Student Support
Student Support Services
NAC is committed to providing appropriate support services to all our students and assisting them in completing their studies and reaching their academic goals. NAC will ensure that all the staff members understand their responsibilities towards providing students with support and necessary referral services outside of NAC.
The Student Support Service Framework assists students with various issues related to academic, social, accommodation, health, special need and hardship needs.
Alternatively, students can contact the NAC Student Support Officer via email at info@nac.edu.au
The following sections include some key support services available to you as an NAC student.
Academic Support
NAC will monitor your course progress and attendance in classes. Guidance and support will be provided to you if your academic results are unsatisfactory or if NAC identifies issues related to satisfactory course progress and English language proficiency. You will receive advice and support from NAC’s staff members to ensure you maintain appropriate academic progress and commitment to achieve satisfactory results in your academic studies.
You can contact the Student Support Officer to discuss any academic, attendance or other related issues at any time. The Student Support Officer will be able to provide advice and guidance, or referral, where required.
Study Assistance
She is passionate about supporting students in achieving both their academic and personal goals. She enjoys connecting with people, building positive relationships, and creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable, confident, and motivated to succeed. Holding a Master’s in Information Technology, she combines technical expertise with mentoring skills to guide students effectively in their learning journey.
The Student Support Officer offers assistance when you need support related to your personal or social life, or you are distressed during your course of study. You are welcome to contact the Student Support Officer at any time for matters such as:
⮞ Time management issues
⮞ Setting and achieving learning goals
⮞ Motivation
⮞ Ways of Learning
⮞ Managing Assessment Tasks
⮞ Self-Care.
If there is a need for additional counselling services, the Student Support Officer will guide you towards appropriate external support services.
Student Consultation
Nova Anglia College is committed to ensuring that all teaching staff are available for face-to-face and online student consultation during each study period including mid-semester breaks, study breaks and timetabled examination periods.
The Dean and Course Coordinators are available for student consultation by appointment. For urgent matters, you are welcome to contact other NAC staff members for consultation.
Personal / Social Issues
There are many issues that may affect your social or personal life. If you need support, you have access to the Student Support Officer during NAC’s hours of operation to gain advice and guidance on personal, accommodation or family / social issues. Where the Student Support Officer feels further support may be required, a referral to an appropriate support service will be organised for you.
Accommodation (International Students)
Please note that we do not offer accommodation services or take responsibilities for accommodation arrangements. All international students are encouraged to have accommodation organised prior to their arrival in Australia. However, we are able to refer you to appropriate accommodation services. Our Student Support Officer is available to discuss any issues or concerns you may have about your accommodation arrangements.
Special Needs Assistance
You are requested to advise your teacher/lecturer of any special needs that may affect your learning. The Student Support Officer is available to provide advice to students and will consult with the Course Coordinator when necessary.
Hardship
You may experience genuine hardship due to economic, social or other difficulties. In such a case, you may apply to have your study work reduced by completing Reduced Study Load Application Form and submitting it to the Student Support Officer at support@nac.edu.au
You are required to submit supporting documentation with your form, such as:
⮞ For financial hardship: government benefit statements, pay slips or bank statements which indicate financial status
⮞ For medical grounds: medical certificates stating nature of condition, and duration; or
⮞ For single parents: evidence by way of statutory declaration and supporting government documentation.
If you are an international student, you must still meet the requirements of the relevant regulations affecting student visas after having your study work reduced.
Hardship
We always encourage you to participate actively in decision making, development and improvement of academic programs within NAC. To do so, you are encouraged to nominate yourself as student representative so that you can be directly involved in serving on NAC’s boards and committees including the Academic Board, the Wellbeing Advisory Committee and the Teaching and Learning Committee. More information will be provided to you during the Orientation Session or via visual materials posted on campus and at
The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) assists you if your education provider is unable to deliver your course of study fully. TPS may also assist you if you have withdrawn from, or not started, your course and are eligible for a refund of tuition fees and the institution has not paid them . NAC is committed to fulfilling its obligations outlined under the Australian Government Tuition Protection Service policy in the unlikely event of its default as your education provider.
Consumer Protection
Australia has a strong consumer protection framework to protect the rights of Australian consumers, including international students in Australia. The Australian Consumer Law sets out consumer rights including the rights to a repair, replacement or refund as well as compensation for damages and loss and being able to cancel a faulty service. Visit https://consumer.gov.au for further information.
Disability Support
Australian laws protect individuals from discrimination in many areas of their public life including education. An institution cannot refuse the admission of a student on the basis of disability or accept a student with a disability on less favourable terms than other students or deny or limit access to a student with a disability.
