• Section 1 - Purpose and Scope
• Scope
• Section 2 - Admission 
• Admission Requirements
• Application Process
• Packaged Offers 
• Applicants Aged Under 18
• Offer Acceptance Process

Section 1 - Purpose and Scope

(1) This Policy:

1. sets out the University's admission requirements and processes for its ELICOS programs; and
2. supports compliance with the requirements of the: 
   1. Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 
   2. National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 and
   3. Elicos Standards 2018. 

Scope

(2) This Policy applies to: 

1. applicants to ELICOS programs;
2. staff members who assess, process, manage or approve applications to the University’s ELICOS programs. 

Section 2 - Admission 

Admission Requirements

(3) Applicants seeking entry into an ELICOS program must provide evidence of English language proficiency by completing:

1. an external international English language proficiency test taken less than two years prior to planned enrolment; or 
2. a Southern Cross University English Language Program Placement Test (SCU Placement Test).

(4) The applicant’s results achieved in the English language proficiency tests, as set out in clause 3, are used to propose the most appropriate program duration for that applicant.

(5) On arrival at Southern Cross University, all applicants are required to complete the Southern Cross University English Language Program Intake Test (SCU ELP Intake Test).

(6) Where the results of the post-arrival and pre-arrival English language proficiency tests differ by more than one IELTS band, the Director, English Language Programs may require the student to commence their ELICOS study at a different program level to that proposed in the Letter of Offer. In these circumstances, a revised Letter of Offer will be issued.

Application Process

(7) Applications for entry into an ELICOS program can be made by applicants themselves or via a registered representative by completing the International Application for Admission Form. 

(8) All documentary evidence attached to an application must be:

1. original; or 
2. certified as true copies of the originals by a certified contractual agent, notary public or justice of the peace. 

(9) 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 prior to program commencement.

(10) Applications to ELICOS program are processed by the Admissions Team, Student Administration Services. Where the application is successful, the Admissions Team issue a Letter of Offer to the applicant.

(11) Applicants issued with a Letter of Offer for an ELICOS program of more than 12 weeks duration will be required to obtain a valid Australian Government Student Visa.

(12) Applicants requiring an Australian Student Visa must also:

1. have financial capacity to pay the full cost of their tuition and all other expenses associated with their education and living in Australia.
2. meet all Genuine Student requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs,
3. have capacity to undertake the compulsory study periods for the program's duration as stipulated in the Letter of Offer.

(13) Applicants who satisfy the requirements stated under clause (12) will be issued with a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) to support their student visa application. 

Packaged Offers 

(14) Applicants who apply for admission to another Southern Cross University course upon completion of the ELICOS program may be made a packaged offer subject to meeting the course entry requirements as set out in the Rules Relating to Awards – Rule 2 – Coursework Awards – General Provisions or Specific Award Rules, where relevant. 

Applicants Aged Under 18

(15) Applicants aged under 18 are assessed by the Director, English Language Programs prior to their submission to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality) for approval.

(16) Applicants under 18 who are to be accompanied by a legal guardian may be offered entry into an ELICOS program where they meet the admission requirements set out in clause (3) and provide:

1. a signed, completed Guardian Declaration Form; and
2. evidence  the Student Guardianship Arrangements (157N) Form has been submitted with their visa application to Department of Home Affairs.

(17) Applicants aged under 18 with no accompanying legal guardian may be offered entry into an ELICOS program where they meet the admission requirements set out in clause (3) and agree to:

1. provide a signed, completed Guardian Declaration Form;
2. undertake (and satisfy) a welfare assessment conducted by the Manager, International Student Support Services;
3. provide a signed contract to reside in accommodation arranged by Australian Homestay Network until the age of 18; and
4. provide a signed undertaking to attend weekly welfare meetings with International Student Support Services until the age of 18 as stated in the Welfare Arrangements of International Students Aged Under 18 Policy. 

(18) Applicants who satisfy the requirements under clause (17) will be issued with a Letter of Offer and Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare to support their student visa application. 

Offer Acceptance Process

(19) To accept their offer, applicants must read, understand and agree to the terms and conditions set out in the Letter of Offer, by:

1. completing and returning the offer acceptance form (where the applicant is under the age of 18 the offer acceptance form must be signed by a parent or guardian); and 
2. making the total deposit payment via the link provided in the Letter of Offer.

(20) Once students have accepted an offer, SCU College will contact students with pre-arrival information which supports their relocation to Australia and is relevant to their study program.