VET Student Loans

Details of the Commonwealth Government loan scheme for vocational education and training.

VET student loans for Australian Pacific College and APC Design School.

What are VET Student Loans?

The VET Student Loans program is the Commonwealth Government loan scheme for vocational education and training (VET). Under this program, eligible students studying in approved Diploma level and above courses can pay their tuition fees through a student loan.

The loan is repaid via the Australian tax system when the minimum income threshold for repayment has been reached. There is a loan fee of 20% for full fee paying students but there is no loan fee for eligible students in some NSW Government subsidised training places (Smart and Skilled).

VET Student Loans are only available to eligible Domestic Students.

You can find out more about the information on the VET Student Loans program on on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website at www.dewr.gov.au/vet-student-loans

1800 020 108 | [email protected] | www.dewr.gov.au/vet-student-loans

For Business, Marketing, Tourism & Hospitality Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas

Course fees and methods of payment

Young Rabbit (RTO 90396) trading as Australian Pacific College Course / Tuition fees are listed on the relevant course page on the APC website, in the course flyers and in the Schedules of VET Tuition Fees downloadable below.

Australian Pacific College notes that the tuition fees outlined in the attached Fee Schedules on this webpage and as outlined in the individual course flyers are the fees payable for tuition and additional fees are as follows:

There are a number of ways you may choose to pay for your study at Australian Pacific College:

  • Payment of tuition fees subject by subject prior to the census date by direct debit or credit card,
  • Payment of additional fees by direct debit or credit card,
  • By applying for an income contingent loan from VET Student Loans to pay your tuition fees.

If you choose to use a VET Student Loans to pay for all or part of your tuition fees, additional entry requirements apply (see below) and you will be charged a Loan Fee of 20% by the Commonwealth Government.

Information on the VET Student Loans program is available on the Department of Education’s website at www.studyassist.gov.au

Any APC Domestic student requiring specific advice should contact the APC Registrar on [email protected]

Course fees, refunds and re-crediting

APC is committed to ethical behaviour and fairness and as a result believes that all students should only pay for services and goods provided, if they are of a high quality standard, in good order (if applicable) and if delivered in a timely manner.

Under certain circumstances students and prospective students of APC can claim a refund of course tuition fees paid and the conditions of these refunds are outlined in the document: APC Domestic Student Refund & Re-credit Policy available on our Handbooks & Policies page.

When enrolling, applicants will be asked to read and agree to the Australian Pacific College Conditions of Enrolment, available on our Handbooks & Policies page

A re-credit of a FEE-HELP can occur if Special Circumstances exist as follows:

  • If a Student withdraws from a Subject/Unit of Study after the published census date for that Subject/Unit of Study, or has been unable to successfully complete a Subject/Unit of Study, and believes this was due to special circumstances, the Student may apply to have their FEE- HELP balance re-credited for the affected Subject/Unit of Study under Section 68 of the Act.

APC will re-credit the Student’s FEE-HELP balance if it is satisfied that special circumstances apply where:

  • these circumstances were beyond the Student’s control; and
  • these circumstances did not make their full impact on the Student until on, or after the census date for that Subject/Unit of Study; and
  • these circumstances were such that it was impracticable for the Student to complete the requirements for the Subject/Unit of Study in the period during which the Student undertook or was to undertake the Subject/Unit of Study.

Students seeking a re-credit from APC should consult APC FEE-HELP Student Review Procedures for Re-crediting FEE-HELP Balances available on our Handbooks & Policies page.

In special circumstances a student may apply to the Secretary of the Department of Education for the student’s FEE−HELP balance to be re-credited under section 71 of the Act because:

i) the provider, or a person’s action on the provider’s behalf, engaged in unacceptable conduct in relation to the student’s application for the VET student loan; or

ii) the provider failed to comply with the Act or an instrument under the Act and the failure had adversely affected the student:

  • that applications for re−crediting under section 68 of the Act must be made within 12 months after the census day for the course, or the part of the course, concerned, or within that period as extended by the provider;
  • that there is no charge for reconsideration or review of decisions, other than review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Student eligibility

There are specific criteria students must meet to be eligible for a loan through VET Student Loans.

Students must have been assessed as academically suited to undertake the eligible course and their FEE-HELP balance must be greater than zero.

