Griffith University

The rapidly-growing Gold Coast campus of Griffith University is a 10-minute drive from the central business area of Southport. The campus has 13 200 students and offers a range of programs relevant to the region it serves. Students studying Medicine and Oral Health programs enjoy state of the art facilities in the purpose-built Centre for Medicine and Oral Health, located in the heart of Southport.

Griffith University provides all the advantages of a large university but with the commitment of personal service to its students. Perhaps the most important advantage of the five campuses is the benefit of offering a relatively small campus environment in which students can know and be known by staff and other students. Specialised facilities and resources available to students include the University libraries and Griffith Artworks, a creative arts workshop and resource centre.

Griffith University degrees are designed to prepare students for the career demands of the 21st century. The University's programs address problems and themes of importance to the community and to career needs, enabling students to gain knowledge, scholarly values, general skills and specific skills that equip them for employment. A feature of program design is an emphasis on enhancing students' capabilities to respond and shape their future circumstances and opportunities - to be adaptable and versatile.

In most Bachelor programs students are introduced broadly to their study field in first year. This provides a context for their specialisation and a basis on which to choose majors with an understanding of what they involve and where they will lead. Students usually select their specialisations by the time they enter second year. Programs are constantly under review and the University is continually looking forward to identify career trends and the future needs of industry and society in Queensland and Australia.

Griffith combines some of the most modern facilities of any academic institution in the country with the latest advances in knowledge and technology. Hands-on involvement in real projects, work experience and internships provide practical experience and create links with professionals. Honours programs are offered in most fields to students who achieve excellent results in their Bachelor's degree program. Honours is either an additional year of study or is included within a four-year program. Qualifications at honours level can be important in entering some careers and professions, and can open opportunities for postgraduate research studies at Griffith University and in other higher education institutions.

Griffith University Honours College
Designed for outstanding students, the Griffith Honours College facilitates a unique undergraduate experience by providing challenges and opportunities not available to other students. By participating in the College, students are able to engage their intellectual curiosity and take part in specially designed enrichment activities that will equip them, as graduates, to take on the emerging challenges of the twenty-first century as well as the skills necessary to become leaders in their field.

The University has strong commitment to excellence in research and competes successfully for research funding. Students attending the University benefit from this research because it requires high quality academic staff whose expertise flows into teaching.

The quality of research undertaken at Griffith University is reflected in the growing number of postgraduate students undertaking higher degrees by research. Programs of research leading to the award of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are offered in all areas of the University’s major research interests.

Contact details

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Open Days, exhibitions and interview sessions

In Australia
Prospective students are invited to attend the University’s Open Day, held on Sunday 10 August 2008 at all campuses. Prospective student and program information is also available by calling +61 5552 8819, or email your enquiry to international@griffith.edu.au.

Overseas
Griffith University participates in a range of exhibitions and recruitment events overseas. For more information on when staff from the University will be visiting your city, visit www.griffith.edu.au/international. For details of Griffith University's overseas agents/representatives, visit www.griffith.edu.au/international.

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Important dates for 2009

The academic year at Griffith University is divided into two main sessions:
• Semester 1 (between February and June)
• Semester 2 (between July and November).

There is also an optional Summer Semester (between December and January), when a limited range of courses is offered.

Semester 1 2009 (February)
Orientation Week commences: 16 February 2009
Semester 1 commences: 2 March 2009

Semester 2 2009 (July)
Orientation Week commences: 13 July 2009
Semester 2 commences: 27 July 2009

Academic calendar
For important dates concerning teaching periods, study breaks and vacation periods check the main University Calendar at www.griffith.edu.au/ua/aa/sta/calendar.

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Admission requirements

Read Admissions and selection for general information.

Admission requirements are the minimum qualifications you need before you can be selected for admission to a course of study.

As an international student attempting one of the following qualifications, you will apply for admission through UAC International and will generally be selected on the basis of your performance in these studies (that is, your UAI or equivalent):
• an Australian Year 12 qualification (either offshore or in Australia)
• an International Baccalaureate in Australia
• a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3.

When assessing your application Griffith University may take any or all of your qualifications or attempts at study into account.

Limited UAI
The University accepts the NSW Limited UAI for admission purposes - read UAI.

International applicants applying for admission on the basis of qualifications other than those listed above must apply directly to the University, not through UAC International. For details visit www.griffith.edu.au/international.

