Frequently Asked Questions

ACDC courses are recognised across Australia and meet the requirements of a nationally recognised training package, approved by the Australian Government.

Nationally recognised training also means that the course is recognised by relevant industry groups and governing bodies across the country.

Only registered training organisations that meet government quality standards can deliver nationally recognised training. Australian City Design College is such a registered training organisation.

You can tell which courses are nationally recognised because they display the triangular ‘nationally recognised training’ logo on the course page of our website.

When you successfully complete the course, you get a qualification in the area you studied. Your qualification will be recognised throughout Australia. The units of competency achieved through this training may even provide credit towards a further qualification.

In Australia the terms Certificate and Diploma are qualification types.
Qualifications in Australia are regulated by a national framework called the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This national framework sets the rules for the levels of difficulty and complexity in a qualification.

The qualification types are:

• Senior Secondary Certificate of Education
• Certificate I
• Certificate II
• Certificate III
• Certificate IV
• Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor Degree
• Bachelor Honours Degree
• Graduate Certificate
• Graduate Diploma
• Masters Degree
• Doctoral Degree

The AQF also contributes to the worldwide recognition of Australian qualifications, making it easy for other countries to understand what level of education each Australian qualification represents.

Certificates vs Diplomas

Certificates and Diplomas are courses with different levels of difficulty and depth of content.

Certificates are available in 4 levels – I, II, III and IV. Certificate I is the most basic and Certificate IV is the most advanced. The higher level the Certificate, the more in-depth the content and the longer the duration. Certificate courses are a great starting point if you want to start a new career or develop skills in a specific area that is new to you. They usually take around 6 months to 2 years to complete depending on the industry area.

Diploma courses are at a higher level of difficulty and complexity. Diploma is very valuable to anyone wanting to get a better understanding of the specialised skills needed in a career and the practices and responsibilities needed to be successful in whichever industry you’re interested in.

Diplomas will usually require you to apply your technical and theoretical knowledge in a range of contexts to equip you for work in the ‘real world.’ They usually take around 1-2 years to complete and can be perfect if you want a more focused and involved level of study.

If you’re thinking about making a change in your life, studying a nationally recognised course at ACDC could help you get where you want to go.

Earn more with a qualification

Whether you’re looking to move into a higher-paying position or you want to upskill for your current role, a qualification can put you in the right track to an increased salary. After all, the more skills you bring to the table, the more valuable you could be as an employee.

When compared with employment outcomes for university graduates, vocational courses continue to produce superior results, and are proven to be a more flexible, accessible and adaptable way to upskill.

Follow your passion

If you find yourself daydreaming about a career that makes a difference or a job that leaves you feeling more fulfilled, it’s never too late to change your direction.

Finding your true calling and changing careers can be a nerve-wracking prospect. But if you’re serious about making the transition, studying a course in your desired field can give you the confidence and skills to make the move.

Get the job you want

Vocational education graduates have a better chance of finding a job with 78 per cent of VET graduates finding a job compared to 69 percent of bachelor degree graduates.

Are you looking to climb the corporate ladder and finally secure the job you’ve been gunning for? Working hard and proving yourself in your current role is important, but sometimes there are knowledge gaps you just can’t fill on the job.
If you want to progress your career in your current industry, upskilling can significantly improve your chances of achieving your goals. Not only will you gain the skills required to take on a greater challenge, but undertaking further study will help demonstrate your determination to succeed.

Boost your confidence

Whether you want to change careers, move up the ladder in your current workplace, or simply do even better at what you’re doing now, investing in education – and yourself – can significantly boost your confidence, and increase your overall happiness and wellbeing at work.

At some large universities, classrooms can hold 300 students or more, which can be overwhelming.

At ACDC classes are kept small on purpose, usually under 25. The benefits of small classes mean that each student gets noticed, not left behind.

Studies have shown that small class sizes benefit students because they have more opportunities to ask questions, contribute to discussions and get to know their teachers, classes become a community, learning is enhanced and student specific educational needs are better met.

When you meet all your course requirements you will get your nationally recognised qualification.

You will be able to pick up your certification documents from the college within four weeks of your completion date.

Your certification documents will include:

Testamur

A testamur is a legal document with the college seal that includes:

• your name
• course title
• the signatures of the Principal Executive Officer
• the date of issue.

Academic Transcript

This an official, signed record of your academic history. It includes vital information such as:

• results/marks
• course dates.

If you complete only part of the course requirements you will be issued with a Statement of Attainment and an Academic Transcript. The Statement of Attainment records all the units of study that you successfully completed, and is nationally recognised.

If you are thinking of withdrawing from your course, we recommend that you seek academic advice before you proceed.

Many students can face challenges with their studies, but you are not alone. We are here to help you. There may be other solutions and ACDC offers a range of support services. You may also wish to consider taking a break from study rather than completely cancel your course.

Student visa impact – cancelling your course will affect your student visa. You must have a valid visa to remain in Australia and we are required to inform the relevant authorities whenever we approve cancellation of a CoE.

Change your program – if you would like to change to another course you must seek academic advice as your student visa may be affected.

Leaving to study elsewhere in Australia? – if you have not yet completed six months of study in your principal program but you wish to study at another education provider, you must apply for a release letter before you cancel your course.

Financial penalties – if you wish to cancel your enrolment financial penalties may apply. Refer to our Refund Policy.

