About us

Applying to study with us

Course information

Living in Sydney

Other

 

About Us

Is Raffles College a university?

Raffles College (Raffles College Pty Ltd trading as Raffles College of Design and Commerce) is a private institute that is an accredited Higher Education Provider in Australia. That means we can deliver our own Degree courses, both Bachelor Degrees and Master Degrees.

Where is the campus?

We’re in North Sydney. See Contact us for more info.

Are there any other campuses?

Raffles College has one campus in Australia, in Sydney. We are also part of the Raffles Education Corporation and so have numerous partner campuses in the Asia Pacific region. See our Associate Colleges section for locations where our programs are delivered.

How many students are there at Raffles College?

There are about 700 students currently studying with us here in Sydney.

What is the nationality mix on campus?

We have students from all over the world studying here, with over 60% from Australia.

What kinds of facilities are available?

Check out the Facilities page.

How does a degree from Raffles College compare with one from a university?

In terms of the qualification, Bachelor Degrees or Master Degrees from Raffles College of Design and Commerce are recognised as being equivalent to other Bachelor or Master Degrees delivered by any Higher Education Provider in Australia - see the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

In terms of delivery. there are similarities and differences between doing your degree at Raffles College or at a university. Generally, class sizes at Raffles College are much smaller than at uni, with attention to the individual being one of our main priorities. Being in smaller classes means that you have more teacher-student interaction and you develop closer bonds with the other students in your class. It also means that it's much harder for you to hide from your lecturer! So you'll need to participate and work hard...

The other main difference is that studying at Raffles College will bring you into close contact with students from all different disciplines. As you will be sharing classes with students from other majors, you will be exposed to other study areas and be expected to work with students from diverse fields. Then there are the lecturers who are also professionals in their fields. This will bring you into close contact with industry and help you explore the different job opportunities available.

In terms of employer recognition, there are a few things to note: 
- We've been around for a while now, so we're well known in the design industry (especially under our previous name of KvB Institute of Technology).
- If you're a designer, what employers look at most is your portfolio. This is what will tell them about your potential to work with them - your creativity and level of technical skill. As our Degrees feature both practical and theoretical components, you'll be well equipped with both when you go out into industry.

You should also take a look at the curriculum to see if the course you've chosen covers the areas that interest you most. Ultimately though, the choice of school comes down to what suits you best and what kind of learning environment is going to stimulate you more.

Applying to study with us

What are the start dates?

We have 4 intakes per year. See the Dates page for specific dates.

When are the application closing dates?

We don’t have formal application closing dates. We recommend applying at least one month before your start date . International students should check visa application requirements and processing times for their country.

Is each new intake a new course start?

Yes, we start our courses from the beginning at each of our 4 annual intakes.

What are the entry requirements?

Depends on the course you’re applying for. See the full list of entry requirements. If you're an international student, also have a look at our English requirements.

How can I apply to study at Raffles College?

Follow the instructions for Australian and International students.

How much do the courses cost?

See the fees pages for Australian and International students.

I'm from New Zealand. Do I apply as an Australian or International student?

Students from New Zealand apply using the Australian application form. However, you will not be eligible to apply for FEE-HELP.

I have Australian Permanent Residency. Do I apply as an Australian or International student?

If you have Australian PR, you should apply using the Australian application form. However, you will not be eligible to apply for FEE-HELP.

Do I have to attend a personal interview?

We think it’s a good idea for you to attend a personal interview if you’re interested in any of our Bachelor or Master Degree programs. It’s not compulsory, but it’s a good opportunity for us to find out more about each other and for you to have a good understanding of what the course is all about before you start.

What is a portfolio?

We’d like to see that you are creative and suited to study design, so if you’re applying to study a Bachelor of Design or Bachelor of Arts (Visual Communication), we ask to see a design portfolio.

What if I want to study design but I don’t have a portfolio?

We have design certificate courses that can help you bridge the gap.

Are there any prerequisite subjects that I need to do in Year 12 if I want to do design?

Not really, although it does help if you do an art or design course. See our Entry Requirements for info about what we do require.

What if my UAI is not all that great?

If you're thinking about doing one of our design bachelor degrees, the good news is we don’t assess students by their UAI score (Universities Admissions Index). What’s important is that you’ve got an aptitude for design, are creative and interested in a creative career. For our Bachelor of Commerce, the stated UAI is 50 or equivalent. That means that if you don't have a UAI of 50, then you have an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to do the course.

Or you can opt for a pathway through our vocational courses before moving onto a Bachelor Degree.

See our entry requirements to see what we’re looking for.

