START GUIDE USC SOUTHBANK 2018 - STEPS TO STUDY PREPARING TO TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA LIVING IN BRISBANE
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ELP START GUIDE USC SOUTHBANK 2018 STEPS TO STUDY PREPARING TO TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA LIVING IN BRISBANE
Welcome to the University of the
Sunshine Coast English Language
Program (ELP)
We hope you enjoy learning English for Academic Purposes in
USC’s friendly and supportive environment.
You will experience many challenges and rewards as you
develop your confidence and fluency. You will join others keen
USC International
to discover Australian culture and prepare for further studies.
Email: international@usc.edu.au
The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most beautiful regions
TELEPHONE:
and it’s just over one hour from Queensland’s capital city, Outside Australia +61 7 5430 2843
Brisbane. In your free time, you can explore vibrant coastal Within Australia 07 5430 2843
Within Queensland 5430 2843
communities, beautiful beaches, hinterland rainforests and
national parks. POSTAL ADDRESS:
USC International—ML17
I wish you every success in your studies. University of the Sunshine Coast
MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558 AUSTRALIA
Kathy Solomon
Director of Studies, USC English Language Programs STREET ADDRESS:
USC International
University of the Sunshine Coast
Sippy Downs Drive
SIPPY DOWNS QLD 4556 AUSTRALIA
Contents Website: www.usc.edu.au/international
Steps to study 1 Facebook: www.facebook.com/USCInternational
Preparing to travel to Australia 4 Accommodation enquiries
Tel: +61 7 5430 2843
Accommodation and airport transfers 5 Fax: +61 7 5430 2836
Email: AskUSCI@usc.edu.au
Living on the Sunshine Coast 6
Visa questions
Campus services 13 Department of Home Affairs (DOHA):
www.homeaffairs.gov.au
Important information 16
Your country’s representatives in Australia
Published by University of the Sunshine Coast. June 2018. All information contained in this
Contact details available from the Department of Foreign Affairs
publication is correct a.t the time of going to press, however USC reserves the right to alter
any course, procedure or fee. Prospective students should check for any amendments before and Trade: www.dfat.gov.au
submitting an application. For up-to-date information, visit www.usc.edu.au/international |
University of the Sunshine Coast is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions
and Courses for Overseas Students. CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D
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STEPS
TO STUDY
f Deferring your start date
If you cannot start on the date stated in your offer letter and
Confirmation of Enrolment (for Student visa applicants) due to
exceptional circumstances, USC may allow you to defer your studies.
In order for your application for deferral to be considered, you must be
able to demonstrate compassionate and compelling circumstances.
Congratulations on receiving your Please note, you must request the deferral before the start date of
your course.
offer to study at USC!
If you want to defer, you will need to advise USC International
If you have any questions, or need more information, please Admissions as soon as possible. Email: study@usc.edu.au
email study@usc.edu.au You will need to tell Admissions staff when you would like to start
Your application will then be re-assessed for commencement on the
1 Accept your offer and pay your fees deferred start date and, if approved, you will be provided with a new
letter of offer and written agreement. The change to your enrolment
Follow the steps on the ‘Acceptance of Offer’ page in your will be reported to the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA).
letter of offer to accept your offer and pay your fees.
You should request deferral as soon you become aware that your
2 Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
USC will issue your CoE if you will be studying on a
Student visa.
exceptional circumstances prevent you from commencing your
program on time. Deferral requests received after the start date may
only be possible under limited circumstances and may attract financial
penalty in accordance with USC’s refund policy. To view a plain English
3 Apply for your Student visa
Use the CoE to apply for your Student visa.
version of USC’s refund policy, please refer to page 17 of this guide, or
visit www.usc.edu.au/elp-refunds
f Day 1: Orientation
Air travel and accommodation
4 Book your flight to Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast
and finalise your accommodation and airport
transfer arrangements.
Orientation material: Receive your Orientation package that will
contain lots of useful information. USC’s ELP department will supply
you with course materials.
English level test: Bring your passport, visa or visa notification showing
f Academic English program dates* your visa type and visa expiry date, pens, pencil and eraser for your
Number of weeks English level test.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 1 10 (250 hours) Arrive at USC International Reception: Arrive at the USC SouthBank,
Ernest Street premises before 8.30am.
19 February–27 April 2018
27 August–2 November 2018 8.30am Meet USC ELP staff.
8.40am Sit your English level test.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 2 10 (250 hours)
10.30am ELP Orientation — Meet ELP and
7 May–13 July 2018 USC International Student Services staff.
12 November 2018–1 February 2019 11am Take a guided tour of USC SouthBank with
(Holiday break: 24 December 2018–6 January 2019)
USC International staff.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 3 10 (250 hours) 11.30am Enjoy a morning tea break.
7 May–13 July 2018 12noon Explore USC or return home to get ready for your first
12 November 2018–1 February 2019 day of classes.
(Holiday break: 24 December 2018–6 January 2019)
* Excluding public holidays. f Day 2: Classes commence
8.30am Return to USC International Reception area and be
f Accepting your offer allocated to your class.
Accept your offer and pay your fees by following the steps on the 8.40am Start your first class.
‘Acceptance of Offer’ page in your letter of offer to accept your offer and
pay your fees.
f Student identification card
Your place is confirmed when your acceptance and payment have You will receive your student ID card during your first week of classes.
been received. Once your place is confirmed, arrange your visa, flights Your class teacher will advise you of the arrangements. You need to
and accommodation. bring your passport or other official photo ID (eg drivers licence) on the
day you will have your photo taken for your student ID card.
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Fees information Your visa
Application fee Student visa Address notification
An application fee of A$200* must be paid The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) • You must provide USC with an Australian
when you submit your application. requires each person who comes to Australia address and telephone number within
* 2018 rates. Subject to annual review and change. to study, to hold a valid visa that allows study. seven days of your arrival in Australia.
