Frequently Asked Questions about Navitas English

How do I contact you if I have any further questions?
Please email questions to english@navitas.com or contact us.

Can I enrol online?
Yes,  you can apply online. 

Can I package my Academic English to Uni/TAFE/College course offshore?
Yes. Navitas Admissions can help with your application.

Can I start my course after day 1?
Only in exceptional circumstances as we consider it essential that the academic integrity of these courses is not compromised. Unlike General English they are not open for weekly enrolments and we expect all the students to commit to the whole of the course and also to the exam they will take at the end. If a student starts late (subject to approval by the Centre Manager) it is essential that they do an off-shore pre-test prior to arrival so that we can check we are saving a place for them on the appropriate course. 

If I decide to go on a pathway/package onshore, can I change my Visa from a Working Holiday to a Student Visa?
Yes. However, you must contact the partner institution first to receive an offer in writing, and then the Australian Department of Immigration & Border Protection (DIBP).

If I decide to go on a pathway/package onshore, can I extend my student Visa?
Yes. However, you must contact the partner institution first to receive an offer in writing, and then the Australian Department of Immigration & Border Protection (DIBP).

I have a problem in my homestay family, who should I speak to?
We are always here to help with any homestay issues. Most minor issues in a homestay family can be solved by speaking to your homestay family directly however if you need further assistance then please speak to the accommodation staff at your centre. 

I would like to extend my homestay, who should I speak to?
If you would like to extend your homestay then please speak to the student services manager or accommodation officer at your centre. 

I’d like to leave my homestay early, what do I need to do?
You need to give 2 weeks’ notice if you would like to move out of your homestay early. Please speak to the student services manager or accommodation officers at your centre. We will refund any remaining homestay fees however an amendment fee will apply

How do I book activities?
Please refer to the online Boomerang calendar or visit reception to book and pay for activities.

I have booked my travel through the navitasenglishtravel.com website and I have a problem with my booking, who should I contact?
Please contact PeterPan's Adventure Travel on 1800 669 424 or visit one of their stores.

I’d like a longer gym membership, who should I contact?
Speak to the Navitas English reception staff and they can advise you on the different gym options which are available in your city. 

I’ve lost my gym membership pass, what can I do?
Unfortunately we cannot replace lost gym membership passes.

What activities can I do as part of the Boomerang activities program?
You can do lots of different activities as part of Boomerang including:
• Sporting Activities
• Cultural Activities
• Day Trips and Weekend Excursions
• Surf Camps
• Social Activities (coffee afternoons, dinners)
• Student parties
• Speed Friending
• Plus much much more…
Activities are always changing so look out for new and exciting activities. Don’t forget that we love hearing your thoughts and ideas so if there are any activities you would like to see on the program then let your activities coordinator or reception know.

What happens if the activity I have booked is cancelled?
Sometimes activities need to be cancelled (adverse weather). If this happens we will contact you to let you know. We will try to reorganize the activity for a different date and time. If this isn’t possible and you have paid for the activity then we will arrange a refund for you. 

What if I am on a different visa (e.g. tourist, working holiday), can I still get insurance for while I am studying in Australia?
Navitas recommends that all students have appropriate insurance for their stay in Australia (e.g. travel insurances, health insurance).

When are the activities?
Activity start times vary depending on the type of activity and your centre. Please see your monthly calendar for start times or speak to reception. 

When do I receive confirmation of my OSHC?
OSHC has a number of exclusions under their policy. Please read your policy for more information.
OSHC is a health insurance therefore it doesn’t provide cover for things like:
• Lost/stolen belongings 
• Cancellation of flights
• Home contents

Will Navitas English staff accompany on the activities?
Navitas English staff will attend most activities with you and will ensure that you have a great time and answer any questions which you have while on the activity. Some activities are organized through our partners and their staff will accompany you on the activity. 

Can I work while I am studying?
The visa which you are on will need to have work rights for you to work while you are in Australia. Please check on your visa grant letter to see if you have work rights and if there are any additional conditions. 

I have a problem with my employer, what can I do?
Please speak to reception in the first instance. We can give you the relevant contacts (e.g. Fair Work Ombudsman) who you can speak to.

What type of jobs are popular with international students?
Many jobs are popular with students including hospitality, retail, tourism, construction (labouring) and agriculture.

Where can I get job help?
You can ask for help at any point at reception. We also run regular myStudy Job Club sessions which will be advertised on the Boomerang calendar and around the school. 

Will I pay tax?
Yes, you will need to pay tax on your earnings. All workers need to obtain a tax file number from the ATO. 

Are the Academic English courses the same in all the Navitas English schools?
Yes. The curriculum is nationally standardised and moderated. 

