Reasons to Get a Certificate or Diploma

The effective way to stay ahead of the curve in today’s fast-paced world is to get a certificate or diploma in your field of interest. Industries are constantly evolving and new skills are in demand, staying ahead of the curve is essential.

 

What is a Certificate and Diploma?

Certificates and Diplomas are educational courses a person can complete to enhance their knowledge of a specific topic. Both courses can offer education aimed at a specific work industry.

 

How does the education system work in Australia?

The education system in Australia operates across various levels, each catering to different educational needs and career aspirations. Understanding these levels can help you make informed decisions about your academic and professional journey.

We’ll explain here the differences between the different education levels

 

Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. The AQF comprises 10 levels, ranging from certificates to doctoral degrees. It incorporates the qualifications from each education and training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework.

Let’s break down some of these levels to give you a better understanding of where a certificate or diploma fits:

 

Level	Description	Duration	Example Courses
Certificate III	Certificate III is designed for individuals seeking entry-level positions in various industries. They provide foundational skills and knowledge necessary for skilled work and serve as a pathway for further learning and career advancement.	1-2 years	Certificate III in Business
Certificate IV	Certificate IV courses offer more specialised training and a deeper understanding of specific areas within a chosen field. They equip students with the skills required for skilled work or further study at a higher level.	0.5-2 years	BSB40920 – Certificate IV in Project Management Practice
Diploma	Diplomas provide advanced skills and knowledge for individuals aspiring to work in paraprofessional roles or pursue higher education. These programs delve deeper into specialised areas and often require completion of Certificate IV or equivalent qualifications as prerequisites.	1-2 years	BSB50420 – Diploma of Leadership and Management

Besides these three levels, some higher levels provide deeper knowledge and more specialised skills.

For detailed information on the 10 different levels of the Australian Qualifications Framework and the education systems of Australia, you can refer to the: Australian Qualifications Framework

 

Why you should get a Certificate and Diploma?

# A great starting point!

Certificates and diplomas are excellent starting points for launching your career in various industries. They offer foundational knowledge and skills that can set you on the right path towards your professional goals. For instance, BSB40920 – Certificate IV in Project Management Practice can get you a kickstart with the essential skills to manage projects.

 

# Gain hands-on experience

Many certificate and diploma programmes include practical, hands-on learning activities. This hands-on approach enables you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life situations, developing your skills and preparing you for the demands of your chosen profession.

 

# Ticket to advancement

You will gain important skills, prerequisites, and academic confidence when studying for a certificate or diploma. Once you finish the course, and if you complete all of the entry requirements, you can often fast-track your studies and transfer your credits directly into an undergraduate degree to expand your qualifications and boost your career.

 

# Cost benefits

When you’re uncertain about your career path or still exploring options, investing in further education can be a prudent financial move. A certificate or diploma is frequently less expensive than other qualifications because it requires less time. It can sometimes be less than half the cost of a bachelor’s degree.  For example, a BSB50820 – Diploma of Project Management only costs you $5,000 for a 52-week course for onshore students.

To explore the pricing and offerings of various certificate and diploma programs, you can visit our website.

 

Why Certifications are still important in 2024?

# Keeping up with the newest trends

As we navigate through 2024, the landscape of technology and job markets continues to evolve rapidly. Certifications play a key role in keeping professionals up-to-date with these changes. By earning industry-aligned credentials, you not only gain current knowledge but also secure a competitive edge, ensuring relevance in your field despite constant shifts in technology and employment demands. Certification programs consistently refresh their contents to mirror the latest trends, technologies, and best practices, making them invaluable for staying ahead of the curve.

 

# Acquiring Targeted Skills

In today’s fast-paced world, acquiring specific, practical skills quickly is more important than ever. Certification programs are designed to provide these skills in a focused and expedited manner, allowing professionals to narrow down their expertise to exactly what’s needed. This commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge curriculum makes certifications especially valuable for those looking to enhance their capabilities swiftly and efficiently. By staying current with industry innovations, certified professionals enhance their reputation and improve their competitiveness in the job market.

 

# Professional Growth

Certifications not only validate your knowledge and skills, but they also demonstrate your commitment to professional growth. Employers looking for skilled and qualified employees frequently prioritise candidates with relevant certifications. These qualifications provide real evidence of your dedication and proficiency, distinguishing you from others competing for similar possibilities.

 

Explore the study areas on our website; and take the first step towards achieving your career goals today!

If you have any questions or you’re looking to make an enquiry, feel free to Contact Us.

We’re here to support you on your journey to success.

Australia Visa Application Checklist

This checklist will provide detailed documents and steps to successfully navigate the complex process of the Australia Visa Application with confidence and simplicity.

Note: Please note that all documents that are not in English must be accompanied by an approved translation.

1. Before you apply

✅ Apply for your visa at least 8 weeks before your course starts.