• To be eligible for a Student visa you must • If you change your address or telephone
Calculation of tuition fees be enrolled as a full-time student for the number, you must notify USC of your new
• Tuition fees are charged for each course duration of your English studies. details within seven days.
and may vary in each year of enrolment. • USC will issue you with a Confirmation of
• Tuition fees are reviewed within an agreed Enrolment (CoE) after you have accepted Enrolment information
review period. your offer and paid your tuition fees. • Under the Education Services for Overseas
For more information, contact: • Use the CoE to apply for your Student visa Students (ESOS) Act, USC must advise
through DOHA. relevant government departments of your
USC International enrolment details.
Tel: +61 7 5430 2843 • Information about how to apply can be
Email: study@usc.edu.au accessed on the DOHA website: • Under law, any changes to your enrolment
www.homeaffairs.gov.au or any breach of visa conditions relating to
or from the DOHA office in your attendance must be reported.
Payment of fees
home country. For more information, visit:
Tuition fees for your English program
must be paid in full at the time you accept • As an international student with a Student https://internationaleducation.gov.au/
your offer. visa, you must have visa length Overseas Regulatory-Information/Pages/Information-for-
Student Health Cover (OSHC) while you Students.aspx
study in Australia. This is a condition of
Consequences of not paying fees your visa and ensures access to medical
• A student with an overdue debt cannot
Transfer between providers
services at reduced costs. USC can organise
attend classes or receive a certificate of OSHC with their preferred provider OSHC Students must remain enrolled at USC for
attainment. Allianz Global Assistance. If you indicated the first six months of the principal program
that you would like USC to organise OSHC of study, or for the duration of the program
• A student whose enrolment is cancelled
in your application form, the fee for OSHC if it is less than six months, unless an official
for non-payment of fees remains liable for
will be quoted in your Letter of Offer. letter of offer is provided to USC from another
those fees. The student will not be able
registered education provider.
to enrol again unless the debt is paid.
Cancellation of enrolment may also affect Once USC has received this letter, and a
your visa. Packaged program students— completed ‘Application for Release’ form,
your Student visa the request for transfer and release will be
Student Fees and Charges assessed. All requests for transfer and release
Student visas can be issued for the
Policy and related procedures — will be considered in accordance with the USC
duration of your studies, even when you
Transfer of Student Visa Students between
Refund Policy are studying in a package of programs.
Registered Providers— Managerial Policy
• The USC Student Fees and Charges Policy If you would like your Student visa to and Procedures.
and related procedures (in relation to cover your entire study package, you
the refund of program monies) can should indicate your intention to study A registered provider must not knowingly enrol
be found at: www.usc.edu.au/learn/ each of the programs in your package a student prior to the student completing
international-students/while-you-are- when applying for your visa. Not doing six months of his or her principal program of
studying#important-policies so may result in a ‘no further stay’ study, except in limited circumstances.
• The Student Fees, Charges and Refunds condition to be placed on your visa.
Procedures outline refunds payable in the To apply for a Student visa which covers Age requirement
case of both student and provider default, the duration of your study package (eg The minimum age for enrolment in USC
amounts that may or may not be repaid, English language and degree/Study programs is 18 years of age.
and the processes for claiming a refund. Abroad programs), you will need a CoE
• All international students who want to for each program prior to lodging your Other valid visas
study at USC should ensure they read and Student visa application.
If you are studying a program, or package of
understand the Student Fees and Charges Remember: Most international programs, for less than four months, and you
Policy and Procedures before accepting students at USC are studying on a meet the relevant visa assessment criteria, you
their offer. Student visa. You may only complete may be eligible to study on a visa other than
a maximum of 12 weeks of study if a Student visa, such as an Electronic Travel
you hold a Tourist visa, or a maximum Authority (ETA) or a Working Holiday visa.
of four months of study if you hold a
To find out which visa you require, visit
Working Holiday visa. Working Holiday
www.homeaffairs.gov.au
visas are only available to citizens of
elected countries.
For more information,
visit www.homeaffairs.gov.au
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Overseas Student
Health Cover
(OSHC)
OSHC is compulsory for all students
who study in Australia on a Student
visa and must be maintained for the
duration of that visa.* USC can organise
OSHC with our preferred provider,
Allianz Global Assistance.
OSHC is not only a condition of your visa,
but is important for access to medical and
ambulance services at reduced costs.
To avoid the risk of losing cover, to provide
cost-effective OSHC, and to maintain
compliance with Student visa conditions,
USC requires all students, who request
OSHC to be arranged on their behalf, to pay
visa-length cover.
Students can also purchase their own cover
from an alternative provider.
Non-compliance with the requirement for
visa length cover is a breach of Student visa
conditions.
The validity of the Student visa may be at risk
if OSHC is not maintained in accordance with
this condition.
Students are individually responsible for
ensuring OSHC is current at all times and
renewed as required.
If OSHC lapses, students (and their families)
are responsible for paying any medical
costs incurred.
You should supply your OSHC provider with
your local address when you arrive in Australia.
You are not limited to OSHC. You can also
consider additional health and travel insurance
at your own expense.
An OSHC Allianz Global Assistance
representative is available on campus two days
a week during semester to assist with claims
and provide support. The OSHC Allianz Global
Assistance representative is located on Level 1,
ICT Centre, Building J.
For more information about OSHC, visit www.
Education for school-aged children usc.edu.au/learn/international-students/
before-you-arrive#oshc
Students with school-aged children have a
wide choice of education providers.
Health cover and travel insurance for
For more information, visit:
non-Student visa holders
Public schools
If you are not a Student visa holder, you are
www.education.qld.gov.au/schools/about
not eligible for OSHC. You should ask a travel
Private schools agent, or search online for health and/or travel
www.isq.qld.edu.au insurance to meet your personal needs.
Fees apply at private and public * Some Swedish, Norwegian and Belgian students are
exempt from OSHC.
