Canberra Institute of Technology

Academic Entry Definitions

Students must meet minimum entry requirements to study at CIT (these requirements will vary depending on your program and country of origin):

• ACT Year 10 or equivalent*
  (A copy of your award and results are required);
  OR
• ACT Year 12 Senior Secondary Certificate or equivalent*
  (A copy of your award and results are required)

For more information on entry requirements and how to apply, download our How to Apply Guide.
*Students can still apply to study at CIT prior to receiving their certificate; however, acceptance cannot be confirmed until International Services Unit has received a copy of the certificate.

Adult Entry

Adult entry is available for DoHA low risk evidentiary level candidates aged 20 or over. Applicants must provide evidence of current or most recent employment.

Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) should include full employment and educational history, including dates and positions held for at least the last five years. Adult entrants are still required to meet all student visa criteria as set by the DoHA.

Please note: Eligibility for Adult Entry is determined by course entry requirements in conjunction with your country of origin requirements as set by DoHA.

For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website at: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500

CIT English Tests

The CIT English Test or Versants English test is available to DoHA low risk evidentiary level applicants who are applying through a CIT Educational Agent. The CIT English Test is conducted at CIT’s English Language Centre. This test is approximately one-hour and assesses your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

The Versants test is taken online and can take up to one hour. This test assesses your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. These tests are another way to determine your current level of English.

Contact us to find out how to sit the CIT English Placement Test.

English Language Requirements

CIT recognises a number of English language tests as meeting the Institution’s English language requirements including:

• IELTS – International English Language Testing system – www.ielts.org
• TOEFL iBT – Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet based test – www.ets.org/toefl
• PTE Academic – Pearson test of English Academic – pearsonpte.com
• CAE – Cambridge English: Advanced test (also known as Certificate in Advanced English) – www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/advanced
• OET – Occupational English Test – www.occupationalenglishtest.org

Please refer to each program for its specific English requirements. If your English Language Test is not listed above, please contact us for further advice.

Please note

• The above information is a guide for overall IELTS equivalence; please refer to course specific information for full IELTS minimum requirement to include band scores.
• IELTS 5.0 overall is the minimum test score where combined with at least 10 weeks ELICOS.
• IELTS 4.5 overall is the minimum test score where combined with at least 20 weeks ELICOS
• The Occupational English Test includes a mark between A and E. An A or B is considered a pass.
• The test must have been taken no more than two years before you apply for your student visa.

IELTS

IELTS gives students an assessment of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in English. There are two streams of IELTS that you can undertake:

• IELTS Academic Module
• IELTS General Training Module

CIT accepts both General Training and Academic Module for entry into Certificate III to Advanced Diploma level programs (with the exception of the Diploma of Nursing, which requires an Academic IELTS result). For more information regarding IELTS visit www.ielts.org

Where can I sit IELTS?

There are several options for you to sit the IELTS test. Listed below are some options for you:

• At an IELTS testing centre – www.ielts.org
• Through IDP Education Australia – www.idp.com
• Through your CIT Educational Agent

Undertake Paid Work on a Restricted Basis Only

Student visa holders may work up to 40 hours per fortnight during term and full time during holiday periods, providing it does not impact their studies. If granted a student visa, you and your dependent family members will have permission to work included with your visa. Some changes to the work restriction have been made due to COVID-19.

Please see DoHA’s website for more information.

Please note that you are not eligible to commence work until you have enrolled and commenced your course

Genuine Temporary Entry (GTE)

The GTE requirement is a useful way to determine an applicant’s genuine intention to remain in Australia temporarily to gain a quality education. Based on the GTE requirement and individual circumstances, CIT may need further evidence to support your application and to understand your motives for applying to study and your plans to remain in Australia temporarily.

As a part of your application, you must complete the CIT GTE requirements information that will be assessed in conjunction with your academic and English requirements.

DoHA and CIT encourage applicants to read Ministerial Direction 69 before drafting your GTE statement. The GTE Statement is part of CIT’s GTE assessment and must be submitted with your application.

Further information can be found here: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/genuine-temporary-entrant

Genuine Temporary Entry (GTE) Statement

All applications must be accompanied by a ‘GTE Statement’. A GTE Statement is detailed information outlining your aptitude and motivation for study in your chosen area of specialisation, including your preparation for the field of study, academic plans, interests and future career goals.

• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Guide (650Kb PDF)

For further information regarding the Department of Home Affairs’ GTE requirement visit https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/genuine-temporary-entrant

Statement of Purpose

All applications must be accompanied by a ‘Statement of Purpose’. The Statement of Purpose must include the following information:

Personal information

1. Your name and date of birth
2. Are you married? If yes:
   • how long have you been married?
   • do you live together?
   • do you have children?
   • will your spouse/children accompany you to study in Australia?
3. Do you have relatives in Australia? If yes:
   • where?
   • how are they related to you?
     for example: sister/brother/aunt/uncle/mother/father

Your motivation for study in your chosen course

1. What CIT course are you applying for?
2. What is your interest and motivation to apply for this course with CIT?
3. How have you prepared for this field of study with CIT?
4. How does the CIT course you have chosen relate to your background (your work experience, previous education or future career goals)?
5. What do you intend to do on completion of your studies with CIT?
6. What value will the completed course have on your future career?
7. If you have completed your last educational qualification more than a year ago, what have you been doing since that time?

Evidence of independent research

1. Provide evidence of the independent research you have completed to find out more about your CIT course content and subjects.
2. What research have you done on alternate study options:
   • in your home country
   • at other providers in Canberra
   • in Australia
   • in other countries.

Why CIT and Australia is a good fit for you

1. Why did you choose to apply for the course with CIT rather than study at another Educational provider you have researched:
   • in Canberra
   • in Australia
   • in other countries
   • in your home country.
2. How does the cost of studies with CIT compare to study elsewhere in:
   • in Canberra
   • in Australia
   • in other countries
   • in your home country.
3. How do you plan to fund your study, accommodation and living costs in Australia?
4. What do you know about Canberra as a study destination?

This information may be requested to be provided to the Department of Home Affairs in support of your student visa application.

For more information download our Statement of Purpose Guide (650Kb PDF).

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Who we are

As the ACT’s public provider of vocational education and training (VET), the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) plays a vital role in enriching the Canberra community and shaping its workforce.

Since 1928, we have been central to delivering government priorities for vocational education and training, making significant contributions to the social, economic and cultural development of the ACT. With over 18,000 course enrolments annually, we equip students with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing job market.

Offering apprenticeships and certificate-level training through to diplomas and graduate certificates, CIT offers the full gamut of the tertiary experience and can help you identify a training pathway to help you reach your goals, whether you are new to study or already hold qualifications.

Operational Governance & Compliance at CIT

Operational Governance

The objective of operational governance at CIT is to:

• Support business/organisational operations to achieve corporate goals;
• Ensure that statutory and legal obligations are met; and
• Manage risk.

CIT Operational Governance Framework

The CIT Operational Governance Framework underpins the high-level governance arrangements that are overseen by the CIT Board and provides a guide and directions for employees, students, other government directorates and the community as to how CIT ensures and applies appropriate operational governance arrangements across all its decisions and activities.

The CIT Operational Governance Framework is described in the diagram below:

The two-tiered governance framework allows for matters such as internal committees to be updated or repurposed by the CEO to ensure day-to-day operations are always managed in a timely and efficient manner.

RTO Compliance

CIT’s Compliance Framework establishes an integrated, strategic and consistent approach to the management of compliance obligations.

CIT is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), accredited by the Australian skills Quality Authority (ASQA), and must maintain compliance with the Standards for RTOs 2015 ‘the Standards’ at all times. CIT is also registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) to deliver VET training and assessment to overseas students and maintains its registration in accordance with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Re-registration of Providers and Other Measures) Act 2010.

The ESOS Act 2000 governs for International students:

• the registration process and obligations of registered providers
• the Tuition Protection Service; and
• enforcement and compliance powers.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibility for monitoring RTO Compliance is shared across a number of teams at CIT:

• Audit, Risk and Corporate Governance Branch, within Corporate Services, manages the annual cycle of compliance by monitoring ongoing institution compliance with the Standards for RTOs 2015.
• Education Services supports Colleges and Departments in ongoing compliance through quality assurance activities focused on training and assessment.
• Education Design & Delivery supports Colleges and Departments in compliance through training product development and review.

For any enquiries relating to Operational Governance or Compliance at CIT, please contact the Audit, Risk and Corporate Governance team at arcg@cit.edu.au

CIT Locations

We have five locations, set in beautiful, leafy surrounds, and located on major public transport routes. Our campuses are home to world-class libraries, information technology resources and sporting and recreational facilities. There are also plenty of places to enjoy the social side to being a student.

