Is it true the college closing?
SICB have advised that they will cease operating in Melbourne on 28 November 2008 and in Sydney on 5 December 2008.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for the closure?
We recommend that you stay in touch with the College. You should also check that you have up to date official records of your academic progress and official receipts for all funds you have paid to the College.
What will happen to my enrolment when SICB closes?
When a college ceases to provide courses to students, that provider is required to refund current and pending students all course money received from each student. Alternatively, the student may accept placement in a suitable alternative course at the college’s expense. This is to occur within two weeks of the college closing.
What if the college does not refund my course money or place me in a suitable alternative course?
If the college does not refund or place students as required, the government will ensure other arrangements under the consumer protection framework are in place to offer each student a suitable alternative course. Please refer to the ESOS website for further updates regarding this.
What will happen with my visa when the college closes?
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) appreciates that students are not responsible for the college closing. If you were actively engaged in studies and over 18 when the college closed, you have three months from the date your course was deregistered (or cancelled) to enrol in an alternative course. You must do this if you want to continue studying in Australia. If you cannot demonstrate a new enrolment within three months you must contact DIAC as soon as possible to discuss your visa options.
However, if your visa is set to expire within three months and you want to stay studying in Australia, you need to lodge an application for a new visa before your current visa expires. A list of immigration offices is at: http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/australia/index.htm.
Should I enrol in a new college? Can I leave SICB before it closes?
You may choose to withdraw from your course of study at SICB prior to course completion or the closure (28 November for Melbourne students, and December 5 for Sydney students). However, it is important that you are aware that students who withdraw from their course of study whilst the course is continuing are considered as cases of student default. This means that the student is only entitled to the amount of refund provided for in their written agreement with the College. On the other hand, students who are still enrolled at SICB when the college ceases to deliver courses will be entitled to access the Australian Government’s Consumer Protection Framework. You are encouraged to consider the contents of your written agreement with SICB before making a decision about this.
I have or will have finished my course before SICB closes. Will my qualification be recognised?
SICB is entitled to issue qualifications while its registration remains valid (until 5 December). If you have or will have finished your course before this date, you are encouraged to contact SICB immediately to arrange issue of your qualification.
I’m living in a Homestay placement – can I continue with this if I enrol in a different college?
You are encouraged to discuss this with your new provider as soon as possible.
What if I have to stay longer in Australia to complete my qualification – will my student visa be extended?
Please check your student visa’s expiry date. If you require further time to complete your new course in Australia you must apply for a further student visa before your visa expires.
You can either check your visa label for your visa expiry date or use the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service at http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/vevo.
I will have completed my course of study by 5 December but the period of study is less than 16 months. Will this duration of study satisfy the requirements for skilled migration?
Only students who have studied for a period of no less than 16 months of study will satisfy the 2 year study requirement for skilled migration. For further information please contact DIAC at www.immi.gov.au or phone 131 881.
For more information
· For General Updates on SICB, visit Australian Education International: http://www.aei.gov.au/AEI/ESOS/Default.htm
· For visa Issues, visit http://www.immi.gov.au/ or phone 131 881 in Australia.
· For students located outside Australia, contact details are available on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s website at http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/overseas/index.htm
Last Modified: Friday, 28 November 2008