(government) schools.
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PREPARING TO Quarantine matters
WHAT YOU CANNOT BRING INTO
TRAVEL TO
AUSTRALIA
To protect Australia’s unique environment
and important agriculture industries, strict
AUSTRALIA
quarantine laws are in place at Australian
international airports and mail centres.
On the aircraft, before your arrival in Australia,
you will be given an Incoming Passenger
Card to fill in. You must tick YES to declare if
you are carrying any food, plant material or
animal products.
Before you leave home TIP: If you are unsure about items you are
carrying, declare them anyway.
Apply for your Student visa. Information about the application process can be found at
www.homeaffairs.gov.au In many cases, items will be returned to you
Have a medical and dental check-up. after inspection. However, any item that has a
Book your flights to Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast. Aim to arrive a week or two prior to pest or disease risk will be withheld.
your program start date, to allow yourself sufficient time to settle in. Depending on the risk, some items can be
Arrange your accommodation on the Sunshine Coast. You may wish to book short-term treated to make them safe (fees apply) while
accommodation initially and find more suitable long-term accommodation once you have other risk items may be seized and destroyed.
settled in and familiarised yourself with your new surroundings.
All luggage is screened or x-rayed on arrival in
If you would like a transfer from Brisbane airport to your accommodation, it is
Australia. If you fail to declare any quarantine
recommended that you organise airport transfer in advance.
items or make a false declaration:
You can book airport transfers online at www.con-x-ion.com or USC International can make
bookings for you (A$120 charge applies). • you could be fined up to A$220
If you would like USC to book a transfer for you, please email AskUSCI@usc.edu.au on the spot
You should include details such as the airport, airline, arrival time, arrival date, flight • you could be prosecuted and fined
number and destination (accommodation). USC will provide you with a booking more than A$66,000 and risk
confirmation and instructions for meeting your transfer service. Carry this information with 10 years of imprisonment
you so you can refer to it on arrival. All international mail sent to Australia is also
If you would like to use a credit card in Australia, you should open a credit card account screened. The Australian Quarantine and
before travelling to Australia. Credit cards are not usually issued to overseas students Inspection Service will remove high-risk items
in Australia. from parcels.
Enquire about schooling or childcare if you are intending to bring your children to Australia
with you. Please inform family and friends of what
cannot be sent to Australia and ask
Check that you have paid your fees.
them to declare all items on the postal
Make two photocopies of your passport, visa and other important documents. Leave one declaration label.
set of copies at home and put another set in your carry-on luggage, which you should
carry with you at all times. Remember to always keep an eye on your personal belongings TIP: A variety of your favourite foods is
while travelling. available in all of Australia’s major cities. These
foods had to pass strict quarantine conditions
What you should bring before they were allowed into Australia.
To find out more about what you cannot
your valid passport
bring or mail into Australia, visit
a hard copy of the visa grant notification
www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity
your letter of offer from USC
a copy of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Voltage
your tuition payment receipt
Electricity in Australia is 220–240 volts.
some other form of identification (ID), such as a driver’s licence, a certified copy of your
birth certificate or an ID card If your home country’s electricity network
operates on different voltage, you will need
medical records and/or prescriptions
to use a voltage converter for any electrical
If you are travelling with other family members, you will need to bring their documents as well. devices that you want to bring to Australia.
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Accommodation and
airport transfers
Airport transfers
There are frequent international flights
direct to Brisbane, or you can fly into
Sydney, Melbourne or Cairns and take a
domestic flight to Brisbane.
There are also daily domestic flights from
You should arrange your accommodation and airport transfer before you arrive, Sydney and Melbourne to Sunshine Coast
Airport, which is only a 20-minute drive
and allow a day or two to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings before
from USC.
you start your English language course.
USC can arrange airport transfers for flights
arriving between 5am and 8pm daily:
Homestay From Brisbane Airport (bus–one way) A$120*
Many ELP students choose homestay * 2018 rates. Subject to annual review and change.
accommodation to experience life with an
Australian family. HOW TO BOOK
You can book airport transfers
Living with a Sunshine Coast family gives you
online at www.con-x-ion.com
the opportunity to experience the Australian
culture and speak English on a daily basis. If you would like USC to book a transfer for
you, please email AskUSCI@usc.edu.au
Your local family will also help you to
familiarise yourself with the basics of daily life • When you send your booking,
and community. They will help you to become remember to include the date and time
confident with day-to-day activities, such as of your arrival, your flight number, and
using public transport and buying transport the address of your accommodation.
tickets; finding the local shops; accessing • Once you have supplied your arrival
banking, internet and mobile telephones; and details, you will receive information
offer guidance regarding personal safety. outlining your transfer arrangements.
USC has teamed up with the Australian • Carry this information in your hand
Homestay Network (AHN) to give international luggage, or money belt/document
students the opportunity to be hosted by a holder, so you can refer to it on arrival.
specially trained AHN host for an introduction
to accommodation and living in Australia. REFUNDS OF AIRPORT TRANSFER FEES
Standards-based homestay is an option for all Airport transfer fees charged for USC
students and may be particularly appealing services will be refunded in full, if you
to those students coming to Australia for the cancel in writing at least two weeks in
first time. advance of the requested service date.
For more information, visit
HOW TO BOOK www.usc.edu.au/elp-refunds
For full details including costs and USC accepts no responsibility for airport
information about how to apply, visit transfer bookings that are not arranged by
www.homestaynetwork.org/usc-students USC International Student Services staff,
If you choose AHN as your initial including those booked with the Australian
accommodation option, your airport Homestay Network (AHN). Please refer to
transfer will be arranged as part of the AHN for its cancellation and refund policy
booking process. and conditions.
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Additional
accommodation options
There are plenty of hostels, hotels and other
short-term accommodation options to use
as your base when you arrive in Brisbane,
while you are looking for longer term
accommodation.
