In additional to The Gordon’s Student Code of Conduct, as an international student, you have a number of rights and responsibilities you should be aware of. There are certain rules that you must comply with to maintain your student visa.
Australia provides protection for international students through Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS), and the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students (the National Code).
Please read below for more information. If you need help understanding any of these conditions, please contact the International Office.
Understanding your student visa conditions, ESOS and the National Code
Pay fees on time
As a student visa holder, it is required that students remain financially able to pay their fees.
International student fees are stated in your offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) before commencing at The Gordon. A fee reminder is issued to you before the commencement of each semester. You must pay your course fees in full by the due date. If you do not receive the fee reminder, please contact International Office.
Continued failure to pay fees may result in termination of enrolment and risk of cancellation of Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
You must achieve satisfactory academic progress. Satisfactory course progress is defined as successfully completing or demonstrating competency in at least 50% of the units attempted in any study period (semester). The Gordon monitors the course progress of international students and has an intervention strategy to help students who are ‘at risk’ of not successfully completing their course.
You must attend all timetabled classes, practical activities and excursions. Irregular or poor attendance will put your course progress ‘at risk’. The student will be required to give reasons for absence and take action to rectify this.
Complete your course within time listed in your CoE
International students must complete their course within the time specified in your CoE. If you are not “on track” to complete within the duration of your course, The Gordon will only extend the study duration for a course through the issuing of a new CoE in limited circumstances.
Notify The Gordon of your address within 7 days
You must notify The Gordon of your residential address within 7 days of arriving in Australia. You must also notify The Gordon each time you change your address or mobile number within 7 days of the change. This can be done by updating your personal details at your Gordon student account.
Meet the written terms and conditions of The Gordon
Terms and conditions of enrolment for international students are stated in your offer letter, it is important that you understand and meet them. If you are unsure, contact the International Office.
Work hour restrictions
Student visa holders are entitled to work up to 40 hours each fortnight while their course is in session (excluding any work undertaken as a registered component of their course of study or training). Students can also work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks.
From 1 July 2023, student visa holders can work no more than 48 hours a fortnight while studying.
If you want to change courses within The Gordon, you must meet the entry requirements and pay any additional tuition fees that apply to the new course. You’ll need to complete and submit the International Student Request/Notification Form to International Office. International students should consider how changing courses may affect your visa status.
According to the ESOS Act and the National Code, students are restricted from transferring between registered providers prior to the student completing six months of the principal course of study. International students wishing to change providers prior to completing 6 months of their principal course need to apply for a release. You’ll need to complete and submit the International Student Request/ Notification Form to International Office. All applications will be assessed in accordance with The Gordon's Students Transfer Policy and Procedure – International Students. Release is granted under limited circumstances outlined in the relevant policies.
If you have a complaint or wish appeal a decision which affects you, you have the right to access the Gordon’s complaints and appeals process. Find out more at feedback, compliments or complaints here.
As an international student, despite your restricted working hours, you have the same rights to a fair and safe workplace as any other person. If you feel that you are being exploited or treated unfairly or need advice about your work rights, you can contact Fair Work Australia.
Legal services and consumer protection
Barwon Community Legal Service offers free legal information, advice and referrals for clients in relation to Family Violence, Centrelink matters, Family Law, Child Support and Debt matters. BCLS supports Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surfcoast and Colac Otway regions.
