You do not have to pay an application fee.
Changes of preference are free of charge.

APPLICATION DATES

APPLICATIONS TO STUDY FULL-TIME IN FIRST SEMESTER OF 2012:

September 05, 2011     Applications available to study full-time in first semester of 2012.

October 14, 2011     Final closing date for courses requiring a folio to be submitted.  No applications for these courses are accepted after this date.

December 09, 2011     Final closing date for late applications to be considered in the first round of offers.

January 06, 2012     Closing date for applications to be considered in the second round of offers.

January 13, 2012     First round offer letters issued.

January 23, 2012     Second round offer letters issued.


APPLICATIONS TO STUDY FULL-TIME IN SECOND SEMESTER OF 2011 (MID-YEAR):
(Not all qualifications are offered in the second semester)

May 03, 2011      Applications available to study full-time commencing mid-year in 2010.

May 27, 2011      Applications for courses requiring a folio close.

June 08, 2011      All other applications to study full-time commencing mid-year in 2010 close.

June 24, 2011     Mid-year offer letters posted out.

Application Forms and supporting documents [copies of school reports, other qualifications and evidence of work experience] can be lodged at any public college campus or mailed to the TAFE Admissions Centre address on the back of the Application Form.

First semester runs from February to June (approx); second semester runs from July to December (approx).

Students wanting to enrol in bridging/access programs apply directly to the Polytechnic, not TAFE Admissions.

TAFE Admissions contacts successful applicants by letter with details of enrolment dates.

If this course is also offered as an Apprenticeship or Traineeship, please note the normal full-time admissions process does not apply to Apprenticeships or Traineeships.  To study as an apprentice / trainee, you must first obtain an apprenticeship / Traineeship with an employer in the Trade. Once you are employed as an apprentice, you can commence your Trade studies with Polytechnic West.

A Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER) is not the only means of entry to university in Western Australia. Polytechnic West graduates with a Certificate IV or higher qualification may be able to use their qualification as a stepping stone to a university education. Please contact the prospective students advisors at the university you wish to apply for and discuss your intended pathway. It is important to remember that entry to university cannot be guaranteed. You will be assigned a Tertiary Entrance Rank based on your qualification. Polytechnic West graduates with a Diploma or higher qualification may have better prospects of gaining entry and may also be eligible for some advanced standing at university if their studies are directly related to their chosen study field.

Course fees:  Full-time study course fees vary with each qualification.   Part-time study course fees are only paid for the units you enrol in each semester.  The maximum tuition fee for one semester in 2012 is $606.   The maximum concession rate tuition fee for one semester in 2012 is $303.   There are a number of ways to qualify for the concession rate.  Please contact the Polytechnic if you think you may be eligible.

Students studying in Access or Bridging Programs pay a flat fee of $25 instead of tuition fees.

The following job seeker categories will be exempt from tuition charges during the completion of one qualification level or 12 months, whichever comes first (IMPORTANT UPDATE, this exemption ends after Semester one 2012) :

Persons holding proof (current at time of enrolment) of:

a) Receipt of Youth allowance as a Job Seeker
b) Job Network Card
c) Receipt of Newstart allowance

Enrolment fee:  An enrolment fee of $11.12 applies per semester.

Resource fees:  Cover the cost of materials and resources provided by the Polytechnic.   A course is made up of a number of units.  Costs vary from unit to unit with most units below $25.   A small number of units may have high resource fees.
There may also be textbooks, equipment or materials to purchase.

Do not give up your place!   Fee instalment plans are available for students experiencing financial hardship. If you expect difficulty in paying these fees on enrolment, please ring Polytechnic West Information on 08 9267 7500 for advice on other options.

• work skills and knowledge of your industry
• paid or unpaid work experience
• life experience
• community work experience.

• improving your job security
• re-entering the workforce
• job promotion
• changing your career
• reducing your study load
• improving your career development
• entry to further education.

Where units of competency have the same national code but were awarded by another registered training organisation, Polytechnic West will recognise these to assist you in completing the qualification you enrol in.  Simply present your original documentation – ie qualification, statements of attainment or academic statements – to the enrolling officer who will verify the authenticity of these and arrange for a copy to be placed on file for later reference when you apply for your final award.  There is no cost for recognition of these units.

Where the national or state code is different, a credit transfer may apply.  Credit transfer assesses the initial course or subject that you are using to claim access to, or the award of credit in, a destination course. The assessment determines the extent to which your initial course or subject is equivalent to the required outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards in a qualification. This may include credit transfer based on formal learning that is outside the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

The Polytechnic West Career Information Services section brings together a group of trained and dedicated staff to provide assistance to both current and prospective students. 

Customer Service and Information Officers
Information Officers can assist students and prospective students by providing information on qualifications and training programs, qualification entry requirements and selection criteria. Entry into Polytechnic West is sometimes competitive.  When applying for a full-time qualification, it is a good idea to have your application form checked by an Information Officer to ensure you have included all documentation needed to maximise your chances of gaining a place in the course of your choice.

Contact the Customer Service Centres on any Polytechnic West campus  in person or phone on:
(08) 9267 7500,
or e-mail info.centre@polytechnic.wa.edu.au.

Career Information Officers
Career Information Officers are trained to offer career advice to prospective and enrolled students. Career Information Officers can also help you in deciding which training program you should apply for and in making your application more competitive. Appointments are free of charge and may be arranged by phoning (08) 9267 7500, or in person at the Customer Service Centre at most campuses.  

Disability Services
Polytechnic West employs Disability Services Officers to provide assistance to people with disabilities or medical conditions.  This assistance is designed to support students in their achievement of their qualification.  If students encounter any problems that may affect their studies, they are encouraged to contact one of the Disability Services staff.