Student FAQs

Edith Cowan College (ECC) is located on Edith Cowan University’s Joondalup Campus West and Mount Lawley Campus in Perth, Western Australia. The campuses are serviced by main bus routes and train services. Both of the ECC zones are part of ECU’s wider campus, meaning our students are part of university life from day one. Once your pathway is complete, the move from ECC to ECU could be a simple walk around the corner.

Academic English Program leads into Diploma and PQP courses at ECC and various degree programs at ECU.

Diploma courses offer in the areas of Commerce, Computing & IT, Communications, Hotel Management, Engineering, Health Science and Performing Arts (Music).

Foundation Program is equivalent to upper secondary school (Year 12) and university foundation programs. It aims to prepare international students for further study in an ECC Diploma or for entry into the first year of a selected Edith Cowan University bachelor’s degree.

PQP offers in the areas of Business, IT and Communications.

All dates for course intakes and study periods are available in the important dates.

The Academic English Program at Edith Cowan College is designed for students who plan to study a degree at Edith Cowan University. Students can improve their academic reading, writing, listening and speaking skills during this Program.

You may apply for recognition of prior learning based on equivalent study at another university or educational institution. You can submit applications for RPL when you apply.

If you are applying for an RPL from a unit of study, you must not enrol in that unit unless your application is not approved.

Applications for RPL must be lodged with the appropriate evidence including:

• A completed Recognition of Prior Learning form
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and/or qualifications with approved English language translations (if applicable)
• Copies of unit outlines describing detailed contents of learning outcomes, assessments and other course materials. Such evidence must demonstrate equivalent academic rigour (quality, time frame, breadth and depth of study content)
• Any other evidence demonstrating that your experience, skills, knowledge and qualifications meet the academic rigour required under the respective AQF standards.
• Proof of minimum level of English competency matching relevant course entry guidelines.

ECC has a range of student support services available. Students have access to study support from Learning Advisors, Academic Program Coordinators and the Academic Services Team, as well as counselling and wellbeing support from ECC’s dedicated Student Counsellor.

ECC has a diverse mix of students from around the world and accepts both local students (Australian citizens and Permanent residents) and international students for studies.

You can find out what’s happening at ECC and the student life from our ECC Facebook, ECC Instagram, or Website. Visit our YouTube Channel to see what students and staff have to say about ECC.

ECC recommends that appropriate arrangements must be made with respect to your accommodation, ensuring sufficient support for your personal welfare during your stay in Australia or until you reach the age of 18 years. ECC offers support and counselling to all students through its Student Counsellor and will liaise with parents regarding the welfare of younger students.

The average class size is around 30 students. Classes are complemented by small group tutorials or workshops ensuring students receive the best of attention.

For pathway, Class times can be from 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday. Standard classes are 3 hours, but some units may have longer classes or include additional classes for laboratories, workshops or tutorials.

For Academic English Program, please view the sample class timetable.

The Academic Progression Procedures outline the academic policy.

Applications are done online and the process is different for Australian and International students. ECC and Navitas also offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to reward eligible students.

If you have any questions or need help with your application at any point in the process, get in touch and we’ll be happy to support you.

Education agents will be able to assist you with selecting the right course, applying for your studies, providing you with advice on how to apply for your student visa, applying for accommodation and also assisting you with the transition to your studies in Perth. Here’s the find an agent search for ECC College representatives around the world.

No, students who apply to study at ECC are not required to pay an application fee.

Australian student applications require:

• Completed and signed ECC application form
• All academic qualifications (including school reports and official examination certificates)
• English test results or other evidence of English competency (if applicable)
• Any relevant employment documents (if applicable)
• Australian students must also supply proof of citizenship or permanent residency, such as a certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate or visa

International student applications require:

• Completed and signed ECC application form
• All academic qualifications, translated in English (including school reports and official examination certificates)
• Certified copy of your passport
• English test results or other evidence of English competency (if applicable)
• Any relevant employment documents (if applicable)

Yes, FEE-HELP is available for Australian citizens who are enrolling in a Diploma course. Eligible students can access the FEE-HELP loan scheme, which can cover all or part of their Diploma tuition fees.

Yes, alternative entry through a portfolio is available to domestic students. It is available to applicants who, for reasons beyond their control, may have experienced disadvantage in accessing and participating in education. You need to demonstrate your achievements, determination, and commitment to succeed in your chosen course of study through the Portfolio and a face-to-face interview.

The Academic and English entry requirements to study at ECC differ for each course but we do outline what admission requirements are needed for your course preference.

We provide scholarships to eligible students automatically when you apply for a course. You don’t need apply for scholarships separately. You can have a look at what scholarships we offer and you are eligible for.

Please see below:

• Packaged international students: Good news! You already have your place secured with ECU. Once you have completed your ECC program, ECU will be in touch with the next steps to transition into the University.
• Non-Packaged domestic students: You can apply to ECU at any time through the ECU application portal. Once you complete your ECC program, ECU will be in touch with the next steps to transition into the University.

You can find out all about ECU via the ECU website.

International students are required to study full time to comply with the conditions of their student visa.

Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident may choose to enrol on a part-time basis.

As an international student, you will be permitted to work in Australia but there are several conditions which apply. Your student visa allows you to work up to a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight during academic term and unlimited hours during vacation periods. You will not be permitted to commence work until your course start date has commenced.

Most businesses now advertise for positions online. Below are some of the most popular job search websites:

• Seek
• Indeed
• CareerOne
• Prosple
• WA Government

For more detailed information, read our employment page.

Anyone working in Australia must have a valid Tax File Number (TFN) which is issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). You can apply at the Post Office or through the ATO website. This website will provide you with information about which documents are required when applying for a TFN.

Once you have been in Australia for more than six months you are considered ‘a resident for tax purposes’. You will be required to pay tax on earnings from work or interest earned from bank accounts.

Perth offers students a great place to study in the sunshine, with the city within close reach. Our vibrant city celebrates a multicultural student community and is known for its relaxed lifestyle and lower cost of living compared to other Australia cities. Perth is home to stunning natural surroundings and endless adventures right on your doorstep!

Find out all Perth can offer from the Destination Perth page.

We strongly recommend arranging your accommodation well before you arrive in Perth to start your studies. You have on-campus options, in the form of the ECU Village and off-campus options, that can be found through property listing.

Yes, you can use the ECU library facilities. The ECU Library provides you access to study, research resources and physical item borrowing. ECU Library services can also help you to explore the facilities and advise you how to log in with your student account.

The ECU campus maps are available to help navigate yourself around the Joondalup and Mount Lawley campuses.

Students have access to Academic and Learning support from Learning Advisors who can help with language skills, study skills, academic writing, basic IT skills, and numeracy skills. Academic Program Coordinators are available for specific course questions and the Student and Academic Services Team are here to help with any question. If you have any questions, just ask.

At ECC, we take care of you. If you are ever stressed or need someone to talk to, ECC has a dedicated Student Counsellor to provide free and confidential counselling services.