Future Students

There is an Application Fee ($200). This fee is only refundable if the Institute defaults in the delivery of a course before it starts.

For further information about fees and refunds go to the Fees and Charges Policy and Procedure

Please note: These fees are current and apply for the current calendar year.

Polytechnic Institute Australia reserves the right to change these fees, final fees are indicated on the Letter of Offer prior to the acceptance of offers.

Polytechnic Institute Australia (“PIA”) will provide refunds to students in accordance with its Fees and Refunds Policy and Procedure. The refund to be provided varies according to the times and circumstances in which it is sought, and the relevant milestones are delineated within the policy and procedure.

For more information, refer to the Institute’s Fees and Refunds Policy and Procedure for International Students.

All students who study at Polytechnic Institute Australia can be assured monies paid for their tuition is protected by the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) which is an initiative of the Australian Government to assist international students whose education providers are unable to fully deliver their course of study. The TPS ensures that international students are able to either:

• Complete their studies in another course or with another education provider or
• Receive a refund of their unspent tuition fees.

Polytechnic Australia (PIA) is committed to furthering a positive learning and working environment and to the prevention of incidents of sexual misconduct.

PIA maintains zero tolerance of negative behaviours, including sexual misconduct. To achieve this, PIA is committed to:

• Implementing ongoing education and training for students and staff;
• Providing mechanisms for individuals to report any such behaviour to PIA, including anonymous reports;
• Promptly assessing all reports of such behaviour and/or referring such reports to the appropriate authorities;
• Applying the PIA Privacy and Personal Information Policy and the principles of procedural fairness and confidentiality to the investigation of such reports;
• Acting on the outcomes of such investigations in a timely and sensitive manner;
• Considering disciplinary action if a report is assessed to be vexatious or malicious.

PIA is committed to preventing sexual misconduct in its physical and online environments through ongoing education and training. This is achieved through education and prevention strategies, such as:

• Orientation programs for all students.
• Staff induction processes.
• First responder training.

Sexual misconduct includes incidences of sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Sexual harassment.  While the definition of sexual harassment varies across Australian (and other) jurisdictions, it generally involves an unwelcome sexual advance, unwelcome request for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which, in the circumstances, a reasonable person, aware of those circumstances, would anticipate the possibility that the person would feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated.

Examples of sexual harassment include:

• staring, leering or unwelcome touching
• suggestive comments or jokes
• unwanted invitations to go out on dates or requests for sex
• intrusive questions about a person’s private life or body
• unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against a person
• emailing pornography or rude jokes
• displaying images of a sexual nature around the workplace
• communicating content of a sexual nature through social media or text messages.

Sexual assault includes a range of behaviours, all of which are unacceptable and constitute a crime. Sexual assault occurs when a person is forced, coerced or tricked into sexual acts against their will or without their consent, including when they have given their consent. Sexual assault is often called other names such as: Sexual abuse, rape, indecent behaviour, indecent assault, sexual molestation, incest, child sexual abuse, child sexual assault, touching, ‘feeling up’, sexual harassment.

Examples of sexual assault may include (but are not limited) to:

• Two people in a relationship start engaging in sexual activity but Person A changes their mind and asks to stop. Person B refuses to stop and forces sexual activity.
• Person A has sexual intercourse with Person B when Person B does not not want to or is unable to consent.
• Person A knows Peron B does not want to or cannot consent, or has no reasonable grounds to believe Person B consented.
• A teacher manipulates a student to engage in sexual acts in exchange for better marks.

Consent.  Whilst definitions for consent to sexual activities also vary between jurisdictions, consent is essentially an agreement between people to engage in a sexual activity. Other important elements of consent are that it is mutual, freely given, informed, certain and clear, enthusiastic, reversible, specific and required throughout the activity.

