Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Study at The Illawarra Business College? The Illawarra Business College has built a reputation for providing quality training in a wide range of areas. All our courses include theoretical learning, practical industry experience where relevant and development of personal qualities.  
 
What UAI mark do I need to start a course? There is no UAI mark required to commence studies at the Illawarra Business College. All courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills you require to start or further your career.  
 
What are the costs?

All fees for study at The Illawarra Business College are set out here. Depending on the course that you are undertaking there may be some additional costs involved for textbooks, uniforms and tools. For example, Hospitality students will need approximately $500.00 for uniforms and for equipment. You should allow approximately $300.00 per annum for texts and reference books.

  
 
How are your classes structured?

Our classes are conducted both during the day and at times in the evening.  Specific class hours and dates will be advised to you before commencing your studies.

Our academic year is divided into four (4) terms with 3 x 2 week vacation breaks. The vacation break over the summer period is for six (6) weeks.		  
 
What happens when I finish my study? After graduating from The Illawarra Business College you will have the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills to commence or further you career. If you graduate from one of our Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses you may be eligible for advanced standing for entry to University.  
 
What do my tuition fees cover? Tuition fees cover training provided only. Tuition fees do NOT cover:
• Registration fees
• Accommodation expenses
• Living expenses
• Uniforms
• Equipment
• Textbooks
• Stationery

For further information about fees, please read our Fees Policy.
  
 
How much are TIBC fees? The Illawarra Business College’s fees range from approximately $4,000.00 to $18,000.00 depending on the course and the level of study you wish to undertake.  
 
Can I work while studying?

As an overseas student, you can work part-time as a way of earning extra spending money whilst studying and living in Australia.  Remember that you must have enough money to support yourself before you leave your home country.

If you have been granted a student visa after 26 April 2008, you will automatically receive permission to work with your visa grant.   

You are not allowed to work until you start your course and you can only work up to 20 hours a week while the course is in session (excluding any work undertaken as a registered component of your course) and you can work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. 

 
 
Do you provide Industry Experience as part of your training? Yes, all our courses are “competency-based” in line with Australia’s National Training Package requirements. As such, it is imperative that your skills are assessed wherever possible in the workplace. To ensure that the training is relevant and that the assessments are “competency-based”, our courses all incorporate some degree of Industry Placement. This is organised for you during the course and is an integral part of our training program where relevant.  
 
How do I apply for a Student Visa? The application procedure is different from country to country and on your individual circumstances. Information about how to lodge a student visa is found on the DIAC website:  www.immi.gov.au  
 
How much money do I need to live in Australia?

Before starting studying and arriving in Australia, it is a good idea to prepare a budget.  This will help you when you arrive in Australia and need to pay for accommodation, travel, food and other expenses (in addition to tuition fees).
You must have enough money to cover all living expenses before you leave your home country.  Whilst you may have the right to work in Australia (depending on your visa conditions), you cannot assume that you will earn enough money through working in Australia to meet your tuition fees or living expenses. 
The table below is an approximate guide to the costs of living in Australia.  They do not include the costs of telephone calls (including mobiles) or internet connections or tuition fees.  Exact costs will vary depending on what your living arrangements will be, where you choose to live, inflation and currency fluctuations. 

Item

Monthly cost

Annual cost

Bond (one month’s rent)

 

$600

Telephone connection fee

 

$150

Other initial costs

 

$1000

Books, stationery

 

$1000

Clothing

 

$900

Health cover

 

$380

Average rent (based on sharing with 2 persons)

$600

$7200

Food

$600

$7200

Power, phone

$150

$1800

Travel expenses

$250

$3000

Other (eg entertainment)

$300

$3600

Total

$1900

 

Remember to estimate further costs for any spouse that may be travelling with you or dependent child.  Any school-aged dependants travelling with you will be required to pay full tuition fees at a private or government school in Australia.

  
 
Can I apply for a Student Visa after arrival in Australia? Information about visa requirements is located on the DIAC website: www.immi.gov.au.  
 
Can your College help me obtain employment? We are happy to refer you to recruitment agencies to assist you in finding work.
  
 
Can your College help me obtain health cover? Yes, our friendly staff will assist you in obtaining the relevant health cover.
  
 
Can your College help me obtain accommodation?

We are happy to refer you to a number of local real estate agents who list rental properties.  For further information about accommodation whilst studying at the College.


Name of agent

Phone number

Address

Benchmark National Bankstown

02 9708 6333

382 Chapel Road, Bankstown

Elders Bankstown

02 9707 3600

362-364 Chapel Road, Bankstown

Home World Realty

02 9796 7277

21 Marion Street, Bankstown

LJ Hooker Bankstown

02 9708 2244

11 Marion Street, Bankstown

In addition, the following websites may be helpful:  www.domain.com.au and www.realestate.com.au. 		  
 
How will I find living conditions in Australia? The College has campuses in the centre of multicultural regions. There are numerous ethnic associations within both regions. Our Bankstown campus is in the heart of the city close to transport, entertainment venues, shopping, etc. The region boasts Catholic, Buddhist, Hindu, Anglican, Muslim, Presbyterian, Orthodox and numerous other religious groups.  
     
 
 
CRICOS Provider Code: 01497F
CRICOS Provider Number: 90191
Copyright 2009, The Illawarra Business College
A division of Focal Holdings Pty Ltd ABN 16 064 243 367 ACN 064 243 367