For further information about disability support services provided by the Australian Government, please visit the following websites:
Disability Service Australia at https://dsa.org.au/
Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training at https://www.adcet.edu.au/about
Students with Children
If you are an international student, you are usually responsible for your childcare cost. However, if you are sponsored by your home government, you should contact them to obtain information on whether any childcare financial assistance is provided by them. The approximate childcare and school cost in Australia are as follows:
Childcare Cost: Fess can vary from $80.00 to $120.00 per day.
Public Primary School: The cost is approx. $6400.00 per child annually.
Public Secondary School: The cost is approx. $7600.00 per child annually.
Private School: The cost ranges from $8000.00 to $25000.00 per child annually.
International students who receive direct financial assistance or scholarships from the Australian Government may be eligible to receive childcare support. To assess your eligibility for childcare financial assistance, please visit www.australia.gov.au.
Student Associations
Australia has a number of student associations representing and assisting students enrolled in courses provided by Australian institutions. National associations include the Council of International Students Australia, which is a national student representative body for international students studying at the postgraduate, undergraduate, private college, TAFE, ELICOS and Foundation level. Find out more information on their website Council of International Students Australia at cisa.edu.au.
Coronavirus Infection: Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
We fully understand that contracting any variant of the COVID-19 virus could disrupt your studies and your professional and social life. NAC is committed to limiting the impact that COVID-19 infection may have not only on the person infected, but also on their family, friends and classmates by offering all students and staff a learning and working environment free of COVID-19.
To this purpose, we will enforce all federal and state government health advice on public health and we will follow the protection measures announced by the Department of Health.
You may be eligible to access financial assistance if you self-isolate. For more information, please visit https://www.studyqueensland.qld.gov.au/student-arrivals/covid-information.
Students Rights and Responsibilities
When you sign and date your International Student Application for Admission Form you agree to abide by the rules and regulations set by NAC. As a student you have a right to:
⮞ Be treated with respect and dignity
NAC is committed to providing appropriate support services to all our students and assisting them in completing their studies and reaching their academic goals. NAC will ensure that all the staff members understand their responsibilities towards providing students with support and necessary referral services outside of NAC.
⮞ Be treated fairly with regards to all NAC policies and procedures
⮞ Learn in an environment free of discrimination and harassment
⮞ Pursue your educational goals in a safe and supportive environment so that you have the opportunity to reach your full potential
⮞ Expect your privacy to be respected and your personal information to be kept confidential
You also have a responsibility to:
⮞ Attend your scheduled learning activities regularly and punctually
⮞ Carefully follow the instructions provided during examinations and not disrupt the examinations by any means (for more information, please refer to the Student Assessment Policy and Procedure)
⮞ Refrain from using devices which may disrupt classes, such as mobile phones and portable entertainment equipment
⮞ Comply with reasonable directions from the NAC’s authorised representatives
⮞ Conduct yourself in a safe and healthy manner
⮞ Not engage in fraud and corruption
⮞ Not breach intellectual property rights and copyright by copying or format-shifting content borrowed from NAC library and/or teaching materials and documents created by NAC teaching and administrative staff
⮞ Identify and report any possible hazards present in NAC equipment, facilities, and the environment
⮞ Strictly avoid bringing any kind of weapons to the premises of NAC
⮞ Refrain from smoking anywhere on the NAC’s premises
⮞ Refrain from using inappropriate language, alcohol and drugs
⮞ Report any discriminatory behaviour, harassment or bullying to the Course Coordinator or the Dean
⮞ Follow all NAC’s policies and procedures.
You are also expected to refrain from behaviour that:
⮞ Creates significant disruption to the learning environment
⮞ Creates an atmosphere of hostility, intimidation, ridicule, anxiety, or disrespect for others
⮞ Contradicts published rules, regulations, procedures, or common standards of safety
⮞ Endangers or threatens to endanger the health or safety of others
⮞ Contradicts standards of conduct for practicum placements and/or rules and regulations of the practicum workplace
⮞ Damages, defaces or destroys the NAC’s property.
Health and Wellbeing
The health care cover required for international students in Australia is called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
OSHC
The Department of Home Affairs requires overseas students to maintain OSHC for the duration of the time they are in Australia. Your most current up to date OSHC details must be provided to NAC. Any change to your OSHC details must be communicated to NAC within seven (7) days of the change.
International students undertaking formal studies in Australia and their dependents (for example, spouses and children under 18 years old) must also obtain OSHC. It includes cover for visits to the doctor, some hospital treatment, ambulance cover and limited pharmaceuticals (medicines).
NAC’s preferred OSHC is BUPA, but any other provider is accepted for Admissions purposes.
For further Information, please read:
https://www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/oshc?&msclkid=97ee323ac8cc1df505e8514b64375701&gclid=97ee323ac8cc1df505e8514b64375701&gclsrc=3p.ds
Getting OSHC
You will be asked to provide evidence of OSHC when you apply for your student visa. You can either arrange your OSHC through the college (education provider) or arrange it on your own. Only Australian health funds that have signed an agreement with the Australian Government can provide OSHC. Visit the OSHC Australia website below for further information: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/news/oshc-provider-contact-list.
