Pr ep ar at io n p r o g r am s
5.2. Pr ep ar at io n p r o g r am s
5.2.1. Preparation programs are courses deemed necessary by the institution to enable an awardee to successfully complete their qualification in the timeframe specified in
CRICOS. Such programs may be formal or informal, for example bridging courses or special intensive courses, and may not lead to a recognised qualification.
5.2.2. Preparatory programs include:
i. pre-course English (see Section 2.3.7 – 2.3.9 )
ii. qualifying or preliminary programs for postgraduate awardees
iii. foundation programs for undergraduate and vocational education and training awardees.
5.2.3. Institutions may recommend preparatory programs that run for up to a
maximum of 12 months. The total program of activities (i.e. a combination of the preparatory programs and the main course of studies) must not result in the scholarship duration being more than 12 months longer than the main course.
Foundation programs
5.2.4. A foundation program of up to 12 months may be offered by the institution to vocational education and training and undergraduate applicants if the institution assesses that the awardee does not meet the required standard for direct entry into
their chosen course.
5.2.5. Awardees may also attend in-country foundation programs as part of their scholarship program.
5.2.6. Approval from the Scholarships and Alumni Branch must be sought if there is likely to be more than a two week break between completion of the preparatory program and the main course of study at any time other than normal session breaks.
5.2.7. Awardees undertaking preparatory programs in Australia should commence their main course of study as soon as the preparatory program
is completed. Awardees must achieve satisfactory results in their preparation program to continue their award, including preparatory programs undertaken in-country. Failure to achieve satisfactory results may result in termination of the award.
5.2.8. Upon receiving a request for placement, institutions should assess
whether the awardee will require a preparation program to successfully complete their qualification in the timeframe specified in CRICOS. Preparation programs should be included in the initial placement offer. If the institution later assesses that a shorter period of preparation is adequate, the institution must reduce the overall length of the award in OASIS through a reduction variation towards the end of the award period (see Section 13.7 ).
Articulated study programs
5.2.9. For articulated study programs undertaken at more than one institution, the institution offering the higher course of study is deemed to be the primary
institution. The primary institution will be responsible for the contractual obligations with DFAT.
5.2.10. The primary institution needs to ensure that both courses comprising the articulated program are identified (and entered into OASIS) as part of the scholarship offer.
Reviewing a placement offer and issuing a letter of offer
5.2.11. Program Areas are responsible for reviewing an institution’s placement offer, and issuing the letter of offer, along with the scholarship contract to the successful
applicant, and recording the applicant’s acceptance (or rejection) of the offer in OASIS. OASIS will send an email alert to the institution advising of this decision.
5.2.12. Program Areas should review a placement offer from an institution, and
request further information or clarification if required, to ensure that it contains the information as outlined at Section 5.1.13 .
5.2.13. Once the Program Area has reviewed the placement offer and is satisfied that it meets the requirements above, the Program Areas must:
i. generate a letter of offer and contract in OASIS, ensuring that specific conditions required by the institution are included
ii. send the letter of offer and contract to the successful applicant to sign
iii. upload the signed contract into OASIS once it is received from the applicant iv. record the acceptance (or rejection) of the placement offer in OASIS.