If you are currently in Australia, allow plenty of time to apply for your next visa, avoid waiting until the last day your current substantive visa expires in case of unexpected complications, as we may not always be able to help you.

✅ Organise health exams

You might need to have health examinations. You can complete them before you apply for the visa.

Find out more information about health examinations: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/meeting-our-requirements/health

✅ Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

All students in Australia must have OSHC to cover the entire period of their stay, which must be arranged before you applying your visa. You’ll need the name of your policy provider, start and end dates, and policy number when applying for your visa.

There are several OSHC providers in Australia, you can find out more about OSHC providers through the PrivateHealth website:

https://privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/overseas/overseas_student_health_cover.html

2. Gather your documents

✅ Have a valid passport

You must hold a valid passport to lodge a student visa application. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months before you apply for the visa.

✅ Confirmation of Enrolment (COE)

Before you apply for your student visa, you’ll need Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your chosen educational institution. It confirms you’ve been offered a place, and paid your pre-tuition fees.

Genuine Student (GS) Requirement

✅ You will need to make sure that you stay as a student and be able to show an understanding that studying in Australia is the primary reason of your student visa. The new GS requirement will have target questions that will give the decision-makers an overview of the applicant and their reasons for wanting to study in Australia. For example, your current circumstances, your choice of course, and reasons for choosing Australia as a study destination, etc.

For more information, you can check: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/genuine-student-requirement

✅ English Proficiency

Depending on the course you are enrolling on and your Country of Passport, the English Requirements might change. If required, you will have to undertake an approved English language test to prove you have the right English language skills to study in Australia.

✅ Financial Requirements

Depending on the course you are enrolling on and your Country of Passport, the Financial Requirements might change. You’ll need proof that you meet the financial requirement for one year. This requirement will be different if you have a spouse or children. Otherwise, you’ll need to prove that your parents can support you.

You can double-check the Document Required for you here: Document Checklist Tool

3. Apply for a Visa

✅ Find an authorised agent to apply for the visa

The visa application process can be complicated, with various forms to fill out, documents to provide, and rules to follow, which can vary greatly depending on your Country of Passport. We strongly recommend that you seek the help of an authorised visa agent. It’s crucial to choose a reliable and authorised visa agent. Please be sure to look for agents who are licensed and have good reviews from previous clients. They should be transparent about their fees and able to explain how they can assist you.

Our authorised education agents’ partners can help you with application queries, and accurate information about our programs and can assist with your student visa application. To find more about our authorised agents: https://collinsacademy.edu.au/find-an-agent

If there are no registered agents in your country or region, please Contact Us for advice on your study options and assistance with your application.

4. After you apply

✅ Keep in touch with the agent

After your application is submitted, the work isn’t necessarily over. Sometimes, the Australian Immigration Department requests additional documents or needs further information. The agent handles these communications and ensures that such requests are fulfilled promptly and correctly. Moreover, if your visa application encounters any issues, having an agent advocate for you can be a significant advantage. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain regular contact with your agent throughout the visa application process.

✅ Biometrics

You might be asked for biometrics. Most applicants will be advised immediately after applying if you need to provide biometrics. You will receive a letter. They will give you 14 days to provide biometrics so it is important to arrange an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter. You must provide biometrics before travelling to Australia.

• Inform the agent if things change

It’s important to communicate any significant changes directly to your agent as soon as possible. Changes that you should report include:

• The decision to withdraw your application
• Changes to your phone number, address or passport
• Changes to your relationship status
• The birth of a child
• Changes to your welfare arrangements.

5. Visa Outcome

✅ Check for your Visa Grant Letter

Once your visa is approved, you’ll receive a notification and a visa grant letter. It’s important to carefully review the details provided in the Visa Grant.

This document will include crucial information such as:

• Your visa grant number
• The expiration date of your visa
• The specific conditions of your visa (e.g., work rights, obligations, and requirements)

We recommend keeping a copy of your visa decision document with you at all times while in Australia. This will ensure that you have all necessary information readily available should you need to reference your visa status and conditions.

 

Things That Can Affect Your Visa Validity

Once you have received your visa, there are several important precautions you need to take to ensure its continued validity. Avoiding certain actions is crucial for staying compliant with visa regulations:

• Do Not Neglect Your Studies: It is vital to remain enrolled in your course and maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to the cancellation of your student visa.
• Keep Your Contact Information Updated: Always inform your educational institution of your current address in Australia. If you move, promptly notify them of your new address to ensure you receive all critical communications regarding your visa status.
• Manage Your Finances Properly: You must demonstrate ongoing financial stability to support yourself during your stay. Running into financial trouble can affect the conditions of your visa.
• Respect Work Limitations: Adhere strictly to the work conditions of your visa. For most student visas, this means you cannot work more than 40 hours per fortnight during term time. Working beyond these restrictions can result in visa violations.
• Avoid Unauthorised Changes in Education Level: If you wish to change your qualification level or switch to a different type of education provider, you may need to apply for a new visa. Undertaking courses outside the terms of your current visa without the proper authorisation can invalidate your status.

