International Students
Welcome to Pathways Psychology Institute
You are an international student if you are NOT:
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an Australian or New Zealand citizen (including dual citizens)
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a permanent resident of Australia
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a holder of a permanent Australian humanitarian visa.
Pre-arrival Information
If you are planning on studying at Pathways Psychology Institute, there is a lot to think about before you arrive in Australia. Here are a few things you might wish to consider.
Pathways Psychology Institute recommends that you arrive at least two weeks before your course starts. This will allow you time to prepare for all your essential needs, such as your accommodation, transport needs, banking, enrolment and Australian culture, etc.
· Off campus living
· Money
· Banking
If you have any questions or require further assistance regarding your arrival to Australia, please email our Administration Department at inf@pathwayspsychology.com.au. The Administration Office is open Monday to Friday, between 9am and 4:30pm (AEST/AEDST). The office is not open on the weekends.
COVID-19 Information
When in Australia you can get COVID-19 updates by visiting government websites such as www.health.gov.au You are advised to monitor this website as information continuously updates as the situation evolves. When deemed necessary local governments have and will announce restricted movements and isolation lockdown for areas to stop the spread of Covid-19. Strict penalties are in place if you do not adhere to these isolation requirements post-international travel and when living in Australia.
Please do not attend class or work if you are presenting with any symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose and/or shortness of breath. Book in to see a doctor and get tested.
Application Dates
Each year Pathways Psychology Institute has an intake of new students at the beginning of the calendar year, term 1, February. The application process needs to begin in December the previous year for you to apply and have your application processed, accepted and organised in advance of the course start dates. If successful you will be sent by email an offer to study with Pathways which you will need to accept. Once your acceptance is received you will be sent instructions on payment of fees and dates for your course.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is compulsory for most international students who are studying in Australia.
It is a condition of your student visa that you maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your studies. This cover needs to be arranged about the same time you accept your offer to study. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have appropriate health cover arrangements in place for the duration of your studies.
Your health cover provides access to the University Health Service and public hospitals in Australia (waiting periods apply for some health treatments). Higher-level cover, which can give you access to private hospitals, for example, is your responsibility.
You can purchase your health cover through the University of Sydney or from one of the following Australian Government-approved providers:
Apply for your visa
Once you've paid your fees, you will receive an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment, which is used to apply for a student visa.
Pathways Psychology Institute Orientation
Online Orientation -TBC via zoom link
On-Campus Orientation - TBC Galston campus rooms
It is important to attend your orientation as it is designed to help you to make a successful transition into your course and studies. It is designed to help you with understanding the course you have enrolled in and to show you how and what to expect as student at Pathways Psychology Institute and what is expected of you. All enrolled students are advised to check your emails daily leading up to the commencement date of your course as this will be the time you will receive vital information such as student portal log in details, etc.
Transport Options to Galston
Once you arrive at Sydney and are travelling to Galston, you can get there by public transport by train and bus.
Bus
Train
To travel on most NSW public transport (buses, trains, ferries, light rail) you will need an Opal travel card. Opal cards are smartcard tickets that you keep, reload and reuse to pay for travel on public transport train, bus, ferry and light rail services. Opal cards are available at stations and newsagents.
You’ll be fined if you travel on public transport without a valid ticket. It might be worthwhile registering your Opal Card. If you misplace your card you may be eligible to apply for a replacement card. For more information on Opal cards, visit: opal.com.au
· For information on buses, trains and ferries, see transportnsw.info or call 131500
· Once arriving at Galston village the campus is 10 minute walk.
Before your Course Commencement
Register your Student Moodle Account
To start your studies with us here at Pathways Psychology Institute, you will first need to register your student Moodle account. It’s important that you register your account as soon as possible, as it allows you to manage your enrolment, access your unit material, use on-line library resources. You can register your student Moodle account by following the instructions you will have been sent by email with your acceptance into your course. Once registered you will be able to change your login details to your own choice of passwords.
Student Handbook
Before commencing any of your studies, you should read your Student Handbook which you will have been given when you enrolled. It’s important that you understand the requirements of your enrolment such as your course’s overview, rules, and requirements, etc.
Text books
Textbook requirements will be outlined in your Module or Cluster Learner Guides. Learner Guides will be available via Moodle in the first week of each Module/Cluster.
Some text books can borrowed from the campus library or you can purchase your textbooks from Booktopia website and Amazon website to order these.
Zoom
You will need to sign up to a Zoom video conferencing account as it is a requirement of all Pathways Psychology Institute courses to participate in student practice sessions online on zoom.
Dreamaker.IO
Some courses require students to sign up to a Dreamaker.IO account for recording of practice sessions for supervision. You will be informed and guided by training staff if you need to do this.
Parking on campus
If you are planning on driving to campus there is limited parking on the campus and parking spots are allocated by first in gets the parking spot, however there is ampul on street parking.
