International Students Handbook
Perth City 10km
Swan River 1.4km
Middle School Residence
Claremont Quarter
Claremont Oval
Claremont Showgrounds 600m
Senior School Residence
Scotch Playing Fields
Swanbourne Train Station 200m
Fremantle 8.8km
Cottesloe Beach 2km
Welcome to Scotch College
FROM OUR HEADMASTER
Scotch College is one of Australia’s leading schools for boys. The College has been at the forefront of education since its foundation in 1897.
Throughout its long history, the College has upheld a tradition of excellence that is reflected in a wide and progressive curriculum.
At Scotch, learning is more than an academic issue; it is a total picture which provides a balance between a student’s intellectual, physical, emotional, relational and spiritual needs. Scotch’s tradition of individuality, excellence, and community is a trademark of our students; it is the cornerstone on which our College was built and the heritage for its future.
Our goal is to provide boys with an education of international standard. In 2003, we strengthened this commitment by integrating the International Baccalaureate into our curriculum, offering students a globally recognised pathway.
We understand that every boy’s journey is unique, shaped by his passions, abilities, and the opportunities he embraces. Whether his story begins here in Australia or on the other side of the world, our promise remains the same: to inspire excellence, nurture character, and prepare him to thrive in a global community.
Through a balanced approach that combines academic rigour, co-curricular opportunities, and personal growth, we equip our students with the skills, confidence, and cultural awareness to succeed in any path they choose.
What truly defines Scotch is our community. It is the heartbeat of the College, where students from diverse backgrounds are welcomed, supported, and celebrated. For our international families, this means a home away from home and a lifelong network that extends far beyond the classroom.
We look forward to welcoming your family into the Scotch community — a place where belonging knows no borders.
Dr A J O’Connell Headmaster
Studying at Scotch College
At Scotch, our vision is to create a vibrant learning community with an international standard of excellence. Scotch is approved to accept Full Fee Paying Overseas Students. Each year the College welcomes boys from countries all over the world.
We are proud to offer this international standard of excellence through our offerings of: the Primary Years Programme (CRICOS Course Code 082211K), the Middle Years Programme (CRICOS Course Code 072395B) and the Diploma.
Boys can choose to study for the WACE (Western Australian Certificate of Education) (CRICOS Course Code 072397M) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Years 11 and 12 (CRICOS Course Code 072396A). Whilst we are an all boys school, coeducational opportunities are made possible in Years 11 and 12 with our sister school.
Depending on the student’s timetable, boys may attend some classes at PLC, Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) or be in classes with students from PLC. This partnership provides our senior school boys increased options through additional and diverse learning opportunities from both schools.
Scotch College is registered for international students under the ESOS framework
As a registered provider of education and training services with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Course for Overseas Students (CRICOS), we are required to comply with the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students under the ESOS Act 2000 (Cth).
Living in Perth
BOARDING AT SCOTCH
Scotch College is located in Swanbourne, Western Australia, a picturesque western suburb of Perth close to pristine beaches. The campus is located approximately one kilometre from Stirling Highway, a major arterial road from Perth city to Fremantle, and only a few hundred metres from the Swanbourne Train Station.
Perth boasts a relaxed lifestyle with warm summers, mild winters and a wonderful outdoor lifestyle. Summer is from December to February and winter is from June to August.
Perth’s lifestyle includes beaches, outdoor activities, movies, the arts, culture, and cuisine from around the world.
Our port city of Fremantle is located 20 minutes south of Perth and boasts great cafés, shopping, artists, and the famous Fremantle markets. Other destinations and experiences in Western Australia include Wave Rock, Albany, Esperance, the Pinnacles, feeding the dolphins at Monkey Mia, swimming with the whale sharks in Exmouth and riding a camel on the beach in Broome.
The Senior School campus is separated from the Junior and Middle School campuses by the College’s Shenton Road underpass. The boarding houses are near the Middle and Junior School campuses and boast a stunning location on the edge of the College’s spectacular playing fields.
