International students

The ESOS framework

Australia has laws to promote quality education and consumer protection for students coming to Australia on student visas. These laws are known as the ESOS framework and they include the Education Services for Overseas (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code of Practice 2007.

Click here for a quick reference to the ESOS framework.

Click here for more detailed information on the ESOS framework.  

Tuition Costs

Tuition fees are payable each semester and students are generally enrolled for two semesters per year. Click here for international student tuition fee schedules.

Tuition fees are reviewed periodically and may be subject to increase. Tuition fees must be paid in full each semester. International Students are required to pay the first semester's tuition fee upfront, but are eligible to pay under the easy payment plan (three instalment payments per semester) in their second or subsequent semesters.

Refund of Fees

Fees paid by International Students for tuition at the college are refundable under certain conditions. For information regarding refund of fees, please refer to the ACPE Refund Agreement for International Students.

Textbooks and other course-related costs

Textbooks vary from subject to subject and from year to year. Textbooks can cost anywhere from A$10 to A$120 each. As a student, you will need to purchase educational supplies and stationery, pay for photocopying, printing, and the costs of obtaining certificates such as the First Aid Certificate.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Sydney varies depending on the student and the suburb they live in. On average, a student in Sydney will spend around A$320 per week on accommodation, food, transport, clothing, entertainment, etc.

Travel Costs

You will need to take into account the cost of travelling to and from the college. We are located within close walking distance from train stations and bus stops, and parking is provided both on-site and nearby. If you are travelling by public transport you will need to allow at least A$25 –A$60 each week depending on where you travel from.

Accommodation

Most students in Sydney live locally with family, use home stay accommodation, or rent accommodation with others. 

Home stay accommodation will cost from A$135–A$185 per week on average. If you plan to rent in Sydney, you will need to allow for a rental bond equivalent to 4 to 6 weeks rent. Weekly rental costs vary from suburb to suburb and according to the size and quality of accommodation. Rental rates may range from A$100 to A$250 per week. A number of hostels also offer accommodation to students in Sydney with rates ranging from A$100 to A$200 per week.

Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water etc) cost approximately A$10 per week plus connection fees if you are renting a property on your own.

Dining & Entertainment

Sydney has a number of tourist attractions on offer. Most are within a day's travel from the CBD. Some are free of charge and many are reasonably priced.

Other Costs

You will be required to pay the $500 Overseas Student Administration Charge when you initially enrol for your first semester studies. As an overseas student, you are also required to take out Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Current rates for OSHC by Medibank are  available at  http://www.medibank.com.au (you may choose other health funds).

Please be aware that you will be responsible for the support and education of any school-aged dependants covered by your visa.

ACPE Scholarships

Overseas students are not eligible to apply for ACPE scholarships.

Student Visa Conditions

You must at all times comply with the Australian Government's requirements for maintaining your student visa. Failure to comply with a condition may result in the cancellation of your visa.  

Information on student visa requirements is available from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIC)

The following are some of the conditions required for overseas students –

• Full-time Enrolment: You must carry a full-time study load each semester.  Currently, the normal full-time load for all courses is four units (subjects) per semester
• Attendance: You are required to attend at least 80% of scheduled contact hours for your course
• Academic Performance: You must obtain satisfactory academic results each semester. Academic results are issued and reviewed at the end of each semester.  If you fail a unit, you may be allowed to repeat the unit only once
• Australian residential address: You must keep the college updated with your Australian residential address and contact number. It is a college requirement that you notify the Registrar's Office within seven (7) days, in writing, of any changes of address or contact details
• Deferral or Suspension of Studies: International students are not allowed to defer commencement or to suspend studies except on the grounds of illness, evidenced by a doctors certificate, or other exceptional compassionate or compelling circumstances beyond the student's control 

Notifying the Australian authorities

The college is required to report overseas students to the Immigration Department in regards to –

• a breach in the attendance requirement
• unsatisfactory course progress
• approved leave
• change in enrolment
• change in the duration of the course
• withdrawal from the course

Application Process for International Students

Please click here to find out more information for Application Process for International Students at ACPE.

About Sydney

Please click here to find out more information about Sydney.

International Students Handbook

Please click here to find out more information for International Students Handbook.