ENROLMENT POLICY

RELEVANT STANDARD(S)

National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Outcome Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations) Instrument 2025 – Standards 1.1, 1.2, 1.6, 2.1–2.6

Additional Applicable Legislation and Regulatory Instruments

  • Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2025

  • National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011

  • NSW Security Industry Act and associated Regulations (where applicable)

  • Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles

  • Student Identifiers Act 2014

  • Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and relevant State WHS legislation

  • Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010)

  • VET Data Policy and AVETMISS reporting requirements

  • Any relevant State and Territory funding contract requirements and guidelines

PURPOSE

Academus Training Institute is committed to providing quality training and assessment in accordance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2025 and relevant funding contract requirements. This policy provides the framework and general principles for the selection and enrolment of Academus Training Institute’s VET students.

The policy has been designed to ensure that Academus Training Institute abides by its enrolment approach of providing fair and equitable process for enrolment and providing VET students with accurate and sufficient information to make an informed choice about their enrolment and training pathway.

Additional statement (to protect ATI’s rights and clarify obligations):
Academus Training Institute also recognises its obligations to protect the integrity of its enrolment processes, to comply with all legislative and regulatory requirements, and to safeguard its right to refuse, suspend, defer or cancel enrolment where required to:

  • maintain compliance with regulatory or funding conditions

  • uphold Work Health and Safety obligations

  • ensure academic and behavioural standards

  • respond to misleading, fraudulent or incomplete information provided by applicants.

POLICY PRINCIPLES

Academus Training Institute will use a systematic, non-discriminatory and transparent process to select and enrol its VET students. This selection and enrolment process ensures that all relevant legislation and funding program requirements are met. All Academus Training Institute prospective VET students are well informed and receive a high level of service and support throughout the selection and enrolment process. Academus Training Institute ensures that VET students have access to clear and accurate information, including to make informed decisions about the training product and the RTO, and are made aware of changes that affect them.

To achieve this, Academus Training Institute will abide by the following principles:

  1. VET students have access to clear and accurate information, including to make informed decisions about the training product and the RTO, and are made aware of changes that affect them.

  2. VET students are advised, prior to enrolment, about the suitability of the training product for them, taking into account their skills and competencies.

Additional Policy Principles (to safeguard ATI):

  • Academus Training Institute reserves the right to refuse, defer, suspend or cancel an enrolment where:

    • the student does not meet entry, LLN/LLND, licensing, eligibility, or prerequisite requirements;

    • required documentation (including identity, USI, prior qualifications) is incomplete, inaccurate, unverifiable or fraudulent;

    • the student has breached, or is reasonably suspected of breaching, ATI policies, Codes of Conduct, WHS requirements, or relevant legislation.

  • Academus Training Institute may amend delivery modes, schedules, locations or trainers where reasonably required for compliance, safety, or operational reasons. In such cases, ATI will inform affected VET students as soon as practicable and will act in accordance with Australian Consumer Law and relevant funding rules.

  • Where information provided by an external party (such as an agent, referrer, broker or employer) is inconsistent or non-compliant, Academus Training Institute reserves the right to correct such information, withdraw offers or refuse enrolments in order to protect its regulatory standing and the interests of genuine students.

INFORMATION TO VET STUDENTS

  1. Prior to enrolment, Academus Training Institute ensures that information given to VET students is clear, accurate and current, including where this is disseminated by a third party. Each student is provided with access to a student handbook, course information, and student policies. In order for prospective VET students to make informed decisions about their studies, Academus Training Institute provides VET students with information about the RTO’s training products and services, information on training and assessment and access to student support.

  2. Academus Training Institute identifies information that is needed by VET students prior to enrolment and how information is communicated. Key information needed by VET students is identified through regulatory requirements, industry standards, and student feedback.

  3. Academus Training Institute ensures the following information is easily accessible to VET students:

A. Course Information
i. the training product code and title,
ii. duration
iii. mode(s) of delivery
iv. location,
v. commencement dates,
vi. scheduling,
vii. any requirements to commence or complete the training product including assessment requirements
viii. whether any licencing or occupational licence requirements apply
ix. and details of any third-party arrangements

B. the training support services and wellbeing support services that are available and how to access them; Students are informed about these services during the enrolment process and can access information provided through the company-provided student handbook, course information, and student policies

C. any fees and costs payable by the VET student, including payment terms and conditions, refund policies and the availability of any relevant government training entitlements and subsidy arrangements

D. the VET student’s obligations or liabilities, including any obligations relating to work placements, materials, equipment or IT, costs and processes associated with VET student withdrawal and obtaining a Unique Student Identifier.