The College has excellent facilities including the new Mathematics and Commerce Building, Chapel, Dickinson Centre, Memorial Hall, swimming pool and library.
As a boarding student, the costs of a student’s daily living are met by the boarding fee. In addition, boarding students usually receive pocket money from their parents to cover incidental personal expenses, such as going to the movies, or attending some optional activities arranged by the boarding house.
The boarding houses are closed during the school holidays and long weekend so students return home during the year, or alternatively may reside with their guardian for this period.
Entrance requirements and admissions procedures
English proficiency requirement
Scotch College has a high standard of academic excellence and requires overseas students to have a strong grasp of the English language prior to enrolment.
Before being offered a place, prospective overseas students may need to commit to completing an intensive language course prior to commencement.
The process
Please note that Scotch College does not deal with overseas agents, however, we are happy for them to assist families.
1. Initial contact should be to the Admissions team via email, phone or our website.
2. Where an assessment of English proficiency ascertains that an English course is required to enable a student to enter the College, this course must be undertaken at Phoenix Academy. The minimum grade required from Phoenix Academy is B2/B2+. Alternatively, the prospective overseas student may be able to sit the English Language Proficiency Test in their home country and provide evidence of their English proficiency.
3. The Admissions team will acknowledge enquiries and request copies of school reports and evidence of English level. Once received, the reports will be submitted to the College who will assess whether the student will cope with the rigours of Scotch College and determine the correct academic year of entry. Entry into a course is subject to the assessment by the College. The College does not offer course credits for students transferring from overseas up to and including Year 10. For students transferring in Year 11 and 12 credits may be given. In such circumstances, you will be notified and, if necessary, a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) will be issued if your course duration is reduced. No course credit or change to duration is to be awarded after a student’s visa is granted.
4. Provided a place in the required year is available and the reports provided are assessed by the College as acceptable for providing a CoE, the Admissions team will request that the intending overseas student register at Scotch College via the website. The cost to register is AUD $300 plus a 0.8% credit card surcharge.
5. The prospective overseas student and parents are required to attend Scotch College for an interview with the Head of Sub-School. This will be followed by a tour of the College, and, if required,
a tour of the boarding facilities and a meeting with the Head of Boarding. Alternatively, we are able to offer an online interview with the prospective student and family.
6. A written agreement will then be generated and sent (usually via email to expedite the process) to the parents or guardians.
7. The written agreement can be accepted by the signing and returning of forms and the payment of a Confirmation Fee and all fees and charges relating to the commencement of the student into the College as shown in the current International Student Fees and Charges brochure.
8. The College’s Admissions Team will generate a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Form which will be sent to you electronically. This CoE will enable you to apply for a student Visa at the Australian Embassy or High Commission nearest to you. For more information on applying for a student visa, please refer to www.homeaffairs.com.au.
9. All international students must have health cover before they enter Australia. Scotch College has an arrangement with Medibank Private and can organise this health cover in advance. It is a government requirement that students pay their health insurance for the entire duration of their studies.
Before a student can commence at Scotch College, the following amounts must be paid:
Confirmation, tuition and boarding fees (if required) for half of the year in advance.
Health care in advance for duration of study period
The student may chose to pay more than 50% of the tuition fees before the course commences, otherwise fees are paid at the beginning of each subsequent year
Learn more about our boarding via our website
Nomination of a guardian for boarding students
Where a student will not be staying under the care and responsibility of their parent on a Student Guardian Visa, the College is able to accept Guardianship provided that your son boards at the College.
The College will provide a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAWW) for the purposes of the Student Visa.
You will also be required to nominate a person able to perform guardian-like support for your son. The selection of a guardian is a parental responsibility.
Choosing a guardian when a CAWW is issued
Whilst the College is the guardian under a CAWW arrangement, we still require an adult who is over 25 years of age and resides in Perth to take responsibility for your son as need be.
They must be easily contactable and prepared to make travel arrangements for your son if necessary. If required, they must look after your son (their ward) during holiday periods and long weekends.