If you are searching for private accommodation
you should refer to our accommodation pages
on the USC website for useful information.
There are also useful accommodation tips
provided by the Study in Brisbane website:
www.studybrisbane.com.au
The local paper, websites and real estate
agencies can also be used to help find off
campus accommodation.
Private accommodation Student One For more information, visit
in Brisbane Accommodating up to 687 students, Student www.usc.edu.au/accommodation
One on Adelaide Street offers spacious, fully
Most students in Brisbane live in rental
accommodation, like a unit, apartment,
furnished and air conditioned studios and Residential
apartments within a prime city centre location,
townhouse or house. There are also private
giving residents immediate transport links to Tenancies Authority
providers around Brisbane who offer student
every major university, college and language Before signing a lease or rental agreement,
accommodation.
school in Brisbane. make sure you are aware of your rights
and obligations as a tenant by reviewing
In addition to excellent quality
Iglu Student Accommodation information provided by the Residential
accommodation all residents at Student
Purpose-built for student living, Iglu offers Tenancies Authority (RTA).
One enjoy access to free high-speed wired
fully-furnished rooms, lots of study and and wireless internet, numerous relaxation The RTA provides information on bond
social spaces all in a safe and supportive and study areas, entertainment and gaming management, dispute resolution and tenancy
environment with access to 24-hour on-site facilities, communal kitchen, dining and agreements.
support. Iglu Brisbane City and Iglu Kelvin outdoor BBQ areas. All this while being
Grove are both conveniently located to our For more information, visit
only minutes from world-class shopping, www.rta.qld.gov.au
Southbank campus. entertainment, parklands and dining precincts.
You can choose to share with others in multi- For more information, visit
bedroom apartment, with your own secure http://studentone.com/
bedroom and private or shared bathroom
and personal study area. Each apartment has
a fully-equipped kitchen and furnished living
Urbanest SouthBank
area. Alternatively, you can live on your own in Urbanest is private accommodation located
a studio or one-bedroom apartment with fully next to the South Bank education precinct.
equipped kitchenette and private bathroom. The complex has a range of accommodation
To help with budgeting, your weekly rental fee options, from shared rooms to ensuite rooms
includes: in shared apartments.
• internet, water and electricity Other facilities include:
• access to all facilities including study • a 24/7 onsite team
spaces, a gym and games areas • large outdoor courtyard with a BBQ and
• lots of resident community events and large communal kitchen
activities. • fully equipped gym
FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT: • social areas, and big screen TV and
games room
Iglu Brisbane City
Tel: +61 7 3085 3434 • an onsite laundry
www.iglu.com.au/brisbanecity For more information, visit
Iglu Kelvin Grove www.urbanest.com.au
Tel: +61 7 3839 3733
www.iglu.com.au/kelvingrove
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Living in
Brisbane What to do
There are plenty of activities and events organised in and around
Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and the Brisbane throughout the year, from live sport at one of the many sporting
stadiums to art, culture, live music, festivals and outdoor activities.
third largest city in Australia with a population of
Major events include:
just over 2 million. It is located about 90km away
• Brisbane Festival
from our main Sippy Downs campus on the Sunshine • Brisbane International Film Festival
Coast. Brisbane has all the benefits and attractions • Mercedes Benz Fashion Festival
that come with living in a large city, while its riverside • Paniyiri Greek Festival
location and year round good weather offer plenty of • Chinese New Year
• The Ekka (Queensland show)
opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities.
You can find out more about what’s on in Brisbane at:
www.visitbrisbane.com.au
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Food
In Brisbane you can find a large selection of supermarkets such as Coles,
Woolworths, IGA, and ALDI for everything you will need to cook your
own food. Ethnic ingredients and food supplies can easily be found in
one of the many ethnic supermarkets located around Brisbane in places
such as Chinatown, Sunnybank, Moorooka and Inala. Supermarkets are
open seven days a week, while the weekends offer fresh produce markets
in many locations around the city.
There are also hundreds of restaurants located around Brisbane that will
suit every taste and budget.
Living costs
General living cost Cost (A$) (per week)*
Shared accommodation $100–$220
Groceries $50–$100
Transport $10–$30
Phone $10–$75
Internet $15–$20
* Indicative costs. This information is taken from www.choosebrisbane.com.au and should be
used as a guide only.
Keep in mind
• You are responsible for your own tuition fees and living expenses.
• You should have enough money to support yourself in Australia.
• If you are granted a visa with permission to work, the money you earn
should not be your primary source of income.
• USC is unable to provide any employment for students.
• Be sure you can access your funds easily, either from an Australian
bank account or from your home bank account.
• A credit card is a good back up for emergencies.
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Brisbane weather
and seasons
Summer
December to February
22–35o C
Hot, humid and stormy
Autumn
March to May
16–28o C
Becoming cooler
Winter
June to August
10–24o C
Becoming cooler
Spring
September to November
14–30o C
Becoming warmer
South Bank education precinct
Getting around travel times — walking
Getting around Brisbane is easy, with well- City centre (Queen Street) 15 minutes
connected and plentiful public transport
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens 20 minutes
options available, including rail, bus and the
CityCat (ferry) servicing locations all over South Bank parklands 5 minutes
the city.
Suburbs close to the South Bank
TransLink provides timetables, route maps and
predicted travel times for bus, ferry and train
education precinct — public transport
services, allowing you to move easily plan your Dutton Park 15 minutes
travel by public transport throughout the city.
Highgate Hill 10 minutes
Brisbane has an international and domestic Kanagaroo Point 20 minutes
airport, with public transport links to the city
(around 12 kms away), providing easy access to Spring Hill 20 minutes
other parts of Australia and beyond. West End 5 minutes
Brisbane City Council has introduced city
cycle, where bike stations with bikes to rent
link to existing bike ways and major public
Driving in Australia
transport hubs. To drive in Australia, you must hold a valid
For more information, visit: driver’s licence. If you have a current driver’s
www.translink.com.au licence from your home country, and it is in
www.citycycle.com.au English, you are permitted to drive in Australia.