Please NOTE that in Australia we drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Respect for all
Everyone who participates in our community of Pathways Psychology Institute (all staff, students or visitors) are entitled to be treated with respect at all times, whether physically on or off the campus, in the office, or electronic engagement through emails or through social media.
Pathways Psychology Institute stands by a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment or bullying and fully endorses the strongest possible response to any infringement of this kind.
Living in Australia
Adjusting to life and study in Australia may be challenging and mean having to make some changes to your life. The Australian way of life may prove to be quite foreign to what you are use to and your own culture. Go to https://info.australia.gov.au/about-australia/our-country for some information on Australia.
Off-campus living
Pathways Psychology Institute does not provide any on campus living for their students. Occasionally private local rentals do become available which we can pass on information to students that are interested to follow up these leads themselves. When living off-campus you should take into account the terms/duration of tenancy agreements including costs such as bond, Wi-Fi, furniture, power, water as well as transport arrangements and costs to and from campus.
Popular real estate listing websites in Australia include Airbnb, Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au. These sites are not run by Pathways Psychology Institute.
Bushfire Information
Our campus is situated in Galston, a semi-rural town located in the Hornsby District of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Being semi-rural, the district is known for its market gardens, orchards and dense pockets of bushland. Our campus itself is situated on 5 acres of bushland and surrounded by neighbouring properties of bushland. Bush fires are not common in the Galston area, but students should have bush fires awareness.
Bush fires are more likely to spread and cause damage on days when the weather is very hot, dry, and windy. Refer to the NSW Rural Fire Service website or app for accurate and up to date information on fire conditions or visit Fires near Me for information in your area.
Money
Australia uses Australian dollars ($) and cents (c). The denominations are notes $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5 and coins $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c, and 5c.
Money exchange at the airport or at most major banks and also in some major shopping centres. You can find this out the exchange rates from website www.xe.com
Banking
The following are some of the major banks:
· ANZ
· Bendigo bank
ATM machines are available nationally.
Looking for a job
To help you find a job here in Australia we suggest you can use some of these popular websites that will show current position vacancies throughout NSW.
Telephones in Australia
In Australia there are a number of mobile phone carriers that you can choose from.
Telstra, Optus and Vodaphone are very popular. Public phones are available in most suburbs.
Internet
Free Wi-Fi internet can be found at most large shopping centres, public libraries, Mcdonalds and many public phones.
Power Supply
Australian electricity runs on 220-240 V and 50 Hz. Please make sure your electronics accept 220 – 240 volts (V). If your electrical plug does not fit the description of the image below it is likely that you will also need a plug adapter to fit Australian plugs. These can be purchased at the airport or in stores.
Cultural diversity in Australia
Australia is a multicultural country. A wide variety of cultural events are celebrated each year.
One in four Australians are born overseas. Understanding Australia's culture, people and law can go a long way to helping you adjust. The process of adjusting to a new country and it’s culture occurs gradually and takes time. If you find yourself overwhelmed with stresses that can occur from having to navigate the unfamiliar environment and culture, take care and know that this culture shock does not last forever. If you find yourself not coping speak to your trainer and you may wish to seek help from a counsellor. You can get help with affordable counselling service that can help you (see Pathways Community Counselling Clinic).
The Australian government also has some really good information on living in Australia and what to expect. Visit the Living in Australia website for more information.
Why Study With Us?
"Difference is Our Strength"
Students at Pathways Psychology Institute are supported in their learning to develop a strong link between theory and practical knowledge. The courses we offer are designed to progress the student from basic theory to become competent, confident counsellors and psychotherapists.
Pathways Psychology Institute Trainers & Assessors are all fully qualified in their field and have current industry experience. All learning programs are taught in accordance with government and registered body requirements.
You can find lots of useful information about living and studying in Australia at www.studyinaustralia.gov.au. The web site also includes a useful guide about studying and living in Australia that you can download.
Australia is known for its diverse and welcoming people -
there are so many reasons why studying in Australia is the right choice for you.
As part of your orientation program, you will also be provided with information to assist you with adjusting to study and life in Australia, including information about studying in Sydney.
Our comprehensive International Student Handbook provides you with information about the courses we offer, how to apply, including how to apply for your visa. It also provides you with information about arriving in Australia, as well as some introductory information about studying in Australia.
You can access our comprehensive and informative International Student Handbook by clicking HERE.
COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Diploma of Counselling
Students must be 18 years or above
Have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent.
Basic -intermediate level of computer skills
Graduate Diploma of Trauma-Informed Processwork Psychotherapy
Students must be 18 years or above
Have a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent.
Basic -intermediate level of computer skills
Evidence of experience in a related field and/or a tertiary qualification.
For more information please refer to the entry criteria outlined here.
COURSE COSTS
Diploma of Counselling
$24,990
Graduate Diploma of Trauma-Informed Processwork Psychotherapy
$49,990
CRICOS Provider Number XXXXXX
