Previous ISS News

1. Student Visa
2. Young Achievers @ QUT Toastmasters
3. Overseas Graduation Ceremonies
4. International Alumni Scholarships

Student Visa

DO NOT ALLOW YOUR VISA TO EXPIRE - There are a number of Student Visas expiring in July and August 2008. Please check your Student Visa for its expiry date.

Those students whose visas are expiring shortly and;

Are intending to continue to study should submit an IE Form to the Student Centre immediately for a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for the purpose of applying for a Student Visa. The IE Form is available from the Student Centres and the student services website at: www.studentservices.qut.edu.au/info/forms

Are completing their studies at the end of Semester one, June/July 2008 and wish to stay longer in Australia must apply for a Visitor Visa. Students should consult the DIAC website at: www.immi.gov.au or call DIAC on 131881 or visit the Student Centre for further information.

NB: DIAC is advised if you finish your course early. i.e.. more than 28 days before your visa expires. Students who are continuing to study must also renew compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover to avoid huge medical and/or hospital expenses. Health insurance is not compulsory on a Visitor Visa . However, it is highly recommended that you take out health insurance to cover unforeseen medical or hospital expenses.

If you have already submitted an IE Form please be aware that Student Business Services has large number of these forms that need processing at the moment. We are working through them in priority order (i.e. Students with visas expiring at the end of July will be given priority). Please be patient and rest assured that you will receive a response from Student Business Services in time to renew your visa before it expires.

Enrolment

Students must maintain an enrolment program that will enable you to complete your course within the dates stated on your eCOE (you should finish your course by the end of your visa). All commencing students to start by enrolling in 4 units (or standard workload for their course). There are limited circumstances under which you will be able to extend your study beyond the timeframe on your eCOE. Visa extensions are not automatically granted.

Please ensure that you maintain correct enrolment and seek guidance from QUT (Faculty or ISS) as soon as you are aware you may not be able to complete within this timeframe.

Young Achievers @ QUT Toastmasters

Young Achievers @ QUT Toastmasters club is formed to help its members improve their communication and leadership skills. Meetings are fun, energetic and creative which is a testament the club’s “young at heart” mentality. At the same time our members offer each other support in order to meet their personal goals and milestones.

Meet at QUT Gardens Point Campus, Q Block, Room 601 (6th Floor) every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month 6:30pm - 8:30pm

For more information visit http://youngachievers.freetoasthost.net/

Overseas Graduation Ceremonies

Overseas graduation ceremonies will be held in:

Taiwan at The Grand Hotel in Taipei on Sunday, 19 October 2008, 2.00pm
Taiwan Ceremony Invitation and Registration Form

Hong Kong at Sheraton Hong Kong on Wednesday, 22 October 2008, 7.30pm
Hong Kong Ceremony and Registration Form

These ceremonies provide an opportunity for graduands to celebrate their achievements with family and friends in their home country.
They are attended by our Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Faculty Deans (or their nominated representatives) and also provide the opportunity to network and learn more about the professional and social benefits of being a member of QUT Alumni.

For more information regarding these ceremonies, please see http://www.studentservices.qut.edu.au/grad/ceremonies/timetable/overseas.jsp

International Alumni Scholarships

At QUT we value our alumni and recognise some of our international graduates may wish to return to QUT for further degree studies. If you choose to enrol in another degree course at QUT you may be eligible for an exclusive alumni scholarship that entitles you to a 20 per cent reduction in your first semester's tuition fees. Undertaking QUT English language, diploma, foundation and short course programs does not qualify for the alumni scholarship - students must have completed a degree course.

The scholarship is valid for undergraduate and postgraduate award courses (bachelor, honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters, masters advanced, masters by research and PhD). The scholarship may be taken up only once and must be claimed within six months of starting the course.

To apply please indicate on your application form (F Form) that you wish to be considered for this scholarship. You do not need to make a separate scholarship application.

Please note that the scholarship is not available to alumni who use the services of an agent at any stage in the application process. Domestic students and students who have Permanent Residency or Australia citizenship are not eligible for the scholarship.

Scholarships will be awarded starting in semester two (July) 2008.

Application information for QUT degree courses can be found at:  http://www.international.qut.edu.au/apply/howtoapply/ and course information at Studyfinder  http://www.studyfinder.qut.edu.au/

We hope you will consider continuing your studies with us at some stage.