Student health and wellbeing
If your son is boarding and unable to remain in the boarding house due to illness or infection, he will need to stay with his guardian.
It is, therefore, extremely important that the guardian informs the College if they will be leaving Perth for any reason. For any absences from Perth it is the guardian’s responsibility to notify us of an alternate guardian for the period of the absence.
Mid-term breaks and college holidays
The boarding house closes during mid-term breaks and College holidays; therefore your son will need to stay with his guardian at these times if he is not returning home.
Guardianship expectations
A person who is requested to act as a guardian has a great responsibility.
Your son’s guardian will:
• Take responsibility for his welfare.
• Ensure that he is making satisfactory progress in his studies.
• Attend parent teacher interviews if needed.
• Act as a contact point for the boarding house at all times.
• Provide him with guidance and help in subject selections, College commitments and everyday matters if required.
• Arrange for the student’s leisure activities and travel/accommodation during midterms and term holidays (as required). This includes arranging suitable transport to and from the airport as necessary.
• If requested, control the student’s allowance and, in agreement with you, arrange for the purchase of necessary items such as books and clothing.
• Sign documents as necessary. Guardians may be asked to sign medical forms, bank and passport forms.
• Ensure, in the event of illness, that your son receives appropriate medical attention and care. When necessary, guardians will be required to take the student home for the period of recovery.
• Act as the student’s representative in relation to visa, immigration and legal matters in Perth.
• In the event of a significant disciplinary issue it may be necessary for the guardian to accommodate him should he be excluded from the College, the boarding house, or both.
• Inform the College immediately of any changes in his contact details.
• All guardians must hold a current Working With Children Clearance.
College monitoring of guardians
The College must be satisfied at all times that appropriate welfare arrangements are in place for the international students.
While the College is often in direct communication with the guardian on a regular basis, there may be an occasion where the College will need to meet with the guardian, to approve of the welfare arrangements. Photographic evidence of accommodation needs to be provided to the College.
All guardians must meet with the Head of Boarding (or their delegate) prior to a boy commencing at Scotch College. The College must be satisfied that the person is appropriate as a boy’s guardian. The final decision rests with the College.
Overseas students accommodation arrangements must be reviewed and verified by the College as appropriate to the student’s age and needs on a six month basis.
Student support services
Academic support
The Academic Support Team is available to provide academic support throughout the day and after College. If necessary, students will be provided with support during class time.
The Chaplain and the College Psychologist are available for an informal chat or more formal counselling sessions. An International Student can request the presence of a third party at any meeting if they so choose.
Contact officer
All international students have access to the College Contact Officer, who is deemed to be the official point of contact over and above the Head of College or Head of Boarding.
The Contact Officer is able to inform students and parents or guardians of the support services that are available to them and assist then in any way that is deemed necessary. The Contact Officer for International Students is the Director of Admissions and Advancement.
Health centre
All students have access to our on site Health Centre during term time.
Emergencies and accidents
In the event of an emergency, please call the College’s Reception on 9383 6800 or if it is after-school hours, call 9383 6922. All boarders also receive their year coordinator’s mobile details. If the emergency is life-threatening, please refer to the below information..
Staying safe in Australia
The emergency telephone number in Australia is 000. This number contacts fire, ambulance and police services. Find out more about emergency services in Australia.
To get help in an emergency or disaster situation contact:
• Police/Fire/Ambulance: 000
• State Emergency Services assistance in floods and storms: 132 500
• Police attendance: 131 444
• International incident emergency helpline: 1300 555 135 (within Australia)
Learn more about the College’s resources.
Communicating student progress
The College will keep parent/guardians informed on a student’s progress throughout the year via Parent/Guardian Teacher Student Interviews, Teacher Report Meetings and reports.
Teachers also use email and phone to communicate with parent/guardians on an informal basis when necessary. Teachers, however, cannot always answer emails and phone calls immediately and where there are urgent concerns the Curriculum Leader will also be able to assist.
