VLBTC is a ‘Registered Training Organisation’ accredited with the Training Accreditation Council of W.A. and offers the international student a three year Advanced Diploma course in Christian Ministry. (Cricos Code 02200J)

Currently VLBTC is pursuing further accreditation with the International Christian Accreditation Association. (Oral Roberts University in Tulsa USA).

(This document should be read in conjunction with the current VLBTC Prospectus)

Introduction to the City of Perth and Western Australia

Situated on a coastal plain Perth remains a great attraction to those that love the outdoors, you are can swim in the surf, walk amongst ancient trees and fields of wildflowers, taste delicious local produce, explore gorges and wilderness areas, see some of Australia's unique wildlife and meet laid back, friendly people.

The variety of landscapes and climates in Western Australia means there is always plenty of sunshine, making it a perfect year-round destination.

It is a land blessed with spectacular diversity where the deep reds of ancient interior rock formations contrast with the sparkling blue of the Indian and Southern Oceans and the lush greenery of the stunning southern regions.

People from more than 200 different nationalities live, work and study here.

Employment

If indicated on their visa, or if successful in applying for a Right to Work Visa, students may be employed for up to 20 hours per week (and 40 hours per week during semester breaks). Students should check with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for confirmation on their allowable hours.  Australia is generally experiencing a skills shortage and part time employment is readily available.

VLBTC

VLBTC is a Registered Training Organisation in Perth WA.

(CRICOS No.02200J). Established in 2000.

Course entry requirements

Entry into the VLBTC course requires that students possess a satisfactory level of English. Students are required to have a minimum year10 English score of ‘C' or better; however Students applying from countries where the level of assessment is Level 3 or above, an IELTS Test Certificate with a Band Score of 5.5 or above is required.

Students with a grade below this level may require an additional English test and if necessary a short course in English to lift their standard prior to commencing their enrolled course. Please state the level of English you have attained on the application form together with proof of your competence in English (see Note below).

Past educational and vocational qualifications should be added to a student's course entry application. Where a student believes they may have course credits or certifications, a request for a Recognition of Prior Learning application should be included in the student's application.

Students enrolling at VLBTC are required to have a grasp of basic English, Equivalent to year 10 in Australia. Please state the level of English you have attained on the application form together with proof of your competence in English (see Note below).

Formal education would be expected to be at least secondary level with special consideration being made for those with a Christian Ministry background seeking to further enhance their qualifications. In these cases references from local Church Pastors will be sought. Students under the age of 18 years will need to have their Letter of Offer counter-signed by a parent, relative or legal guardian resident in Australia.

A Pre Visa Assessment is also required.

Note:

Students applying from Assessment Level 3 & 4 countries will require IELTS test results of 5.5 or above to satisfy enrolment requirementsCourse Content

APPLICATION TO ATTEND VLBTC

Dear Prospective Student

Thank you for your interest in attending VLBTC.

Please download the following documents:

• Application form
• Reference Forms
• VLBTC Prospectus (optional download)
• Overseas Student Prospectus Supplement (read in conjunction with VLBTC Prospectus)
• Pre-Visa Assessment Requirement Details
• Australian Government Fact Sheet - Your Rights
• Tuition Fees
• Term  Calendar

Please note a Pre-Visa Assessment process is required before we will issue a Letter of Offer and Acceptance and a Confirmation of Enrolment.

However, following VLBTC's assessment of your Application, if accepted a Letter of Placement will be provided which you should then include with your Visa Application form to the Australian Embassy.

Please note no Application will be processed without receipt of all documents, including IELTS Test Report, if applicable, and the Application Fee.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us on This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or the Overseas Student Contact Officer on This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

We will look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor M. Eunice Smith

Overseas Student Contact Officer,

Victory Life Bible Training Centre Inc. 

PRE VISA ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENT

Students applying to attend Victory Life Bible Training Centre Inc. are required to submit a Pre-Visa Assessment (PVA) before accepting their offer from VLBTC or paying tuition and overseas student health cover (OSHC) fees.

The steps required to complete this process are set out below:

• 1. Following receipt of your Application, required references, IELTS Test Report (for Level 3 countries and above) and the appropriate application fee, VLBTC will assess the application and if approved will provide the applicant with a Letter of Placement (i.e. a letter offering you a place at VLBTC for the next intake - February or July each year .
• 2. When the Letter of Placement is received by the prospective student, the student will lodge a Student Visa Application through the normal channels established in your country, together with a copy of the VLBTC Letter of Placement.
• 3. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will assess your Pre-Visa Application and issue you with a letter advising whether they consider you to be a genuine student.

