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Academic Suitability Policy for VET Student Loans (VSL) in Diploma of Visual Arts and Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts at Sydney Art School

Academic Suitability Policy for VET Student Loans (VSL) in Diploma of Visual Arts and Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts at Sydney Art School

Purpose

This policy outlines the requirements and procedures for assessing the academic suitability of prospective students seeking to access VET Student Loans (VSL) for enrollment in the Diploma of Visual Arts or Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts at Sydney Art School. It ensures compliance with the VET Student Loans Act 2016 and the VET Student Loans Rules 2016, promoting fair and transparent assessment while supporting students’ success in high-level vocational education and training (VET) courses in visual arts.

The policy verifies that students have the necessary language, literacy, numeracy (LLN), and foundational skills to undertake and complete the Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51120) or Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA60720), in addition to course-specific entry requirements (e.g., portfolio submission for visual arts programs at Sydney Art School).

For students searching for “Diploma of Visual Arts Sydney Art School VSL eligibility” or “Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts Sydney Art School academic suitability,” this policy provides clear guidelines on meeting VSL requirements.

Scope

This policy applies to all prospective domestic students applying for VSL assistance for the following approved courses at Sydney Art School:

  • Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51120 or equivalent)
  • Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA60720 or equivalent)

It covers assessments conducted by Sydney Art School as an approved VSL provider. This academic suitability assessment is mandatory for VSL eligibility and is separate from general course entry requirements for the Diploma of Visual Arts or Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts.

Definitions

  • AQF: Australian Qualifications Framework.
  • ACSF: Australian Core Skills Framework.
  • LLN Test: An approved Language, Literacy, and Numeracy assessment tool (e.g., Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) or equivalent approved by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations).
  • Senior Secondary Certificate of Education: An Australian Year 12 certificate or equivalent.
  • VSL: VET Student Loans, a Commonwealth Government loan scheme for eligible VET courses at Diploma level and above, including the Diploma of Visual Arts and Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts at Sydney Art School.

Policy Statement

Sydney Art School is committed to ensuring that students accessing VSL for the Diploma of Visual Arts or Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts are academically suited to undertake their chosen course. Assessments will be conducted fairly, consistently, and in accordance with Commonwealth guidelines. Students must demonstrate academic suitability through one of the approved pathways before being offered VSL assistance.

Failure to meet academic suitability requirements will result in ineligibility for VSL, though students may still enroll in the Diploma of Visual Arts or Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts via alternative payment methods if they meet general course entry criteria at Sydney Art School.

Academic Suitability Criteria

To be deemed academically suitable for VSL in the Diploma of Visual Arts or Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts at Sydney Art School, prospective students must provide evidence satisfying one of the following options. Sydney Art School will verify all submitted documents for authenticity.

Option 1: Senior Secondary Education

  • A copy of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12 certificate) awarded by an authorized Australian body (e.g., Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), Higher School Certificate (HSC), or interstate equivalent).
  • Or, an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) diploma.

Option 2: Prior Qualification

  • A certificate demonstrating completion of a qualification at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 4 (Certificate IV) or higher, or an equivalent qualification from a preceding framework.
  • The qualification must have been delivered in English.
  • Acceptable evidence includes:
    • A certificate issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) or authorized body in Australia.
    • A letter or certificate from a Federal, State, or Territory government agency assessing an overseas qualification as equivalent to AQF Level 4 or above.

Option 3: LLN & Digital Literacy Assessment

  • If Options 1 or 2 are not met, the student must complete an approved LLN test administered by Sydney Art School.
  • The student must achieve at least Exit Level 3 in both reading and numeracy according to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF), which is the sufficient and required level for VSL academic suitability as per VET Student Loans Rules 2016.
  • Digital literacy will be evaluated using the Australian Digital Capability Framework (ADCF), with a minimum proficiency at Level 2 required
  • Sydney Art School uses the Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb) as its approved LLN tool.
  • In addition, Sydney Art School must reasonably believe, based on the test results and any additional information (e.g., interview or prior experience), that the student demonstrates competence to successfully complete the Diploma of Visual Arts or Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts.
  • If LLN results indicate support needs, Sydney Art School may offer additional LLN assistance but will not approve VSL if the minimum Exit Level 3 is not achieved.

For the Diploma of Visual Arts and Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts programs at Sydney Art School, academic suitability focuses on foundational skills; creative aptitude (e.g., via portfolio) is assessed separately under course entry requirements.

Procedures

Step 1: Application Submission

  • Prospective students apply for enrollment in the Diploma of Visual Arts or Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts and indicate interest in VSL via Sydney Art School’s online application portal.
  • Students must submit supporting documents for academic suitability at the time of application or within 14 days of request.

Step 2: Evidence Verification

  • Admissions staff review submitted documents for completeness and authenticity.
  • If Option 1 or 2 is selected, verification may include contacting issuing bodies if needed.

Step 3: LLN Testing (If Required)

  • Students notified via email to schedule an LLN test (online or in-person).
  • Tests are conducted under supervised conditions to ensure integrity.
  • Results are provided to the student within 5 business days.

Step 4: Assessment Outcome

  • If suitable, the student is notified of VSL eligibility and proceeds to eCAF (electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form) submission for the Diploma of Visual Arts or Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts.
  • If unsuitable, the student is informed in writing, with reasons and options for appeal or alternative enrollment.
  • All assessments are documented in the student’s record for compliance purposes.

Appeals

  • Students may appeal an unfavorable decision within 14 days by submitting additional evidence or requesting a re-assessment.
  • Appeals are reviewed by the Academic Registrar or delegate at Sydney Art School.

Responsibilities

  • Admissions Team: Conduct assessments, administer LLN tests, and maintain records for VSL applicants in visual arts programs.
  • Academic Board: Oversee policy compliance and review annually.
  • Students: Provide accurate evidence and participate in assessments honestly.
  • Compliance Officer: Ensure alignment with VSL legislation and report to the Department as required.

Related Documents and References

  • VET Student Loans Act 2016 (Cth)
  • VET Student Loans Rules 2016 (Cth)
  • VET Student Loans Information Booklet (Department of Employment and Workplace Relations)
  • Sydney Art School Student Entry Procedure (published on website)
  • Sydney Art School Privacy Policy (for handling personal information during assessments)

Contact

For inquiries about VSL for Diploma of Visual Arts or Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts, contact Sydney Art School Admissions at [email protected] or 1300 278 252 (1300 ART CLASS) or visit www.sydneyartschool.com.au.

This policy is published on Sydney Art School’s website as part of the Student Entry Procedure, in compliance with VSL requirements for Diploma of Visual Arts and Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts programs.