If your driver’s licence is in a language other
Translink ‘Go Card’ than English, you may apply to the Department
of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) to
Translink’s ‘Go Card’ provides a quick and easy
have it translated.
way for you to travel
on public transport. You must carry your driver’s licence (with
translation if applicable) and passport with you
When you use a
when driving.
Go Card, fares are
approximately 30 If you do not hold a driver’s licence in your
percent cheaper than home country, and you are going to stay in
the cost of a single Australia for more than six months, you can
paper ticket. apply for a Queensland driver’s licence.
Go Cards can be bought at many locations You will need to take a written and a practical
around Queensland. test. If you are under 25 years of age, you will
also need to have completed 100 hours of
For more information, visit
supervised driving training, prior to attempting
www.translink.com.au
your practical test.
For more information, visit
www.tmr.qld.gov.au or telephone 132 380.
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cricos provider no. 01595dHospitals OSHC provides limited cover for
Medical services If you become unwell in Australia, you
prescription medicines for conditions
that are not pre-existing.
should visit a medical centre.
Medical centres In an emergency, or after hours, you
Students must pay the part payment amount
If you are unwell, you should make an for each prescription item and may receive a
should visit a hospital Emergency/
appointment with a general practitioner (GP). refund for the difference up to the maximum
Outpatient department.
allowable amount per prescription item.
A GP is a doctor, usually located within a For life-threatening situations, telephone
medical centre. For full policy details, check with your
an ambulance. Dial 000 (or 112 from a
OSHC provider.
Most medical centres are open from 8am mobile phone) to be taken to the nearest
to 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 8am to public hospital.
12noon on Saturdays. Hours vary.
Bringing prescription medication
There are multiple hospitals in Brisbane and
you can find the closest one to your suburb
into Australia
Some medical centres operate seven days a
here: www.health.qld.gov.au/services If you need prescription medication for an
week and offer an after-hours service
existing condition, you should investigate
(24 hours, seven days).
whether you can have your prescription filled
If you cannot see a doctor at a medical centre,
Dental clinics
in Australia, or whether you need to bring a
you can visit the Emergency/Outpatient Dental fees are not covered by OSHC. supply with you.
section of a hospital. You may experience You must pay the full cost of any dental
services you receive. Many medications are available in Australia
long delays.
and you can have prescriptions for those
Consultation fees vary between medical Fees start at approximately A$80. medications filled at a chemist (pharmacy).
centres, and you will usually have to pay at the Individual practices provide quotes or
estimates for treatment. If your medication is available in Australia,
time of treatment.
you should make a list of the generic names of
You can claim part of this fee back from your your medication, so an Australian doctor can
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or Pre-existing conditions and OSHC— write you a prescription.
other insurance provider. Treatment and medication
If your medication is not available in Australia,
Some medical centres ‘bulk bill’, which means OSHC will cover you for immediate treatment
and you need to bring prescription drugs with
you only pay a small fee for the consultation of an illness or ailment, unless it is for a pre-
you, please refer to the Therapeutics Goods
and will not need to claim the fees back from existing condition.
Administration (TGA).
your OSHC provider. There is usually a 12-month waiting
For information on medications entering
For a list of doctors who ‘bulk bill’, visit period before prescription medication and
Australia, visit www.tga.gov.au/consumers/
www.oshcallianzassistance.com.au/member_ medical treatment can be covered for pre-
travellers.htm
student/medical_providers.aspx existing conditions.
Telephone numbers and addresses of medical The OSHC Essentials cover provided by USC
centres and hospitals can also be found in is above the minimum requirement and will
local telephone directories or online. remove waiting periods for some services.
USC SOUTHBANK | 9
cricos provider no. 01595dYou may bring a three-month supply
(at the maximum dose recommended by the
Postal services Religion
manufacturer) of TGA-unapproved medicines Australia Post operates Australia’s Australian law ensures freedom of religion
into Australia in any one importation, postal service. and many religions are practised in Australia.
provided that:
Australia Post branches offer postal services, Brisbane offers a range of places for you
• The goods are for use in the treatment bill payment, and retail sales of postal and gift to worship.
of you (the importer) or your immediate products. Australia Post also offers services Service and worship times vary throughout the
family. online at www.auspost.com.au year, so contact the church or organisation for
• You do not supply (sell or give) the Options are available to send large or heavy further details.
medicine to any other person. items from Australia to your home country. Service times and contact details for many
• The goods do not contain a controlled Australia has strict regulations on the import local churches and places of worship appear in
substance. and export of goods and you may need to the ‘Classifieds’ section of the Saturday edition
• The goods are not injections that contain pay fees to have certain parcels released from of local newspapers.
material of human or animal origin Australian customs.
(except insulin).
• The total quantity of the medicine imported
Check which products cannot be sent to and
from Australia, or which will attract fees, by
Interpreter service
within a 12-month period does not exceed visiting www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity A 24-hour, seven-day, telephone interpreting
15 months’ supply of the drug (at the service operates throughout Australia to assist
maximum dose recommended by the Postbillpay with communicating in English.
manufacturer). Contact the Translating and Interpreting
Australia Post’s ‘Postbillpay’ offers a convenient
• A prescription from a registered medical bill payment service in person, by telephone Service (TIS) by phoning 131 450 from
practitioner is held for the goods. and on the internet. anywhere in Australia (charges apply).
If you need a larger quantity than specified
above (more than three months) your doctor
will need to apply to the Special Access Legal issues Voltage
Scheme for an exemption under Section 19 of The Australian legal system is different from Electricity in Australia is 220–240 volts.
the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. that of your home country. If your home country’s electricity network
For more information, visit Under Queensland and Australian law, the operates on different voltage, you will need
www.tga.gov.au/hp/access-sas.htm legal age of adulthood is 18 years of age. to use a voltage converter for any electrical
In some cases, medication can be mailed to devices that you want to bring to Australia.