Please note:

If your Pre-Visa Application is approved, DIAC will provide you with an appropriate letter.

If your Pre-Visa Application is refused, DIAC will advise you accordingly.

• 4. Once you have received your "Approved" letter from DIAC and provided a copy to VLBTC you will then be sent by VLBTC:

o A Letter of Offer and Acceptance (which you must sign and return to VLBTC)

o A Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoe)

These two documents will need to be submitted to DIAC to support your official Visa application.

• 5. You will also need to pay tuition fees to VLBTC and arrange OSHC with an approved organisation and have medical tests, X-rays, etc as required. Submit the checklist of documents required by DIAC).
• 6. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will then make a final assessment of your application.
• 7. If granted a Visa the student should advise VLBTC and proceed to make the necessary travel arrangements advising VLBTC of the expected arrival date.
• 8. If a Visa is not granted you are requested to advise VLBTC accordingly and what plans you may have for a future application. Your Application and Application Fee will remain current with us for a period of 2 years.

If you have any queries regarding the above please contact us.

Application Checklist:

The application checklist details the information and supporting documents you most provide with your Visa Application. Incomplete applications may be delayed or even refused. Complete applications are more likely to be processed quickly.

See Application Checklist for Vocational Education and Training Visa (Subclass 572) on http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf1025I.pdf for more information on how to apply.

OVERSEAS STUDENT ENROLMENT PROCESS

Course Content:

VLBTC provides the following courses over a period of 20 hours per week with a hands on training approach and with assessments that include written tests, observed simulated tasks and three (3) hours per week practical Church participation.

• Certificate IV in Christian Studies

• Diploma of Christian Ministry

• Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry

A description of units and subjects is contained in the main Prospectus.

Students study competency based training and assessment methods and will be assessed according to established industry standards that will equip the student with the essential skills and knowledge to gain a firm footing in their chosen industry area.

Students who successfully complete their course will be being awarded with qualifications that are nationally recognised.

Facilities

VLBTC facilities are housed in the Victory Life Centre building which is located in the Perth suburb of Osborne Park in Western Australia.   It is approximately a 10 minute drive north of Perth's central business district on the Mitchell Freeway or a 5 minute walk from the Glendalough train station.  There is easy access from the freeway and ample free parking available nearby.

Classrooms are air-conditioned and heated thus providing a pleasant atmosphere for learning. There is a large open foyer with coffee and tea facilities for breaks and fellowship.

All training is conducted with ample tools and equipment available to students with supplementary research materials and resources within easy access.

Fees

The course fees listed are those that relate to the following courses enrolments:

• Certificate IV in Christian Studies

• Diploma of Christian Ministry

• Advanced Diploma of Christian Ministry

The Course fees that relate to these courses are:

Full-time Full credit Fees (Overseas Student)

Fees Paid in Advance

The Application Fee MUST accompany the student application form for the application to be processed. All other fees, including one full term's fees must be paid prior to the commencement of studies and following your signed acceptance of the Letter of Offer.

Discounts

Discounts are only applicable to full-time tuition and not to any other fees.

Five percent discount for paying a term in advance.

Ten percent discount for paying a year's fees in advance.  

Ten percent discount for married couples & families attending together.*

(*This is not an additional 10% to the discount for paying a year's fees in advance. One discount only applies.)

Payment of Fees

Fees may be paid at Reception on any school day.

Payment of fees must be at least one term in advance.

Term payment is                                          $980.00 less 5% - $931.00

Tuition Fees are payable in advance and may be paid directly into a trust account held by VLBTC for International students.

VLBTC retains the right to require the funds equivalent to a return airfare to the student's country of origin. These funds will be held within a trust account.

Other Costs

All fees listed may change from time to time. All students currently enrolled will be informed of any changes that may affect their current course fees.

Refund Policy

Where an application is received for a Course Refund VLBTC will:

• Provide a total refund of tuition fees paid in advance where a course place is no longer available or a Visa has been denied, less the application fee.

• Provide a partial refund of tuition fees paid in advance, where enrolling students give more than 10 weeks written notice of their intention to withdraw from the course prior to the course commencement. The partial refund will be less 10% administration fee (max $1000.00).