Academic suitability

APC’s student entry procedure specifies in its course brochures that a student is academically suited to undertake a particular approved course if:

  • One of the requirements of the Language Literacy and Numeracy subsection below is met in relation to the student; and
  • The student meets any other specified entry requirements for the course including prior educational qualifications; and
  • APC believes on reasonable grounds that the student is academically suited to undertake the course.

Furthermore, a student must be:

  • an Australian citizen, or
  • hold a permanent humanitarian visa and usually reside in Australia, or
  • be a qualifying New Zealand citizen.

To confirm a student’s identity, date of birth and eligibility for access to VET Student Loans APC will collect and verify information and documents such as, but not limited to, passports, birth certificates and prior qualifications. APC will also collect a Tax File Number (TFN) for any student applying for VET Student Loans and if the student has applied for, but not been issued with, a tax file number – a certificate from the Commissioner that the student has applied for a tax file number will be required.

Language literacy and numeracy

Additionally you will be required to provide us with:

  • a certified copy of a certificate for a qualification at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 4 (or above) that was delivered in English, or
  • a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education awarded by an agency or authority of an Australian State or Territory for your completion of year 12 of school, or
  • a certificate of competency at or above Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework in both reading and numeracy using an approved assessment tool arranged by APC and managed by the Australian Council for Educational Research Limited (ACER).
  • As an approved course provider APC will ensure that the results of assessing a student’s competence in reading and numeracy under this procedure will be reported:
    – to the student as soon as practicable after the assessment; and
    – to the Secretary of the Department of Education in the form, manner and by the time requested by the Secretary.
What do students need to know?

For the most recent information on VET Student Loans scheme students and other interested parties should visit the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website at www.dewr.gov.au/vet-student-loans

Students under 18 years of age

Parental consent to apply for a VET Student Loan is required for students who are under 18 years of age, unless you are receiving Youth Allowance (on the basis that you are independent). You must provide evidence of your independent assessment, otherwise your parent or guardian must sign the Commonwealth’s Parental Consent Form and return it to the College before you can apply for a loan. The form is available on the Commonwealth Government website or from the College.

VET Student Loans loan caps

Eligible students will be entitled for loans up to a capped amount which is set by Government for each of APC’s qualifications as follows:

  • BSB50820 Diploma of Project Management - $11,191
  • BSB60720 Advanced Diploma of Program Management - $11,191
  • SIT50122 Diploma of Travel and Tourism Management - $11,191
  • BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management - $11,191
  • BSB60420 Advanced Diploma of Leadership and Management - $11,191
  • BSB50620 Diploma of Marketing and Communication - $11,191
  • BSB60520 Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication - $11,191
  • BSB50320 Diploma of Human Resource Management - $11,191
  • BSB60320 Advanced Diploma of Human Resource Management - $11,191
  • FNS50222 Diploma of Accounting - $11,191
  • FNS60222 Advanced Diploma of Accounting - $16,788

APC Course Tuition Fees can be seen in the downloadable Fee Schedules below. The list above indicates the maximum amount of a VET Student Loans that will be available for each course for each student not taking into account that the amount of the loan cannot be greater than the student’s remaining FEE-HELP balance.

