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FAQ Part 1 for QUT International Students Impacted by COVID-19 (Semester 2, 2020)

Updated 29 April 2020

Study for Semester 2, 2020

1. I will be starting my studies at QUT in July (Semester 2, 2020). Can I study my course online?

To help make study more accessible, QUT courses have moved online for Semester 2, 2020.

• All lectures are being delivered online.• Tutorials, workshops, and team-based learning activities are being delivered online where possible.• Necessary practical small-group activities are continuing with appropriate distancing and hygiene measures in place.

Please refer to the QUT website for detailed information on study for Semester 2, 2020. It is a good option for students to start your study at QUT during the COVID-19 pandemic without delaying your career plan.

The online delivery applies to courses that normally have an intake in July. Please refer to the QUT website for the most up to date course information. Tuition fees will be the same for online or on-campus studies.

Applications for Semester 2, 2020

2. If I cannot visit my agent to sign the QUT application and acceptance documents, is there an alternative way to providemy signature?

In the QUT application form (F Form) you can type your name and/or initial in the signature field if you are unable to sign the form.

You can sign the QUT acceptance document using any e-signing apps, such as the Snipping Tool App available in Windows 10 edit/copy mode.

3. Does QUT accept the new TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test for determining English entry requirements?

Yes, QUT accepts the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in addition to English language test options already accepted by QUT. You can view the test score requirements on the QUT website at the entry requirement section for your QUT course.

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Enrolment and Fees 4. If I am studying online, do I need to wait for my visa approval before I enrol in subjects?

No, you can enrol in online subjects at QUT before obtaining a student visa. 5. If face-to-face classes resume mid-semester, can I travel to QUT and study on-campus?

Yes, if you have been studying online since the start of the semester, have a student visa to enter Australia, and the Australian border is reopened, you can travel to QUT and study on-campus. For many units it will be possible to complete the semester online, even if in-person classes resume. 6. I will be studying online in Semester 2, 2020. How many subjects do I need to study in Semester 2, 2020? Students usually study 4 subjects each semester. However, it is possible to study fewer subjects in Semester 2, 2020 if you are studying online. Please check the withdrawal without penalty dates and processes (requires student login) when considering a reduction in study load. Please note a reduced study load is likely to result in an extension to your studies which may require you to apply for a new student visa in the future.

7. Will I get a refund if I have to withdraw* from my course at QUT in Semester 2, 2020 because of COVID-19 related

reasons?

Withdrawing from your course before census date usually incurs a cancellation fee of $5000 in accordance with QUT’s International Student Refund Policy (requires student login), but this will be reduced to $500 in consideration of the global impact of COVID-19. No documentation is required to support this special circumstance claim. Please note the cancellation fee doesn’t apply to accepted deferred offers or Leave of Absence.

If you have completed 48 credit points (or six months full-time or equivalent pro-rata for research students) of a QUT foundation, diploma or degree course, you are exempt from cancellation fees if you withdraw before the census date. If you have not completed at least 48 credit points of study in one of these courses and have to withdraw due to COVID-19 related reasons, you can request special circumstances for a full refund by emailing sbs.fees@qut.edu.au

What happens to my student visa when I withdraw from my course?

When you withdraw from your course, QUT cancels your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and informs the Department of Home Affairs of your withdrawal. You should check your visa status through Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO)

*Withdrawing from your course means that if you want to return to QUT at a future date, you will need to re-apply for admission. If you want to continue your studies at QUT at a future date, you can request a leave of absence.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) 8. Does OSHC cover COVID-19 infection when I am in Australia?

Please contact your OSHC provider for information. If you have OSHC with Medibank, please refer to the Medibank FAQs or the Medibank OSHC App.

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Student Support Services 9. I am currently studying at QUT. Who can I contact if I need any assistance?

If you are experiencing concern or need additional support during your study at QUT, International Student Services is available to help. Please contact them via email issadvice@qut.edu.au

For academic help and career development assistance please email studentsuccess@qut.edu.au or view online resources at:

• qut.to/academicsupport • qut.to/careers • qut.to/leadership

You can also visit HiQ at either of our campuses or chat with a staff member online via the HiQ student website. 10. What resources are available to support my online learning at QUT?

QUT has a dedicated resource page explaining how you can best use the learning resources and technologies for your online class activities. There are a number of self-help resources to support students with online learning located on the HiQ website. QUT is also providing weekly success coaching sessions. In these sessions, the coach works one-on-one with you to develop a personalised learning plan that will meet your needs. This includes helping you to address any challenges you are facing and making sure that you are aware of the online support available. Current students can book into a coaching session by going to the Study tab of the HiQ website and clicking "Academic help and workshops". If you have more complex needs and require specialist language, learning or careers support, you can register for a one-on-one consultation with a specialist by phone, email or online. You can access the self-referral form to register for this level of support through either the Study or Careers and Jobs tabs on the HiQ website. There are also online learning workshops for students located on our Microsoft Stream channel here.