On arrival and during Orientation, you will
Australia if approved by the TGA. To find out receive information regarding legal issues in
if your prescription or medication is approved, Australia.
contact the TGA.
Legal advice is available to international
For contact details and more information, visit students through Legal Aid. This aid is free of
www.tga.gov.au charge but is subject to eligibility conditions.
For more information, visit
www.legalaid.qld.gov.au
10 | ELP START GUIDE 2018 usc.edu.au/international
cricos provider no. 01595dBanking
Opening an Australian bank account This will give you immediate access to your
allows you easy access to your money. funds worldwide, in local currency, from
There is a wide choice of banking options ATMs displaying the same symbol.
on the Sunshine Coast and in Brisbane. Australia’s major airports have ATMs that
The financial institution you choose will accept Cirrus and Visa, as do most mass
generally allow you to operate your bank transit stations, shopping centres, and tourist
account from almost anywhere in Australia. attractions.
Currency Most accounts are operated with a plastic
bank card, sometimes called a ‘keycard’ or
If you do not have a credit card, a debit
Australia uses a decimal currency system with card showing the Cirrus or Visa symbol will
‘handycard’, via Automatic Teller Machines allow you to pay for items over the phone
100 cents to the dollar. (ATMs) or Electronic Funds Transfer at Point or internet, if required (eg when making an
The currency of Sale (EFTPOS). online Student visa application).
comprises notes Bank cards cannot normally be used for
and coins and When using a debit card in this way, the
payments over the internet or telephone. purchase amount is automatically deducted
the basic unit of If you need this facility, ask the bank to
currency is the from your cheque/savings account. There is
issue you with a debit card with Visa or no credit involved, and no interest charged.
Australian Dollar. Cirrus network access.
Australian notes Contact your bank to connect to these
Banks in Australia set charges for some networks and find out what fees and charges
are plastic and transactions, have varying rules for opening
different values apply when you access your money.
and operating accounts, and offer various
are represented in benefits in terms of fee structure. Some
different colours offer ‘fee free’ accounts for students, on To access funds from your home
and sizes. presentation of your USC student ID card. bank account while in Australia:
Coins come in values of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c 1. Be sure the ATM displays the Cirrus or
To open a bank account in Australia, you
(c = cents), $1, and $2. Coins less than $1 in Visa logo, as displayed on your card.
will need to bring your passport and two
value are silver, the others are gold. Notes other forms of identification, such as a 2. Insert your card into the ATM card slot.
come in values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. national identity card, driver’s licence, Many ATMs offer a variety of languages
Throughout this guide, Australian Dollars are student ID or a card from another bank. to use during the transaction (English is
denoted by A$. Remember to also bring your USC student always one option on Cirrus ATMs).
ID card, to qualify for any student accounts. 3. Enter your Personal Identification
Currency converters Some Australian banks also allow you to Number (PIN) using the keypad. Follow
Currency conversion takes practice. Here are open a bank account from overseas, before the instructions displayed on the ATM
two websites that do the hard work for you: you travel to Australia. To see if this option screen to choose your account and a
is available to you, consult the website of withdrawal amount (money is dispensed
www.xe.com/currencyconverter your preferred Australian bank. in local currency).
www.oanda.com/currency/converter 4. The terminal immediately processes the
Cirrus and Visa transaction. You receive your receipt and
ATM networks the transaction amount is automatically
deducted from your cheque/savings
You may find it convenient to access account.
funds from your home bank account while
in Australia.
Bank trading hours
You can do this quite easily by using a debit Banks normally open from Monday to Friday.
card displaying the Cirrus or Visa symbol. Some open on Saturday mornings. Check
bank websites for opening hours.
USC SOUTHBANK | 11
cricos provider no. 01595dCAMPUS
SERVICES
As a USC student, you are encouraged to access the services
available to you on campus. Whether you need information about
your studies, extracurricular activities, or personal issues, you will
find support at USC.
12 | ELP START GUIDE 2018 usc.edu.au/international
cricos provider no. 01595dStudent Central
SouthBank
Throughout your studies Student
Central SouthBank can provide you
with information, support and advice in
relation to campus facilities, student life
and wellbeing, and support services such
academic skills, information technology,
printing and library services.
Student Central SouthBank staff are located
in each of the campus facilities at:
• Ground Floor, Building B
Southbank Education and
Training Precinct
66 Ernest Street
South Brisbane
• Ground Floor, Building A4
SW1 Complex
52 Merivale Street USC Student AccessAbility
South Brisbane
Email: SouthBank@usc.edu.au
Wellbeing Services
Tel: +61 7 5409 8600 Studying in a new country can be challenging. AccessAbility Services provides support and
Student Wellbeing offers programs and assistance to students with long- or short-term
disabilities, health or medical conditions.
USC International services to help you make the most of
your experience. Services include note taking, interpreting,
USC International can provide you with International students are encouraged to assessment support, physical access, special
general Student visa and Overseas Student access services, which include professional exam arrangements and equipment loans.
Health Cover advice. counselling and disability services. For more information, visit
For more information, visit For more information, visit www.usc.edu.au/accessability-services
www.usc.edu.au/international www.usc.edu.au/studentwellbeing
Email: AskUSCI@usc.edu.au
Tel: +61 7 5430 2843 Student Counsellor SouthBank
Informal student
Email: SouthBank@usc.edu.au common areas
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK Tel: +61 7 5409 8600 In addition to the student computers and
USC SouthBank uses the SouthBank
English Language Program resource room
Facebook group to connect you with:
Confidential in the Ernest Street facility, there are a range
• Important information counselling services of areas for you to use at the Merivale Street
• Other international and Australian Counselling staff are registered psychologists facility (Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street,
students who provide free support and assistance to South Brisbane) such as:
• Events on and off campus students in a confidential setting. • Ground Floor – Student Central SouthBank
Counsellors can help with issues including: (support services); student lounge; tech
To join our SouthBank Facebook group,
zone including collaboration space; student
search for ‘USC SouthBank Campus’ and • difficulty in adjusting to a new computers; printing services; and charging
request to join. environment station.
