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 13 800 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' capacities to respond to 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 the 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 will give students a unique undergraduate experience by providing challenges and opportunities not available to other students. By participating in College activities, students will be 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 a 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

Gold Coast campus postal enquiries Student Administration Griffith University Gold Coast Mail Centre QLD 9726 in person Student Administration Griffith University Gold Coast Campus Parklands Drive Southport QLD 4215 Centre for Medicine and Oral Health 16-30 High Street Southport QLD 4215 tel: (07) 3735 7700, Freecall 1800 154 055 fax: (07) 5552 8706 email: admissions@griffith.edu.au website: www.griffith.edu.au

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Open Days in 2008

Prospective students and their families are invited to attend the University's Open Day, held on Sunday, 10 August 2008 at all campuses. Academic staff and students are available to discuss the wide range of programs offered.

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Important dates for 2009

Orientation week commences: 23 February 2009
Semester 1 commences: 2 March 2009

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Admission requirements

To be offered admission to a program at the University you must meet the general requirements listed in one or more of the following categories, satisfy English language requirements and be selected in competition with other eligible applicants. For most programs, applicants are expected to have two units of English or equivalent. Some programs require an interview and tests for admission. Read individual program descriptions for additional selection criteria.

Australian Secondary studies

2008 and previous Australian Year 12
If you are a 2008 Australian Year 12 student, you will be selected for admission on the basis of your UAI or equivalent. If you have also undertaken Year 12 previously, you will be considered on the basis of your UAI, or equivalent. If you have attempted other studies since then, these may also be taken into account in the assessment if your application.

Offers made to applicants who have a UAI below the published cut-off
Griffith University has a number of alternative pathways for admission, which may allow 2008 NSW and ACT Year 12 applicants to receive an offer to a program even though they have a UAI below the published cut-off.

They include:
• Educational Access Scheme
• Gold Coast Priority access scheme
• Uni-Start.

For further details read the relevant sections in Griffith University's entry.

Gold Coast Priority access scheme
The Gold Coast campus has a special role in serving the large and rapidly growing regions in the Logan-Gold Coast-Tweed corridor and offer priority access to their regional communities. Residents of Gold Coast City, Logan City, and the Beaudesert, Redland and Tweed Shires, who have not previously been to university, are given some preference in the allocation of places at the Gold Coast campus. Priority access operates automatically for all preferences offered at the Gold Coast campus.

Uni-Start
The Uni-Start Scheme provides consideration for commencing University students who have experienced financial hardship and/or education disadvantage, in the form of bonus points, consideration for a Chancellor's Scholarship or Commonwealth Scholarship, and additional access and transition support. Visit www.griffith.edu.au/scholarships/ for further details and an application form.

Australian tertiary studies

If you have attempted tertiary studies you will be considered for admission on the basis of your grade-point average in these studies.

Students previously or currently enrolled at Griffith University
If you have previously been enrolled in an award program at Griffith University and are seeking readmission to the same program, or if you wish to apply to transfer to a new program, you do not need to apply through UAC. Students applying for Oral Health or Medical Science programs are not eligible for an internal transfer and must apply through UAC.

Exclusion: Applicants who are currently under exclusion that extends into 2009 are not normally eligible for admission. If you have been previously excluded from a tertiary institution you must provide Griffith University with a detailed supporting statement outlining the reasons for exclusion and why you believe you would be more successful in future studies.

Overseas qualifications

Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia with overseas qualifications must contact Griffith University to discuss eligibility for admission before submitting an application to UAC. Refer to table 7 - Commonly accepted overseas secondary qualifications for information on overseas secondary qualifications.

If you have secondary or tertiary qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Alternative entry

The University welcomes applications from people aged at least 21 who do not qualify for admission on the basis of formal educational attainment but seek admission on the basis of their experience and informal study. Griffith recognises the intellectual and skills development gained through bridging and preparatory studies, professional and paraprofessional qualifications, vocational experience, and the Special Tertiary Admissions Test. Applicants seeking alternative entry are encouraged to contact the University to obtain a Griffith University Admissions Guide before applying.

Limited UAI
Read the UAI section.

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Educational Access Scheme

If you believe you have been educationally and/or socially disadvantaged you may apply under the Educational Access Scheme. For more information about this scheme read the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) booklet produced by UAC, which includes an EAS application form.

EAS booklets are available from UAC or Student Centres at participating institutions. If you are a 2008 Australian Year 12 student you can obtain a copy of the booklet from your school/TAFE institution. The booklet and application form can also be downloaded from this website.

The main closing date for EAS applications is Tuesday 30 September 2008. You must submit your EAS application by 30 September to guarantee that it will be considered in time for the Main Round of offers. The late closing date for EAS applications if Friday 28 November 2008.