Parent/guardian teacher student interviews (PTSI)
The purpose of the PTSI is to enable boys to discuss their work with their teachers and parent/ guardians. These occur during the academic year to give parent/guardians the opportunity to meet each other and to gain an insight to the schedule for the specific year group.
In Junior School, student’s progress in Mathematics, Spelling, Reading and Writing is tracked and assessed throughout the academic year.
In Middle School the Parent and Teacher interviews for Years 6, 7 and 8 have a pastoral care focus with the aim to answer the question, ‘How is my son settling into the year?’. Following Semester 1 reporting, the boys spend time in class analysing their reports and formulating goals and strategies for the coming semester.
All families in Years 6, 7 and 8 are then invited to attend Student Led Goal Setting Conferences with the homeroom teacher, where the student will share the goals he has committed to for second semester.
The Senior School reports your son’s progress twice a year in conjunction with student, parent, and teacher interviews. Information in this report is based on the achievement standard outlined in the Western Australian Curriculum for students in Years 9 and 10 and for Years 11 and 12, the reports will reflect the achievement against the grade related descriptors outlined in the IB Diploma or WACE Programmes.
Reporting
Students’ progress is tracked and assessed throughout the academic year. Information is available on SEQTA, the College’s teaching and learning management system.
Semester 1 and 2 reports
Formal reports on your son’s progress are written and sent home at the end of Semester 1 and 2.
Careers adviser meetings
Each boy in Years 10, 11 and 12 will have an interview with the Careers Adviser to discuss course and career options. Parent/guardians can meet with the Careers Adviser during this period.
Satisfactory course progress
Scotch College uses a variety of means to determine whether a student has made satisfactory progress.
In general, if your son is identified as a student at risk of making unsatisfactory progress, his teachers and relevant staff will inform you in writing and seek a meeting.
This meeting will provide you and your son with the opportunity to explain your son’s circumstances and discuss strategies to assist him with achieving satisfactory results. If your son continues to make unsatisfactory progress, the College will ask you to make a written submission and/or attend a meeting with the Headmaster. It is important that you make every attempt to attend this meeting and provide all the relevant information as to why your son is not progressing satisfactorily. If you prefer, your son’s guardian may attend this meeting with you or instead of you. A decision will be made even if you or your son’s guardian does not attend.
The College will notify you in writing if it decides to recommend cancellation of your son’s enrolment. This letter will include information about appealing the recommendation and the College’s obligation to report you to the Department of Educations Skills and Employment via the PRISMS system if your son has not made satisfactory academic progress.
This letter will be sent via Registered Post and confirmation of it being sent will come via email. When you receive this letter, you have 20 working days from the date on the letter to decide on one of the following options:
• Discontinue your son’s enrolment within 20 working days of having received the letter; or
• Appeal the College’s decision within 20 days of the date of the letter
If you do not respond, the Headmaster will make a decision in your absence. The Headmaster’s decision is final and no further review will be made available from within the College.
Overseas students and parents/guardians may access the College’s internal complaints process, in accordance with the College’s Complaints Handling Policy, within 20 working days. If the student chooses not to access the process or withdraws from the process, or the process is completed and results in a decision supporting the College, Admissions will notify the government through PRISMS of the student not achieving the satisfactory course progress as soon as practicable.
Suspending or deferring a course for any reason may result in a variation to the student’s visa conditions. If the College suspends or cancels the enrolment the College will continue to approve the welfare arrangements until the student goes to another College, goes into the care of a parent/guardian or leaves Australia, wherein the College will advise Immigration through PRISMS.
College refund for international students
This policy is determined in accordance with the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students (the National Code 2018).
Applications for a refund must be made in writing to the Headmaster. The College will respond within 30 days. If the College is unable to provide the agreed course to the student, a full refund of all fees and charges will be made.