Our campuses are designed to enhance a supportive learning environment. You will find teachers and students working and studying alongside each other. You can also enjoy the benefits of having commercial services across some of our campuses. These range from discounted hair and beauty treatments, or reasonably-priced meals prepared by students at our own restaurant and café.

CIT Bruce

CIT Bruce is in the northern suburbs of Canberra, close to the University of Canberra and the Australian Institute of Sport. It is home to CIT’s award-winning Sustainability Hub and is set in the peaceful surrounding of native bushland. Just a stone’s throw away you will find major shopping centres, entertainment venues and cafes.

• CIT Bruce, 35 Vowels Crescent, Bruce

CIT Fyshwick

CIT Fyshwick is in the industrial hub of Canberra, making it accessible to the industries that play an important role in on-campus training. You will find state-of-the-art training facilities to support studies in electrotechnology trades, plumbing, automotive, metals and logistics.

• CIT Fyshwick, 81 Mildura Street, Fyshwick

CIT Gungahlin

CIT Gungahlin, in Canberra’s rapidly expanding northern suburbs, is co-located with the Gungahlin College and Gungahlin Public Library.

• CIT Gungahlin, 25 Gozzard Street, Gungahlin

CIT Tuggeranong

CIT Tuggeranong is in the town centre of Tuggeranong, which includes major shops, and entertainment and sporting facilities. All CIT students can drop in to access a wide range of support for their studies. You can also study a range of flexible courses entirely at the centre’s flexible learning facilities.

• CIT Tuggeranong, 205 Anketell Street, Tuggeranong

CIT Woden

CIT Woden is situated within the Woden Town Centre and in proximity to the growing Woden business district, offering access to local shopping, the new light rail ready transport interchange and revitalised green public spaces.

• CIT Woden, 36 Bradley Street, Phillip

CIT’s purpose is reflected in its corporate goals

Our Vision

To be the leading provider of vocational education and training in the ACT and Australia.

Our Mission

Changing lives through quality education and skills development for individuals, industry and community.

Our Values

CIT believes quality in education is achieved through the values of: Respect, Integrity, Collaboration and Innovation.

Respect at CIT rests on a foundation of fundamental decency in our dealings with our colleagues, our learners, employers, other clients, society and the world in which we live.

Integrity at CIT means doing what we say we will in an honest and open manner, recognising achievement, not shirking from uncomfortable conversations and being consistent in our relationship with others and accountable.

Collaboration at CIT means actively sharing information and resources, working together towards shared goals and seeking opportunities to work as a team across CIT. Collaboration relies on genuine engagement with others in CIT, with our business and other partners and with the broader community.

Innovation at CIT means empowering colleagues at all levels to raise new ideas and to be creative as teams as we actively look for new and better ways of doing what we do (as well as better things to do), and not settling for how it has always been.

All Courses

How Much?

Most CIT courses are partially subsidised by the ACT Government. Average general semester fees for full time study for courses in this category are:

• Certificate I-III: $470 – $1165 per semester
• Certificate IV-Diploma: $740 – $1110 per semester
• Advanced Diploma: $830 – $1425 per semester
• Australian Apprenticeships: Please refer to course listings for qualification fee costings
• Associate Degree – Degree: Associate Degree, Degree and Graduate Diploma courses attract higher fees.

Note: Fees vary per course and costs are dependent on the electives chosen. Semester fees for part-time study are lower and are a proportion of full-time fees depending on the study load. Third and subsequent attempts at a subject will be charged at higher rates.

Courses that are not subsidised by the ACT Government are classified as ‘full fee paying or commercial’. Where there is no subsidy from the ACT Government, students are required to pay for the full cost of the course themselves.

International Students, and students on Temporary Domestic Student Visas, will also pay higher fees.

Actual course fees are best obtained from CIT Student Services via email.

Financial assistance

Student fee assistance is available in a variety of formats. Below is the list of different options for financial assistance at CIT:

• Fee Payment Plans
• Concessions and financial assistance
• Scholarships
• VET Student Loans
• FEE-HELP

Tax Deductibility

You may be eligible for tax deductions for course fees and associated study expenses.

GST

GST of 10% applies to some fees. Examples are the course materials fee where the item acquired becomes your property and is useable after the course completion. Basic tuition fees are GST free.

Sponsorships

On enrolling, CIT students will receive their invoice and be required to independently manage its payment.