E. clear information about:

  1. the availability of Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and how to apply;

  2. the complaints and appeals process and the student’s right to make a complaint or appeal without victimisation;

  3. any physical requirements for the training product (for example, manual handling, role-play, or fitness requirements) and any licensing eligibility conditions that may limit a student’s ability to obtain a licence even after successful course completion.

  4. Prior to enrolment or before any fees are required to be paid, written information is provided to the VET student about the agreed training to be provided, the amount of fees to be paid by the VET student, and the VET student’s obligations.

  5. Academus Training Institute identifies changes that affect VET students, including the transition of superseded, deleted, or expired training products, and informs VET students of these as soon as practicable.

Additional protections – Information to VET students:

  • Academus Training Institute is not liable for any misunderstanding arising from information obtained from non-approved third parties. Where discrepancies arise, the information published directly by Academus Training Institute (on its website, written materials or official communications) will prevail.

  • Where a funding or subsidy arrangement is involved, Academus Training Institute will provide information consistent with the applicable funding contract, but reserves the right to withdraw or amend offers of subsidised training where eligibility is not met or where government programs change.

SUITABILITY OF TRAINING

  1. Academus Training Institute sets up a system for reviewing the skills and competencies of the VET students prior to enrolment, including their language, literacy and numeracy proficiency and digital literacy, as appropriate to the training product. Assessment of Needs will be done either before the commencement of training or after confirming their eligibility (if applicable). This review ensures that students are matched with the right course to meet their learning needs and desired outcomes.

  2. In line with the Standards for RTOs 2025, this review of LLN and digital literacy (LLND) is documented and completed before enrolment is finalised for every prospective VET student, including short courses.

  3. Academus Training Institute provides advice, based on the review, to VET students about the suitability of the training product for them. If the training product is deemed unsuitable, alternative options or additional support will be discussed, ensuring students are well-informed to make decisions that best align with their goals and capabilities.

Additional protection:

Where the review identifies that the training product is unsuitable or that the student cannot reasonably be expected to meet course or licensing outcomes (even with support), Academus Training Institute may lawfully decline the enrolment in order to:

  • protect the student from unreasonable risk of failure; and

  • comply with its obligations under the Standards for RTOs 2025 and relevant licensing authorities.

PRE-ENROLMENT

Prior to confirmation of enrolment, students will be required to undergo Pre-enrolment Assessment and complete and submit pre-enrolment documents for assessment for review, including but not limited to:

a) Pre-Enrolment Assessment Form (sent via email upon course enquiry)
b) Necessary course requirements / pre-requisite requirements
c) ID and supporting documents for processing and filing
d) USI Number

Students are required to go through initial pre-enrolment interviews with one of Academus Training Institute’s trainers and assessors. This pre-enrolment interview will be done via online platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Additional protection:

  • Academus Training Institute reserves the right to request further evidence or clarification during pre-enrolment and to delay or decline confirmation of enrolment until all required information is received and verified.

  • Where false, misleading or incomplete information is identified at pre-enrolment, Academus Training Institute may cancel the application and record the matter in accordance with its risk and compliance procedures.

ENROLMENT OF INDIVIDUAL VET STUDENTS

  1. Enrolment in training programs will be conducted in an ethical and responsible manner, ensuring fairness and compliance with the Academus Training Institute’s Additional Support Policy at all times.

  2. Academus Training Institute will ensure that there is a valid enrolment for each student. A valid enrolment is a complete, signed and dated AVETMISS-compliant enrolment form.

  3. Enrolments are subject to the availability of places on the training program, based on the maximum number of VET students who can be accommodated under certain circumstances (e.g. safety, the capacity of the training venue, type of course, learning structures, etc.) within a program.

  4. No new enrolments or commencements will be accepted into any training product that has been removed or deleted from the national register.

