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Frequently Asked Questions


About Applying & Enrolling

About Fees

About Studying at CIT

About CIT's Calendar 2008

About Learning Support

About Transitioning to Further Studies (going to University)


About Applying and Enrolling

Programs listed in the A-Z Course list are clearly marked to indicate which application method you need to undertake.

There are three ways of getting into CIT programs.

1. Online or hardcopy application
2. Enrol any time - (via the CIT Learning Centre)
3. 'Contact to register' (CIT Solutions programs only)

1. Online or hardcopy Application

To apply online for your chosen program simply click on the APPLY NOW button on the CIT website on the Home page or 'Future Students' page.

Alternatively you can download an application form and forward it via post to (GPO Box 2825 CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601), fax (6207 3177), or in person to the Information Centre (Ground Floor, Block A, Constitution Avenue, Reid).

You can forward your application, via post (GPO Box 2825 CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601), fax (6207 3177), or in person to the Information Centre (Ground Floor, Block A, Constitution Avenue, Reid).

Assistance is available if you are print impaired. Please contact a Disability Coordinator on 6207 3328 or 6207 3329 either before you apply or as soon as you apply.

You can also pick up application forms from the Student Services Hub, Ground Floor, A Block, Constitution Avenue, Reid Campus.

Please note that completing an application form does not guarantee you entry to CIT. You will still need to attend an enrolment session. Please check the enrolment sessions timetable for your program enrolment time.

If there is no enrolment session listed for your program please contact the Student Services Hub on (02) 6207 3188.

2. Enrol any time - (via the CIT Learning Centre)

You can enrol in programs marked 'Enrol any time' throughout the year by contacting the number provided in the handbook entry at any time. You will be supplied with up-to-date information about the program and details of enrolment. Do not complete an application form.

3. 'Contact to Register' Programs

You need to contact CIT Solutions Pty Ltd on (02) 6207 4444 to apply for programs marked Contact to Register. Do not complete a postal application form.

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What are entry requirements?

Entry requirements tell you what you need to have to be eligible to enrol in a program. These requirements can include: previous education, minimum age requirements and experience.

If you are undertaking an apprenticeship or a traineeship you must have evidence of a contract of training from Training and Adult Education. NSW apprentices must have a letter of authority from their employer.

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What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?

If you don’t meet the program entry requirements you may be conditionally enrolled in some programs. In such a case you may be required to attend bridging or study skills programs as a condition of your enrolment.

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How old do I have to be?

Specific age or work experience requirements may apply to individual programs. Look for details under entry requirements in the Handbook. You are considered a mature age student if you turn 20 by 1 March of your year of commencement.

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What's a mature age student?

Mature age students are defined as students who turn at least 20 during their first year of enrolment.

Mature age students in the ACT Year 12 program are defined as students who turn 20 by 1 March of their year of commencement or as students who have completed Year 10 studies at least three years prior to the commencement of their abridged qualification but not yet completed their initial continuous secondary schooling (ie to the end of Year 12).

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What are selection criteria?

Specific selection criteria are used to select students where there may be more prospective students than places in a program. They may also be used to select students for programs which have very specialised requirements.

Where selection criteria apply they are listed for each program. You must consider selection criteria carefully when you are completing your application form.

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How do I make my work and life experiences count?

Through CIT's Recognition system you can achieve qualifications by only studying in areas where you lack skills and knowledge. You can make your work and life experiences count toward your qualification.

What is Recognition?

Recognition allows you to have your existing knowledge and skills count toward successful completion of parts of your program.

What's in it for me?

Benefits to applying for Recognition are:

  • Saving time
  • Avoiding the frustration of going over information you already know
  • Having more time to concentrate on new study areas
  • Reducing travel, childcare and learning material costs.

What counts for Recognition?

Previous study, work experience and life experience can be used as part of Recognition.

What do I have to do?

To have your previous study and experience recognized you must first make an application for Recognition.

