International Admission and Enrolment Policy

Document Number	000850
Date Approved	30 April 2008

1.      Introduction

TheUniversity of Newcastle is a culturally diverse community, enriched by the contributions of its diverse student population. This policy provides the principles that apply to the recruitment, admission and enrolment of international students. It supports the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS), the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 and the University’s Rules Governing Admission and Enrolment. It should be read in conjunction with those documents and related policies and procedures.

2.      Policy Intent

This policy seeks to offer clear and transparent advice on the principles governing admission of international students to the University of Newcastle . It complements the provisions of the Rules Governing Admission and Enrolment.

3.      Scope

This policy applies to international admissions for all University of Newcastle programs of study, including those offered through partner organisations on-shore and/or offshore. It does not include applicants for GradSchool.com or those studying off-shore in an online environment.

4.      Relevant Definitions

In the context of this document:

eCOE means electronic confirmation of enrolment issued through the Australian Government’s Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) system, PRISMS by authorised officers of the University. The eCOE is required under Commonwealth Legislation for the Student Visa;

ELICOS means English Language Preparatory program;

ER means entrance rank;

ESOS means Educations for Overseas Students Act 2000;

GPA means grade point average;

IA means International Admissions;

IFP means International Foundation program – a bridging program for students not eligible for direct entry to programs at the University of Newcastle ;

National Code means the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007.

NI means Newcastle International Office;

Non standard offer of admission means an offer involving variations to the academic admission criteria identified in Clause 5.i excluding those relating to the English language requirements which must be dealt with under the provisions of the English Language Proficiency Policy;

NUSTAR means the Newcastle University Student Administration Record – the information management system for handling student records;

SA/Ex means study abroad and exchange;

UACSchedules means Universities Admissions Centre Pty Ltd (UAC) tables for determining eligibility for entry to programs at the University of Newcastle; AND

UAI means Universities Admission Index.

5.      Admission Criteria

i.                     To be considered for admission to a program, an international applicant is required to satisfy the conditions stipulated in the Rules Governing Admission and Enrolment including that they meet:

a.      the academic requirements prescribed by the Academic Senate from time to time for admission to any program; and

b.      any additional admission requirements as may be prescribed by the University including: 

      (i)         the English language requirements as defined in   the University’s English Language Proficiency Policy 000104.

Note: where students do not meet the required standard of English proficiency or academic standards, they may be offered admission to a nested series of programs which allows them to progress to an approved award e.g. through an approved English Language course or International Foundation course.

6.      Assessment of Eligibility

i.                     An international application for admission will be assessed against the criteria for admission referred to in 5.i. above.

ii.                   Eligibility will be determined in accordance with the published UAI or ER cut off scores for the relevant academic program.

iii.                  The University will use proven educational sources to establish the Australian equivalence of applicant qualifications.

iv.                 All documentary evidence attached to an application must be original; or certified as true copies of the original by a certified contractual agent; or certified as true copies by a trusted source such as a Notary Public or Justice of Peace.

v.                   For Study Abroad and Exchange students only, all documentary evidence attached to an application must be original; or certified as true copies of the original by a certified contractual agent; or certified as true copies by a trusted source such as a Notary Public or Justice of Peace; or verified by a trusted source such as the home overseas institution.

vi.                 Where original documents are not provided, or the documentation is not certified by an appropriate authority, a conditional offer of admission may be made subject to the provision of appropriate documentation.

7.      Credit

i.                     International Admissions will facilitate the provision of credit, or arrange for the assessment of credit: (i) on the basis of credit precedents agreed by the relevant Faculty, and (ii) on documentary evidence provided by the applicant.

ii.                   Where no credit precedents exist, the request for credit will be adjudicated by the Faculty responsible for the program following submission of the required documentation.

iii.                  Where documentation is not certified by an appropriate authority, an offer with credit may be made subject to the provision of appropriate documentation.

8.      Offer of Admission

i.                     An offer of admission may only be made on behalf of the University by an authorised officer designated as such by the International Office.

ii.                   Approval of a non-standard offer of admission may only be made by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) on the recommendation of the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty concerned.

iii.                  The offer of admission must contain or accompany the required information as set out in Standard 2 of the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007.

9.      Conditions of Enrolment for On-shore Students

i.          Applicants who are not Australian or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of Australia , must accept responsibility for:

■         the cost of their tuition and support;

■         all other expenses associated with their study; and

■         their enrolment on a full-time basis.

ii.                   Students will be issued with an eCOE upon acceptance of offer and payment of deposit. Students must retain a copy of their COE and ensure its currency throughout their enrolment at the University of Newcastle .

iii.                  International applicants who are under 18 years of age must also satisfy the Department of Immigration and Culture (DIAC) that suitable welfare and accommodation arrangements have been made for them. Without this, they will not receive a Student Visa.

iv.                 The University will provide welfare and accommodation arrangements for under-age students who cannot independently satisfy DIAC’s welfare requirements subject to the following conditions:

a.            Such students must live in a University approved Homestay and their parents must enter into a contractual agreement with a University approved Guardian. Only in these cases, will the University accept responsibility for the student’s welfare; and, complete the Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) form.

b.            The duration of the University’s responsibility will routinely commence one week prior to the CoE start date and end, either when the student turns 18 years of age; leaves the country; or when the University no longer approves of the welfare arrangements.

c.            If a student wishes to transfer to another provider prior to their 18th birthday, the University will negotiate a suitable date to terminate its responsibilities to the student.

9.      Essential Supporting Documents

                         Rules Governing Admission and Enrolment 000390

                         English Language Proficiency Policy 000104

10.      Related Documents

      Rules Governing Undergraduate Academic Awards 000311

                         Rules Governing Postgraduate Academic Awards 000306

                                     Rules Governing professional Doctorates 000580

Internal Program Transfer - Procedure 000585

                                     Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000

                         National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007.

Approval Authority	Academic Senate
Date Approved	30 April 2008
Date for Review	30 April 2011
Policy Contact Position	Deputy Academic Registrar, Student Administration