Frequently Asked Questions

What does it cost to live in Melbourne and is it safe?
A student will need to have approximately $AU $13,000 to $15,000 to live during the study year which is about half the cost of living in Britain or the USA. This should cover rent and bills, food, books and materials for study, clothes, transport and entertainment.

If you have school-aged children (5 years and above) that you intend to bring to Australia, you will need to arrange for their education. Information on Australian schools is available from DIAC here. All dependants of overseas students are required to pay fees to enrol in a standard government school. Information on fees at Victorian government schools is available here. There are also some non-government schools with similar fees.

Melbourne has twice in the past four years been voted the world's Most Livable City by international travel agencies. It is a relatively safe and very friendly city.

Is the Academy recognised by the Government?
Yes. The Academy is an Approved Higher Education Institution and a Registered Training Organisation and is on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). The Australian Academy of Design conducts nationally accredited courses.

Do students who complete courses get credit from universities?
Yes. Because the Academy conducts nationally accredited courses that are included in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), students are eligible for credit at universities. All tertiary institutions are required to recognise completed studies at other registered institutions for credit.

What support services does the Academy provide?
The Academy’s International Student Coordinator (email: international@aad.edu.au) can liaise with other Academy staff to provide information on most issues affecting your experience as a student.
For general enquiries and assistance students can contact the Academy’s Administration Office.

A list of emergency contact numbers and support services – including counselling and legal advice – is available here.

A more detailed list of health services is available in the online Student Manual.

What if I enrol at the Academy and then change my mind?
Currently international students are not permitted to defer their studies at the Academy before enrolment. However, students may cancel their enrolment at the Academy at any time. The Academy’s policy on withdrawals and refunds is available here.
There are government restrictions on international students transferring to another education provider during the first six months of their enrolment. More information is available here. The Academy’s own policy on transferring between providers is included in the Student Manual and available from the Administration Office on request.
The National Code permits international students to take leave of absence only in compassionate and compelling circumstances. Information about these circumstances, and the evidence required to prove them, is available at section 13.2 here.

Can I study Part-time?
No. The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires that all students on Student Visas must enrol in full-time studies. A full list of student visa conditions is available here.

What are my obligations as a student?
Throughout your enrolment at the Academy you must:

• Abide by all student visa conditions (see above), including maintaining satisfactory course progress
• Pay your course fees on time
• Abide by the Academy’s Student Code of Conduct (published in the Student Manual and available from the Administration Office on request).

Failure to abide by these responsibilities may result in suspension or cancellation of your enrolment, with consequences for your student visa.
(In this event students will be notified and given 20 working days to appeal the decision. No student's enrolment will be suspended or cancelled until the internal appeals process is completed, except in extenuating circumstances relating to the welfare of the student.)

Are there any extra fees or expenses for studying at the Academy?
The Academy tries to keep additional study expenses to a minimum. However, you will be required to pay for some of your materials (see here for details) and your prescribed texts ($100 - $250 per semester).
You will also be liable for further administrative charges if you apply for RPL or Credit Transfer ($50 - $100), if you withdraw or change your enrolment (further information is available here) and when you graduate ($100 - $150).
Students may also be encouraged to attend events such as AGIdeas ($300 - $350) although this is not compulsory.
(Amounts noted are subject to change. Please contact the Administration Office for the most up-to-date details.)