  5. Enrolments will be considered tentative until payment and the USI have been received.

  6. Should enrolment numbers reach maximum capacity, and another person wishes to enrol in a course where there is a tentative enrolment booked, the tentative booking will be contacted to confirm payment. If payment is not made, the enrolment will be given to the new student.

  7. All VET students are confirmed enrolled, and are advised in writing that their place in their respective courses is confirmed, after they have fulfilled the following:

a. student application is completed;
b. all required pre-enrolment documents and supporting evidence received;
c. fees paid in accordance with Academus Training Institute’s Fee Administration and Refund Policy;
d. consent, acknowledgement and declarations read, understood and signed.

  1. Upon enrolment, all VET students enrolled in courses with distance delivery are informed and guided on how to:

a. access and use the student portal or learning management system
b. submit assessments
c. access help channels and student support services when needed

Additional legal/compliance protections for ATI:

Academus Training Institute may suspend, defer or cancel a student’s enrolment where the student:

  • fails to comply with payment terms;

  • engages in behaviour that is unsafe, discriminatory, harassing, or otherwise breaches ATI’s Code of Conduct or WHS obligations;

  • is subject to a regulatory or licensing direction that prevents commencement or continuation in training.

Where enrolment is suspended, deferred or cancelled by Academus Training Institute, this will be done in accordance with the Complaints and Appeals Policy, relevant funding and legislative requirements, and the student will be advised in writing.

ASSESSMENT OF NEEDS

The Company will assess the needs of VET students either before the commencement of training or after confirming their eligibility (if applicable). In such cases, the assessment will be conducted at the earliest opportunity, and any identified training support needs will be addressed accordingly. This process includes reviewing the skills and competencies of VET students prior to enrolment and assessing their language, literacy, numeracy proficiency, and digital literacy as relevant to the specific training product.

This Assessment of Needs, including LLND review, forms part of the documented pre-enrolment process and must be completed before enrolment is finalised, consistent with Outcome Standards requirements.

1. Special Needs and Disability

VET students intending to enrol for training are requested to advise of any physical or other impairments and needs (e.g. English language difficulties, Dyslexia) which may adversely affect their ability to successfully undertake the training. (See Additional Support Policy)

Where a training product has physical or inherent requirements that cannot reasonably be adjusted (for example, specific WHS or licensing requirements), these limitations will be clearly communicated prior to enrolment and alternative training options discussed where appropriate.

2. Language, Literacy and Numeracy Abilities of VET Students

VET students intending to enrol for training are assessed on their language, literacy and numeracy abilities to determine their capability to successfully undertake the training and determine whether any additional support is needed. This is done by conducting an LLN assessment as part of the enrolment process. (See Additional Support Policy for more information)

3. Digital Literacy

As part of the assessment of needs, the RTO will evaluate the digital literacy skills of VET students before enrolment, aligning with the Digital Literacy Skills Framework. This evaluation focuses on determining students' proficiency in using digital devices, navigating digital platforms, communicating effectively, and ensuring their ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving using digital tools. The assessment will help identify any gaps in digital literacy, allowing the RTO to offer targeted support and resources to enhance students' skills, ensuring they are adequately prepared to succeed in the training program and the workplace.

4. Competency Assessment

VET students are assessed on their present knowledge and previous experience of the relevant course they are enrolling on. Using the information provided in the enrolment form and the outcome of the Pre-enrolment Assessment Form, the assessor can determine the best training plan to suit the student’s needs.

5. Credit Transfer and Amount of Learning

Credit transfer is acknowledged and accepted as a standard practice of Academus Training Institute. Students who have completed identical or equivalent units of competency with another RTO or

AQF-authorised issuing organisation will have these units recognised and will not be required to repeat training or assessment.

Academus Training Institute ensures that students are informed of their right to apply for credit transfer prior to enrolment and are provided with clear guidance and support to understand the process. Credit transfer decisions are based on verified AQF certification documentation or authenticated VET transcripts issued by the USI Registrar.

Where credit transfer is granted, the student’s training plan will be adjusted so that they are only enrolled in the additional units required to complete their qualification.

Additional protections:

  • All information collected during assessment of needs, including health and disability details, is treated as confidential and managed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and ATI’s Privacy Policy.

