Get on track for your Curtin degree
Our Staff
Ian James

Job Title: Deputy Academic Director

I am responsible for the day-to-day running of academic matters at the College. This includes looking after student timetables, helping students with academic enquiries and ensuring the exams are conducted in a fair and efficient manner.

Visa Info

Applying for a Student Visa

Before being able to study in Australia international students must obtain a student visa. This visa is issued by Australian Diplomatic Missions and application must be made directly to the nearest Consulate or Embassy. CIC’s local agents are fully conversant with the application process and students are encouraged to use the services provided by our agents.

The main documents required when applying for a student visa are:

  • Letter of Offer from CIC
  • Electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). CoEs are issued by the College upon receipt of relevant fees and charges.
  • Results of a medical examination
  • Proof that OSHC has been arranged
  • Proof of financial capability to pay tuition fees and living expenses.

Visa Regulations

All international students (i.e. students who are not Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, Temporary Residents, among others) must be in possession of a current student visa while they are studying in Australia. Student visas are granted with certain conditions attached.

CIC is obliged under Australian Legislation to notify the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) immediately when it becomes aware that any breach of a student visa exists.

Country Assessment Levels

Before student visas are granted the Australian government takes into consideration the assessment level that has been assigned to the country of citizenship of the student applying. An assessment level determines exactly what criteria need to be applied when considering an application for a student visa.

Those students who are citizens of countries to which an assessment level of either 3 or 4 has been attached need to undergo a process called Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA). The process can take from four to six weeks, so it is important to start this process early.

There is no need to pay fees and charges prior to starting the PVA process. If the PVA has been favourable, the student will receive a letter from their Australian Embassy or Consulate saying that they should proceed to pay tuition fees to the education provider.

Students wishing to study at CIC should not pay fees until they have received the favourable PVA from their Australian Embassy or High Commission. CoEs will be issued to students from Assessment Level 3 and 4 countries only when the favourable PVA document has been received and fees paid.

Students from assessment level 1 or 2 countries are not required to undergo the PVA process. However in most cases they still need to gain a student Visa to complete their Higher Education in Australia

Further information about applying for a student visa, Country Assessment Levels and student visa conditions can be obtained on the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.

Another excellent source of information is the Study in Australia website.