• homesickness and culture shock • Level 2 – Purpose built classrooms
• depression and anxiety equipped with high-end IT/AV facilities;
• interpersonal conflict collaboration and quiet study areas;
student computer hub; student commons
• stress management and kitchen with fridge and microwave;
• academic issues and reflection/prayer room.
• personal decision-making
• relationship difficulties
USC SOUTHBANK | 13
cricos provider no. 01595dCampus security
The campus is monitored by CCTV and
USC Security is available by telephoning
5430 1168 (or extension 1168).
You should carry your student ID card with
you at all times while you are on campus.
Contracted security staff may ask you to
present your ID to prove you are a current
student. Security staff can be identified by
their uniforms and security ID card.
Sport at USC SouthBank In the event of an emergency contact USC
Security, dial 5430 1122 (or extension 1122) or
if critical, dial emergency services on 000
Musgrave Park Pool Walks and bicycle tracks (or 0-000).
As a member of the public the University’s • Brisbane walking trails
students and staff can access Musgrave Park www.mapmywalk.com/au/brisbane-
Pool in South Brisbane. queensland Information
The pool is located within five minutes’
walk from the SouthBank campus and is
• Queensland Government Department
of National Parks, Sports and Racing:
Technology
an excellent option for those wanting to parks and forests with easy or short
walks around Brisbane.
Services (ITS)
swim in a friendly environment. Information
about the Musgrave Park Pool is on www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/list. ITS provides computing resources on campus,
their website. php?region=68&facility=83 including file and printing services, email,
audiovisual equipment, internet and intranet,
MUSGRAVE PARK SWIM CENTRE • River walks and computer laboratories.
www.mustdobrisbane.com/outdoors/
100 Edmondstone Street
walks/river
South Brisbane QLD 4101 USC login details
http://musgraveparkpool.net • Walking trails
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/facilities- To access USC network services you will need
recreation/sports-leisure/walking/ to enter a username and password.
Club Vitality Gym walking-trails Your username and password are sent to you
USC students and staff can train at Club after you have accepted your offer.
• Bikeway and shared pathway maps
Vitality in South Brisbane. This boutique
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/facilities-
gym is located 10 metres walk from the
SouthBank campus and is an excellent
recreation/sports-leisure/cycling- Internet access on campus
brisbane/bikeway-shared-pathway-maps Free internet access is available from all
option for those wanting to exercise in a
friendly and supported environment. Brisbane has an extensive bicycle track campus computers. USC also has a Wireless
running throughout the city. Getting around Local Area Network (WLAN) available on
CLUB VITALITY by bike is a great and inexpensive option. campus, which will allow you to connect your
32 Cordelia St If you don’t own a bike, Brisbane City Council laptop or other mobile device to the internet.
South Brisbane QLD 4101 has CityCycle bikes for hire at key inner-city For more information, visit
Tel: +61 401 809 207 destinations. www.usc.edu.au/ITsupport
http://clubvitality.com.au
Safety is important, and courtesy helmets
are available with many of the bikes at Computer access
Social sport stations across the network.
You can access computers and printers at:
Social sport is important at USC SouthBank, You’ll need to be a subscriber to the
and all students are encouraged to be CityCycle program to access the bikes.
MERIVALE STREET PREMISES
involved. Soccer and cricket are examples of Find out more about becoming a Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street
sporting activities featured in the semester subscriber on the CityCycle website: South Brisbane:
student activities program. Support is www.citycycle.com.au • Ground Floor, currently open during
available at Student Central SouthBank office hours Monday to Friday.
if you require assistance to initiate a new You can also access a map of the CityCycle
social sport at USC SouthBank. locations at: www.citycycle.com.au/All- • Level 2, currently open during
Stations/Station-Map teaching hours Monday to Friday.
Contact Student Central SouthBank to
arrange access to the student bicycle hub in
the Basement at Merivale Street facility.
14 | ELP START GUIDE 2018 usc.edu.au/international
cricos provider no. 01595dERNEST STREET PREMISES Student Help Desk
Building B, Ground Floor (Level 1), If you need computer help on campus visit
Co-op South Bank
66 Ernest Street, South Brisbane: Student Central SouthBank or call: The Co-op South Bank campus bookshop
Quick Service Kiosk at the rear of the premises, is located at Level 2, 140 Grey Street, South
STUDENT HELP DESK Brisbane and is open Monday to Friday from
available from 7:30am to 7pm Monday to
Friday, and from 7:30am to 5pm on Saturday. Tel: +61 5459 4455 10am to 4pm.
Your student ID card has been provisioned Email: StudentIThelp@usc.edu.au
The Co-op stocks textbooks, fiction and non-
with access. To enter, swipe your student ID fiction books, academic software, Go transport
card over the access reader to the right of the
door at the rear of the premises.
Library cards, telephone cards, postage stamps,
stationery, accessories and USC souvenirs.
For more information on the computer areas, Many Library services, including access to
journals, online tutorials, and electronic You can become a lifetime member for
visit www.usc.edu.au/learn/student-support/ A$25 and receive special member pricing at
information-technology databases are available at
www.usc.edu.au/library any Co-op in Australia.
If you need to locate an available computer on For more information visit
campus, visit http://findapc.usc.edu.au/ At USC SouthBank you may request items from
the Sippy Downs library collection using the www.coop.com.au
Inter-site Request Form.