• Provide a partial refund of tuition fees paid in advance, where enrolling students provide more than 4 weeks and up to 10 weeks written notice of their intention to withdraw from the course prior to the course commencement. The partial refund will be less 30% of tuition fees.

• Provide a partial refund of tuition fees paid in advance, where enrolling students provide is less than 4 weeks written notice of their intention to withdraw from the course prior to the course commencement. The partial refund will be less 60% of tuition fees + less administration fee of maximum 10% or $1000.00.

• Provide a partial refund to students who withdraw after the commencement of the course up till the first 4 weeks. The partial refund shall be less 70% of tuition fees paid in advance, less administration fee of maximum 10% or $1000.00.

• Apply no refund where a student has withdrawn from the course after the 4th week of the course.

• Ensure that students who dispute the refund procedures are provided with the access to the VLBTC internal / external appeals procedure.

• Seek advice from VLBTC management concerning the refund eligibility of any student involved in the deferment, suspension or *cancellation of their course enrolment.

• Please note that where a student has had their enrolment cancelled by VLBTC management for reasons of violating VLBTC's rules of enrolment and where the appeal process has not been sought by the student or the appeals process has not been finalised, no refund for the semester where the cancellation has occured will apply and a refund of no more than 40% of the subsequent semester and a full refund for any additional semesters.

 Enrolment, deferment, suspension or cancellation

VLBTC Management and staff are committed to assessing and recording all deferments, suspensions or cancellations of study and ensuring that students within the process are informed of their rights, provided with due care and where relevant, opportunities of appeal.

Students who apply for deferment may do so, on the basis of compassionate or compelling grounds.

Students who are contravening the rules of attendance at VLBTC may have their enrolment suspended or cancelled.

The grounds and procedures for deferments, suspensions or cancellations of study are listed in the Student Handbook and VLBTC website.

Transfer of enrolment may only be applied for when a student has completed 6months of their primary course of study.

Department of Education and Science Technology

Please find the enclosed information that explains your rights as a student studying in Australia under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000. (This prospectus should be supplied only when it is accompanied by the ESOS framework information).

The VLBTC website also contains a link to the ESOS framework.  

http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/ESOS/QuickInfo/ESOS_FrameWork_pdf.pdf

Living in Perth

The following information provides an indication of what living expenses are associated with residence in Perth

Single person costs of living

Rental Accommodation (unit/villa):

• 1 Bedroom                AUD175-$220 pw
• 2 Bedroom                AUD200-$240 pw

(Dependent on whether furnished or unfurnished)

Electricity                               AUD25 pw

Telephone (Landline)         AUD10-15 pw

Medical                                  AUD7 pw (based on Medibank current rates)

Public Transport                  AUD25 pw

Food                                       AUD60 pw

Laundry                                 AUD12 pw

Other                                      AUD50

   (Clothing, Toiletries, entertainment)

Budget per week for a single person:      AUD350 - AUD400

Renting - Can range from $300 - $500 plus per week depending on the area and location.

Family of 4 Costs of living

Rent                                       AUD300 - AUD450 Approx

Other Housing costs          AUD119

Schooling                              AUD108

Cars                                        AUD125

Food                                       AUD250

Sport and Recreation          AUD40

Approx budget for a family of 4:                AUD1100.00

International Students Health Cover

This is a requirement for overseas students and the following information is provided as a guide to the cost of health cover premiums:

Annual cost is approximately

                        12 months     single             $348 (Medibank)

                        12 months     family             $696 (Medibank)

                        12 months     single             $315 (AHM)

                        12 months     family             $630 (AHM)

Note: These fees are subject to change and should be checked through the organisations websites.

International students are required as a condition of their student visa to maintain private health insurance for the duration of their visa. VLBTC does not arrange health cover on behalf of students, however information may be provided where requested.

Two commonly accepted health fund organisations are Medibank Private and AHM (Australian Health Management). Both of these can be checked out on their websites - http://www.medibank.com.au/ and http://www.ahm.com.au/ where quotes of current rates can be obtained and application made on-line.

Education

School is compulsory for all children aged between five and fifteen years. These ages may vary slightly in some states. The government provides public schools. Churches and other groups provide private schooling. You will need to check with the Department of Education of WA for their criteria and assessment for their fees in a public school. Fees are also payable for private schooling.

Note: Students holding temporary visas may be required to pay full school fees. Check with individual schools for details.

Student Support Services

Prior to course commencement VLBTC Staff will provide an Orientation Programme that is designed to provide information concerning the course you are enrolling in.

