Support for International Students

The Australian Government wants international students in Australia to have a safe place to study.  Australia's laws promote quality education and consumer protection for international students.  These laws are known as the ESOS framework.  More information can be found on the MCD website.

At the beginning of each academic year CTC provides an orientation program for all new students, including international students. This program consists of information and presentations which assist students in the transition to life and study in a new environment. Students are introduced to CTC facilities and resources, which include such services as the Mannix Library, computer services, the Student Common Room, the Student Representative Council, and contacts for emergency assistance within the College. Students are also acquainted with the MCD complaints and appeals processes as outlined in this handbook.

Classes at CTC are generally small, facilitating an open and informal learning environment.

Each semester, senior academic staff in the college offer a Study Skills Seminar for new students, including such topics as note-taking in lectures, essay-writing, and accessing resources in the library. Students for whom English is a Second Language (ESL) are entitled to extra time in written examinations, amounting to one quarter of the normal time allotted.

Lecturing staff remind international students of course and attendance requirements they need to meet. Lecturing staff then keep the Academic Dean informed of any lapse in attendance compliance.

The majority of international students studying at CTC come from affiliated seminaries and religious orders. They enjoy the significant support structures in place in those seminaries, particularly with regard to English language coaching, provision of study skills, and personal support in adapting to a new study and living environment. These students may be incoming seminarians intended for appointment in Australia, or those who will return to their countries of origin to work with their own people.

Private international students at the College have access to individual academic staff to assist them with study skills, as well as the support provided by the Academic Dean and the Postgraduate Coordinator in relation to planning their course of studies.

Students may also be referred to external support services.

International students are encouraged to read pages 20–43 of the handbook, which provide more details of MCD policies and procedures relating to study at CTC.