Based on this application it will be decided if your existing knowledge and skills are recognised for one or more subjects in your current course. By demonstrating you have already achieved the outcomes of the subject(s) you can be granted advanced standing for these subjects and you will not have to do them.

Staff at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) will help you with your application. CIT Student Services Hub staff can offer you information on how you can provide evidence of your current skills and knowledge and of what you have learned from your previous study and from work and life experiences.

If you don't currently work or you plan to study in a different field from your current job, then CIT Student Services Hub staff will help you to identify what you have learned from other formal training, previous work experience or life experience, which might count.

CIT staff then work with you to determine where you already have skills and knowledge. They consider the outcomes of the subjects in your current program and are able to advise you on which subjects this might lead to Recognition for.

If staff from the CIT Student Services Hub can't help you, they will then refer to you staff in the CIT teaching areas.

Ideally, you should start thinking about Recognition before you enrol, so that CIT staff can work with you to build the most appropriate course.

What is Recognition of Prior Learning?

Recognition of Prior Learning (often called RPL or skills recognition) is one of three forms of Recognition at CIT.

This is the form of recognition where you can count relevant work experience, life experience or previous study that is not identified as a formal pathway into CIT.

To apply for Recognition of Prior Learning you have to demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills and competencies that you want recognition for. You will then need to produce evidence to support your application such as:

  • Supervisor reports
  • Workplace documents
  • Portfolio of work
  • Training program completed.

The evidence you provide will be assessed by a Recognition Assessor. If more evidence is required, you may be asked to:

  • Attend a more detailed interview, or
  • Complete a challenge or practical demonstration or work-based project, or
  • Be observed in your workplace.

What is Credit transfer and National recognition?

There are two other forms of Recognition based on formal pathways into CIT - Credit transfer and National recognition. They involve you having successfully achieved subjects or competencies recognised by CIT.

You can apply for Credit Transfer if you have completed subjects covered by CIT's credit transfer arrangements. CIT has arrangements with ACT Colleges, NSW High Schools and some private training providers and universities. These arrangements acknowledge the overlaps and provide you with credit. These are published in the Pathways Guide which is available on the CIT website. You will need to provide a certified copy of your qualifications.

You can apply for National Recognition if you have already achieved competencies required for your current course through training provided by another Registered Training Organisation (RTO). CIT recognises Australian Quality Framework (AQF) qualifications, such as Statements of Attainment and national units of competency issued by other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). If you have successfully completed national modules or national units of competency with another RTO which are included in your new course at CIT, you will be granted National Recognition. You will need to provide certified copies of your qualification or Statement of Attainment listing the competencies.

How do I apply for Recognition?

To apply for Recognition you need to be enrolled in a CIT course, but not the subjects for which you want recognition.

To apply for Recognition you must:

1. Decide whether you are applying for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Credit transfer or National recognition.
2. Contact the CIT Student Services Hub for an application form.
3. Follow the guidelines on the back of the application form.

How much will Recognition cost?

Costs can vary depending on which type of Recognition you need. There are no fees for Credit transfer or National recognition, yet there are fees for Recognition of Prior Learning.

The fee for Recognition of Prior Learning is the same as the subject registration and is not refundable. It is a good idea to keep your receipt for these fees.

Separate fee arrangements apply to international students and to commercial courses. You should seek further information from CIT staff on these courses.

When do I find out if I have been successful?

If your application has been successful, you will be given advanced standing (AS) for the subject, which you will see on the student administration system (known as 'Banner'). If your application has been unsuccessful, you will be advised in writing. You should know the outcome of your application 3-4 weeks after applying.

Can CIT help me to apply for Recognition?

CIT's Student Services Hub will assist you with your application for Recognition.

In addition, some CIT courses have information sessions and you are encouraged to attend. Ask at the CIT Student Services Hub for further details.

Some courses also have a subject on preparing for recognition and you can enrol in that subject (STSK102 - Preparing for Recognition). This subject will assist you in putting together your application to increase your chance of gaining recognition and saving you time. It involves understanding the subjects or units of competence and how to collect and put together evidence.