VLBTC Staff are always available to discuss any concerns you may have with regard to study or education information.

Additional support services are available with the Deputy Principal, Dean of Students and Dean of Studies who remain available to discuss and provide assistance in all areas of your welfare including your accommodation needs, health cover.

Where astudent may have issues in such areas as cultural matters or personal and emotional issues the student will be referred to a nominated Pastoral Staff member for pastoral councelling.

No cost is made for these services.

Students with visa enquiries will be directed to the Dept. Education Science and Training and Dept. of Immigration and Citizenship.

Complaints Procedure

The complaints and appeals procedure of VLBTC shall ensure that all complaints are dealt with in a constructive and timely manner at no cost to the complainant.

An overseas student that has a complaint should first approach a training staff member or the Overseas Student Contact Officer and explain their complaint. The student's complaint if not satisfactorily resolved, can be appealed and it will be reported to the next VLBTC management meeting or dealt with within 10 days of lodgement. Accessing the Complaints and Appeals process does not put the student's enrolment at risk.

The decision of VLBTC management concerning the complaint will be advised to the student as soon as possible following the meeting. If the complaint is not resolved to the student's satisfaction an independent adjudicator will be contacted to further assist in the resolve of the complaint. Where the involvement of an independent adjudicator fails to resolve the complaint, further avenues of appeal may attract a fee.

Independent Conciliator at the Department of Education Services

If a student at VLBTC would like to discuss a case with an independent person, they can contact the Conciliator either by telephoning (08) 9441 1953, or by sending a fax to (08) 9441 1950. The email address of the Conciliator is This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

The Conciliator is happy to discuss issues of concern at any stage of a dispute, however please note that the Conciliator will only become actively involved in a case on behalf of either the student or the institution once an attempt has been made between the parties themselves to resolve the dispute, and that attempt has failed. Discussions with the Conciliator can remain confidential if the party wishes. This service is provided free of charge by the Government of Western Australia.

Course Deferment Suspension and Cancellation

VLBTC management and staff are committed to assessing all applications for course deferments of study, ensuring that students within the process are informed of their rights and provided with due care and where relevant opportunities of appeal.

Deferment of course study may be granted to a student where compassionate and compelling circumstances are experienced by the enrolled student and adequate evidence exists to support these circumstances. In the case of a need to defer a course of study the student should approach the OSCO and submit a written explanation of their deferment request with any supporting evidence concerning their prevailing circumstances.

Suspensions or Cancellations

Where a student's conduct has been found to violate VLBTC's rules of enrolment and where warning has been provided, the Overseas Student Contact officer will inform the student that their misconduct has resulted in a report being made to VLBTC management.

Students receiving a misconduct report and a resultant suspension or cancellation of enrolment by VLBTC management, may access the internal /external appeals process and the independent adjudicator. They have 20 working days to do so following the decision.

* Deferments, suspensions or cancellations of enrolments will affect a students visa conditions in which a case a student should approach DIAC for further advice.

Transfer of student enrolment

VLBTC enrolment staff will only receive applications for a transfer of enrolment where a student has completed at least six months of his or her principal course of study unless:

• The original registered provider has ceased to be registered of the course has ceased to be registered.
• The original registered provider has provided a written letter of release
• The original registered provider has a had a sanction imposed on its registration by the Australian Government or state or territory government that prevents the student from continuing his or her principal course, or any government sponsor of the student considers the change to be in the student's best interest and has provided written support for that change.
• Any government sponsor of the student deems that a transfer is in the student's best interest and supports the transfer request in writing.

When a student requests a transfer of their enrolment to another registered provider VLBTC enrolment staff member shall provide the student with advice on VLBTC's procedures for applying for Course transfer, including the need to formalise the request in writing stating the reasons for which they desire to transfer their course enrolment to another provider. A request may take as long as but will not extend past a 7-day assessment period.

VLBTC may refuse a transfer to another course offered by a registered provider except where compassionate grounds can be established, such as undue hardship or sickness in the family that prevents travel to or from the course provider's location of training. VLBTC may refuse an application for transfer where a transfer is considered detrimental to the student's study progress.

VLBTC will only provide a letter of release after the student has provided a letter indicating a valid enrolment offer from another registered provider.

Where a student is under the age of 18 years of age, a letter of release will only be granted where the student's parent or legal guardians have confirmed in writing their support for the transfer or in the case where the welfare of the student is supervised by the registered provider, the OSCO shall also be required to provide support for the transfer. Valid enrolment from the new course provider will also confirm their acceptance of the welfare responsibilities of the student.