  • Academus Training Institute reserves the right to seek clarification or further evidence of prior learning or qualifications before granting credit transfer or recognition, to ensure authenticity and compliance.

UNIQUE STUDENT IDENTIFIER (USI)

  1. All prospective VET students are required to provide their Unique Student Identifier in accordance with the requirements of the Student Identifier Act.

  2. Academus Training Institute will advise prospective VET students with no USIs on how to obtain one and refer them to the USI website. A USI can also be created for the student (ONLY with the student’s permission) at the USI portal.

  3. In the event that the student authorises Academus Training Institute to apply for a USI on the student’s behalf, Academus Training Institute will ensure to shred any personal information provided by the VET students after they have successfully obtained a USI for them.

  4. It will verify and maintain all student identifiers provided by the student through its Student Management System (SMS).

Additional compliance clause:

Academus Training Institute will not issue a qualification or Statement of Attainment to any student until a verified USI is recorded, except where permitted under specific exemptions prescribed by the Student Identifiers Registra

NOTIFICATION OF ENROLMENT

  1. Upon acceptance of enrolment Academus Training Institute provides VET students with a written confirmation of enrolment and all necessary enrolment documents needed by the student to start their training. This includes:

a. USI details (if applied for the client);
b. student login;
c. training resources and how to access them;
d. trainer and assessor information;
e. subcontracting arrangements (if applicable);
f. details of the fee chargeable;
g. information on how to access support.

  1. Each client receives a copy of the student handbook, which outlines key information, including their rights and responsibilities as a student.

  2. All clients sign an acknowledgment that they have received, read and understood Academus Training Institute policies and details within the student handbook.

Additional protection:

Where electronic or postal issues delay receipt of notification or resources, Academus Training Institute will take reasonable steps to resend the information but is not responsible for delays arising from incorrect contact details provided by the student.

CANCELLATION OF COURSES

  1. It is NOT normal policy to cancel scheduled training programs.

  2. Academus Training Institute will ascertain the reason if an enrolled student indicates that they wish to discontinue training. If Academus Training Institute finds that the reason is related to the performance and delivery and assessment of its training, it will make reasonable efforts to address concerns related to the delivery and assessment of training.

  3. If, for some unforeseen reason, the student decides to cancel training, Academus Training Institute will offer the student an opportunity to attend the training program on another date, at another location (if available) or in another delivery mode.

Additional protection:

Academus Training Institute may cancel or reschedule a course due to low enrolment numbers, trainer illness, force majeure, public health orders, or other circumstances beyond its reasonable control. In such cases, ATI will offer alternative dates or a refund in accordance with its Fee Administration and Refund Policy, but will not be liable for indirect or consequential loss.

TRANSFER OF ENROLMENT

  1. Transfer to another “course date” – Only requests made more than a week prior to the commencement of training will be entertained. Requests for transfers to other course dates made within a week of the commencement of training will be considered invalid. A transfer fee of $50 will be charged, in addition to any difference between the original course fee paid and the full course fee (not promotional fee).

Requests must be made in writing using the Transfer Request Form. Transfer approvals are subject to course availability.

  1. Transfer to another “client” – enrolment is non-transferable.

EXTENSION REQUESTS

  1. Extension requests must be made in writing using the Course Extension Request Form prior to the maximum course completion time.

  2. Standard extension fees are as follows: $125 for CPP20218 - Certificate II in Security Operations and $50 for other courses for each additional week requested beyond the student’s original course end date.

  3. No refund will be approved for any extension period not utilised.

  4. To be considered for an extension outside of our standard policy, extreme hardship, extenuating circumstances, or a debilitating medical condition MUST be proven with supporting documentation that is submitted to our office for review.

To be considered for an extension outside our standard policy, you must complete the Course Extension Request Form and provide supporting documentation which may include detailed letters or documentation from medical specialists, death certificates, legal documentation, and documentation that may prove extreme hardship. To be eligible for an extension due to a medical condition suffered by you, you must provide a medical certificate and supporting documentation that must include a Medical Information Form that is fully completed by a Medical Practitioner or a duly executed written medical authority that will allow us to obtain the information requested on the Medical Information Form.