Loan debt and repayment
  • Before applying for VET Student Loans you may wish to seek independent financial advice.
  • All VET Student Loans will remain a personal debt until repaid to the Commonwealth.
  • Repaying the loan is required when your income reaches the repayment threshold. The threshold can be found at www.studyassist.gov.au
  • The total amount of your HELP debt could be up to 120% of the VET Student Loans for the course (the debt will include the Commonwealth Loan Fee of 20%).
  • The loan may, until the debt is repaid, reduce your take-home (after-tax) wage or salary and may reduce your general borrowing capacity.
Engagement
  • If you decide to use VET Student Loans you will be required to demonstrate you are progressing throughout your course.
  • You will be required to log in online twice during the year and acknowledge that you accept the loan you will receive for the course.
  • The Census date is the final date a student can cancel their enrolment and withdraw from a Subject/Unit of Study without incurring debt for a Courses Tuition Fee.
  • All APC Courses have at least 5 Census dates with Course Tuition Fees being apportioned across a specified number of sequential fee periods. See APC Course Tuition Fee Schedules for your course on this page below.
  • You may cancel or withdraw from your enrolment in the course or part of the course by using APC’s procedure for withdrawal and completing the APC SCV (Student Course Variation) Form downloadable from this webpage.
  • For all matters relating to withdrawing from an APC Course, Subject/Unit of Study or re-joining an APC Course, Subject/Unit of Study, APC students should refer to APC Domestic Student Refund and Re-credit Policy available on our Handbooks & Policies page
  • Processes and procedures for Cancellation of Enrolment are also detailed in the APC Domestic Student Refund and Re-credit Policy available on our Handbooks & Policies page
  • If you withdraw before the census day from a course or part of a course, you will not incur a VET Student Loan debt for the course or part of the course and will receive a refund for any Courses Tuition Fees you have already paid for the course or part of the course. See APC Domestic Student Refund and Re-credit Policy available on our Handbooks & Policies page
  • It is important that you advise APC of any change in your contact details.
Statement of VET Tuition Assurance

Under the provisions of the Higher Education Support ACT ext 2003 (HESA) and the VET Guidelines Young Rabbit Pty Limited trading as Australian Pacific College must comply with the VET Tuition Assurance requirements. This is to protect VET students in the event that APC ceases to provide a VET course of study in which a VET student is enrolled.

Support
  • If you require support you should contact the APC Registrar on [email protected]
  • If you have a grievance or complaint you should consult the APC Domestic Student Complaints and Appeals Policy available on our Handbooks & Policies page
  • If you have any questions, concerns, or require more information regarding any element of VET Student Loans, students should contact the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations HELP Student Enquiry line on 1800 020 108,  email [email protected] or visit www.dewr.gov.au/vet-student-loans
Student grievances

APC is committed to maintaining an effective, timely, fair and equitable grievance handling system which is easily accessible to all complainants. APC aims to ensure:

  • All Complainants will have the opportunity to present their case at each stage of the procedure. See APC Domestic Student Complaints and Appeals Policy available on our Handbooks & Policies page.
  • The Complainant and any respondent have the option of being accompanied/assisted by a third person (such as a family member, friend or counsellor) if they so desire.
  • The Complainant and any respondent will not be discriminated against or victimised.
  • At all stages of the process, discussions relating to grievances and appeals will be recorded in writing. Reasons and a full explanation in writing for decisions and actions taken as part of this procedure will be provided to the Complainant.
  • Advice on appeal processes will be given in writing with all decisions;
  • A Complainant shall have access to the internal stages of this grievance procedure at no cost.

2023 Schedules of VET Tuition Fees – Australian Pacific College


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For Design Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas

Course fees and methods of payment

Virtu Design Institute Pty Limited (RTO 40530) trading as APC Design School Course / Tuition fees are listed on the relevant course page on the APC website, in the course flyers and in the Schedule of VET Tuition Fees downloadable below.

APC Design School (Australian Pacific College) notes that the tuition fees outlined in the attached Fee Schedules on this webpage and as outlined in the individual course flyers are the fees payable for tuition and additional fees are as follows:

There are a number of ways you may choose to pay for your study at APC:

  • Payment of tuition fees subject by subject prior to the census date by direct debit or credit card
  • Payment of additional fees by direct debit or credit card
  • By applying for an income contingent loan from VET Student Loans to pay your tuition fees
  • If you choose to use a VET Student Loans to pay for all or part of your tuition fees, additional entry requirements apply (see below) and you will be charged a Loan Fee of 20% by the Commonwealth Government.

Information on the VET Student Loans program is available on the Department of Education’s website at www.studyassist.gov.au

Any APC Design School student requiring specific advice should contact the APC Design School Registrar on [email protected]

Course fees, refunds and re-crediting

APC Design School is committed to ethical behaviour and fairness and as a result believes that all students should only pay for services and goods provided, if they are of a high quality standard, in good order (if applicable) and if delivered in a timely manner.

Under certain circumstances students and prospective students of APC Design School can claim a refund of course tuition fees paid and the conditions of these refunds are outlined in the document: APC Design School Refund & Re-credit Policy available on our Handbooks & Policies page.