ACDC provide the knowledge you need to combine creativity with business sense and insight. We help you to choose the course that suits the future you can picture. Our College exist to empower each learner with skills, knowledge, and values needed for higher programs, workforce entry, advancement, and personal enrichment. Most of all We prepare you for the real world. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the confidence and skills to apply your knowledge to the workplace or start your own design business. A design course could lead to a future in advertising, animation, industrial design, interior design, website and app design, furniture design and more. We think it’s an experience that makes the adventure worth taking. Come on, see for yourself.

More 10 Reasons to Choose Australian City Design College

1. Melbourne CBD unbeatable accessibility campus location.
2. Friendly supportive teachers and staff.
3. Unique Professional Teaching Methods. We have a team of Qualified trainers who are dedicated to unlock your creativity and discover your true potential.
4. Brand new facilities with modern design technology.
5. Small classrooms allowing students for a more personal development.
6. More timetables to suit student individual needs.
7. Flexible tuition payment instalments help students who have financial difficulties.
8. Varied student activities such as events, trips and sports.
9. Immediate response to all complains by our dedicated staff members.
10. Excellent Student Services, such as on-campus multilingual services, helping students with accommodation, Job support, confidential counselling for personal, academic or financial concerns, after-hours emergency hotline.

If you are unsure which course is most relevant to you, speak to our helpful support staff for some advice or see our courses information.

ACDC works closely with approved education agents in many countries, who offer advice about studying in Australia.

International education agents can help you with:

• understanding course options at ACDC
• advice about studying in another country
• submitting an international application.

If you wish to transfer to ACDC from another Australian institution prior to completing the first six months of your principal course, you must provide a Letter of Release from your current institution. Your principal course is the highest level course in a packaged offer.

If you have completed the first six months of your principal course at another Australian institution, a Letter of Release is not required.

If you are transferring from an overseas institution, a Letter of Release is not required.

Contact Us today and find out how you can join our international student community.

Awesome. You’re ready to take your life to the next level! You’ve come this far – it’s time to take that final step by backing yourself with an application. Classes will be starting before you know it, so get your application in as soon as you can. You can even start it now and finish it later.

Complete an application today or Contact Us and find out how you can join our international student community.

To avoid delays in admission processing, submit a complete set of supporting documents including:

• Passport
• Certified copies of academic transcripts.
• Certified copies of all graduation certificates in both the original language and English.
• Evidence of English language proficiency.
• CV, work reference letter, referee report etc if applicable.
• Copy of current Visa, if applicable.

Complete an application today or Contact Us and find out how you can join our international student community.

There is a set enrolment fee regardless of the number of courses you apply for. For example, you can apply for a package of courses with a pathway from Certificate IV to Diploma level in Management, Digital Media, or Marketing and Communication. You do not pay an additional enrolment fee per course.

The enrolment fee will be included in the official letter offering you a place at our College. This is called a Letter of Offer. You need to pay the enrolment fee together with the first instalment of your tuition fees when you accept your place and sign the student agreement.

Contact Us and find out how you can join our international student community.

Centrally located in the Melbourne CBD and surrounded by Melbourne’s hip cafes and restaurants, ACDC’s City Campus has cutting edge learning equipment with superfast free WiFi available throughout the campus.

ACDC classrooms are welcoming spaces designed to encourage learning and be part of the student community. A breakout area has kitchen facilities and includes an outdoor patio space which is super inviting.

Working while you study in Australia is a great opportunity to earn money, improve your English, gain skills and meet new people, but conditions and restrictions apply.

Work Conditions for Student Visa Holders

As an international student, you must not start work until you have started your course. You can work no more than 40 hours per fortnight (two weeks) during a semester.

Volunteer work is not included in the limit of 40 hours per fortnight.
As long as you are not enrolled in any courses, including online courses studied in Australia, you can work unrestricted hours during your semester break.

If you have come to Australia with family, please check their visa conditions to find out the number of hours that they can work.

Visit the work conditions for student visa holders section of the Department of Home Affairs website for more information.

Get a Tax File Number

You must have a Tax File Number (TFN) to be able to work in Australia. To apply for a TFN, refer to the Australian Taxation Office website.

After Graduation

If you want to work in Australia after you graduate, there are visa types available depending on your circumstances. Visit the Department of Home Affairs website to explore your options

Yes, ACDC accepts applications from international students for all our courses. Complete an application today or Contact Us and find out how you can join our international student community.

An ACDC short course offers you the opportunity to quickly enhance your professional skills, increase general knowledge in a chosen area or simply nurture a new talent or hobby.

We run practical introductory short courses that will help you get started and skilled in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Adobe In Design and AutoDesk Maya.

These courses are for professional development purposes and are not part of nationally recognised training.

Our College is centrally located in the Melbourne CBD the coolest city in Australia. Very conveniently located near public transport.

10 Reasons why we think Melbourne CBD is the coolest place to study

1. There are lots of alleys, lanes, and arcades. Melbourne’s laneway culture is rich, vivid and exciting
2. It’s a super walkable city
3. The coffee is incredible
4. The food is even better and culturally diverse to boot
5. It’s Australia’s ‘cultural capital’
6. Melbourne LOVES events, there is always something on!
7. The community is hugely diverse
8. It’s ‘Australia’s best student city’
9. It’s home to many beautiful parks
10. It’s the live music capital of Australia.

ACDC works closely with approved education agents in many countries, who offer advice about studying in Australia.

International education agents can help you with:

• understanding course options at ACDC
• advice about studying in another country
• submitting an international application.