For a student who wishes to be sponsored by a company or employer, this could be through one of the following options:

• A student can pay their invoice and opt to be reimbursed by their employer for their fees; or
• Employers can pay the student’s invoice on behalf of the student.

Employers who take either option will still be able to claim a tax deduction and GST credits (if applicable). If you are an employer you may still be able to access the sponsorship service depending on how many students you intend to sponsor at CIT. If this is the case, you should contact CITApprenticeships@cit.edu.au to enquire about your eligibility.

Additional Fees

Examples of additional fees are:

Material Fees – Material fees are to cover the costs for materials used by or for students during the delivery of a subject. In many cases the full costs are effectively subsidised by CIT, so the material fee charged to the student may be lower than the true full cost of the materials used. Commencing in 2019 CIT is introducing new fee arrangements where subjects will have a single fee applied and the materials fee will no longer be charged separately.

It is important to note that not all costs covered by material fees may be directly visible to students – however, students should be aware that delivery of their subjects can require resources specific to that subject which are not covered by general student fees. Some examples of such items are the purchase and maintenance of dedicated equipment, software licenses, printing, subscription fees, information service access costs, specialist training material licences, guest lecturers and some excursions.

Recognition Fee – the fee for applying for Recognition by Assessment.

Excursion Fees – covering the costs of some excursions.

Awards – re-issue of ($50).

CITCard – replacement fee ($15).

International Students Administration and Fees Policy

1. Purpose

To document policies which specifically apply to international students.

2. Scope

This policy covers international students studying in the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) programs.

Note: International Students in the context of this policy refers to the total population of students who are not Australian Citizens and do not have permanent resident status.

3. Principles

3.1 International students must meet the entry requirements for their chosen CIT program.

3.2 International students must demonstrate competence in the English language, to the level specified for their CIT program of choice, as evidenced by results from a language proficiency test or its equivalent, which has been approved for use by CIT.

3.3 International students are offered places in accredited programs at CIT on a full-fee basis. International students studying on student visas through CIT must be enrolled in a CRICOS registered program. The schedule of fees is determined by the Chief Executive and is to be published in the International Course Guide and on the CIT International Website.

3.4 If a student fast tracks their program resulting in early completion, the full program fee still applies

3.5 International students may transfer between programs at no cost (unless the program costs differ) following approval by the International Services Unit (ISU) and the relevant Colleges involved. Transfers should be affected prior to classes commencing or if this is not possible, approval must be granted from the ISU and the relevant Colleges involved.

3.6 All requirements prescribed by the Federal Government for student visa holders must be met.

3.7 CIT will comply with the Department of Education and Training Education Services for Overseas Student Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 (The National Code) in the provision of international education and training services.

3.8 International students under the age of 18 years who are to study on a student visa must be placed under supervision of a guardian. Refer to International Students on Student Visas Welfare Arrangements for Students under the age of 18 years Policy.

3.9 International students must be initially registered by the International Services Unit regardless of where their enrolment takes place.

3.10 International students receive a ‘Letter of Offer’ clearly stating, program of studies, program duration and total tuition costs for the program. Students must agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions as stated in their Letter of Offer and sign the agreement before being accepted into a program at CIT.

3.11 The information and/or processes for the following are stated in the Terms and Conditions on the student’s ‘Letter of Offer’ and are also available on the CIT International Website:

• Student Visa Conditions
• Release of Information
• Payment of Tuition Fees and Other Expenses
• Changes to Tuition Fees
• Additional Fees
• Overseas Student Health Cover
• Refund of tuition fees
• Incorrect, Incomplete or Misleading Information
• Cancellation, withdrawal or “fast tracking” of your program
• Additional qualifications
• Storage of Additional Information.

4. Documentation

Canberra Institute of Technology Act 1987

Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000

National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Student (The National Code) 2007

5. Definitions

All terminology used in this policy is consistent with definitions in the CIT Definitions of Terms.

6. Policy Contact Officer

Senior Manager, International Services Unit.

Contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au for further information.

7. Procedures

This policy is implemented through the associated procedures. Authority to make changes to the procedures rests with the policy owner.

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Australia Awards initiative

The Australia Awards aim to promote knowledge, education links and enduring ties between Australia and our neighbours through Australia’s extensive scholarship programs.

There are currently two programs available to international students under the Australia Awards:

Australia Awards Scholarships

Australia Awards Scholarships are long term development awards administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of Australia’s partner countries.