Some students from countries whose governments may have Reciprocal Health Agreements for students in Australia may have an exemption from requiring OSHC. It is your responsibility to determine if you are eligible for exemption before you apply for your visa.
Getting Your Membership Card
Your membership card can be ordered online through your OHSC provider’s website and it can be delivered to your nominated address. Alternatively, if you are not able to obtain your membership card online, contact the NAC Student Support Oficer or visit the office/outlet of your OSHC provider.
Using Your OSHC Card
Show your OSHC card when you visit a doctor or a medical centre. There are two components to the medical bill: those payable to the doctor and those which are covered by the government. The medical centre may process the government fee for you and only charge the doctor’s fee or if they are not able to process the government fee, you will need to make the total payment and claim back the government fee from your OSHC provider.
OSHC FACTSHEET (Australian Government)
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc-fact-sheet
Comprehensive Questions and Answers
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/overseas-student-health-cover-oshc-fact-sheet
Mental Health and Wellbeing
NAC aims to promote and foster mental health and wellbeing as part of its overall commitment to creating a healthy and safe workplace and study environment for all the students irrespective of cultural, social or linguistic background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
NAC takes the Mental Health and Wellbeing of its students very seriously and we have a dedicated student support staff on campus to assist and provide advice. We encourage our students to make a disclosure regarding their mental health or personal wellbeing. Alternatively, there is also a platform for students to remain anonymous and still get help and support. Students are also advised to seek help outside NAC.
The Wellbeing Officer will be trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). MHFA further helps to identify and give initial support to the students experiencing mental health crises.
NAC will promote mental health and wellbeing education within the NAC community and ensure all students can have easy access to social care services and mental health programs outside NAC.
Posters, banners, website videos and other infographics will be placed on campus and online to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage students to come forward, share experiences and prevent the occurrence of depression, anxiety, eating disorders and suicidal attempts, amongst other issues related to mental health. Priority will be placed on opening the conversation about mental health issues and reaching out for support to all in the community in preventing critical incidents from happening on the NAC campus and beyond it.
For more information, visit here.
Please visit the following sites for more information on external mental health and wellbeing networks and services in Australia.
Lifeline Australia
13 11 14
Call 24/7 for crisis support and suicide prevention services
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
Call 24/7 for advice, referral and support from a trained mental health professional
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467
24/7 free counselling and support for people at risk of suicide, carers and bereaved
MensLine Australia
1300 78 99 78
24/7 telephone and online support for men with emotional health and relationship concerns
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
24/7 private and confidential phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732
24/7 counselling, information and referrals for sexual assault, domestic and family violence
Open Arms
1800 011 046
24/7 support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families
Gambling Help Online
1800 858 858
Free, confidential 24/7 telephone help service for anyone affected by gambling
Blue Knot Foundation
1300 657 380
9am – 5pm, Mon-Sun AEST
Supporting adults affected by complex trauma and childhood trauma and those who support them
Butterfly Foundation
1800 33 4673
8am – midnight, every day
Support for eating disorders and body image issues over the phone, web chat or email
Griefline
1300 845 745
midday – 3am, every day
Telephone and online counselling service for people experiencing loss or grief
headspace
1800 650 890
Support and information for young people 12-25 for mental health and what’s going on in their life
PANDA
1300 726 306
9am – 7:30pm weekdays AEST
Support for women, men and families affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood.
QLife
1800 184 527
3pm – midnight, every day
Phone and online anonymous and free LGBTI peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships
Relationships Australia
1300 364 277
Relationship support services for individuals, families and communities
SANE Australia
1800 187 263
Monday – Friday 10am-10pm
Mental illness advice, referral and support via phone, webchat or email
StandBy – Support after Suicide
standbysupport.com.au
Prevention and support after suicide for individuals, families and communities
Support After Suicide
(03) 9421 7640
Counselling, group support and an online community website for people bereaved by suicide
National Debt Helpline
(03) 9421 7640
9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Free National Debt Helpline is a free service that helps people tackle their debt problems.
eFriend
efriend.org.au
A free, virtual peer support service that proving non-clinical, peer-based mental health support.
Physical Health
Maintaining your physical health largely depends on eating healthy and getting adequate physical exercise. It is important that you get regular exercise, get adequate sleep at night (8 hours) and eat a balanced diet including lots of fruits and vegetable and limit or avoid consumption of alcohol and other substances.
Information about healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle is available on the website of Nutrition Australia at www.nutritionaustralia.org.
Sexual Health
If you need to discuss concerns regarding your sexual health or have specific questions, you can make an appointment with a doctor.
Worship Centres
Australia is a secular country with a diverse population and there are workshop centres for different religions. You can search your religion to find worship centres in Brisbane on the following website