Once this information is collected, CIT staff can advise you which subjects you could use to apply for Recognition.

Remember, ask for help if you need it.

Where do I go for more information?

For more information about Recognition, please visit CIT's Student Services Hub on each CIT campus, or email: infoline@cit.act.edu.au or phone (02) 6207 3188.

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CIT Qualifications

CIT qualifications are accredited under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This means that the qualifications are recognised anywhere in Australia. AQF qualifications offered at CIT are:

  • Graduate Certificate
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Advanced Diploma
  • Diploma
  • Certificate IV
  • Certificate III
  • Certificate II
  • Certificate I

Graduate Certificate

Provides broadening of skills gained or new vocational skills and knowledge at a professional level. They can be studied after you complete a degree or diploma with appropriate work experience. Programs are normally six months of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

Bachelor Degree

Provides the cognitive and practical skills necessary to apply relevant knowledge in a professional context. Programs require a minimum of three years full-time study or part-time equivalent.

Advanced Diploma

Provides skills for professional occupations that require depth and breadth of skills. Programs are two to three years of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

Diploma

Provides skills for technical, managerial and/or para-professional occupations. Programs are normally two years of full-time study or part-time equivalent.

Certificate IV

Provides advanced technical and/or supervisory skills. Programs are normally one year of full-time study or part-time equivalent. They often articulate into a diploma.

Certificate III

Provides training for trades and a wide variety of occupations. Programs vary in length.

Certificate II-I

Provide preparatory skills and/or workplace skills at a basic level and according to industry needs. Programs vary in length.

Statement of Attainment

Issued to identify subjects or units of competency achieved either in partially completing a qualification or the successful completion of a short course or training program.

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Do I have to be a permanent resident?

No. However, non-permanent residents must contact the CIT International Division. Full fees are charged if you are a non-permanent resident. See Providing proof of citizenship/residency. Note: You are required to provide evidence when you enrol.

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What if I am an international student?

The international student category includes anybody who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident. Note: If you are an international student you will be required to meet English language entry criteria, depending on your program of study. For information about programs available to international students you can contact the International Division by:

Phone: 61 2 6207 4662
Fax: 61 2 6207 4666
Email: isu@cit.act.edu.au

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What do I need for proof of citizenship/residency?

At enrolment you will need to provide either:

  • a birth certificate (or extract) showing you were born in Australia or New Zealand and a form of photographic identification (e.g. driver's licence) or
  • a current Australian or New Zealand passport or
  • a Certificate of Australian Citizenship and a form of photographic identification or
  • a Centrelink Benefit/Health Care Card and a form of photographic identification or
  • a passport showing that you have permanent residence status (a 'bridging visa' does not indicate permanent residency status) or
  • proof of employment as a Commonwealth/ACT Public Servant, Police or Defence Personnel and a form of photographic identification or
  • a current Medicare card and a form of photographic identification. Yellow Medicare cards or green Medicare cards bearing the code VISITOR are not valid. If photographic evidence is not available then you must provide one other form of identification to be considered by the enrolment officer.

If photographic evidence is not available then you must provide one other form of identification to be considered by the enrolment officer.

All documents must be originals. Photocopies will NOT be accepted.

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About Fees

How much does it cost to study at CIT?

Fees vary according to program and study load. Fees are also subject to change.

Average general semester fees for full time study in 2008:

  • Certificate I - III $385 - $605 per semester
  • Certificate IV - Diploma $495 - $770 per semester
  • Advanced Diploma $550 - $990 per semester
  • Associate Degree - Degree. Fees upon application
  • Postgraduate. Fee upon application.

Note: Semester fees for part time study are lower and are a proportion of full time fees depending on the study load.

Also please note that study hours may include theory and practical classes; industry practicums, self-paced or self-directed learning, private study, project and research work - on or off campus.


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Can I get a concession?