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Students under 18 years of age

Before you are granted a student visa, the Australian Government must be satisfied that you have appropriate accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements in place for the period that you will be under 18 years of age while in Australia.

Griffith University does not accept responsibility for welfare arrangements for international students who are under 18 years of age.

For more information on what arrangements need to be in place, visit www.immi.gov.au/students/students/573-1/eligibility-student-18.htm.

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Areas of study

Griffith University offers a wide range of undergraduate courses in:
• Arts, Languages and Criminology
• Business
• Education
• Engineering and IT
• Environment and Planning
• Health
• Law
• Music
• Science
• Visual and Creative arts.

For program descriptions, visit the course search. For more information on program structure, visit www.griffith.edu.au/programsandcourses.

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Tuition fees

For information about tuition fees use the course search.

The annual tuition fee covers an academic year of two semesters, each semester normally consisting of courses totalling forty credit points. This is a normal full-time enrolment. The fee which a student is charged is calculated on the basis of the number of credit points the student is enrolled in for the semester.

The tuition fee remains fixed for the duration of a student's program. However, should a student with a terminated enrolment be readmitted to the University, the student may be liable for the fee that applies at the time of re-enrolment.

Applicants who receive an offer of admission are required to pay a deposit, normally one semester's fee in advance, and prior to commencement of studies, in order to secure their place. The amount of the deposit required is stated in the University's offer letter. Throughout their enrolment, students are required to pay each semester's fees by the due date as prescribed by the University. A student who fails to pay each semester's fee in full by the due date may have their enrolment terminated.

Fees policy
For more information regarding tuition fees and charges, or to view the fees and charges policy for international students, visit www.griffith.edu.au/ua/aa/sta/fees.

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Living expenses

Read Money matters for general information.

In addition to tuition fees, students will need between A$15 000 and A$18 000 to meet their expenses each year for accommodation, text books, study materials and personal expenses including transport, entertainment and recreation. These amounts will not cover major expenses such as buying a car, television, stereo or computer.

It is recommended that students bring at least A$3 000 with them to cover establishment costs (for example, bonds on rental property, telephone connection charges and text books).

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Scholarships

Read Money matters for general information.

Griffith University understands the time constraints and financial challenges facing students striving to achieve at the highest levels in academic and sporting fields. For the latest scholarship information, visit www.griffith.edu.au/international.

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Sponsored students

Read Money matters for general information.

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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

International Students (and their dependants) are required to subscribe to the compulsory OSHC scheme for the duration of their studies in Australia. OSHC Worldcare is Griffith University's preferred provider for all commencing international students. The University will organise the OSHC for you for the duration of your studies with the University.

For more information visit www.oshcworldcare.com.au.

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Health services on campus

The Health Service at the Gold Coast campus offers bulk-billing for medical consultations for students with Medicare and OSHC Worldcare cards, and free nursing consultations.

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Working while studying

Anyone who is not an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident may apply to study in Australia. Students must obtain a student visa before starting a course of study in Australia.

Restrictions are placed on the number of hours students will be allowed to work in a week. This differs as to the kind of visa held. However, usually the following is allowed for a student visa:
• a maximum of 20 hours a week during the semester, not including work that is a formal registered part of the course of study and
• unlimited hours during recognised periods of vacation.

Contact details and more information on visas is available at www.immi.gov.au.

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Preparing for student life

To assist students in preparing for their journey to Australia and their studies at Griffith, Griffith International have compiled a Student Essentials guide, filled with important information to assist commencing international students such as accommodation, transport, and on-campus services for students. It also contains helpful pre-departure information to assist students in preparing for life at Griffith University. The Student Essentials guide is available at www.griffith.edu.au/international.

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Acceptance, orientation, enrolment and deferment

Acceptance

Once students have received their offer letter, they will be able to commence their student visa application. Students will be asked to pay for the first semester of their degree program in order to obtain a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE).

Orientation

Orientation is a compulsory program of events held at the beginning of the semester for all commencing students. It is our chance to welcome new students to the Griffith University community and assist them to settle more quickly into their new academic and living environment.

On arrival, international students must visit the International Office at the Gold Coast campus to register for the compulsory 'Getting Started' session and to collect their Enrolment Pack. An International Student Handbook will be given to students at the Getting Started session. This is also available at the International Students website, www.griffith.edu.au/international.

GI MATES is a peer support program that provides a range of services including enrolment advice, study support and city familiarisation tours.