Individuals who have directly experienced sexual misconduct involving PIA staff or students have the right to decide what information they disclose. Individuals have a number of options to consider:

• Call PIA emergency number on (+61) 434 996 183;

• Report to the Police by calling 000;
• 1800Respect – National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service;
• Talk to a PIA Designated Officer (first responder who is trained to provide an appropriate initial response, including advice about available PIA and external support services and the process for making a Report) or other PIA professional;
• Ask someone to make a report on their behalf;
• Take no action

Where a disclosure has been made to a PIA Designated Officer, where possible, PIA will respect an individual’s choice to not make a report and will keep the disclosure confidential. In exceptional circumstances, where required by law or where there is a risk of significant harm to that individual’s health and safety or another individual’s health or safety, PIA may notify third parties, such as the police or child protection authorities.

The safety and wellbeing of individuals who have been affected by sexual assault and sexual harassment are priorities of PIA. Individuals have a number of options of support:

• Academic Support: Special consideration and other types of support are available to assist with study.
• Employee Assistance Program: Free service that offers professional advice to PIA staff and their families.
• Outside PIA: Staff and students may prefer to seek support from counselling services outside of the institution.

All documentation relating to the incident of sexual assault or sexual harassment will be kept confidential and shall be disclosed only to those persons who have a right to the information by virtue of their role in the process, as required by law, or as determined by limits to confidentiality (e.g. risk of harm to person or persons).

Written records should contain such information as is necessary for others to gain a clear understanding of the grounds upon which a concern was determined and the actions taken to address it.

PIA will capture data on de-identified disclosures and formal complaints in order to monitor incidents, patterns of behaviour, monitor effectiveness of this policy, continuous improvement and to prevent reoccurrences of sexual assault and sexual harassment.

Further information can be found in PIA’s Policy in relation to sexual assault and sexual harassment, which is made available under Policies and Procedures.

PIA has an obligation to ensure that its staff, students, contractors, visitors and other persons are, as far as reasonably practicable, not exposed to risks to their health and safety arising out of the Institute’s activities.

PIA is committed to complying with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, and applicable codes of practice and Australian standards as far as possible.

PIA will ensure that the health and wellbeing of all staff is valued, enhanced and protected through all work practices, the work environment and workplace culture. To this end, PIA fosters a safe and positive learning and work culture by:

• promoting a learning and work environment that encourages mutual respect and cultural sensitivity;
• supporting people in the PIA community who are experiencing mental ill-health;
• providing an environment that encourages staff and students to seek support early if they have declining mental health, and, as appropriate, provide support and adjustments suitable to their work or study needs;
• providing secure access to physical and virtual environments;
• protecting personal information unless there is a legal requirement to disclose it;
• communicating its commitment to student wellbeing and safety;
• maintaining zero tolerance of negative behaviours, such as bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct;
• applying the principles of procedural fairness to the investigation of complaints, grievances, appeals and alleged misconduct;
• monitoring and evaluating health, safety and wellbeing activities and performance to ensure these are effective and continually improved.

PIA enacts these principles through a number of related policies and procedures that may be specific to students and staff:

• Critical Incident Policy and Procedure
• Disability Policy and Procedure
• Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedure
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Framework
• Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedure
• IT Usage Policy and Procedure
• Privacy and Personal Information Policy
• Risk Management Policy
• Staff Grievance Policy and Procedure
• Staff Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures
• Student at Risk and Early Intervention Policy and Procedure
• Student Grievances Handling Policy and Procedure
• Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures
• Student Support Framework

These policies and any associated procedures are made accessible to students via the rsepctvoe policy portals for staff and students.

PIA has a dedicated Work Health and Safety Officer who performs WHS checks and also acts as a first aid officer and fire warden if qualified to do so or will delegate those positions to qualified on site permanent staff.