Reason For Refund Notfication Period
Student Visa application unsuccessful
Students with a Visa withdraws from the School
If the School withdraws the offer of a place, fails to provide programme offered or terminates an education service
If the school withdraws a student from an education service because the student has breached international student visa conditions or the rules of the College
Either before the semester or education service commences
More than 10 weeks Before the semester or education service commences
More than 4 weeks and up to 10 weeks before the semester or education service commences
4 weeks or less before semester or education service commences
After semester or education service commences and during first four weeks
After the fourth week
Before semester or education service commences
Refund Amount
FULL REFUND1 minus $300 to cover administration costs.
FULL REFUND1 of tuition and boarding fees and charges less $300 to cover administration costs.
FULL REFUND1 of tuition and boarding fees and charges less $300 to cover administration costs.
50% of the Fee for one semester’s tuition and boarding fees and charges less $300 to cover administration costs.
30% of the Fee for one semester’s tuition and boarding less $300 to cover administration costs.
NO REFUND OF TUITION OR BOARDING CHARGES
FULL REFUND1 of all tuition fees and charges including boarding fees.
After a semester or education service commences
NO refund of the current semester’s tuition and boarding fees.
40% of subsequent semester’s fees.
Fees are payable twelve months in advance for Full Fee Paying Overseas Students. For information relating to withdrawal of a student for any reason other than the above, please refer to the Fee Policy.
1 Includes Endowment Fee but not Application Fee
This agreement does not remove the right to take further action under Australia’s consumer protection laws. All refunds will be in Australian Dollars (AUD).
Exceptions to procedure
Exceptions to the above refund procedure may be made when the reason for withdrawal of a student is of a compassionate nature such as:
• Death or serious illness of a family member;
• Serious illness or disability of the student
• Political or civil event that prevents continuation of studies; or
• Natural disaster in home country preventing continuation of studies
A partial refund may be considered in these circumstances on an individual basis. Supporting documentary evidence must be provided for a refund to be considered by the Headmaster.
Compliance with other legislation
This policy does not remove the right for further action under Australia’s consumer protection laws.
Health cover refund
A prospective Full Fee Paying Overseas Student must pay his health cover premium before he can commence at Scotch College. If he wishes Scotch College to apply for this health cover on his behalf, he must pay the health cover premium direct to the College.
The College will issue a receipt once it receives this payment from the student, and the student will need to present this receipt to the Department of Immigration as part of his student visa application. Government regulations require that the student pays health cover for the entire length of his stay at the school.
If the student does not obtain a student visa and health cover has not yet been applied for by Scotch College on behalf of the student by means of payment to the health cover provider, then the full amount of the health cover premium will be returned to the student.
If the student does not obtain a student visa but health cover has been applied for by Scotch College on behalf of the student by means of payment to the health cover provider, then the College will not return the health cover premium to the student, but would encourage the student to apply directly to the health cover provider for return of these monies.
Transfer policy
The College will not knowingly enrol an overseas student seeking to transfer from another registered provider’s course prior to the overseas student completing six months of his principal course except where any of the following apply:
• The releasing registered provider, or the course in which the overseas student is enrolled, has ceased to be registered;
• The releasing registered provider has had a sanction imposed on its registration by the ESOS agency that prevents the overseas student from continuing his course at that registered provider;
• The releasing registered provider has agreed to the overseas student’s release and recorded the date of effect and reason for release in PRISMS;
• Any government sponsor of the overseas student considers the change to be in the overseas student’s best interests and has provided written support for the change.
Overseas students can lodge a written request to transfer which must be accompanied by a valid enrolment offer from another registered provider.
The College may grant the transfer request in circumstances where the transfer is in the overseas student’s best interests, including but not limited to where the College has assessed that:
• The overseas student will be reported because they are unable to achieve satisfactory course progress at the level they are studying, even after engaging with that registered provider’s intervention strategy to assist the overseas student in accordance with Standard 8 of the National Code 2018 (Overseas student visa requirements);
• There is evidence of compassionate or compelling circumstances;
• The registered provider fails to deliver the course as outlined in the written agreement;
• There is evidence that the overseas student’s reasonable expectations about their current course are not being met;
• There is evidence that the overseas student was misled by the registered provider or an education or migration agent regarding the registered provider or its course and the course is therefore unsuitable to their needs and/or study objectives; or
• An appeal (internal or external) on another matter results in a decision or recommendation to release the overseas student.
