University of South Australia

Dear readers,

Greetings to all!

I requested information about some external undergraduate degrees from the University of South Australia (also abbreviated UNISA like the institution from South Africa), but they told me that only Autralian nationals in Australia and Australian nationals overseas are permitted to register for external degrees. I really would like to know how many other Australian universities follow this policy. Also, I wonder if this is really a good practice. I mean, if an international student is willing to pay for the international fees, what would be the problem if this student enrolls? Can an international student be taking the place of a potential Australian national considering that the degrees are external and that the student is paying international fees?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Cordially yours,


Karlos Alberto Lacaye
[email protected]

 

Karlos,

Well, I can relate the following about Charles Sturt University: I contacted them about enrolling in their Master of Theology degree by distance learning; a lady responded that they did not offer their degrees to "offshore" students. A short time later, I received an e-mail from a professor who asked for my postal address so he could send some information and explore options with me. I told him what the lady said to me, and I never heard from him again.

I wonder why these schools or the people that work for them can't get their ducks in a row about their external degree programs--what they offer and what they don't; who may enroll and who may not.

 

Hi again,

I'm and American in the CSU DBA program and never got any of the feedback you discussed from the Aussie UNISA. My fees are the same as stated in the web site and they accepted my US accredited degrees without blinking an eye. It sounds like an anomoly to me.

humbug101

 

I have recently been in conversation with several people at the University of New England in Armidale, Australia about the prospects of external study. They are well aware of the fact that I live in the USA and that I require a 100% non-residential program and have been rather welcoming and helpful.
It's apparently too late to sign up for the next semester (it starts in July) and the application deadline for the February semester is in November. If nothing better presents itself then I believe that I'll have to take the leap lest I become one of those who searches forever for the "perfect" program and never actually starts anything.
Jack

 

Are they aware that you are a US citizen?

Ike

 

Hello, readers!

Thank you for your comments.

I have the impression, though I might be wrong, that it is easier to register for a graduate external Australian degree as opposed to an undergraduate external Australian degree. At least, this appears to be the case in England.

Best to all,


Karlos Alberto Lacaye
[email protected]

 

I find it *very* strange that UNISA would not accept external overseas students via DL. Their online delivery unit is one of the best setups I have seen - this would not have been possible without a large o/s student body.

I have also never heard of a policy in any Australian University of not enrolling overseas students into their DL programs. Methinks it is a case of crossed wires here.

Cheers,

George

..who has two degrees from UNISA and is mighty proud of them.

------------------
Virtual Universities of Australasia & the World
www.virtualuniversities.net
[email protected]

 

Dear George,

Thank you very much for your response.

Here is one of the E-mails I received from Ms. G.:

"Dear Carlos

If you are an international student, you can not study externally, the onyl way is the come to Australia as an International Student, or either study abroad/exchange in Australia. We only offer Australian's the options of studying externally, sorry.

(Ms. G)".

As I understand from this E-mail, it is not possible that an international student take on a degree from UNISA externally. If you know otherwise, please post to the newsgroup or please E-mail me.

Take care,


Karlos Alberto Lacaye
[email protected]

 

Hi Again,

To answer a previous question. Yes they absolutely know at CSU I'm an American citizen. You fill it out on enrollment forms etc.

Hope this helps.
Cheers,

Humbug101

 

Originally posted by Yan:
[/B][/QUOTE]


Australia has its unique (good or bad?) education system. For example, only those holding an 'Australian' degree or having completed an accredited 'Australian' conversion program can apply for Australian CPA examination (i.e. Certified Public Accountants' examinations). One with an US degree or UK degree is not eligible for the examination! On the contrary, one can take US CPA and UK CPA exam. with any qualification (including Australian degree) acceptable by those professional bodies.

PF - As a Public Accountant and CPA of many years standing, and at one stage Chairman of the POublic Practice Committee of the CPA's, I must respectfully inform you that what you say is NOT correct.

ALL degrees are assessed either by the CPAs or NOOSR and then as with anyone else, the gap is determined and you are advised if what you are required to complete. This of course includes Australian Corporations Law, Tax Law etc., because of its local implications. Otherwise, and in every case, it is simply an evaluation.

Please forward me your particulars and i will have the information in your hands within the week. One of my assignements is attending to this very isssue for foreign students.

I await your reply....

Peter French
Melbourne, Australia
[email protected]

 

Come on Jack - sign up, as they area great university. Used to part of the University of Sydney.

I have a post graduate Bachelor of Education, a 48 unit Master of Education, and a 72 unit Master of Accountancy (no longer available, and not a 'conversion' masters like most other MAcc degrees here)and all by DE. Been doing DE since 1960 - not a problem in the world. Most Accounting faculties and many Education faculties nationally have UNE PGs on their senior staff lists.

Go for Jack - go on....

Peter French

 

Dear Peter,

Thank you for your information about the Australian CPA examination. However, I have chosen the UK accounting qualification some years ago.

From the documents I have received from the local Australian CPA branch that:

"Eligiblity requirement for Associate Membership

In order to be assessed as eligible applicant must:

1. Hold a Bachelor degree. .....

2. Pass additional subjects at a recognised Australian terrtiary institution. (that is what you mention about local tax and law)

3. Hold Australian permanent resident status or have completed an Australian academic award."

From my understanding, if it is correct, that one must be an Australian permanent resident. Otherwise, one must have an Australian academic award, e.g. an Australian bachelor degree or postgraduate qualification.

Incidentally, can a DE degree satisfy the first requirement (i.e. hold a bachelor degree)?

Please correct me if my understanding is wrong. Thanks.

Yan

 

Peter - I am working on the application and transcripts already. Thanks for the encouragement. Jack