There are a number of government rules and regulations relating to your studies. There are some rules that apply to all students, whilst other only apply to particular groups. These regulations cover a range of topics and it is important that you understand what is relevant to you, and the implications if you don’t comply. The following information provides an overview of some of the different government requirements you need to be aware of. Please note, this is not a conclusive list and some of the rules may change without notice.
There are some rules that apply to all students, whilst others apply to particular groups. Select from the below options for more information.
Job-ready Graduates Package
The Job-ready Graduate Package are higher education reforms that change funding arrangements and student protections. The Package delivers revised arrangements which includes investing in areas of national priority, improved accountability and transparency through integrated systems and support processes, as well as more opportunities and funding support for regional, rural and Indigenous students.
There are also a number of student protection requirements under the Package, which have been incorporated into supporting our students success. We support you through your journey, monitor every student’s progress and engage with students throughout their studies to ensure satisfactory progress towards completing a degree and preventing incurring unnecessary debt.
Unique Student Identifier
A Unique Student Identifier (USI) is your individual education number that you will have for life.
From 1 January 2023, all higher education students, including those who commenced prior to 2021, must have a USI in order to graduate and receive their testamur. This includes onshore international and Higher Degree by Research students.
All new domestic students, and those transferring to a new course, must have a USI to be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) and to receive Commonwealth financial assistance, through the HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, OS-HELP and SA-HELP schemes.
Commencing students will need to submit their USI when they accept their offer to study at Flinders.
COVID-19 vaccination requirements
Please visit the University’s COVID-19 information page for information regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements.
Upfront payment discount
The Education Legislation Amendment (2022 Measures no. 1) Act 2022 was passed through Federal Parliament in November 2022. Included in this bill was the removal of the HECS-HELP up-front payment discount. This change is effective from 1 January 2023 and means that there is no up-front discount available for topics with a census date of 1 January 2023 or later.
Student Learning Entitlement
The Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) is a limit on the amount of study you can undertake in a commonwealth supported place in your lifetime.
The SLE does not apply to students who commenced their studies prior to 2022. The SLE will apply from 1 January 2022 onwards. If you commence a new course in 2022, the SLE will apply to you.
Low completion rates
A low completion rate is a fail rate of more than 50 per cent of the topics you have attempted, after you have attempted eight or more topics of study in a bachelor level or higher course (or four or more topics in a higher education course lower than a bachelor course.) These changes will take effect in 2022.
If you have a low completion rate, you will not be eligible for Commonwealth assistance and will be required to pay the full course fees upfront (you will not be eligible to defer your fees through HECS-HELP).
This change affects Commonwealth supported students who commence a course with the first topic census date on or after 1 January 2022.
Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act (2000)
International students on student visas are protected by Australian laws. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act (2000) and its associated instruments ensure high standards of education, facilities and support services while you are in Australia. You also have rights to accurate and up to date information about your course and education provider both before and during your enrolment. The ESOS framework ensures your right to a complaints and appeals process, and offers you financial protection in case your provider cannot deliver your course of study.
All students are required to abide by the University’s policies and conditions of enrolment at all times. As an international student on a student visa, you must also:
- Ensure you continue to meet the conditions of your student visa
- Maintain enrolment so that you complete your study in the duration of your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)
- Maintain satisfactory course progress
- Ensure you have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your student visa
- Advise the University of any changes to your address or other contact details
- Respect any work restrictions on your visa
More information about ESOS and your enrolment is available.
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South Australia 5042
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