The College will assess and reply to the overseas student’s transfer request, having regard to the restriction period, within a reasonable timeframe (usually within 10 working days).
If the College enrols a student under 18 years of age who has welfare arrangements approved by another registered provider, the College will:
a. Negotiate a transfer date for welfare arrangements with the releasing registered provider to ensure there is no gap; and
b. Inform the student of their visa obligation to maintain their current welfare arrangements until the transfer date, or have alternative welfare arrangements approved or return to their home country, until the new approved welfare arrangements take effect.
Where an overseas student is under 18 years of age, the College must have written confirmation that the overseas student’s parent or legal guardian supports the transfer. Where the overseas student is not being cared for in Australia by a parent or suitable nominated relative, the receiving provider must confirm that it accepts responsibility for approving the student’s accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements in accordance with Standard 5 of the National Code 2018 (Younger overseas students).
Where a release is granted, it will be at no cost to the overseas student and the releasing registered provider must advise the overseas student to contact Immigration to seek advice on whether a new student visa is required.
The College may refuse a transfer on reasonable grounds. Where the College intends to refuse the transfer request, the College will inform the overseas student in writing of:
• The reasons for the refusal; and
• The overseas student’s right to access the College’s Complaints and Appeals Process, in accordance with Standard 10 of the 2018 National Code (Complaints and appeals), within 20 working days.
The College will not finalise the student’s refusal status in PRISMS until the appeal finds in favour of the College, or the overseas student has chosen not to access the complaints and appeals processes within the 20 working day period, or the overseas student withdraws from the process.
The College will maintain records of all requests from overseas students for a release and the assessment of, and decision regarding, the request for two years after the overseas student ceases to be an accepted student.
Deferment, suspension and cancellation policy
General information
Permission for students to arrive after term starts or before term ends will only be given by the College in exceptional circumstances, and notification must be received at least three weeks in advance.
Overseas students may not drive or have access to any form of motor transport whilst a student at Scotch College. For students who wish to have a part-time job, they should visit www.fairwork.gov.au for information about workplace rights and conditions.
The possession, distribution or use of any form of illegal substance under Australian law or any type of offensive weapon or behaviour illegal under Australian law will lead to the immediate dismissal of the student from the College.
Overseas students are expected to participate fully in the academic, sporting and social life
of the College. They are expected to speak English wherever possible and to observe Australian customs of social courtesy and behaviour. In return, local students are expected to respect the different cultural backgrounds and experiences of their overseas colleagues. An unwillingness to be an active and committed member of the Scotch College community will lead to the enrolment of a student being reviewed by the Headmaster.
Further information on enrolling at Scotch College can be made by contacting:
Scotch College
Swanbourne WA 6010 + 61 8 9383 6800 admissions@scotch.wa.edu.au
Helpful links
General Links
ESOS Framework
www.education.gov.au/esos-framework
Study Perth www.studyperth.com.au
Study in Australia www.studyaustralia.gov.au/
Living in Perth www.livingin-australia.com/living-in-perth
Work Rights www.fairwork.gov.au
International Student Ombudsman www.ombudsman.gov.au/complaints/ international-student-complaints
Scotch College Links
Pastoral Care www.scotch.wa.edu.au/pastoral-care
Teaching and Learning
www.scotch.wa.edu.au/teaching-and-learning
Term Dates
www.scotch.wa.edu.au/life-at-scotch/termdates
Student Code of Conduct www.scotch.wa.edu.au/policy-procedure
Code of Behaviour
www.scotch.wa.edu.au/upload/pages/ behaviour-leadership/behaviour-leadershipexpectations-policy.pdf
Child Safety Code of Conduct scotchwa.policyconnect.com.au/module/217/ page/834f0734-fd31-49d5-acce-9af98bc0832e. md