When enrolling, applicants will be asked to read and agree to the APC Design School Conditions of Enrolment. A current version of the APC Design School Conditions of Enrolment available on our Handbooks & Policies page.

A re-credit of a FEE-HELP can occur if Special Circumstances exist as follows:

  • If a Student withdraws from a Subject/Unit of Study after the published census date for that Subject/Unit of Study, or has been unable to successfully complete a Subject/Unit of Study, and believes this was due to special circumstances, the Student may apply to have their FEE- HELP balance re-credited for the affected Subject/Unit of Study under Section 68 of the Act.

APC Design School will re-credit the Student’s FEE-HELP balance if it is satisfied that special circumstances apply where:

  • these circumstances were beyond the Student’s control; and
  • these circumstances did not make their full impact on the Student until on, or after the census date for that Subject/Unit of Study; and
  • these circumstances were such that it was impracticable for the Student to complete the requirements for the Subject/Unit of Study in the period during which the Student undertook or was to undertake the Subject/Unit of Study.

Students seeking a re-credit from APC Design School should consult APC Design School FEE-HELP Student Review Procedures for Re-crediting FEE-HELP Balances downloadable from this webpage for full details.

In special circumstances a student may apply to the Secretary of the Department of Education for the student’s FEE−HELP balance to be re-credited under section 71 of the Act because:

i) the provider, or a person’s action on the provider’s behalf, engaged in unacceptable conduct in relation to the student’s application for the VET student loan; or

ii) the provider failed to comply with the Act or an instrument under the Act and the failure had adversely affected the student:

  • that applications for re−crediting under section 68 of the Act must be made within 12 months after the census day for the course, or the part of the course, concerned, or within that period as extended by the provider;
  • that there is no charge for reconsideration or review of decisions, other than review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Student eligibility

There are specific criteria students must meet to be eligible for a loan through VET Student Loans.

Students must have been assessed as academically suited to undertake the eligible course and their FEE-HELP balance must be greater than zero.

Academic suitability

APC Design School’s student entry procedure specifies in its course brochures that a student is academically suited to undertake a particular approved course if:

  • One of the requirements of the Language Literacy and Numeracy subsection below is met in relation to the student; and
  • The student meets any other specified entry requirements for the course including prior educational qualifications; and
  • APC Design School believes on reasonable grounds that the student is academically suited to undertake the course.

Furthermore, a student must be:

  • an Australian citizen, or
  • hold a permanent humanitarian visa and usually reside in Australia, or
  • be a qualifying New Zealand citizen.

To confirm a student’s identity, date of birth and eligibility for access to VET Student Loans APC Design School will collect and verify information and documents such as, but not limited to, passports, birth certificates and prior qualifications. APC Design School will also collect a Tax File Number (TFN) for any student applying for VET Student Loans and if the student has applied for, but not been issued with, a tax file number – a certificate from the Commissioner that the student has applied for a tax file number will be required.

Language literacy and numeracy

Additionally you will be required to provide us with:

  • a certified copy of a certificate for a qualification at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 4 (or above) that was delivered in English, or
  • a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education awarded by an agency or authority of an Australian State or Territory for your completion of year 12 of school, or
  • a certificate of competency at or above Exit Level 3 in the Australian Core Skills Framework in both reading and numeracy using an approved assessment tool arranged by Virtu and managed by the Australian Council for Educational Research Limited (ACER).
  • As an approved course provider Virtu will ensure that the results of assessing a student’s competence in reading and numeracy under this procedure will be reported:
    – to the student as soon as practicable after the assessment; and
    – to the Secretary of the Department of Education in the form, manner and by the time requested by the Secretary.
What do students need to know?

For the most recent information on VET Student Loans scheme students and other interested parties should visit the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website at www.dewr.gov.au/vet-student-loans

Students under 18 years of age

Parental consent to apply for a VET Student Loan is required for students who are under 18 years of age, unless you are receiving Youth Allowance (on the basis that you are independent). You must provide evidence of your independent assessment, otherwise your parent or guardian must sign the Commonwealth’s Parental Consent Form and return it to the College before you can apply for a loan. The form is available on the Commonwealth Government website or from the College.