A 50% Fee Concession is available to students who are in receipt of:

  • Youth Allowance
  • Newstart Allowance
  • ABSTUDY/Austudy payment
  • Pensioner Concession
  • Parenting Payment
  • Partner Allowance
  • Department of Veteran's Affairs Children's Education Scheme Allowance
  • Veteran's Affairs Services Pensioner Concession

Fee Concessions only apply to course (program) fees and do not apply to:

  • CITSA Services Fee
  • CITCard Replacement Fee
  • Higher Education Fees (Degrees and Associate Degrees)
  • Apprenticeship/traineeship program fees
  • Programs conducted by CIT Solutions
  • Late fees, administration fees, material fees, resource fees and facilities fees
  • Sponsored students includding those from government agencies, public and private employers and funded employment agencies

Except in the case of sponsored students, programs which will not attract program fees (CIT Program Fee Exempt) are:

  • Learning Options. The first 200 hours of enrolment will not attract program fees.
  • Business Skill Voucher recipients receive 100% exemption of fees up to a maximum of $500.

All applications for concessions MUST be made at the time of enrolment or prior to the fee due date. Please bring relevant evidence with you to support your claim for a concession.

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Can I get a scholarship?

To find out about scholarships please contact the Student Services Hub on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.act.edu.au

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What other fees are there?

Examples of additional fees are:

  • Material Fees covering some of the cost of materials and equipment.
  • Excursion Fees covering the cost of some excursions.
  • Late Fee ($50)may be applied to your account if your fees are not paid by the due date.
  • Recognition Fee - the fee for applying for Recognition by Assessment. (Note: fees for Recognition have been reviewed with all Recognition by Assessment being charged at the same rate as general program fees from Semester 1, 2008.)
  • Recognition Late Fee ($30) - may be applied to your account if your recognition fees are not paid by the due date.
  • Awards - re issue of ($50).
  • CITCard - replacement fee ($15).

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Can I get financial support?

If you are experiencing financial hardship, CIT and CITSA offer a limited number of loans, grants and scholarships. You can obtain further advice by:

  • Calling into a CITSA or Counselling Office on any campus or phone the Student Services Hub on (02) 6207 3188.
  • Indigenous scholarships are available. For further information please contact the Yurauna Centre on (02) 6207 3545.

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What about Austudy or Youth Allowance?

Remember to check with the relevant Commonwealth Agency to find out if you are eligible for benefits while you are studying.

You may be eligible for Youth Allowance/Austudy if your CIT program of study is 15 hours or more per week. For further information on your eligibility, contact Centrelink or go to their website at:

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What's a sponsored student?

If your fees are paid by someone other than you or your parents, you are considered a sponsored student. If you are a sponsored student, CIT must receive your sponsor's written agreement to pay the fees before the due date on the invoice.

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Where can I get more information about fees?

Please call the Student Services Hub on (02) 6207 3188.

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How do I pay my fees?

Fees can be paid using any of the following options:

Pay by phone through:

  • Bpay - Contact your participating Financial Institution to pay from your cheque, savings or credit card account.
  • Australia Post Office Telephone Billpay. Call 131 816 to pay by credit card.
  • Canberra Connect Call Centre. Call 132 281 or 6207 5111 to pay by credit card.

Pay in person by presenting your invoice at any:

  • Australia Post Office (Australia wide) to pay cash, cheque, EFTPOS or money order
  • Canberra Connect Shopfronts to pay cash, cheque, EFTPOS or money order

Pay online at:

Please note: Payments made by these options must be completed by 4.30pm to be processed as paid on that day. Payments made after 4.30pm on the due date will be treated as being paid on the next business day and may attract a late fee.

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About Studying at CIT

Different Ways of Studying at CIT

For some CIT programs there are more ways of studying than in the classroom. You can study:

  • face-to-face at one of our campuses, or
  • via the CIT Learning Centre at either Reid or Tuggeranong, or
  • Online

Studying via the CIT Learning Centre

Enrolling in a program through the CIT Learning Centre allows you to study at your own pace. You can:

  • enrol at any time
  • study at a Centre, at home, or at your workplace
  • be responsible for your own timetable.

