Avondale Policies

Admission to Undergraduate Courses [A.02]



RELATED POLICIES  

Verification of Credentials and Qualifications [A.17]

[A.02]  

Avondale College of Higher Education (hereafter referred to as Avondale) welcomes applications from all prospective students and no test of religion, politics, race or gender is applied to determine admission as a student, graduation or the enjoyment of any benefit, advantage or privilege of the institution. Admission is dependent on intellectual competence and a willingness to conform to Avondale's values and regulations. Several pathways are available to admission but the onus is on the student to demonstrate his/her capacity to succeed in tertiary education. Avondale will accept various forms of documentary evidence to support this claim.    

  • Year 12 Satisfactory Completion  
    Australian and New Zealand students may provide evidence of satisfactory completion of Year 12 (Australia) or Year 13 (New Zealand).  This may be through achieving at least the minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score (or equivalent), as published in the relevant course booklet available on the Avondale web under course information.
  • TAFE Qualifications  
    Successful completion of a VET award at Certificate IV or higher at an Australian Registered Training Organisation (or equivalent) will normally be considered to meet the entry requirements into the undergraduate degree courses at Avondale. Individual courses may have specific entry requirements.
  • Foundation Studies  
    Successful completion of a Foundation Studies Course at a recognised Australian institution, designed to prepare students for tertiary education, may be used to gain entry into the undergraduate degree courses at Avondale.
  • Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)  
    An appropriate score in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be provided by applicants who do not have a satisfactory ATAR or its equivalent, and who are at least nineteen years of age by the census date in the commencing semester of studies.
  • International Baccalaureate  
    Successful completion of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.
  • Special Consideration  
    Special consideration may be extended to people who have suffered economic or social disadvantage.  Disadvantage may be the result of many factors including: low socio-economic background, non-English speaking background, family disruption, high mobility in childhood, little encouragement to continue study, primary care of children, remote area background, excessive travel time to school, personal illness, injury, disability, or refugee status.  In such cases, the onus remains with the applicant to demonstrate a level of knowledge that indicates a capacity to succeed at tertiary level. This may be done by undertaking the STAT test (at the discretion of the Registrar the age requirement may be waived in special circumstances), relevant VET qualifications, or by recent passes in at least two degree level units completed at a recognized tertiary institution.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

  • Specific pre-requisites  
    Some courses have specific pre-requisites and these are listed with the information about that particular course later in this Handbook.
  • For applicants for Commonwealth supported places in education and nursing  
    Offers of places are made in order of academic merit (based on ATAR score  or its equivalent, or other entry qualifications as assessed by the Registrar). 
  • For courses involving contact with vulnerable people   
    Applicants for courses offered by the Faculty of Nursing and Health, the and the School of Ministry and Theology, and the School of Education and any other courses that include contact with children, young people, the ill, or other classes of vulnerable people are required to sign a self-disclosure form (Prohibited Persons Declaration) and consent to a criminal record check.  These checks may be required by organisations providing professional experience placements, fieldwork, clinical placements, work experience or professional internship placements. Applicants should note that in order to run the criminal records check, an employer body or other agency may require Avondale to provide it with personal information including name, date and place of birth, citizenship status and current address.
  • For courses including fieldwork  
    Some courses require professional experience placements, fieldwork, clinical components, work experience or professional internship placements. If organisations/agencies providing such placements decline for any reason to permit a student to undertake this aspect of his/her studies, then he/she may not be able to complete the requirements of the course.  Avondale will do all that is reasonable to arrange an alternative location for the student to undertake such compulsory components.  However, Avondale cannot guarantee that such an option will be available.  Students should therefore note that, in such circumstances, they may not be able to graduate with the anticipated award.

Other courses such as nursing also require adherence to relevant NSW Health Department vaccination and screening guidelines that are in place during the time of their course.  This may require completion of some vaccinations or undertaking of particular screening for exposure to, or protection from, certain diseases.  Non-participation in this vaccination and screening program may prevent the completion of compulsory clinical placements and hence the student may not be able to graduate with the anticipated award.