GI MATES mentors welcome new international students as part of Griffith University's Orientation activities. Many of the mentors are international students themselves. They offer advice about enrolling and accommodation, and share personal accounts of how they settled into university and Australian life.

Enrolment

Griffith University has an online enrolment service, enabling all students to enrol themselves in their programs using the Griffith Portal. The Griffith University website contains information and guidance regarding enrolment at the Enrolment page.

Deferment

If students wish to defer (take leave of absence) or cancel their enrolment at Griffith University, they must see an International Student Adviser at Griffith International to discuss the implications for their student visa and University policies relating to leave of absence/cancellation.

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Student support

Griffith University's International Office offers a full range of student support services once you have become a Griffith student which include:
• pre-departure information
• airport reception
• accommodation assistance
• comprehensive orientation
• international student advisers.

Airport reception

The Gold Coast Student Guild can organise a free-of-charge Airport Reception service to meet students on arrival. The service will collect students at the Brisbane Airport (International and Domestic) or Coolangatta Airport (Gold Coast) and take them directly to their accommodation. To use this service, students must complete an Airport Reception form, available in the Student Essentials guide.

Griffith International

International students have dedicated support through international student advisers, who can help with advocacy and can give advice on who to contact, adjusting to the new environment, difficulties in a student's life that affect their ability to study, cancelling enrolment or taking leave of absence, appeals and difficulties paying tuition fees on time. For more information on assistance available, visit www.griffith.edu.au/international.

Student Administration Centre

Student Administration staff can help with academic policies and procedures, including program structure and course selection, enrolment and credit. For more information visit www.griffith.edu.au/ua/aa/sta.

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Accommodation

Griffith Accommodation offers a friendly service to help students find the right place to live. Options include on and off campus accommodation, student hostels, flats/houses/apartments, share accommodation and homestay.

For more information, visit www.griffith.edu.au/ocs/accommodation.

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Campus services and facilities

To ensure our students' success, Griffith University has a range of support services available, including:

Careers advice

For information about part-time and vacation jobs, graduate employment, career counselling, and contact with employers; access the CareerBoard at www.griffith.edu.au/careers.

Chaplaincy

Chaplaincy offers support for spiritual and personal development and fresh perspectives on spirituality, faith, religion and life matters. Chaplaincy supports students to enhance and enrich the University community.

Counselling

Student Services offer a counselling service on matters relating to transition, study, motivation, relationships, self-esteem, grief and loss, anxiety, stress and much more.

Learning Assistance

Experienced Learning Advisers are available to help you with your studies to enable you to become an independent and lifelong learner. Assistance includes free interactive workshops, online learning assistance, drop-in sessions and one-on-one support.

Visit www.griffith.edu.au/ins/learningservices for a full program of available workshops and self-help resources relating to academic, computing and library skills.

Library/Computing services

Library skills demonstrations and workshops cover finding information by using the library catalogue, databases and the internet.

Computing skills workshops are available for new and advanced computer users and include word processing, spreadsheeting and presentation skills. Web-based interactive tutorials are available for many applications.

Visit www.griffith.edu.au/ins/learningservices for a full program of available workshops and self-help resources relating to academic, computing and library skills.

Student equity services

Equity services provide support for students with disabilities and information about equity programs.

Student Guild

The Student Guild can assist students with an accommodation service, an employment (part-time) service, campus sporting and cultural clubs, a laminating and fax service, and a list of available tutors (private). For more information, visit www.gugcstudentguild.com.au.

Welfare support and financial assistance

Student loans and other financial assistance are available.

Other services

Griffith's extensive on-campus facilities ensure that students can easily satisfy their needs. Included at the Gold Coast campus are banking, bar, barbeques, basketball and beach volleyball courts, bookshop and convenience store, computing labs, restaurants, gym, library, recording studio, hairdresser, medical services, travel agency, and Olympic-standard running track. Careers and employment counselling, legal services and welfare are also provided.

At Griffith, safety and security are provided by personal security guides and regular security patrols around the campus. Bus services, safety lighting and an emergency telephone network are some of the ways we make Griffith a safe and secure environment for all. More information is available at www.griffith.edu.au/ofm/security.

Further information on student services is available at www.griffith.edu.au/ua/aa/ss.

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FAQs and further information

For more information about studying at Griffith University as an international student visit www.griffith.edu.au/international.

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