How can I find out about programs available through the CIT Learning Centre?

You can visit either of our Learning Centres or you can ring and ask for an appointment.

Reid
Reid Campus
Block E
Constitution Avenue, Reid
Phone: (02) 6207 4148

Tuggeranong
Reed Street, Tuggeranong
Phone: (02) 6207 3677

Study online

Online study can be completed entirely online or some subjects may include an online component. You can access CIT Online via the internet.

How can I find out about online programs?

You can find the subjects available on http://www.cit.act.edu.au/future/online

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What does early exit point mean?

This means that when you have successfully completed all the required subjects to this stage in the program you may choose to leave and you will be awarded the qualification appropriate to that point of exit.

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What if I'd haven't studied for a while?

The following Essential Skills Programs are for people wishing to return to study or work.

  • Learning Options

It includes literacy and numeracy for adults. You can enrol throughout the year at the CIT Vocational College at Bruce or Southside Campuses, day or evening programs.
Phone: (02) 6207 4872

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What if I didn't finish school?

  • Year 10 Equivalent – Certificate II in Access 10 (Year 10 Alternative)

You can enrol throughout the year with the CIT Vocational College at Bruce or Southside Campuses; full and part-time, day and evening programs.
Phone (02) 6207 4872

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What if I want to get a better ACT Year 12 Certificate?

  • ACT Year 12 Certificate

While there are no specific age requirements, the CIT Vocational College offers this program. It is mainly designed for students who have already completed Year 12 at an ACT college and wish to improve their results, or tailor them to meet their changed needs.
Phone (02) 6207 3412

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What if I need help with my English?

  • English – Spoken and Written

If your first language is other than English you can improve your English and prepare for work or further study.
Contact the CIT Vocational College on (02) 6207 3188.

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Can I do Year 10 or 12 and work at the same time?

  • Essential Skills & Work Qualification

At the CIT Vocational College, students can work towards essential skills like Year 10, Year 12 and English while making a start on their work qualifications. For Example, you can study a Certificate II in Automotive at the same time you are studying Year 12.

For more information visit the CIT Vocational College

Postal Address:
CIT Vocational College
GPO Box 826
Canberra ACT 2601
T: (02) 6207 3188
E: infoline@cit.act.edu.au

How do I get more information on CIT student requirements, such as rights and responsibilities, graduation, formal process?

Once you are enrolled you will be given a Student Information Book which provides essential information for enrolled students.

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About CIT's Calendar 2008

  • What are the key dates for CIT in 2008?

Semester One 2008

  • Semester One 2008 begins - Monday 11 February 2008
  • Term One ends - Friday 11 April 2008
  • Term Two begins - Monday 28 April 2008
  • Semester One 2008 ends - Friday 27 June 2008

Semester Two 2008

  • Semester Two 2008 begins - Monday 28 July 2008
  • Term 3 ends - Friday 3 October 2008
  • Term 4 begins - Monday 13 October 2008
  • Semester Two 2008 ends - Friday 5 December 2008

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About Learning Support

Is child care available?

Yes. You need to put your name down with a centre to indicate your interest before you enrol. Child care centres are located on or near the three main campuses.

Bruce: (02) 6251 7796
Reid: (02) 6230 5660
Southside: (02) 6281 3121

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Is there support for people with a disability?

If you have a disability you are encouraged to seek program advice and educational support from a Disability Coordinator at Reid Campus before you enrol. There are specific support services available which can be structured to meet your needs. If you have a visual impairment you can get the Handbook in disk format to use with a screen reader.

Phone:(02) 6207 3328 or (02) 6207 3329 (Voice or TTY)

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What if I’m having personal problems?

Counsellors can help students with educational and personal problems. All conversations you have are confidential and free of charge. There are counsellors on the three main campuses. They provide services on other campuses by appointment.

Phone: (02) 6207 3290

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Is there gender equity support for students at CIT?

