FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

This section will hopefully answer some of your questions. If you still need more information, please contact SIEC.

How do I apply for entry into Sydney International English College?
Download the enrolment form and complete it. Then send it to SIEC administration.
Email: siecadmin@siec.com.au
Fax: (+61) 2 9411 2166

Is Sydney International English College an accredited school?
Yes, Sydney International English College is accredited with all necessary government departments. The English Courses are accredited by NEAS which is a government body.

How many hours a day should I study?
International students are required by the Department of Immigration to attend a class for at least 20 hours per week. This is a part of student visa requirement.

Can I pay by credit card?
Yes. All you have to do is to fill out the credit card payment form. However, please remember that there is a surcharge of 2% on the total amount you pay.

What is the length of the course?
You can study English for as little as one week or as long as you wish. We will assess your skill level (give you a test) when you start your first day and place you into a class according to your ability. We will test you every month and promote you based on your test results.

Can I pay by installments?
You cannot pay English courses by installments. For SIEC to issue CoE, students have to pay a full tuition fee.

How long can I study on a student visa?
The length of visa will be dependent on the total length of the course.

Do I need a visa to study in Australia?
Yes. To be granted a student visa you must complete a visa application form and lodge it and pay the visa application charge. Your visa is granted, if you intend to study a registered course on a full-time basis, along with your visa conditions.

Can I work in Australia while I study?
Yes. All International students who have their visa grated since middle of April, 2008 will be automatically granted a work permission which allows them to have part time jobs up to 20 hours per week.

I have obtained my student visa. What does all the coding mean on the visa document?
Your visa must satisfy the visa requirements and comply with a number of visa conditions for attendance and academic performance. . Your Student Visa will list the conditions that apply specifically to you. Descriptions of common student visa conditions can be found in the www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/50students.htm factsheet on the Australian Immigration website. It is important to comply with your visa conditions to avoid cancellation of your visa.

How long can I study on a tourist/visitor visa?
You can study for up to 3 months full-time or part-time.

Can I apply for a tourist visa over the Internet?
Depending on the passport that you hold, you may be eligible to apply for a tourist visa online this will let you stay for 3 months in Australia. See www.eta.immi.gov.au for more information.

When can I begin my course?
All English courses at SIEC start every Monday. If your start day is Australian public holiday, your course start day will be the next working day of the college.

Can I have holidays?
You will have a longer break during the Australia Christmas holidays.
If you are studying an English course, you will only be allowed to have holidays if you let us know of the specific period at the time of enrolment ONLY. This will then be put at the end of your study (there is no refund).

Will I receive a college student ID card?
On your first day at our college at Orientation, you will be asked to submit a photo for SIEC to make your student ID card. You can use your student card for getting student discounts on entry to cinemas, theatres, museums, aquariums, art galleries etc. but not public transport.

What should I do if I get sick and need to go to the doctor?
There are several medical centres in Chatswood, near the college. Yellow Pages directories have a complete list of doctors in Sydney. If you want a doctor who speaks your own language, you can contact your country's embassy, consulate or diplomatic mission in Australia. They can help you in your language and refer you to the appropriate for more info www.dfat.gov.au/embassies.html.

Can I get student concessions on transport (buses, trains, ferries etc.)?
No, student visa holders do not get concessions on transport.

How much money do I need per month to cover living expenses?
Students usually need $A1000 - $A1300 per month to cover accommodation, transport, food, clothes and entertainment options like going to the cinema, etc. This does not include airfares, health insurance and tuition fees.

Can I use Internet services at your college?
Yes, you can. There is no charge for this.

What are the classroom facilities like?
At our college it is a comfortable learning environment, and all classrooms, the computer room labs and other facilities are air-conditioned.

Can I study part-time?
Only if you are a non student visa holder

Can I bring my family with me?
Most visas allow international students to bring their family to Australia as their dependants if your course is 2 months or more. Family members include your spouse, and you and your spouse's dependent children. If you are planning to bring your dependants with you to Australia, there are specific arrangements for your family visas and living arrangements. You will also need to budget your living costs accordingly.
Visit www.immi.gov.au/students/students/bringing_family/index.htm for more information.

Do I have to pay Overseas Student Health Cover?
It is a condition of the grant of your Overseas Student Visa that you have acceptable health insurance cover during the whole time you are in Australia. To be covered for health insurance, you will need to pay the Overseas Student Health Cover (OHSC) when you accept your offer to join the college.

Can I change my visa once I am in Australia?
Based on the visa assessment level of your country, you can or can not be allowed to change your visa once you are in Australia. Visit the HYPERLINK "http://www.immi.gov.au/" www.immi.gov.au for more information.

How do I apply for a student visa?
You will first need to complete the application form. Upon approval of your application, we will issue an offer letter which will indicate the course, and the fees to be paid. You must then pay the fees indicated as well as the OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover). Upon receipt of payment, we will issue you with a COE (Confirmation of Enrolment) which you can then use to apply for a student visa at the Australian Embassy in your country. You will also be asked to provide a medical report approved panel of doctors. For more Visa information go to HYPERLINK "http://www.immi.gov.au/" www.immi.gov.au