VET Student Loans loan caps

Eligible students will be entitled for loans up to a capped amount which is set by Government for each of APC Design School’s qualifications as follows:

  • CUA50715 Diploma of Graphic Design – $16,788
  • CUA60315 Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design – $16,788
  • MSF50218 Diploma of Interior Design – $16,788
  • MSF60118 Advanced Diploma of Interior Design – $16,788

APC Design School Course Tuition Fees can be seen in the downloadable Fee Schedules below. The list above indicates the maximum amount of a VET Student Loans that will be available for each course for each student not taking into account that the amount of the loan cannot be greater than the student’s remaining FEE-HELP balance.

Loan debt and repayment
  • Before applying for VET Student Loans you may wish to seek independent financial advice.
  • All VET Student Loans will remain a personal debt until repaid to the Commonwealth.
  • Repaying the loan is required when your income reaches the repayment threshold. The threshold can be found at www.studyassist.gov.au
  • The total amount of your HELP debt could be up to 120% of the VET Student Loans for the course (the debt will include the Commonwealth Loan Fee of 20%).
  • The loan may, until the debt is repaid, reduce your take-home (after-tax) wage or salary and may reduce your general borrowing capacity.
Engagement
  • If you decide to use VET Student Loans you will be required to demonstrate you are progressing throughout your course.
  • You will be required to log in online twice during the year and acknowledge that you accept the loan you will receive for the course.
  • The Census date is the final date a student can cancel their enrolment and withdraw from a Subject/Unit of Study without incurring debt for a Courses Tuition Fee.
  • All APC Design School Courses have at least 5 Census dates with Course Tuition Fees being apportioned across a specified number of sequential fee periods. See APC Design School Course Tuition Fee Schedules for your course on this page below.
  • You may cancel or withdraw from your enrolment in the course or part of the course by using APC Design School’s procedure for withdrawal and completing the APC SCV (Student Course Variation) Form available on our Handbooks & Policies page
  • For all matters relating to withdrawing from an APC Design School Course, Subject/Unit of Study or re-joining a APC Design School Course, Subject/Unit of Study, APC Design School students should refer to APC Design School Refund and Re-credit Policy available on our Handbooks & Policies page
  • Processes and procedures for Cancellation of Enrolment are also detailed in the APC Design School Refund and Re-credit Policy available on our Handbooks & Policies page
  • If you withdraw before the census day from a course or part of a course, you will not incur a VET Student Loan debt for the course or part of the course and will receive a refund for any Courses Tuition Fees you have already paid for the course or part of the course. See APC Design School Refund and Re-credit Policy available on our Handbooks & Policies page
  • It is important that you advise APC Design School of any change in your contact details.
Statement of VET Tuition Assurance

Under the provisions of the Higher Education Support ACT ext 2003 (HESA) and the VET Guidelines Virtu Design Institute Pty Ltd trading as APC Design School must comply with the VET Tuition Assurance requirements. This is to protect VET students in the event that APC Design School ceases to provide a VET course of study in which a VET student is enrolled.

Support
  • If you require support you should contact the APC Design School Registrar on [email protected]
  • If you have a grievance or complaint you should consult the APC Design School Student Complaints and Appeals Policy available on our Handbooks & Policies page
  • If you have any questions, concerns, or require more information regarding any element of VET Student Loans, students should contact the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations HELP Student Enquiry line on 1800 020 108,  email [email protected] or visit www.dewr.gov.au/vet-student-loans
Student grievances

APC Design School is committed to maintaining an effective, timely, fair and equitable grievance handling system which is easily accessible to all complainants. APC Design School aims to ensure:

  • All Complainants will have the opportunity to present their case at each stage of the procedure. See APC Design School Student Complaints and Appeals Policy available on our Handbooks & Policies page
  • The Complainant and any respondent have the option of being accompanied/assisted by a third person (such as a family member, friend or counsellor) if they so desire.
  • The Complainant and any respondent will not be discriminated against or victimised.
  • At all stages of the process, discussions relating to grievances and appeals will be recorded in writing. Reasons and a full explanation in writing for decisions and actions taken as part of this procedure will be provided to the Complainant.
  • Advice on appeal processes will be given in writing with all decisions.
  • A Complainant shall have access to the internal stages of this grievance procedure at no cost.
2023 Schedules of VET Tuition Fees  – APC Design School

 

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