A student equity officer will support you in accessing programs and can provide support and advice during your studies. If you are in a program with a significant gender imbalance and need support, contact the student gender equity officer.

Phone: (02) 6207 3314

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Is language support available?

A migrant officer is employed to advise and assist students for whom English is a second language. This can include advice about how to gain entry to CIT programs and tutorial support in your enrolled subjects.

Phone: (02) 6207 3335

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Is there support for Indigenous Australians?

The Yurauna Centre provides Indigenous Australian students with a cultural meeting place within CIT. The Centre is located at Reid Campus and Indigenous staff assist with:

  • enrolments
  • ABSTUDY claims
  • tutorial assistance
  • accommodation
  • social and personal issues

You should contact staff in the Yurauna Centre before enrolling in a program.

Phone: (02) 6207 3310

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What services and facilities does the Library support?

You can find answers to all your library related questions on the Library Website

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Can I get extra help with my learning?

You can go to the Study Centre on one of the three main campuses and get help with the Maths, English, English as a Second Language and study skills required for your program. Help includes:

  • using a calculator
  • improving English expression
  • understanding assignments

Session times are clearly displayed at the centres.

Phone: (02) 6207 3400

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Are there any grants or scholarships?

If you are experiencing financial hardship, CIT and CIT Student Association (CITSA) offer a limited number of scholarships, loans and grants. You can obtain further advice by:

  • calling into a CITSA office on any campus
  • telephoning Student Services on (02) 6207 3290 or (02) 6207 3314

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Can I get help to find work?

Come to the CIT Employment Options office to check out the opportunities of obtaining a contract or full-time position either while you study or after you complete your program.

Phone: (02) 6207 3578 or come into Ground Floor, Building A, Reid Campus.
CITSA also offers opportunities for casual and unskilled work.

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What does CIT Student Association (CITSA) provide for me?

When you are invoiced for fees, you are also invoiced for membership of CITSA. This membership enables CITSA to provide you with services and support on CIT campuses, including representation on student council.

CITSA Council is a committee of thirteen (13) students elected annually. The CITSA Council represents students in the decision making processes at CIT. The CITSA Council also offers a support service staffed by council volunteers for students experiencing sexuality issues.

CITSA Bookshops are located on campus and cater to a wide range of program needs as well as academic software, bus tickets, phone cards, pre-paid phones, film processing and movie ticket vouchers. CITSA food outlets are also located on all campuses and cater for day and evening students.

CITSA Offices are located on main campuses to ensure that you have access to services and facilities. These services include assistance and information on income support, student advocacy, casual employment, referral, institute policy and processes as well as cultural and social opportunities. The services offered by CITSA are integral to enhancing your life on campus.

Contact phone numbers:

Office: (02) 6207 3600
Bookshop: (02) 6207 3301
Food Services: (02) 6207 3303
Student Employment Service: (02) 6207 4857

Website: http://www.citsa.com.au/

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About Transitioning to Further Studies (going to University)

What if I want to go onto University?

There are pathways available to CIT students who would like to continue studying after they have completed their studies at CIT.

CIT has 14 partnerships in place with various Australian universities. These partnerships include Associate Degrees with ANU and guaranteed entry into the University of Canberra.

If you would like specific preparation for university study, please refer to the Pre-Tertiary Studies program below as offered by the CIT Vocational College.

If however, you are seeking specific information about pathways into Universities, please refer to the Pathways Guide.

About the Pathways Guide

The Pathways Guide helps you find links between CIT and schools, colleges TAFEs and universities.

Pathways Guide 2008

For CIT arrangements with the University of Canberra (UC)

More than 150 credit transfer arrangements are in place. On this website you will be able to search the credit transfer arrangements for CIT diplomas and advanced diplomas.

Pre-Tertiary Studies at CIT's Vocational College

This program run by the CIT Vocational College aims to prepare you for further study and to provide you with a score, which you can use to apply for places in courses at the University of Canberra, the Australian National University, the Australian Catholic University and at CIT.
Phone (02) 6207 3188.

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