VLBTC's complaints and appeals process applies should a release refusal letter be issued.

Application Procedure

• An Application Form is included in this Prospectus. When completing the application PLEASE PRINT WITH BLOCK LETTERS. If not legibly printed the application will be returned.
• Each Application Form must include a recent passport size photograph of the prospective student.
• A non-refundable Application Fee must accompany each Application Form. See Appendix A for details of all fees.
• Completed Application Forms to be mailed to the Registrar of VLBTC at the address listed on the Application Form and must be lodged 10 weeks prior to commencement date of term.
• Late Applications will be considered on their merits. However a Visa may not be able to be obtained in time for commencement of term. Refer to "Fees" for details of late application fee.
• All applications and monies received will be acknowledged by letter and receipts issued for monies tendered. All monies must be in Australian currency.
• The Personal Reference Form must be completed by your pastor and returned by him/her directly to VLBTC.
• Where required IELTS Tests must be provided before any Application can be lodge with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
• On acceptance of the Student application, VLBTC will advise the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and the Confirmation of Enrolment and Letter of Offer will be sent, by email where possible, to the student.
• Students are required to countersign the second copy of the Letter of Offer and return it to VLBTC.
• Students are responsible for lodging their own application for a Student Visa. Upon receipt of their Visa and subsequent arrival in Perth students are required to contact the VLBTC office and make arrangements for a face to face interview with the VLBTC Principal and Dean of Students.
• Students MUST advise VLBTC of their arrival date in Perth before leaving their country of origin.
• On personal interview VLBTC reserves the right to withdraw its offer should the student not meet the criteria set out in their application.
• The interview personally introduces the student to some of the VLBTC staff. The student's needs, concerns and any questions are individually addressed at this time. The student's qualifications and suitability are examined. They will be assessed for spiritual and academic suitability. Each student is required to agree to and sign a "student undertaking." This "student undertaking" commits them to completing the course they are applying for and to keeping themselves financially up-to-date.
• VLBTC reserves the right to expel students where stated standards of basic English indicated in their application, are not realised.

Orientation

An Orientation Course is held twice a year for each intake of students to familiarise them with the vision of VLBTC, the course, standards, procedures and fellowship with their colleagues, teachers and the staff. 

Orientation will include formal staff presentations, interactive discussion groups, sharing of testimonies, social activities, and praise and worship periods.

VLBTC Calendar

Victory Life Bible Training Centre's academic year closely corresponds with the Education Department of Western Australia's school year.  It operates with four ten-week terms per year. Overseas students will be engaged in training that will consist of the DIAC requirement of an average of 20 contact hours per week over the period of the Course undertaken, in any given year.

All gazetted public holidays will be observed. The class schedule is from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM five days with additional required practical involvement of three (3) hours per week in-service on Sundays in areas such as Children‘s Ministry, Youth Ministry or Victory Life Centre Ministry of Helps. Click here for the current Schedule of term dates.

Special Services

Welfare and Community services are also available around the city.

Victory Life Community Services, located next to the Bible Training Centre is available to assist students with food where the need arises.

Medical & Health

Following is a sample of medical assistance available.

Hospitals

Royal Perth Hospital

Wellington Street,  Perth WA 6000

Ph. 9224 2244

Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital

Hospital Avenue,  Nedlands WA 6009

Ph. 9346 3333

Osborne Park Hospital

Osborne Place,  Stirling WA 6021

Joondalup Health Campus

Shenton Avenue,  Joondalup WA 6027

Ph. 9400 9303

Medical Centres

Innaloo Medical Centre

Shop 6, Innaloo Shoppers Village,  Innaloo, WA

Ph. 9446 6244

DR Medical Centre

Cnr. Royal St & Wanneroo Rd , Yokine WA

Ph. 9349 6777

Dental Services

There are a number of dental clinics in various suburbs. One close to the Bible Training Centre is:

Dr. Michael Moussa

44 Scarborough Beach (Cnr Alga) Road , Scarborough

Ph. 9341 7898.     M. 0421 455 780

Legal Services

The Community Legal Centres Association of WA represents 29 Community Legal Centres in Western Australia. They primarily assist people who are unable to afford the services of a private lawyer.

Following are the initial contact numbers:

Community Legal Services Association

Ph. 9221 9322

Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre

Ph. 9440 1663