What if I didn't do high school in Australia?

Our academic entry requirements for our undergraduate programs state the Australian high school standard "or equivalent". If you've done your high school in another country, you can simply include that information with your application and our Admissions Department will assess you for entry.

How much do the courses cost?

That depends on the course and if you’re an Australian or International student.

Can I get a loan to study at Raffles College?

Yes, Australian citizens can apply for FEE-HELP to study any of our Higher Education courses (undergraduate and postgraduate programs).

What is FEE-HELP?

FEE-HELP is an Australian government loan available for eligible students doing approved courses.

Can I get credit for other studies I’ve done?

Yes, you can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you’d like to apply for RPL, you'll need to submit an RPL form with your application.

Can I enrol in just some subjects I’m interested in without having to enrol in a full course?

This depends on the subjects you're interested in and your study history. Contact us to discuss your personal situation.

When do I have to make payment?

All courses need to be paid one semester in advance before course start (unless applying for FEE-HELP ). See Australian student fees or International student fees for more info.

Are there any scholarships available?

We offer one annual Provost scholarship for our Design Bachelor Degrees. This is available to current Australian Year 12 students.

What materials do I have to buy for my course?

Art kits are recommended for some design courses and majors. See lists provided on the Before you Start page. You have a choice of buying your own materials, or requesting us to buy one for you. See also the info for each course to see what materials are required.

Can I start after an intake date?

There are two Orientation Days at the beginning of each term. Formal classes start the week after. It’s possible to start your course up to one week after the first classes.

Can I defer my course?

Yes. You can defer your course for up to one year. If you’re an international student, you cannot remain in Australia on your student visa if you defer your course after your arrival in Australia. See the Before you start page for the Deferment/Withdrawal form.

What happens if I want to cancel my enrolment?

See the Conditions of Enrolment and Refund Policy on the application form or go to the Before you start page.

Course information

What courses are available?

We’ve got a range of courses, check out the Course overview page.

Are the courses accredited?

Raffles College of Design and Commerce is accredited to deliver higher education and vocational courses. We also sometimes offer non-accredited short courses in specialised areas or as an introduction to a field of study.

How long are the courses?

That depends on what course you’re doing, and whether or not you’re eligible for credit transfer. Go to the course you’re interested in to see specific information about course length.

What is the normal course timetable?

There are no standard timetables, but generally you can expect to have classes scheduled for about 12-20 hours per week, depending on major and study load.

In general, vocational and undergraduate classes run in the following blocks:

9am - 12noon
1pm - 4pm
with some classes from 4.15pm - 7.15pm

The Master Degrees have more flexible timetable options and are usually delivered during the early evening.

Individual timetables are available during the Orientation days at the beginning of each term.

How much homework do I have to do?

For every class contact hour, you should be planning at least another 2 hours homework to do your assignments.

How long is a semester?

There are 2 semesters per year, each made up of two 9-week terms. See Dates for more info.

Are courses full-time or part-time?

All courses are full-time. However Australian students can alter their study mode for Bachelor and Master Degree programs and choose to do less subjects at any one time, thereby prolonging the study length of the program.

How many subjects are there per semester?

Have a look at the subject outline info for your chosen course.

Can I study by distance / correspondence?

No, all classes are held on campus.

Do I have to buy my own computer?

It’s not necessary, but some students find it easier to manage their workload if they’ve got access to a computer at home. The campus is wireless, so it makes it easier to work anywhere on campus if you have a laptop with wireless connection.

What kinds of software do you use?

We have a range of software on our computers to cater for all the design specialities. The list includes: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, FinalCut Studio Pro, Dreamweaver, Maya, AutoCAD, Flash and loads more.

I can’t draw, can I still study design?

Drawing is a skill and, like other skills, can be taught. There’s a lot of drawing involved in the design bachelor degrees, but not everyone can draw when they first arrive. In the first year you’ll be doing quite a lot of drawing classes. If you’re worried that you can’t draw very well, the answer is to practise, practise and then practise some more.

Is there any work experience included in the courses?

Yes, the Bachelor Degrees all include an Industry Placement in the final semester.

How much of the courses are theory and how much are practical?

The Bachelor Degree courses are a blend of theory and practical. You do a combination of core subjects (theory) and subject-specific subjects (mostly practical) and have a choice of elective subjects as well.

Can I also study at other campuses?

Yes, as we are part of the Raffles Education group, you can choose to study at any one of our participating Associate College campuses. See About us for more info about the Raffles network.

Do I have to do exams and assessments?

Yes, there are assessments and exams throughout our courses. See the information for your specific course to find out the details.