Printing, copying and
www.usc.edu.au/library/library-forms/inter-
scanning site-request-form
You can print and photocopy at minimal
Items requested via the Inter-site request
costs using your USC student ID card.
service will normally be delivered within two
Scanning is free.
working days (Monday-Friday) of the receipt
of the request. Items requested via the service
Copyright may be picked up from Student Central
As a USC student, you must comply with SouthBank, Ground Floor, Building A4 (SW1),
Australian copyright laws and the USC 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane during
Copyright Policy. business hours.
Please observe copyright notices at copiers, General Collection items will be held for
print stations and in computer laboratories collection for 7 days, 3 day loan items will be
around campus. held for 3 days.
You will also receive a copyright notice when Your student ID card is also your Library Card.
you log into the USC Network. You must present it to collect items.
For USC’s Copyright Policy, visit For more information, visit
www.usc.edu.au/Copyright www.usc.edu.au/library/borrowing
USC SOUTHBANK | 15
cricos provider no. 01595dImportant information
UNIVERSITY BY-LAWS AND RULES You should talk to your teachers about your STUDENT COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS
All students must abide by USC by-laws and English language study. They can help you GOVERNING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
rules and are subject to all USC regulations. develop strategies for improving your English. USC’s student complaints and grievances
Every few weeks, your teacher will talk to policies can be found at www.usc.edu.au/
For details, refer to www.usc.edu.au/learn/
you privately during Self Access time. At this student-grievance-policy
international-students/while-you-are-
studying#important-policies time, your teacher will discuss your progress Students who are dissatisfied with the
with you. outcome of USC’s grievance handling
Please familiarise yourself with USC policies
Your teacher may give you feedback on procedures may ask to be referred to
regarding fees and refunds, grievance handling
your progress, listen to your concerns, and an independent mediation or dispute
procedures and academic progress.
offer advice. resolution service.
Written notices are given to students by
The availability of complaints and appeals
electronic communication. It is important CONTACT HOURS AND STUDY processes does not remove your right as a
that you check your USC student email COMMITMENT USC student to take action under Australia’s
account regularly.
All students are expected to attend classes consumer protection laws.
regularly and on time.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS Written notices are given to students by
USC’s ELP department is required by the Students who are late miss important study electronic communication.
National Code of Practice to check your and interrupt other students.
course progress. Teachers mark the attendance rolls for each of CHANGE OF ADDRESS
the three sessions each day. Your Australian address and telephone
This is important, because you are in Australia
number details must be kept current.
to study and achieve good results. Session times are:
You must notify USC, within 7 days, if you
SATISFACTORY COURSE PROGRESS • 8.40am to 10.40am change your address.
• 11am to 12noon
To make satisfactory course progress, Failure to do so is a breach of Student
• 1pm to 3pm
you must: visa conditions.
If you are late, or leave the classroom for an
• have an attendance rate of 80 percent extended period, you will be marked absent
or above PRIVACY NOTICE
for the time you are not in class (eg -15 to show
• participate regularly in class activities 15 minutes absent). Circumstances in which personal information
• complete most course assignments may be shared:
and tests If you hold a Student visa, the Department of
Home Affairs (DOHA) requires that you attend • The University of the Sunshine Coast
• demonstrate that your language skills
a minimum of 80 percent of your course. collects, stores and uses personal
are improving
If you do not attend at least 80 percent of your information only for the purposes of
Your teacher will assess your language skills administering student and prospective
course, you may be reported to DOHA, and
during class. You will make progress if you student admissions, enrolment and
this may affect your Student visa.
use English as much as possible, participate
You will not receive a course certificate if your education. The information collected is
regularly during classes, and complete your
attendance rate is less than 80 percent. This confidential and will not be disclosed
homework, assignments and tests.
applies to all students, regardless of visa type. to third parties without your consent,
Activities monitored for satisfactory course except to meet government, legal or other
progress include: Attendance is calculated every
regulatory authority requirements.
Monday afternoon.
• in-class participation For further information, consult the
• homework tasks University’s Privacy plan at
DEFERRING, SUSPENDING OR
• formal and informal class tests www.usc.edu.au/Privacy
CANCELLING STUDENT ENROLMENT
• interview with a staff member
AFTER STUDY COMMENCEMENT Information is also collected in order to meet
• research assignments
• completion of online language tasks There are limited circumstances where our obligations under the ESOS Act and the
a student’s studies may be deferred or National Code 2018. This ensures student
Under the National Code 2018, course progress temporarily suspended. compliance with the conditions of their visas
must be assessed “at the end point of every and obligations under Australian immigration
study period”. These are outlined in Standard 9 of the
National Code 2018 and include: laws. This information can be provided,
For Academic English programs, a without your consent, in certain circumstances
“study period” is defined as: • compassionate or compelling authorised or required by law, to the Australian
circumstances, or Government and designated authorities
• English for Academic Purposes • misbehaviour by the student approved by the Government.
(EAP) 1 CRICOS Code: 059941A
Weeks: 5, 8, 9 and 10 A deferral or suspension of study may affect
the validity of your Student visa. EDUCATION SERVICES FOR OVERSEAS
• English for Academic Purposes
STUDENTS (ESOS)
(EAP) 2 CRICOS Code: 059941A In the event USC intends to suspend or cancel
Weeks: 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 a student’s enrolment, where that suspension The ESOS Act and National Code ensure
or cancellation is not initiated by the student, international students in Australia get the
Formal assessment of your progress takes education they desire.
place during these times. Assessment tasks USC will notify the student that they have
will cover all four macro skills—Reading, 20 working days to access USC’s internal To access the National Code 2018, or
Writing, Speaking and Listening. However, not appeals process. the ESOS framework for students, visit
every assessment task covers all four macro If the student accesses the appeals process, the internationaleducation.gov.au/regulatory-
skills at once. enrolment will not be suspended or cancelled information
until the internal appeals process is completed.
16 | ELP START GUIDE 2018 usc.edu.au/international
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