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ANNEX A:
Introductory Academic Program
The IAP is mandatory for all Australia Awards scholarship holders. The program aims to assist
students to make the transition from their home country to Australia and prepares them to
undertake tertiary education in the Australian setting.
The course combines an academic program, welfare and cultural understanding and assists
students to understand the Australian education system. Students will consolidate their
language proficiency, sharpen their academic skills and gain an understanding of academic
culture, particularly with reference to the tertiary institution they are attending.
Larger institutions will conduct IAPs for Australia Awards students only while some other
institutions provide a short introductory program for Australia Awards scholars after which
the students join the broader orientation and enrolment program for all international
students at that institution. Institutions with few Australia Awards students may join with
other institutions in the same geographic location to deliver a joint IAP.
The following topics will be covered over a four-week period, this list is not exhaustive and
institutions will incorporate other institution specific activities:
an introduction to living in Australia, which includes aspects such as history, Australian
and local culture, Australian language and ideas of tolerance;
introduction to student support services staff and services including counselling,
student loans, student union, postgraduate student associations;
a Welcome to Country and introduction to Australian indigenous culture;
familiarisation with the local environment including campus tour, institution culture,
institution services and facilities, local do’s and don’ts, local area transport;
networking sessions to meet other international and domestic students and develop
the types of friendships that will provide them with a network to draw on during their
time in Australia;
institution specific requirements for academic success and good academic conduct, in
particularly essay writing, note taking, referencing, presentation skills, critical thinking,
research techniques, study skills and report writing. This may also introduce awardees
to the institutions’ remote/virtual learning systems and social media expectations;
living in Australia - opening bank accounts, an introduction to local shops and services,
transport, campus familiarisation, student ID card, renewables, recycling and waste
disposal, where to find embassies/consulates etc.;
library and IT services available at the institution and computer skills development;
accommodation – where to find it, legal process/lease negotiation, arranging
connection of services, obtaining furniture and household goods;
understanding the Australia Awards allowances and budgeting guidance;
Overseas student health cover, medical welfare and health services in Australia;
staying safe – personal security, sexual well-being, water safety and what to do in an
emergency;
government and interaction with local agencies, such as police;
Australian foods and foods from home;
visa issues;
introductions to academics supervisors and coordinators and discussions about their
expectations;
a walking tour or familiarisation tour of the closest large town or city;