ACCOMMODATION SERVICES

If you require assistance with this, we have experienced Student Services staff who will take care of your accommodation requirements by helping you find a place to live which best suits your personal needs.

A range of different forms of accommodation is available including:

  • Student hostels
  • Homestay
  • Independent rental.

Students under 18 years of age must live in accommodation approved by Kaplan Business School. This usually means homestay, an approved student hostel or with a relative over the age of 21.

All prices are quoted in Australian dollars and include GST.

Student Hostels

A wide range of student hostels are located around the city in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.

Student hostels offer independence with a student environment where it is easy to make friends. Usually these consist of a fully furnished bed/study room, access to shared kitchens, bathrooms and other facilities and for an additional fee meals can also be provided in some hostels.

The price varies depending on the type of room you require ranging from AUD$150-$300 per week depending on the type of room, facilities and services desired.

Short and long term residence options are available. Kaplan Business School can be of assistance in securing accommodation for you at a student hostel – please contact our office for further information regarding the options available.

Always seek a written contract with the hostel to protect your rights and be aware of your entitlement to be given a copy of the rules and regulations that are adopted and enforced by the hostel.

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Homestay

Homestay is the arrangement whereby you stay with a family in their home, eating and living with them. Homestay is therefore your opportunity to have a uniquely Australian experience. As Australia is a multicultural country, homestay can be an opportunity to understand different cultures so that you will develop an appreciation for other ways of living.

The homestay experience is ideal for developing English language skills and assists with your adjustment to Australia by providing a family atmosphere bringing you into Australian society.

Homestay can also be an enriching experience where lifelong relationships and friendships are formed thus adding tremendous value to your overseas study experience. You will be staying with an Australian family who will treat you as part of the family, with the use of living areas and facilities. However, you are expected to fit in with the family’s lifestyle, meals and agreed house rules. Please be aware that you are required to compromise with other family members, help around the house and show respect for others at all times.

Full board homestay accommodation priced at approximately $240.00 per week includes:*

  • A single room with bed, desk and cupboard
  • Laundry facilities
  • Three meals per day.

Shared/part board homestay accommodation (generally priced from $150 per week) includes:

  • A single room with bed, desk and cupboard
  • Laundry facilities
  • Access to the kitchen, where you can do your own cooking.

In shared/part board homestay the student must buy and prepare their own food and may also be required to pay for additional expenses such as electricity, gas and telephone.

*Please Note: Homestay fees do not include telephone calls or personal toiletries.

Kaplan Business School does not enter into a contract with either the student or the homestay family; an external organisation acts as the facilitator for the homestay placement. Our associated homestay organisation takes extreme care when matching homestay families and students but can take no responsibility once a placement has been accepted by both the homestay family and the student.

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Independent Rental Accommodation

Independent rental accommodation (including shared house accommodation) is an option only open to students over the age of 18. Students will need to find their own property, however the School can provide you with assistance during your search.

This option provides you with more independence, privacy and freedom than other forms of accommodation and costs approximately AUD$6,000 - $12,000 per year plus four weeks rent for bond. The cost of rental accomodation does not include meals and other living expenses. Included in the rent is the cost of repairs, but not electricity, gas, internet, telephone connection and usage or water usage. You will have to do all the housework yourself, including buying food and general household duties, preparing meals, keeping the house clean, doing your own laundry, etc.

You will be required to sign a lease of at least six months (and sometimes 12 months), pay a bond of four weeks rent, and provide references. Another consideration is that rental accommodation in Australia is often unfurnished or part-furnished, which means that you may also have the expense of buying some of your own furniture. Fortunately, there are many second-hand furniture shops in Australia, which offer good furniture at reasonable prices.

Share House Rental (weekly)
Melbourne – $100-$160
Sydney – $100-$200
Adelaide – $90-$160

(plus 4 weeks rent for bond)

Student Studio Apartment (weekly)
Melbourne – $150-$250
Sydney – $170-$300
Adelaide – $120-$250

(plus 4 weeks rent for bond)

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Fees, Terms and Conditions of Homestay

Kaplan Business School outsources the arrangement of homestay accommodation for our students to accredited and reputable organisations which comply with state and federal regulations, exceed DEEWR and DIAC standards, and have strong case-management and critical incident procedures. Representatives of these organisations visit the premises of each homestay family to ensure that living standards are acceptable and safe and that care-givers are appropriate, each family has a "Working with Children Check Card" and the required insurance cover for each student has been arranged.

1. Provisions

1.1 Students have the option of full board/part board homestay. Full board homestay generally includes two meals a day - breakfast and dinner (some homestays may also provide lunch). Students staying in part board homestay accommodation prepare and cook their own meals.

1.2 All students staying in homestay accommodation will have a single room with a bed, desk, cupboard and access to laundry facilities.

1.3 Students are entitled to 24 hour emergency contact with our homestay organisations.

2. Fees*

2.1* The placement fee for homestay is approximately $230.00.

2.2* The airport pick-up/transfer fee is approximately $120.00.

Students must pay for and accept airport pickup/transfer as part of the homestay package.

2.3* The homestay fee is approximately $240.00 per week.

Students who are under 18 years old will need to pay approximately $270.00 per week.

2.4 All prices include GST.

*Please note: Prices are subject to change.

Increases in homestay rent may occur. Kaplan Business School and our homestay organisations cannot be held responsible for the fees charged by homestay families.

