Application Process

Your application to study at Layas Institute will be assessed in a fair and equitable manner to ensure all applicants receive equal consideration. After careful consideration of your application our admissions office will forward successful applicants a Letter of Offer & Acceptance Agreement for your chosen course. You will then be required to complete and sign the Letter of Offer & Acceptance Agreement and return it with initial payment. Successful applicants will also be required to attend the Orientation Program at the commencement of the course.

Related Policies:
Enrolment Process Policy & Procedure

Orientation Program

Once you have enrolled and paid your initial fees you will be required to attend an Orientation session which covers:

• Introduction to Layas Institute and staff
• Training and Assessment Procedures
• Student Administration requirements
• Student support services and orientation to Melbourne

The link below outlines a typical orientation program.

Related Policies:
Orientation Guide
Student Handbook

Teaching and Learning Strategy

All courses conducted at Layas have a documented Teaching and Learning Strategy that provides you with a detailed description of the content of each unit/subject in the course and the assessment requirements for each. Assessment for some units is carried out partly in workplaces through the field education component. However, classroom instruction remains the dominant teaching mode and assessment occurs by way of individual or group projects, essays and presentations.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Prior to commencing your course of study you may apply for credit transfer or RPL if you think that your previous studies may exempt you from some units of the course in which you have enrolled. Applications can be made on the Application for RPL or Credit Transfer form which you can obtain from the Admissions Officer. Requests for credit transfer and/or RPL will be assessed by relevant academic staff and take into account overseas and Australian qualifications. You will be advised of the outcome of your application within 10 days of submitting.

Related Policies:
Course Credit Policy

Course Progress Policy

Layas Institute is required by the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007, established under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 to monitor the academic progress of students. The progress of students through their course is monitored each term and support is offered to those who are not progressing satisfactorily. Students who do not meet course requirements for two consecutive terms may be reported to the Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and their visa may be cancelled.

Related Policies:
Academic Progress Policy
Course Progress Intervention Strategy
Completion within expected duration Policy
DEST-DIAC approved course progress policy and procedures.

Student Attendance

While student attendance in class is no longer a visa requirement for vocational students at Layas Institute it is company policy that students attend for at least 70% of classes. Attendance is monitored by teaching staff and students whose attendance has fallen below 70% will be required to attend an interview with the Program Manager and/or the Campus Manager. Breaching Layas policy may result in cancellation of enrolment.

Related Policies:
Student Attendance Policy

Staff Responsibilities

Staff at Layas Institute include academic/teaching staff, marketing staff and student services staff. All staff are qualified in the functions they perform for students. All are required to abide by the principles of access and equity when dealing with both students and work colleagues. Equity issues are addressed at fortnightly staff and management meetings. Students who feel aggrieved at unfair treatment or decisions can exercise their rights under the Layas Grievance - Complaints and Appeals Policy,

Related Policies:
Grievance - Complaints and Appeals Policy
Student Support Services Policy Procedure

Educational Resources and Facilities

All courses at Layas are provided at premises that are adequate and appropriate for the full teaching and learning function. Resources available to students include learning resources specific to their course and access to general resources such as library, computing and reproduction equipment.

Student deferral, suspension and cancellation of enrolment

Standard 13 of the ESOS National Code requires education and training providers such as Layas to meet certain requirements in relation to deferral, suspension and cancellation of enrolment. If initiated by Layas, students have the right to appeal. Student initiated deferral or suspension of studies can be granted by Layas in limited circumstances including compassionate grounds and serious illness. Students seeking to defer or suspend their studies need to approach student administration with their request.

Related Policies:
Deferral, Suspension or Cancelation of Enrolment Policy

Discipline - Student Code of Conduct

Layas Institute seeks to establish a positive learning environment within which students can pursue their studies. Students are expected to contribute to this environment by respecting fellow students and staff and the resources of Layas, and maintaining appropriate standards of behaviour at all times. The Code of Conduct outlines our expectations of students while they are enrolled at Layas.

• Persistently fail to complete course assignments by the due date.
• Fail to attend the prescribed minimum number of classes without a reasonable excuse.
• Bring into or consume illegal drugs on the premises.
• Bring into or consume alcohol on the premises, without the prior permission of the Campus Manager.
• Exhibit behaviour adversely affected by the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Damage or remove property or resources from Layas Institute.
• Assault (physically or verbally) any person.
• Cheat or attempt to cheat, or knowingly assist any other student to cheat or attempt to cheat. This includes the use of plagiarised materials in assessments.
• Fail to comply with any instruction by a member of staff relating to the safety of any person.
• Exhibit conduct that is aggressive, disorderly, disruptive, harassing or interferes with the comfort, safety or convenience of any person who is acting lawfully and entitled to be present.
• Enter any part of Layas Institute or any other place to which students may have access for the purposes of tuition when not entitled to do so, or having entered, refusing to leave.

In cases where student behaviour is considered inappropriate disciplinary action will be taken and may include cancellation of enrolment. All students can exercise their rights to appeal against disciplinary decisions made by Layas.

Related Policies:
Grievance - Complaints and Appeals Policy
Complaints and Appeals Lodgement Form

Student Grievances - Complaints and Appeals

Layas Institute endeavors to create a positive learning environment for all students and provide support services that are free of coercion, unfair treatment or harassment. Students have the right to have complaints about the quality of the educational services we offer, or their treatment while studying, addressed quickly and fairly. Complaints are best dealt with informally by speaking to an appropriate staff member (teacher, Program Manager, Student Services Officer). Or students can lodge a formal complaint or appeal using Layas' procedures.

Related Policies:
Grievance - Complaints and Appeals Policy
Complaints and Appeals Lodgement Form
Student Support Services Policy Procedure

Fees and Charges

Course fees include a non-refundable enrollment fee and tuition fees. Details of course tuition fees are provided at Courses on this website, or in our brochures. Tuition fees may vary from time to time.

Other charges include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) which is compulsory, airport pickup and excursions.

Tuition fees are required to be paid in advance on a semester basis. Direct debit arrangements are also available for those students who cannot meet the semester payment requirements. Students need to see the Campus Manager for payment details.

Refunds

Layas Institute's refund policy outlines the conditions under which students can claim a refund of tuition fees if they wish to withdraw from a course, or if their application for a visa is rejected. Students can access more detailed explanation of Layas' policy and procedures in relation to refunds at the link below:

Related Policies:
Refund Policy

General Policies:
ESOS framework
Student Handbook