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Faculty of English
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Placement
- How do I know which class is appropriate for me?
Each student is given a written and oral placement test on orientation day to determine the correct class for his/her level.
Improvement
- How can I improve my listening, speaking, writing or reading?
All the classes at SICB give equal focus to each of these skill areas. The students in a class can request further study of a particular skill.
Additionally, there are morning "Self-Access" hours that allow each student to focus on the skill areas that interest him/her.
- How quickly can I improve my IELTS score/achieve a 6.0/7.0?
The time needed to achieve a 6.0/7.0 on the IELTS test depends on the ability of the student when he/she enters the school. However, most students who work hard and have good attendance can expect to increase their score by 1.0 every 2-3 months on average.
- I cannot do a certain part of the IELTS test (eg. writing / listening). What can I do?
Experienced IELTS teachers, who focus on the specific skills required for the exam, teach our afternoon elective classes. There is review of grammar and vocabulary, as well as emphasis on test taking skills.
EAP
- What is EAP and what will I learn in the class?
EAP (English for Academic Purposes) prepares students for tertiary studies in Australia, by teaching, practicing and developing all appropriate language skills to be successful in higher academic courses.
- What level of English is required to study EAP?
Ideally, students should have a competent knowledge of grammatical functions/pre-intermediate level before entering EAP.
- Can High School students change to EAP (English for Academic Purposes) or simultaneously attend EAP?
Students at an Upper Intermediate level may be allowed to enter EAP. Do remember though that you have to complete year 12 to study at university. EAP does not give you High School qualifications. Equally important, you need to be at least 17 years old, turning 18 soon, to study in EAP.
Textbook
- Do students buy their textbooks?
Textbooks are provided to all students for their courses at the college for a fully refundable fee of $50. The textbook must be returned at the end of the course. It remains the college property. You should not use a pen when answering questions in the textbook.
Computers
- Can I use computers/e-mail/internet at SICB?
Yes, at no extra cost to you.
Attendance
- What are the attendance requirements at the college?
If you are a full time student on a student visa, you will have Condition 8202 attached to your visa. This states that all individuals on student visas are to attend a minimum of 80% of their classes. If you fail to meet this attendance requirement, your visa will be automatically cancelled. An hour of class time equals 4% of your attendance. If you miss a class for illness, visit a doctor and give your teacher a copy of the medical certificate. The medical certificate must be dated and signed by a registered doctor. It also needs to have a provider number. Your attendance is made up of 20 hours of face-to-face teaching + 5 hours of self-access hours before class per week. Be sure to attend self-access between 10am and 11am.
Health Cover
- Do I need health cover?
It is not compulsory to take out personal health/travel insurance in your country before you come to Australia, but strongly recommended. However, if you are on a Student Visa you must take out Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Discounts
- Can I get student discounts on transport (buses, trains, ferries etc.)?
International students are not allowed to get concessions on public transport. You must pay full-fare for buses, trains and ferries. If you buy a concession you will be fined.
Course Extension
- Can I extend my course once I have started?
Many visas will allow you to extend your study after you have begun at SICB. You just have to go to the Reception on Level 4 and tell us how long you want to extend for. (You should do this at least 1 week before you are supposed to finish). You will be asked to fill out a Course Extension form. You then have to pay your fees before you re-commence. Please keep in mind visa requirements.
Further studies
- Once I have finished my General English, EAP, IELTS preparation course, can I enrol in any of the other faculties at Sydney International College of Business Pty. Ltd.?
Yes, you can. If you have finished your English course but have not reached Intermediate proficiency in English or 5.5 on the IELTS scale, you would be advised to continue your English language study with us until you have reached this level. However, if you have reached Intermediate proficiency in English or 5.5 on the IELTS scale, you can select to enrol in any of the courses offered by the Faculty of Cookery and Patisserie and Faculty of Hairdressing.
- What IELTS score allows me to enter a foundation course or a university in Australia?
Different institutions have different entrance requirements. Usually, a score of 5.5 is required to enter a foundation course to prepare the student for university. Depending on the course, a score of 6.0 is the minimum entrance requirement for most universities in Australia.
- What is required to attend an Australian university?
You will have to have completed year 12 of secondary school in your country. Completing a foundation course also prepares you for university courses.
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Sydney International College of Business Pty. Ltd.
CRICOS Provider 01475A - Sydney campus
CRICOS Provider 02706E - Melbourne campus
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