FAQ International - Course Related Issues

• Who do I need to speak to about my timetable?

  You will need to speak to your lecturer or teacher.
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• What should I do if I have a problem with my course?

  Speak to your lecturer first. If your lecturer is not available, speak with the program office coordinator or make an appointment to speak to a student counsellor.

  TAFE South Australia has a formal process for serious complaints which you can find within the TAFE SA  complaints policy.

  The ESOS framework also provides for referral of problems to an external body which is the Office of the Training Advocate who can be contacted here.

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• How can I get help with my course?

  You should speak with your teacher or lecturer or you can make an appointment to speak with a student counsellor.

  Learning support is available to International students. You can find out more about it here.

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• What must I do if I cannot submit my assignment on time?

  Speak to your lecturer or teacher to tell them that you will not be able to submit it on time and why.

  You should ask for an extension of time to submit your assignment.

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• Must I attend every class?

  It is part of the conditions of your student visa that you attend at least 80% of your scheduled classes. Attendance records of classes are kept by lecturing staff.

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• What do I do if I can’t attend class?

  Call or email your lecturer to let them know that you cannot attend class. If you cannot contact your lecturer, call the program office and tell them your name, your course and the date that you will be away from class.

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• What must I do if I was absent because I was sick?

  You will need to get a doctor’s certificate to show that you were sick on the day/s that you were absent.

  Even if you do not think that you need to see the doctor or you do not want medicine, you will need to see a doctor to get a medical certificate.

  It is a good idea to make a photocopy of your medical certificate for you to keep as a record before you give the original to your lecturer.

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• What must I do when I go back to class after being absent?

  Give your medical certificate to your lecturer. You should ask them for any class notes, assignments or homework from the class that you missed.
  
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• What happens if I am absent too many times?

  If you are away from too many classes, your lecturer will ask you to explain why.

  You may be asked to agree to a learning contract with certain conditions and you may also be sent an intention to report letter.

  If you are having difficulty with your course, studying, settling in or personal problems that are affecting your class attendance, you can speak with a student counsellor.

  Ask the student services office at your campus or the International Student Office who to contact for counselling.

  International students also have access to advisory services outside of TAFE South Australia in accordance with the Education Services Overseas Students Act and National Code of Practice 2007.

  These services are provided by the Office of the Training Advocate. The Office of the Training Advocate is a free, independent support service for International students studying in South Australia. Friendly staff help students find the assistance they need by connecting them with the people best suited to resolve their concerns.

  The Office of the Training Advocate can be contacted on 1800 006 488 or visited in their offices at:

  Ground Floor, 55 Currie Street, Adelaide.

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• What must I do if I receive an Intention to Report letter?

  You must speak with the Admissions and Enrolment Manager (the person who wrote the letter) within 20 working days from the date on the letter.  If not, you will be reported to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and your confirmation of enrolment (CoE) will be cancelled.

  If you are reported to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship you will receive a letter from DIAC to ask you to have an interview with them. This must be done within 28 calendar days from the date of the letter. 

  If you do not do this, your visa will be cancelled and you will be asked to leave the country.

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• What should I do if I have a personal issue that will affect my attending my class?

  Depending on the nature of your personal issues, you can seek help from our qualified student counsellors located at your campus.

  Alternatively you can seek advice from the TAFE SA International Student Support Coordinator. 

  You are able to seek external assistance from the Office of the Training Advocate is a free, independent support service for International students studying in South Australia. Friendly staff help students find the assistance they need by connecting them with the people best suited to resolve their concerns.

  The Office of the Training Advocate can be contacted on 1800 006 488 or visited in their offices at:

  Ground Floor, 55 Currie Street, Adelaide.

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