  • For international applicants whose first language is not English  
    Courses at Avondale are delivered in the English language.  In order to complete the courses successfully, international applicants from a country where English is not the first language must demonstrate proficiency in English in one of the following ways:

    For undergraduate degree course applicants   (except for Bachelor of Nursing applicants whose requirements are stated below separately):
    1. Provide documentary evidence at the time the application is lodged that all secondary schooling was conducted in the English language, AND evidence of a satisfactory pass in English in a British O level examination or local equivalent; or

    2. Provide documentary evidence at the time the application is lodged of a satisfactory pass in the standardised IELTS test with a score of 6.5 or better, with no individual band score less than 6.0 for all courses in all Faculties except courses in the School of Education which require a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 in each category, and the Diploma of General Studies which requires a minimum score of 6.0 with no individual band score of less than 6.0; or

    3. Provide documentary evidence at the time the application is lodged of a satisfactory pass in the standardised TOEFL paper-based test  at a minimum score of 575 (630 for   Education courses) with written score not less than 4.55.0 for Education courses, or in the TOEFL computer based test at a minimum score of 232 (263 for Education courses) with written score not less than 5.0, or in the TOEFL internet based test at a minimum score of 90 (113 for Education courses) with written score not less 23 (25 for Education courses) and no subsets less than 22 (25 for Education). ; or

    4. Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English with a minimum grade of B (or A for Education courses); or

    5. Pearson Test of English (Academic) with a minimum score of 64 (75 for Education courses); or

    6. Successful completion of at least two years full-time (or equivalent) of tertiary study conducted in the English language in Australia, or another country in which English is the official language, within the last two years.

  • For Bachelor of Nursing course applicants  
    Applicants for the Bachelor of Nursing whose first language is not English will normally be required to provide documentary evidence, at the time the application is lodged, of a satisfactory pass in the standardised Academic IELTS test with a score of 6.5 or better, with no individual band score less than 6.5 and dated within 2 years of the expected commencement of the degree. Subject to consideration by the Dean, Faculty of Nursing and Health, exemptions to this requirement may be granted to applicants who can provide suitable evidence of secondary schooling taught and assessed in English or have been awarded the Higher School Certificate or equivalent with a pass in English in Australia.  In some circumstances, a satisfactory interview and assessment by the Dean of Faculty or Course Convenor of English language capability may be required.
  • English Language Requirements for Student Visas for International Students  
    Overseas applicants are also required to satisfy Australian Government visa requirements. Applicants from countries deemed Level 3 or 4 by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will be required to obtain an IELTS score of 6.0 or better, or equivalent as approved by DIAC, (however, please note the entry requirements for Avondale courses as identified above) to be eligible to obtain a visa, even if other options listed above are demonstrated. The Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in the home country will provide information regarding the visa requirement.
    (See http://www.immi.gov.au/students/english-requirements.htm ).
  • English Language Proficiency Requirement for Teachers in NSW  
    International students require an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) of at least 8.0 for speaking and listening prior to being employed as graduate teachers in New South Wales.
  • English Language Proficiency Requirement for Nurses in Australia  
    International students may require an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) of at least 7.0 for nurse registration and currently require an International English Language Test Score (IELTS) of at least 7.0 on all bands prior to being employed as graduate nurses in New South Wales Health facilities.  These regulations affecting nurse registration and employment in Australia may change subject to amendments by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia and the Board's website should be checked for any updates available.
  • Minimum English Language Requirements  
    The English entry requirements listed above are a minimum level and applicants are advised to take further English study after enrolment if specific language challenges are encountered. 

    In exceptional circumstances demonstrated English proficiency to the satisfaction of the Academic Registrar, subject to DIAC requirements, will be accepted.

If applicants do not meet these English language requirements but satisfy all other academic requirements, they will be advised to undertake instruction in an English Language program. For admission to all Faculties except the Faculty of Nursing and Health, this may be taken as a "package offer" in which the English course is followed by undergraduate study.

 COUNTRY

 ENTRY CERTIFICATE REQUIRED
Botswana

Successful completion of a minimum of 3 GCE "A" level subjects (at least 2 subjects in one sitting); or
Successful completion of one year full-time equivalent of a bachelor degree at a recognised university

Brazil Successful completion of one year  full-time equivalent of a bachelor degree at a recognised university; or
Successful completion of a recognised 3 year full-time equivalent diploma
Canada Provincial High School or Secondary School Diploma satisfying entry to Canadian University; or
Ontario year 13 Secondary School Diploma with 6 University preparation courses with minimum average of 65%
Peoples Republic of China Successful completion of one year  full-time equivalent of a bachelor degree at a recognised university; or
Applicants with completed degrees should provide certified proof of completion including National Emblem, certificate number and accreditation of their degree; or
Satisfactory completion of a recognised post-secondary Certificate of Graduation or Graduation Diploma
Denmark Successful completion of  Danish Studentereksmen (stx) or Hojere Forberedelseseksamen (hf), or equivalent
Fiji

Successful completion of Fijian Seventh Form Certificate with minimum average of 60% in best 4 subjects, one of which must be English; or
Successful completion of the University of South Pacific Foundation Year

