Australian Consulate-General Guangzhou
Media Release PD06/08 Date: 3/03/2008
Media Statement re Global College
Global College Pty Ltd is a private education institution operating in Sydney in the Australian State of New South Wales (NSW) with students enrolled in English language, high school and vocational education and training (VET) studies.
Global College was required to stop teaching its VET courses after registration of those courses with NSW Government authorities expired on 23 January 2008. From this date, no new students can be enrolled in any courses at Global College however teaching of existing students already enrolled in English language and high school courses can continue.
One of the reasons Australia is such an attractive destination for Chinese and other overseas students is the high quality of its education and training services delivered by both government and non-government institutions. All of these education institutions must meet national quality standards whether they are teaching Australian or international students. Institutions are periodically reviewed to ensure they meet these quality requirements. Those that fail to meet the required standards lose their registration.
In the case of Global College, the Australian Government has moved quickly to implement its special comprehensive consumer protection legislation that guarantees the rights of international students such as those undertaking VET studies at Global College.
Arrangements are being made to ensure all students in the cancelled VET courses at Global College will be placed in suitable alternative courses with other registered education providers, at no additional cost to the student.
Alternatively, the students will receive a full refund of the course fees they have paid. Refunds will also apply to students who have already paid their tuition fees for VET studies at Global College and are currently waiting overseas to obtain their student visa.
While these arrangements are being made, the students already in Australia will not have their student visas cancelled.
The Australian Government has conducted meetings with all affected students to inform them of actions that will ensure they receive their entitlements and is working in close cooperation with Chinese Government officials, both here in China and in Australia, to ensure that the situation for VET students at Global College is resolved quickly.
Up to date information for Global College students is at the Australian Government website:
http://aei.gov.au/AEI/ESOS/Global_College_information_pdf.pdf
For further information, please contact Ms Willow Li, Research Assistant
(Tel: 020 3814 0186, E-mail: [email protected] )