Student access and support
Access and Equity
At Sydney Community College we are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and fairness, regardless of their gender, sexuality, race, nationality, or cultural background. Regardless of age, marital status, physical or intellectual abilities or religious beliefs
We follow the Disability Services and Inclusion Act 2023 to ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate support.
If you have any concerns about access, equity or inclusion or if you need other support to fully participate in your studies, please see below or contact our RTO Manager at 02 8752 7555 or email the College Principal at principal@sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au.
We are here to help and ensure you have a positive learning experience.
Student Support Services
At Sydney Community College we believe in supporting you throughout your learning journey and offer assistance to help you succeed in your studies including but not limited to:
Additional learning support with your trainer. This can be on the phone, by email or with extra class sessions.
Volunteering opportunities through our community partners to build your work experience and add to your resume.
Career and mentoring support to provide guidance and advice on pathways to employment in your chosen field.
Interpreter services and advice on accessing other community support services in your area.
If you need further information on how we can assist you through your learning experience while at the College, please contact the RTO Manager or Customer Service at 02 8752 7555.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
As part of your enrolment, youll need to apply for a USI - a Unique Student Identifier (USI).
What is a USI?
Your USI is your personal student number for all Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses in Australia.
Why do you need one?
It keeps a secure record of all the VET courses you complete, no matter where you study in Australia. It also allows you to access your training records and transcripts easily online and in one place.
How do you get a USI?
Getting a USI is quick, free, and easy. Simply visit the official USI website and follow the steps to create yours.
Need help? Contact us and well guide you through the process!
Recognition of Prior Learning
Sydney Community College is committed to recognising learners’ prior learning and qualifications through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT) processes and policies.
To explain - RPL is the assessment by us of skills and knowledge you have acquired through previous training, work or life experience which are relevant to the course you are doing with the College. RPL allows us to assess your existing competency against the requirements of the course. You can be granted part or all of a unit of competency by RPL. You can apply for RPL after enrolling. You need to supply evidence to prove your skills and knowledge for RPL such as:
- records of completed training
- assessment items
- assessment records
- declarations from your employer
Credit transfer is recognition that you have previously completed a unit of your course through VET or higher education, in some cases with our College. To receive a credit transfer for a unit you must provide formal evidence that you have previously completed the unit or a unit which matches in content and outcome. Formal evidence can be a qualification certificate or transcript, statement of attainment or your USI transcript. When credit is recognised, you do not need to repeat training or assessment for that unit.
Contact the College to discuss the evidence requirements. Our RTO Manager will discuss with you the options which may also include further training.
Fees and Fee Protection
In the event of a fee being applied to a course run by the College, SCC would not collect more than $1500 in pre-paid fees for courses leading to a VET qualification in accordance with the Standards for RTOs. Where this is the case, the following procedure to process refunds, transfers and/or withdrawals is followed:
A full refund is processed when course cancellation is actioned by SCC or in the instance where the student withdraws either verbally or in writing.
Withdrawal must occur by the student prior to course commencement. Course commencement in this instance refers to where a student has interacted and participated in the relevant Unit of Competency (UOC) in a manner that exceeds mere attendance or accessing training materials. A pro rata cancellation fee totalling the charge of one Unit of Competency is charged when:
- A student has been confirmed as having commenced the course by SCC.
- A student withdraws after course commencement either verbally or in writing.
- A student fails to return to the course.
- Should a student elect to withdraw from the course, evidence of refund is retained for each unit of competency where no participation in training has been undertaken at the time of cancellation of enrolment.
- A statement of fees is provided to the relevant party, including all fees applied and any fees refunded, if applicable.
- In the event where Credit Transfer or RPL is applicable and modification has been made to the student fee, a pro-rata refund is provided on the amended amount.
- A withdrawal with no penalty cut-off is determined by the pro-rated refund. The date is determined at the time of withdrawal.
Written requests for refund detailing circumstances for students withdrawing from courses will be considered at the discretion of SCC. In the event of exceptional circumstances please contact us on 02 87527555 to discuss your refund options.