2.5** Students are also liable for the cost of all telephone calls and personal toiletries as well as excessive internet usage. Students staying in a part board homestay may also be required to pay for electricity and gas.

2.6** Some additional homestay services/facilities may be available to students such as VIP homestay where a student has his/her own private bathroom. These services are subject to availability. Please contact the School for more information.

3. Payment Process

3.1 Homestay fees are to be paid in advance.

A confirmation booking fee of four weeks payment together with the placement fee and airport pick-up/transfer fee is required to secure the student's initial homestay placement. Please contact the School for payment details.

3.2 A signed application form, together with the confirmation booking fee, must be received in order for the School to commence work on a homestay placement. Students are also required to complete and return the student profile form.

3.3 Students are advised that their homestay family profile will not be sent until payment has been received.

3.4 The initial homestay payment is to be made to Bradford College (Kaplan Business School) as Bradford College Pty Ltd is the registered higher education provider (CRICOS Provider Codes, SA: 02426B, NSW: 02913J, VIC: 02887F). Kaplan Business School Pty Ltd is Bradford College's agent appointed to deliver courses on its behalf.

Payment is to be made by one of the following methods:

  • Telegraphic Transfer - payable to Bradford College (Kaplan Business School)
  • Bank Draft - payable to Bradford College (Kaplan Business School)
  • Cheque - payable to Bradford College (Kaplan Business School)

Please note that students may incur an additional bank charge with their payment transfer (if applying from overseas).

3.5 Students are advised to obtain a written document outlining the conditions of any arrangements made with a homestay family and a receipt of any payment made to them.

3.6 All future payments are to be made between the student and our homestay organisations.

4. Accommodation

4.1 Students must inform our homestay organisations of any changes to the initial homestay period.

4.2 Students are advised to stay with their homestay family for a minimum period of two weeks to give themselves and the family time to adjust to each other. In the event of a significant problem our homestay organisations will endeavour to move students if they are unhappy in accordance with their complaint/grievance procedure.

4.3 Kaplan Business School and our homestay organisations will assist students with their homestay but the ultimate responsibility lies with the students themselves to adhere to the rules and conditions of their homestay family and to clearly communicate with them regarding any issues which may arise.

4.4 Kaplan Business School does not enter into a contract with either the student or the homestay, instead our homestay organisations act as a facilitator for the homestay placement.

5. Accommodation - Under 18 students

5.1 Students who are under 18 years old must gain approval from Kaplan Business School before changing their homestay accommodation.

6. Cancellation/Refunds/Interim Break

6.1 Students are entitled to a partial refund if their accommodation request is cancelled two weeks prior to their confirmed arrival date.

6.2 Two weeks or less notice of cancellation will result in two weeks homestay rent being retained as compensation for the family.

6.3 The placement fee is non-refundable.

6.4** Students intending to leave the homestay are requested to pay approximately $100.00 for each week they are away if they wish to keep their room.

**Please note that there may be slight variations in fees and the terms and conditions across the three campuses (Melbourne/Sydney/Adelaide).

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Arrival in Australia

How to Prepare for Your Arrival in Australia and Study at Kaplan Business School

What do I need to bring with me?

  • Letter of Offer and Personal Data Form
  • Certified copies of your qualifications
  • Certified copies of other important documents (i.e. birth certificate/driver's licence, character references)
  • Medical history or prescriptions required for ongoing medication
  • Clothing appropriate to season:

November to March are the warmest months and you will be comfortable in casual clothing such as light pants, shorts, skirts, t-shirts and jeans;

June to August are the coldest months and you will be comfortable in clothing such as jeans, trousers, skirts, jumpers (sweaters/windcheaters). A light waterproof jacket would also be useful. Although students dress casually in Australia it is a good idea to also bring some formal clothes with you for job interviews/special occasions.

  • Basic household goods (if intending to stay in independent rental accommodation). You can purchase household items in Australia at a reasonable cost but you may want to bring your own basic items with you.
  • Items of sentimental value (i.e. family photos).

We recommend you visit the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website at www.daff.gov.au/aqis before leaving your home country.

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How much money should I bring?

The amount of money you bring with you is a personal decision, however you must make sure you have enough funds to cover your bond/rent and moving expenses for your accommodation on arrival. You should also have money to cover temporary accommodation expenses if applicable, meal costs and transport costs (buses, taxis). However, please be aware that you should not carry large amounts of cash with you.

On the first day of your course, please come to Kaplan Business School (Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide office depending on your enrolment) at 9am to begin your orientation. It is important that you bring your passport and details of your current Australian address - even if it is only temporary. You will receive essential information during the orientation period and complete forms for our records.

The orientation program includes specific information on:

  • Enrolment into units of study
  • Study skills
  • School services and facilities (including a campus tour)
  • Shopping and recreational activities
  • Local transport options
  • Student responsibilities
  • Australian tax file numbers
  • Overseas student health cover
  • Living in Australia.

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Australian Quarantine & Inspection Service
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade
Bureau of Meteorology
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Australian Government’s Going to Uni website
Real Estate

About Melbourne
www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
www.visitvictoria.com
melbourne.gumtree.com.au

About Sydney
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
www.discoversydney.com.au
www.visitnsw.com.au
sydney.gumtree.com.au

About Adelaide
www.cityofadelaide.com.au
www.southaustralia.com
adelaide.gumtree.com.au

Accommodation
www.easyroommate.com
www.flatmates.com.au
www.shareaccommodation.org
www.s-h-a.com.au

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