All workers undertaking work at/for or on behalf of the Institute are responsible for:

• understanding their responsibilities
• complying with safe work practices, with the intent of avoiding injury to themselves and others
• and damage to facilities
• taking reasonable care of the health and safety of themselves and others
• complying with any direction given by management for health and safety
• reporting incidents and any unsafe conditions or issues that come to their attention
• immediately to their supervisor and/or manager

completing all WHS training as required

All students of the Institute are responsible for:

• taking care that their acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons
• following directions from their lecturers and/or the WHS officer on WHS issues
• completing their work in the safest manner as possible

complying with Institute Policies and Procedures and reporting any hazards, risks or incidents as they are identified.

The Critical Incident Team is responsible for managing PIA’s response to any critical incident which is considered to have a severe or significant level of risk or, in some cases a moderate level of risk.

This team is convened by the most senior member of staff available at the time of the incident and will convene as soon as possible to plan an immediate response. Once the team is convened, the most senior staff member available (e.g. Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Registrar becomes the Head of the Critical Incident Team, or assigns a suitable alternative to head the team.

The team wherever possible will include the following members of staff:

• Dean (or delegate);
• Registrar or delegate (where staff are impacted); and
• other members of staff as deemed appropriate by the Head of the Critical Incident Team (e.g. IT Systems Officer or Finance Officer).

Critical incident: A critical incident is a sudden or developing event which causes disruption to an organisation, creates significant danger or risk and which creates a situation where staff and/or students feel unsafe, vulnerable and/or under stress. Critical incidents require immediate attention and decisive action to prevent or minimise any negative impact.

Designated Officer: Any PIA staff member who is either a witness to, or first to be informed about, an actual or potential critical incident.

Hazard: A source or a situation with a potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill-health, damage to property, damage to environment, or a combination of these.

Procedural fairness means that the investigation of complaints will:

• be based on evidence,
• provide a person who may be adversely affected by a decision an opportunity to present his or her case;
• require a decision-maker not to have an interest in the matter to be decided and not to appear to bring a prejudiced mind to the matter.

Safety is defined as the control of recognised hazards to achieve an acceptable level of risk.

Wellbeing is characterised by physical and mental health, positive, constructive and engaging relationships, work satisfaction and work-life balance.

Undergraduate

• Successful completion of an Australian senior secondary qualification (or recognised equivalent) with the equivalent of a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 60 and

Bachelor of Business

NSW (or equivalent) Band 4 Standard English; and

NSW (or equivalent) Band 3 Advanced Mathematics; or

NSW (or equivalent) Band 4 Standard 2 Mathematics.

Bachelor of Networking and Telecommunications

NSW (or equivalent) Band 4 Standard English; and

NSW (or equivalent) Band 3 Advanced Mathematics; or

NSW (or equivalent) Band 4 Standard 2 Mathematics.

• Successful completion of a qualification at an Australian registered institution of tertiary education, at AQF level 5 or above (or recognised equivalent issued in a country listed Appendix 2); or
• Satisfactory completion of an accredited Tertiary Preparation Program or Foundation Year Program offered by an Australian university that enables students to gain entry to an Australian university; and
• In addition, all students must be 18 years of age or over at the time that they commence the course for which they have applied. 4.3 Where there are higher education studies in addition to completed vocational qualifications the decision for admission will solely be based on the higher education academic results.

Postgraduate

Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit in accordance with the following admissions criteria: 4.4.1 Master of Business

Master of Business

a) a pass bachelor’s degree or higher qualification with a minimum credit average (or equivalent) at an institution approved by the Institute or

b) a pass bachelor’s degree or higher qualification (or equivalent) and performance in an admissions test approved by the Business School to a standard considered satisfactory by the Institute; and

c) satisfaction of the English language requirements; and

d) any other minimum standards specified by the Institute.

Graduate Diploma in Business

1. a pass bachelor’s degree or higher qualification (or equivalent) at an institution approved by the Business School and graded at a standard acceptable to the Institute.
2. satisfaction of the English language requirements; and
3. any other minimum standards specified by the Institute.