Are the teachers experienced and qualified?
Yes, each Navitas Academic English teacher has an average of 10,000+ hrs teaching experience. Many have been teaching English for over 20 years!
All Academic English teachers have university degrees and specialist English Language Teaching qualifications in accordance with Australian government regulations.

Do I get a Certificate at the end of the course?
Yes. Students who pass the Academic English courses will receive a Navitas Certificate and Record of Achievement. These documents show the results the student achieved in the Academic English course(s) and are used to gain entry to the partner University/TAFE/College.

Do I have to do the exam in Cambridge Preparation?
Yes. All students doing Cambridge preparation courses are required to do the exam. Academically it makes the course more serious, robust and challenging. It keeps the students motivated and helps build teamwork as everyone is focused on the same goal– passing the Cambridge ESOL examination. Overall it makes for a better learning experience and students get more out of it.

Do I have to do the full 10 weeks of each Academic English course?
Yes – no exceptions. The Navitas Academic English Courses are registered as 10-week courses with the Australian Government Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), so all of the courses must be completed.

Do I have to pass all the assessments in the course?
Yes. Students are only permitted to resubmit 1 failed assessment item – every other assessment item must be passed at the first attempt.

Do I have to pass each paper in order to pass the whole examination?
No. Your overall performance is calculated by averaging the scores you achieve in Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Use of English. The weighting of each of the four skills and Use of English is equal.

How many students are there in Academic English classes?
In Brisbane and Manly Beach schools, the average number of students per class is 10.
In Sydney, Darwin and Perth (NMT), the average number of students is 15.
The maximum in every campus is 18.

How often are your courses run?
General English and IELTS Preparation courses start every Monday (excluding Public Holidays) and Academic English courses start every 5 weeks, please refer to our course dates for more detail.

If I don’t pass the exam, do I still get a certificate?
You will definitely receive a graduation certificate showing that you have completed a Cambridge preparation course at Navitas. You will also receive a certificate from Cambridge for the level below the exam you took if your result lies within that band on the Cambridge English scale.

What are the attendance requirements?
Students must attend a minimum of 80% of the class hours in accordance with Australian regulations.

What is the Cambridge scale?
The Cambridge English Scale is a range of scores used for reporting the results of Cambridge English exams. It is built on our existing results reporting and years of research, and is designed to complement the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The Cambridge English Scale allows for more straightforward results reporting across our exams and better meets the needs of our exam users, including candidates, teachers, universities and immigration departments. It is also easier to compare performance in Cambridge to IELTS (and vice versa) as they are both aligned to the CEFR. Results on the scale also give a greater insight into candidate progression from one exam to the next.

What is the difference between Academic English 1, 2 & 3?
Academic English 1 is Intermediate (B1+) level. It introduces students to the language, skills and assessment required for AE2 and AE3.
Academic English 2 is Upper-Intermediate (B2) level. It prepares students for study in Certificate and Diploma courses at Australian TAFE and Colleges.
Academic English 3 is Advanced (B2+) level. It prepares students for study in Bachelors and Masters courses at Australian Universities.

Which textbook is used in class?
Each Academic English level uses course-specific material written by Navitas curriculum experts.

Can I change from General English to Academic English?
Yes. You can do an onshore pre-test with the Academic English Coordinator on your campus any time to check if you are ready.

Do I have to do a pre-test?
Yes. This way we can get a more accurate idea if you are suitable for the course and can counsel you accordingly. It also helps to avoid a situation where a student arrives and fails the placement test on the first day and is denied access to the course they have booked as the lower (or higher) course is fully booked. 

Do I need to do a pre-test to enroll in an Academic English course?
Yes, it is important to do a pre-test so that Navitas knows which Academic English level (1, 2 or 3) is right for your level of English.
You can do an online (Versant) test or an offshore paper test.

Do students need to take an IELTS test before, during or after the course to get into my university, TAFE or College?
No. Navitas English has Direct Entry Agreements with over 60 leading Australian universities, TAFEs and colleges. So, students who pass the Navitas Academic English courses can enter Certificate, Diploma, Bachelors and Masters programs without an IELTS Test result. 

How can I arrange to do a Versant test?
Please contact your agent if you have appointed an agent. Alternatively, you can contact your local Navitas Office. 

How can I work out my English level?
You can do a free online quiz created by Navitas English teachers, or you can arrange to sit a test with your local Education Agent.

What percentage do I need to get on the Academic English course(s) to articulate to University, TAFE, College?
The percentage which must be achieved varies depending on the partner University, TAFE, College. Please refer to the Direct Entry List for the exact requirements of each institution.

What proof of my test results do I need to show?
Please provide your official test results (such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, PTE) if you have any. If you don’t have any official test results, we recommend you do an online test or an offshore paper test.