France Successful completion of the French Baccalaureate
Germany Successful completion of Abitur, Fachhochschulreife or Zeugnis der Allgemeine Hochschulreife (Reifezeugnis)
Ghana Successful completion of West African School Certificate and a minimum of 2 passes in West African General Certificate of Education at the advanced level
Hong Kong Successful completion of Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (minimum 2 advanced level passes with minimum grades of C and 3 HKCEE passes with minimum grades of C); or
Successful completion of Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education
India Successful completion of Indian School Certificate; or
Successful completion of All India Senior School Certificate; or
Successful completion of Senior Secondary Certificate with minimum aggregate of 65% in best 4 subjects other than local languages
Indonesia Successful completion of one year full-time equivalent of a Gakushi (Bachelor degree) at a recognised university; or
Successful completion of SMU III Secondary School Certificate with a minimum average of 8.0 in 4 academic subjects
Japan Successful completion of one year full-time equivalent of a Bachelor degree at a recognised university or junior college; or
Successful completion of Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shosho (Upper Secondary School Certificate of Graduation) with a minimum GPA of 4.5 out of 5
Kenya Successful completion of a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with a minimum average of B across 7 subjects, including a B or higher in English
Korea (South) Successful completion of one year full-time equivalent of a Bachelor degree at a recongised university; or
Immumgye Kodung Hakkyo Choeupchang (Upper Secondary Certificate) with minimum overall GPA of 3 out of 4
Malaysia Successful completion of one year full-time equivalent of a Bachelor degree at a recognised university; or
Successful completion of a recognised polytechnic/college certificate, diploma or advanced diploma; or
Successful completion of Sijil Tingii Pelajaran Malaysia (minimum of three advanced level subjects)
Mauritius Successful completion of a minimum of 3 General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced level subjects
Netherlands Successful completion of Diploma staatsexamen Voorbereiend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (Diploma VMO); or
Successful completion of staatsexamen Hoger Algameen Voortgezet Onderwijis (Diploma HAVO)
New Zealand Completion of National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 with university entrance
Norway Successful completion of Vitnemal fra den videregaende skolen with minimum grade of 3.5
South Pacific Islands (except Fiji and PNG) Successful completion of the University of the South Pacific Foundation Year
Papua New Guinea Completion of PNG Higher School Certificate and a successful preliminary year at Pacific Adventist University, University of PNG or PNG University of Technology
Philippines Successful completion of one year of full-time equivalent of a Bachelor degree at a recognised university
Singapore Successful completion of the Singapore Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (A level) Examination
South Africa Successful completion of the National Senior Certificate (from 2008); or
Successful completion of the Senior Certificate (prior to 2008)
Sweden Successful completion of the Slutbetyg Från Gymnasieskola
Taiwan

Successful completion of one year full-time equivalent of a Bachelor degree at a recognised university; or
Successful completion of a Senior Higher School Diploma or Senior Vocational School Diploma with a minimum average of 75%

Tanzania Successful completion of the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education
Thailand Successful completion of the Thai Certifcate of Secondary Education; or
Successful completion of one year full-time equivalent of a Bachelor degree at a recognised university
Uganda Successful completion the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education
United Kingdom Successful completion of a minimum of 3 General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced level subjects (at least 2 subjects in one sitting)
United States Successful completion of a High School Diploma with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and a minimum score of 500 in the SAT Reasoning Test in each of the Critical Reading, Maths and Writing sections; or
Successful completion of at least two quarters of a Bachelor degree at a regionally accredited College or institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0; or
Satisfactory completion of a diploma or associate diploma at an accredited institution
Zambia Successful completion of a minimum of 3 GCE "A" level subjects (at least 2 subjects in one sitting); or
Successful completion of one year full-time equivalent of a Bachelor degree at a recognised university
Zimbabwe

Successful completion of the Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at Advanced level with a minimum of 3 advanced level passes; or
Successful completion of a minimum of 3 GCE Advanced level subjects (at least 2 subjects in one sitting)

 

Prospective students who wish to appeal against a determination made with respect to admission to Avondale College are referred to the Student Grievance and Appeals Policy (see Academic Grievances/Prospective Student Section) which is located on the Avondale College website at http://www.avondale.edu.au/information::Policies/display/?s=MjA0

Details



Description:
Rules for admission to undergraduate courses of study. Minor amendment 13 September 2010

Approved By:
Academic Board

Approval Date:
3 August 2011

Upload Authorised By:
VP (A&R)

Replaces:
v10, 9 March 2011

Review In:
August 2014

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