Graduate Certificate in Business

a) a pass bachelor’s degree or higher qualification (or equivalent) at an institution approved by the Business School and graded at a standard acceptable to the Institute; or

b) a minimum of five years’ relevant work experience, which includes at least three years’ management experience, or significant technical experience, as determined by the Institute.

c) satisfaction of the English language proficiency requirements; and

d) any other minimum standards specified by the Business School.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Undergraduate

• Students whose first language is not English, must demonstrate competency in the English language. English proficiency can be demonstrated by providing certified evidence of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test result (or equivalent alternative test result, as follows), issued no more than two (2) years prior to date of application:
  • IELTS International English Language Testing System: Academic version
  • TOEFL iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language: Internet-based Test
  • PTE Academic Pearson Test of English Academic
  • C1A Cambridge English C1 Advanced (previously CAE or Cambridge English: Advanced)
  • C2P Cambridge English C2 Proficiency (previously CPE or Cambridge English: Proficiency)
  • OET Occupational English Test
  • KITE Kaplan International Tools for English
  • Duolingo* Duolingo English Test (temporary alternative test for applicants from China)

Other acceptable evidence of English proficiency includes:

Note that the most recent attempt at any language proficiency test supersedes any previous attempts or requirements

Successful completion of an AQF Level 5 Diploma or above with at least two (2) years of full-time study in English at an Australian registered vocational or higher education. 4.7 Applicants who do not meet the specified English proficiency requirements must enrol in an English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) program at PIA or a provider of their own choice.

Where student have applied to undertake an ELICOS course through an alternate provider they must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) for an ELICOS program in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), for a duration of at least twelve (12) weeks for every 0.5 below 6.0 overall or subsection IELTS or equivalent result, prior to application, and evidence of successful completion must be provided prior to enrolling in the PIA course.

Advanced Standing

Students may apply for Advanced Standing (credit for prior learning) at the time of admission. All applications are assessed under the provisions of the Advanced Standing Policy and Procedure.

Special/Alternative Admission Arrangements

Undergraduate

Applicants who are 21 years of age or over who have not completed Year 12, or its equivalent may gain entry to a course by addressing one of the following entry requirements:

1. Successful completion of a Special Tertiary Admissions Test administered by a tertiary admissions centre; or
2. Submission of a portfolio of prior and current academic and professional work; or

The criteria used by the Dean when approving applicants for admission into a course under special or alternative admission arrangements include:

Applicants applying under special admission categories will be required to attend an interview with the Dean to assess the applicant’s capacity for higher education studies. The applicant should submit a portfolio of prior and current academic and professional work prior to the interview to assist in the assessment process.

• capacity to pursue tertiary studies;
• motivation to pursue tertiary studies in the discipline of the chosen course;
• demonstrated potential for academic studies based on the applicant’s portfolio;
• relevant professional and industry experience; and
• specific consideration of access issues for ATSI’s.

Postgraduate

In exceptional circumstances the Institute may admit applicants without these qualifications who, in the opinion of the Institute, have qualifications and evidence of experience and achievement sufficient to successfully undertake the award. These may include:

1. a minimum of five years’ relevant work experience, which includes at least three years’ management experience, or significant technical experience
2. completion of an Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree (AQF Level 6) or learning equivalent to an AQF Level 6 qualification and at least three years’ relevant work experience
3. completion of the Graduate Certificate stage at PIA (or equivalent at a recognised HEP or University)
4. any other entry pathway where PIA can demonstrate that the candidate has the appropriate English language proficiency, academic knowledge and acumen to successfully complete the course in which they enrol.

The processes used to monitor the progress of students enrolled under special/alternative arrangements include:

1. monitoring of the student’s progress by the Learning and Teaching Committee at the conclusion of each term in the first year of the student’s enrolment; and
2. a “Review of Student Progress” meeting between the student and the Learning and Teaching Committee at the conclusion of the first semester of the student’s enrolment to review both the academic progression and student welfare.