Providers must have appropriate support services (NC 45)
Providers must advise students regarding the support services (NC 45)
Support services must include independent dispute resolution procedures which are inexpensive (NC 45)
The provider must appoint a suitably qualified student contact officer who will be responsible for the provision of support services, including counselling, to:
Assist successful adjustment by the students to life and study in Australia
Assist the resolution of student problems which could impede completion of their studies (NC 48)
The registered provider must discharge their responsibility under DIMIA requirements to approve accommodation/welfare arrangements for overseas students under 18 years of age (NC 47)
B. Guidelines
The National Code and ESOS Act lay down specific responsibilities concerning student support services. The fundamental obligation is that appropriate support services are in place including arrangements for grievance handling. As well, on arrival information and counseling must be available in the areas of orientation, academic progress, further study and accommodation.
Support services aim to provide adequate protection for the health, safety and welfare of students as well as academic and personal counselling and will include:
Independent grievance handling/dispute resolution
Information and support regarding study skills
Financial counselling or referral
Information and advice on housing or referral
Language, literacy and numeracy support or referral
Information and advice on bridging courses and welfare facilities or referral