 

We’ve prepared a checklist for you to download to make sure you have everything you need for your application.

Click here to download your Australia Visa Application Checklist (Collins Academy)

 

If you have any questions or you are looking to make an enquiry, feel free to Contact Us

Your go-to checklist to Australia

Follow this student’s checklist guide to prepare for your trip to Australia. Get ready to enjoy your journey!

This guide will provide you with an in-depth breakdown of the steps that you need to complete before starting student journey.

 

1. First Steps

✅ Choose your desired study courses and city

You can search for your course on Study Australia: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/find-a-course

✅ Check the entry requirements provided under each course. Each college and course has a different requirements. However, some common requirements are:

Relevant Qualifications or Experiences.

English Level.

Genuine Student (GS) Requirement.

Proof of sufficient funds.

✅ Gather the required documents and apply for admissions, for example:

Academic qualifications and results

English Certificates. If required, you must take an English Test.

Passport and other personal information.

✅ If successful, receive your Letter of Offer and accept the Offer.

✅ Make the initial Pre-Paid tuition fee and organise your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

✅ Once you receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), apply for your student visa.

Find out more about the Visa Checklist

 

2. Once you have your visa

✅ Book your flights.

The earlier you can purchase tickets, the cheaper they tend to be. Check your course starting day and Orientation Day, and try to arrive earlier than these days.

✅ Check the Department of Home Affairs website for information about entering Australia.

Check information on: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/entering-australia

✅ Organise your accommodation.

Collins Academy is also providing student accommodation services. We have partnered with Together Co-Living to offer our students an alternative accommodation option with multiple perks.

Check out more information on our website: https://collinsacademy.edu.au/student-experience

 

3. Final steps before take-off

✅ Pack the essentials (including clothes for all seasons, cash, travel adaptors, etc.)

✅ Check what you can bring to Australia.

You can check the details on Australia Border Force: https://www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/list-of-items

✅ Research transportation options, phone service carriers and banks when you arrive.

✅ Have your important documents ready.

4. When you land

✅ Head to your accommodation.

✅ Take a deep breath and prepare for your studying in Australia. It must be an exciting adventure!

✅ Visit your college and familiarise yourself with the campus. Locate your classrooms, student support services, and any other facilities you will be using.

Download your checklist: Your Go-to Checklist to Australia (Collins Academy)

 

Australia – A Perfect Destination for You

Australia warmly welcomes everyone, embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity. Whether you’re looking for adventure, education, or personal development, Australia provides a supportive atmosphere where you can develop and feel like you belong.

Growing Destination

Australia is currently the third most popular destination for international students in the English-speaking world. As reported by the Home Affairs Department, 713,144 international students enrolled in Australian institutions as of 29 February. It’s evident that Australia’s allure knows no bounds. This diverse student body contributes to the rich tapestry of multiculturalism that defines the Australian experience.

Liveable Destination

Melbourne and Sydney consistently secure the 3rd and 4th positions among the world’s most liveable cities. Renowned for their top-tier education and unmatched quality of life, these urban hubs beckon individuals seeking academic excellence and a fulfilling lifestyle. Moreover, other cities across Australia also boast exceptional livability factors. From the serene coastal charm of Perth to the vibrant cultural scene in Brisbane and the laid-back atmosphere of Adelaide, each city offers its unique blend of opportunities and experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling metropolis or the tranquil countryside, Australia provides many options for a fulfilling life.

Join Collins Academy and become an integral part of Australia’s vibrant community, where opportunities abound.

If you have any questions or you are looking to make an enquiry, feel free to Contact Us.

Kickstart the New Academic Year

As the holiday cheer winds down, it’s time to gear up for an exciting new academic year! We warmly welcome you back and invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration at Diesel Bar. 

Event Details: 

Date: 17/01/2024 

Time: 6pm onward 

Location: Diesel Bar, 202 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 

Dress code: Casual 

FREE ENTRY: 

Limited spots for 100 students. Register for your spot here: 

https://zfrmz.com/aRq49il2AqrA09eN4icX

***Note: ONE ticket per student. 

Let’s raise a toast to the upcoming academic challenges and triumphs! Join us for an evening filled with delicious food, refreshing beverages, and a variety of engaging activities. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new faces, and set the tone for a fantastic year ahead. 

 What to Expect: 

• Good food and Refreshments: Quench your thirst with an assortment of beverages to keep the spirits high. 
• Fun Activities: Participate in exciting activities that promise laughter and camaraderie. 
• Prizes and Surprises: Get ready for some fantastic prizes and surprises throughout the evening.

 

Let’s make memories together and kick off this academic journey with enthusiasm and positivity. Your presence will add to the vibrancy of the event!

We look forward to seeing you there! 

Best wishes for a successful and rewarding new 2024 academic year.