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Equity Scholarships

Griffith University offers the following Equity Scholarships:
• Commonwealth Scholarships (CS), comprising:
      – Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships (CECS valued at $2 162 in 2008 for up to 4 years)
      – Commonwealth Accommodation Costs Scholarships (CAS valued at $4 324 in 2008 for up to 4 years)
      – Indigenous Access Scholarships (IAS valued at $ 4 080 in 2008 as a once in a lifetime payment)
• Chancellor's Education Costs Scholarships and Chancellor's Accommodation Costs Scholarships.

For further information visit www.griffith.edu.au/scholarships.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

Griffith seeks to increase the participation of Indigenous Australian students in the University's programs. Additional tutoring and support services are provided by the Gumurrii Student Support Unit to assist students to undertake tertiary study successfully.

These services include a Tertiary Preparation Program offered to new students before the start of first semester. Enquiries should be directed to the Head of the Gumurrii Student Support Unit on (07) 5592 8820.

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International fee-paying applicants

The University welcomes full fee-paying international students in most programs. For further information visit www.griffith.edu.au/international. Some international fee-paying applicants apply through UAC; others apply direct to the University. Visit the UAC International website for more information for more information on how to apply.

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Fee-paying courses for Australian students

The Australian Government is phasing out places in undergraduate domestic fee-paying (DFEE) courses from 1 January 2009.

Therefore there are no DFEE courses available for 2009 admissions*. All courses available are Commonwealth-supported place (CSP) courses.

Continuing students
Students who enrolled in a DFEE course before 1 January 2009 will be able to continue with their studies on a fee-paying basis in 2009.

Continuing students who wish to transfer to another Griffith University course in 2009 apply direct to Griffith University for an internal transfer. Students who wish to transfer to a course at another institution in 2009 must apply through UAC.

Deferred students
Students who were offered a place in a DFEE course in 2008 and deferred until 2009 will be able to continue their studies on a fee-paying basis in 2009. All deferred students will be sent information on taking up their deferred place before the end of December.

Deferred students who wish to apply for other courses in 2009 must apply through UAC.

*There are some exceptions, including arrangements for continuing and deferred student, students who enrol in employer-reserved places, and for students who have consumed their Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

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Enrolment

Acceptance of offer

You will receive information about acceptance and enrolment procedures with your letter of offer.

Advanced standing/academic credit

If you are seeking credit for previous study, you must submit an application, accompanied by an original transcript or certified copy of results and course/unit outlines for each course for which credit is sought. Information on credit precedents and application forms are available at www.griffith.edu.au/credit.

Deferment

(A) Applicants who receive an offer based on their performance in a 2008 Australian Year 12	(B) Applicants other than those described in (A)	Comments
Yes, but see comments	Yes, but see comments	· one year only · will lapse if tertiary studies are undertaken · all courses except B Medical Science, B Oral Health in Dental Science, B Oral Health in Oral Health Therapy, B Oral Health in Dental Technology and B Popular Music

Fees and charges

All students must pay student contributions for a Commonwealth-supported place (CSP) - read Course costs and financial assistance.

Students can also choose to pay Student Guild membership fees.

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Financial assistance

Youth and student allowances

For information about Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY read Course costs and financial assistance on this website.

Loans

Student Services staff are available to help students with financial matters, including information on Centrelink payments and entitlements. Student loans are available to students who can demonstrate need and whose future study may be in jeopardy because of financial problems.

Scholarships

In 2008, over 900 scholarships were offered to students in Griffith undergraduate programs. Scholarships include the Sir Samuel Griffith Scholarship for high achieving students, academic and sport scholarships, equity, accommodation and study specific scholarships. For further information call (07) 3735 3870 or Freecall 1800 154 055, or visit www.griffith.edu.au/scholarships.

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Student services and facilities

The Gold Coast campus is a 10-minute drive from the central business area of Southport, which offers excellent shopping and service facilities. An Olympic-standard running track, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, and a recreational area with barbecue facilities are available on campus for student use. The Link Building accommodates a number of commercial shops including a bookshop, travel agency, credit union and hairdresser. It also has a training restaurant and bar for hotel management students, CJ's on the Link, which is open to the public.

Accommodation

Griffith University Villages is a new student accommodation complex, located on campus at Griffith University Gold Coast. The village offers fully-furnished apartments and student support in the form of live-in Residential Assistants. For more information call (07) 5539 4819, email info@griffithuv.com.au or visit www.griffithuv.com.au.

Griffith's Gold Coast Student Guild also assists students to locate suitable private accommodation or flats. For further information call (07) 5552 8297.

Library/computing services

The Gold Coast campus has a high computer-to-student ratio, with laboratories available to students all day, every day. The library offers material in a variety of formats including slide-tape sets, audio-cassette tapes, computer software and video-tapes. CD-ROM and online searching facilities are also available.

Other support services

Students can access welfare, careers, counselling, health and equity support services and chaplaincy on campus. For further information visit www.griffith.edu.au/ua/aa/ss. Learning assistance services are available on campuses: visit www.griffith.edu.au/ins/training/.

There are also additional support services for Indigenous and international students and for students with special support needs associated with a disability. For further information call (07) 3735 7470.

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