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FAQ

Am I a Local or an International student?

You are considered a Local Student if you are:

  • a citizen of Australia
  • a citizen of New Zealand
  • a dual citizen of Australia and any other country, or
  • a permanent resident of Australia

You are considered an International Student if you are:

  • a citizen of any country except Australia or New Zealand
  • a temporary resident of Australia (including student, refugee or diplomat)
  • a permanent resident of New Zealand
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What is full time? Do I have to be full time? How many credit points should I take each semester?

International Students

If you are an international student you must enrol in the normal full time load of 24 credit points per semester as required by ESOS. This will allow a full time international student to complete the program in the standard time.

Local Students

A full time enrolment for local students is defined as at least 18 credit points in each semester. You do not necessarily have to be full time.

Public Transport Concessions are only available to full time local students.

Some forms of government benefits may require full time study. Check the provisions of your support scheme.

There is no standard part-time enrolment except that you have to take at least one unit of study per semester.

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How do I choose my units of study?

Please consult the degree table for your program of study and unit of study descriptions in the Faculty Handbook.

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What is the maximum number of credit points I can take each semester?

You may not take more than 30 credit points in one semester. A load of 30 credit points for a semester requires academic permission. However it is recommended that you take no more than 24 credit points per semester.

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How long do I have to complete the degree?

If you are an international student you must complete your degree as indicated in your letter of offer. However, if you have any difficulties completing your degree in the required time please discuss this with the GSE administrative staff or the International Office.

Local students are required to complete the degree in no more than 10 semesters of candidature. All students must complete the degree within 8 years of first enrolling, including any periods of suspension of candidature.

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Do I have to choose units of study for the whole year now?

Yes. The university requires that you choose your enrolment now for the whole year.

Full time Graduate Certificate students will only be enrolled for one semester, even if you intend to carry on to the Master degree. If you wish to transfer from a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma to a Master degree you must apply to the GSE before completing your degree.

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What if I change my mind about the units of study I have chosen?

It is advised that you choose your subjects carefully now, however changes can be made by certain dates. Please check Important Dates.

You are able to add new units of study until the close of business on Friday 7 August 2009. You are able to withdraw from units of study without academic or financial penalty until the close of business on Monday 31 March 2009. Please note that International students must maintain a full time load.

If you choose to use FEE-HELP it is important to realise that your enrolment represents a contract with the government and you are charged fees according to your enrolment at the Census Date. Please ensure you read the FEE-HELP Information booklet as it is your responsibility to be informed if you are using this facility.

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How do I change my enrolment after enrolment day?

You are strongly encouraged to use the Web Enrolment Variation system available through MyUni to add or drop units of study. Alternatively, you may complete a Variation of Enrolment form. Completed forms should be returned to the GSE. If you require assistance you may come to the Graduate School of Engineering & IT during office hours 10am – 1pm and 2.30 – 4 pm Monday to Friday.

If you want to add a unit that is offered by another Faculty you will need to complete a ‘Permission to Enrol in Units of Study outside the Faculty’ form. You will need permission from the Director of Postgraduate studies in your School if the unit is not associated with your degree AND the Faculty in which the unit of study is offered.

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How do I get a personal timetable?

Once you have enrolled, you will be able to use your UniKey login and password to download your personal timetable from MyUni.

Please be patient with the system as it is in very heavy demand at this time and you may have to make more than one attempt to contact the web site. Try it in the evening or early morning if you are experiencing problems.

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What is FEE-HELP? Am I eligible?

FEE-HELP allows Australian citizens to borrow the money for tuition fees from the Australian federal government, to be repaid through the tax system. FEE-HELP is not available to permanent residents (unless you are on a Humanitarian Visa) or New Zealand citizens.

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Can I get a discount on the tuition fees for paying up-front?

No. Unlike the HECS system, there is no discount for up-front payments. However, lump sum FEE-HELP re-payments over $500 made to the Australian Tax Office attract a 10% discount.

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Can I get credit for previous tertiary study?

Up to 12 credit points of credit from previous study may be approved provided the unit is similar to a unit of study taught under the Faculty Postgraduate Degree Tables and has a result equivalent to a credit average or higher. Credit is not given for undergraduate study. You should complete an Application for Credit form and submit it to the GSE with supporting documentation.

Applications are dealt with on a case by case basis by the Postgraduate Director of the School with which you are associated. You can discuss applications for credit at enrolment with an academic advisor.


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Can I take undergraduate units of study?

No, this is not allowed.

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