They provide opportunities for people from developing countries, particularly those countries located in the Indo-Pacific region, to undertake full time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions, which includes CIT.

For more information and to find out how to apply visit dfat.gov.au.

For current Awards holders

If you are a current Endeavour or Australia Awards holder studying at CIT and have any concerns or questions, please contact our Awards liaison officer on international@cit.edu.au or call (02) 6207 4662.

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Applying to CIT

• Understanding your Letter of Offer
• Your Confirmation of Enrolment
• Can I apply for a joint offer?
• Who can help me apply to study at CIT?
• Can I get credit for my course at university?
• Where can I do my IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson’s exam?
• Can I get on-campus accommodation?
• Do I need overseas student health cover?
• When is the deadline to apply to study at CIT?
• What happens if I miss the intake date?
• What documents do I need to submit with my application if I would like to transfer from my current Education Provider to CIT?
• Can I get Credit Transfer for my previous studies?
• Am I allowed to sign the Application Form or Letter of Offer on the applicant’s or student’s behalf?
• Does the International Services Unit offer part time English courses as well?
• Does CIT offer scholarships for International students?

Current Students

• When do I get my timetable?
• How can I get my award (Certificate) and Official Transcripts?
• What do I need to do to get a Completion Letter?
• Who can I ask for help once I start studying?
• When can I start work?
• How do I claim with Allianz Care Australia?
• Who do I contact if I have not received my OSHC card?

Fees and Finances

• I am a continuing student. When are my tuition fees due?
• I am a continuing student. How can I pay my tuition fees?
• I am a continuing student. How can I pay my tuition fees if I don’t have a student tax invoice?
• I am a new student to CIT. How can I pay my tuition fees?
• What happens if I cannot pay my tuition fees by the due date?
• What time of the day can I pay my fees?

Student Advisors

• What does Skills Recognition mean? What do I need to do to get my skills recognised?
• How can I change my program within CIT?
• What do I do if I am unhappy with my results?
• Can I study part time as an international student?
• What do I need to do if I want to withdraw from CIT?
• I am not coping with my study and living in Australia. Who can help me?
• I want to invite my family members to visit me in Australia. Who can help me?
• How do I get a Tax File Number?
• I want to apply for permanent residency after completing my program at CIT. What do I do?
• I am currently enrolled in an English program and want to apply for a mainstream program. What do I do?
• I have a packaged offer for an English program and main program but I didn’t meet the entry requirement for my main program. What do I do?
• Who do I contact if I have issues related to payment of my CIT fees?
• What can International Student Advisors help me with and how do I make an appointment with them?
• I am unable to attend the graduation ceremony. What do I do?
• Where can I get my official academic transcript?
• Student visas have work limitations of 48 hours per fortnight. Is this different to Industry work placement?
• Where can I get a letter stating that I can work full time during the holiday period?
• How do I get a copy of my Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE)?
• I have an emergency situation in my country and need to return home. What do I do?
• I want to transfer to another provider. What do I need to do?
• I need to extend my program. What do I need to do?
• What will happen if I do not enrol within 12 days of commencement of each semester?
• I have changed my mind with my mainstream program, and now don’t need the same English level. Can I just stop studying English?
• What is an intervention? How do I know if I need to go on an intervention? What should I do?

Accommodation

• When should I start applying for accommodation?
• When do I need to get my accommodation application in by?
• How much does it cost to submit your accommodation application?
• Who qualifies to stay in CIT student accommodation?
• What do I need to bring with me when I travel to Australia for my accommodation?
• What alternative student accommodation is available if I do not get accepted into CIT student accommodation?
• What does the Accommodation Officer do?
• Do I have to use the airport pick-up service?
• Can I stay longer in student accommodation?

Living in Accommodation

• How do I contact the Accommodation Officer?
• What does a Residential Assistant (RA) do?
• How do I become an RA?
• How do I contact my Residential Assistant (RA)?
• Who do I call in an emergency?
• How do I report maintenance issues in student accommodation?
• Can I invite visitors to student residence?
• Who do I call if there are conflicts in the accommodation residence?
• When do I call the accommodation emergency mobile phone?
• What do I do if I get locked out of my room after business hours?

Student Visas

• How do I get a student visa?
• What happens if my visa application was not successful?
• Even if I am not on a student visa, and I am not a permanent resident, do I need to still apply for a course through the International Services Unit?

All Courses