What happens if I fail a subject or assessment?

If this happens, you can repeat the subject (and incur additional fees) when it is next delivered or, if applicable, appeal the assessment grade; or apply for a supplementary assessment under exceptional circumstances; or apply for a resubmission of the assessment. There are different procedures for each of the above applications - they are reviewed on a case by case basis.

Is it possible to fast track my course?

If you’re doing a Masters Degree and you are an Australian student, yes. You’ll need to talk to your Discipline Head to find out if this is suitable for you.

What happens if I don’t finish my course, can I still get a qualification?

If you’re doing a Bachelor Degree, you can exit with a qualification after the first two years (Associate Degree). Also, if you’re doing the Certificate IV in Art and Design, you can exit after the first semester with a Certificate II. The Advanced Diploma of Multimedia course includes a Diploma course as well as a Certificate IV course. The Master of Commerce also includes two qualifications as exit points: Graduate Certificate in Commerce and Graduate Diploma of Commerce.

What if I have more questions about the course?

Contact us ! We’re always happy to help out with any questions you may have.

Living in Sydney

What kind of visa do I need to study in Australia?

If you’re an international student, you’re going to need a Student Visa to study any of our accredited courses.

How can I get a visa?

To get a visa, you should take a look at the information provided by the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) – www.immi.gov.au . You can also choose to use an education agent to assist you.

Can I work if I have a student visa?

All student visas issued after 26 April 2008 automatically include permission to work with the visa grant. Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week while the course is in session (excluding any work undertaken as a registered component of course of study or training) and they can work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. See DIAC website for more information.

What kind of accommodation options are there?

If you’re an international student looking for short-term accommodation when you first arrive, homestay is a popular choice. You can also look into a hostel or backpacker’s accommodation. Long term, most students are living in share accommodation with other students or friends. It’s best to look for share accommodation after you’ve arrived and have started to meet people here. See the Useful links page for some helpful tips.

Can you help me find accommodation?

We recommend the services of an accommodation provider to help you find appropriate accommodation when you first arrive - go to the Student Handbook for full details.

How much does it cost to live in Sydney?

This depends a lot on you but, as a guide, it is recommended to budget for AUD$1,000 per month for living expenses.

How can I open a bank account?

Take a look at the Student Handbook. It answers this question as well as many others.

What is OSHC and do I need it?

OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is compulsory for all international students. We will automatically add this information to your Letter of Offer and you will need to pay the OSHC charge with your tuition fees. If you already have valid OSHC from previous studies, just let us know.

Can you help me find a job when I finish my course?

Even better, we help you get a job before you finish! If you’re doing one of our Bachelor Degrees, the final semester includes an Industry Experience component. This means that you’re already experiencing the industry while you’re studying. Although these positions are unpaid, the experience you get is invaluable. By the time you graduate, you’ll have started to build up some industry contacts and you’ll have a graduate portfolio that will be your passport to a job.

Also while you're studying, keep an eye out on campus for job ads. Employers regularly contact us to advertise for positions, so there's always some work on offer.

Other

What if don’t have the right level of English to enter a course?

We recommend that you do extra English study before you start the course. If you study English at one of our recommended direct entry English partner schools, then you can apply for a "package" visa to cover your English study as well as your main course. 

I don't have the right English level to start my course. How long do I have to study English?

To calculate how long you have to study English, you need to know your current English level. Then look at the course you’d like to enter and work out the difference. For example, if you currently have a level of IELTS 5.5 and you want to do a Bachelor Degree, then you should most probably do approximately 10-12 weeks of English to get from IELTS 5.5 to IELTS 6.0 (entry requirement for Bachelor Degree).

How can I work out my English level if I haven’t done an IELTS test?

If you’ve done another type of English test, have studied English or have completed some secondary or tertiary study in an English-speaking country, then we may be able to assess your English. Or you can do our own English test either here on campus or overseas at an authorised location.

What type of job can I get after I finish my course?

This depends on the course you do and, to a large extent, your drive and determination as well as talent. Design is a wide-ranging industry and there are many types of jobs available. Initially most graduates are looking at entry-level positions where they can learn on the job and keep exploring their areas of interest. Our commerce graduates would likewise be looking for entry level positions in their chosen field.

Are there lots of jobs in the design industry?

The design industry is booming in all its various specialisations. Check out the info about each of the Bachelor Degree majors to find out more about the career opportunities that exist.

What’s the meaning of life?

We don’t know, but we’re having fun looking for it.

What if I have more questions?

Contact us! We’re always happy to help out with any questions you may have.