of Release
   • Statement of attendance.
     
5. Student Transferring from other Australian Institutions - Applicants wishing to transfer from an Australian Institution or between BNIT and Institutes must satisfy the entry requirements outlined above and provide:
   
   • a Letter of Release from the exiting institution
   • a statement of attendance from the exiting institution.