All documentation must be original documentation or copies of original documentation certified by a Justice of the Peace and must be posted to 18-20 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown NSW 2200 Australia for our review. The student can request the return of original documents.

Academus Training Institute will make our decision based solely on the supporting documentation provided with your Extension Request. Based on our review of the request for Extension, we may or may not grant a partial or full waiver of the monthly extension fees. Your request will be responded to in writing within 10 business days of the request being received.

Additional protection:

Academus Training Institute reserves the right to verify documentation submitted in support of an extension request and to reject documentation that is incomplete, inconsistent or reasonably suspected to be fraudulent.

CLIENT RECORDS OF ENROLMENT

  1. Academus Training Institute is obligated to report all enrolments, in compliance with national reporting requirements. (See Reporting and Records Management Policy)

  2. Individual client records are created for each enrolment and maintained for a period of 30 years. (See Reporting and Record Management Policy)

  3. Academus Training Institute will ensure that all individual clients have access to their own records and the progress of their learning. This is enabled through the learner management system. (See Reporting and Record Management Policy)

  4. Academus Training Institute will only create VET student records when there is evidence of a valid enrolment.

Additional protection:

  • All records will be stored, accessed and disposed of in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988, VET Data Policy and ATI’s Reporting and Records Management Policy.

  • Academus Training Institute reserves the right to charge an administrative fee for the re-issue of testamurs, statements of attainment, transcripts or other documentation, as per its Fees and Charges schedule.

FEES AND FEE WAIVERS

  1. Fees are collected in accordance with the Fee Administration procedure. (See Fee Administration and Refund Policy)

  2. Academus Training Institute will publish and make available to the student and employer prior to enrolment or before fees are required to be paid, all fees and charges and its fees relating to training and its refund policy. The fees and charges may include:

a. compulsory fees;
b. additional charges or co-contributions;
c. methods of collection;
d. refund information.

  1. Academus Training Institute will only charge the published tuition fee.

Additional protection:

  • Academus Training Institute may review and adjust fees periodically in line with CPI, market conditions or funding changes. Updated fees will be published prior to implementation and will not be applied retrospectively to confirmed enrolments.

  • Non-payment of fees in accordance with agreed terms may result in suspension or cancellation of enrolment, in line with this policy and the Fee Administration and Refund Policy.

VET STUDENTS’ OBLIGATION

VET students must fulfil specific obligations throughout their training, including active participation in mandatory work placements, adhering to workplace policies, maintaining professional conduct, and completing all necessary hours.

They are responsible for ensuring access to essential learning materials, equipment, and IT resources, such as textbooks, uniforms, industry-specific tools, and reliable internet, as specified in their course requirements.

All students must adhere to Academus Training Institute’s costs and processes associated with student withdrawal and obtaining a Unique Student Identifier (USI) before commencing training, with the RTO offering guidance on the application process to ensure compliance with national regulations. These obligations are clearly communicated before enrolment and reinforced throughout the training program.

Additional protection:

Failure to meet the above obligations, including but not limited to non-attendance, persistent misconduct, non-compliance with WHS directions, or academic misconduct (such as plagiarism or cheating), may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or cancellation of enrolment, in accordance with ATI policies and relevant legislation.

MONITORING AND IMPROVEMENT

  1. Academus Training Institute ensures that VET students are informed of any changes that may impact their training, including the transition of superseded, deleted, or expired training products, as soon as practicable.

  2. Student Services will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the Enrolment Policy and Enrolment Procedure. Student Services is responsible for the correct and accurate enrolment in accordance with this policy and relevant procedural documents.

  3. All enrolment practices will be monitored by the Training Manager. Areas for improvement will be identified and discussed during the Continuous Improvement Meetings. (See Continuous Improvement Policy)

  4. VET students are encouraged to provide feedback on their enrolment experience through the Continuous Improvement Procedure.

  5. VET students are able to make a complaint or appeal an enrolment decision, as per the Complaints and Appeals Policy.

Additional protection:

Academus Training Institute will ensure that any substantiated systemic issue identified through complaints, appeals, feedback, internal audits or regulatory activities is addressed through documented corrective actions, and where necessary, policies and procedures will be updated to ensure ongoing compliance with the 2025 Standards.

By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to all terms, conditions, and pre-enrolment information provided.

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