FAQ

Our institution has been well established for over 30 years and we are the only college of our kind whose qualifications are recognised and accepted internationally. Our buying power enables us to provide you with the very best selection of equipment and our limited enrolment guarantees you will have substantial access to it. Another important advantage is the trimester structure at SAE, which enables you to complete your course and join the workforce in an accelerated time.

Course fees vary each year and from course to course. For more information on the most up to date schedule of fees please refer here.

FEE-HELP and VET FEE-HELP are both loan schemes offered by the Australian government to assist eligible fee-paying undergraduate or postgraduate students to pay part of or all of their tuition fees. Just like the former HECS, you do not need to repay your loan until you are finished study and earning within the relevant tax bracket. SAE degree and diploma courses are government accredited and offer FEE-HELP and VET FEE-HELP to eligible students.

Scholarships are available at selected SAE Institute campuses. Please visit our scholarships site for further information.

You might be eligible for Government payments such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, Abstudy or Rent Assistance. Please contact your nearest Centrelink office for more information on financial assistance available for students.

Commencement dates for new intakes at SAE Institute usually occur in February, May and September each year. Please contact your nearest campus for further information on exact dates.

The unique hands-on and practical approach of study at SAE ensures that you will learn the techniques and practices needed to maximise your chances of a career once your studies are complete. Past graduates have found work in their chosen specialised industry and those who have graduated from our degree programs have found employment opportunities extend even beyond these areas. Once you have completed your studies, you will also have the opportunity to join our Alumni Association, which provides graduates with a very active job placement service. In the vast and growing entertainment industries.

A diploma is a specialised vocationally-based practical training option, while the degree is a standard of education that can open doors outside of the creative media industry. It really depends on which direction you would like your qualifications to take you. If you would like more guidance in making this decision, please feel free to contact the Academic Coordinator at your local campus.

Once we have received your enquiry, a brochure pack will be sent to you. Upon receiving your completed application form, a Letter of Offer and Student Admission Agreement will be forwarded to you. You will only be officially enrolled once we have received your completed Student Admission Agreement and a Confirmation of Enrolment and Payment Plan letter will then be sent out to you.

In Australia it is a requirement that you have completed your High School Certificate (or equivalent) or be over the age of 21, in which case you can enter as a mature-age student. Entry requirements differ between Higher Education (HE) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, as well as between domestic and international students. From more information regarding entry requirements click here:

Domestic students

International students

Just like at most other universities there will be time for you outside of your studies to find work if you want it. If you are studying part-time there will be adequate time for you to combine work and study. If you decide to take on a full-time course it can be quite intensive, however many students do find time to balance their study with either casual or part-time work. If you are an Australian resident studying full-time you may be eligible to receive Youth Allowance, Austudy or other payments through Centrelink. For more information on Centrelink payments please visit the Centrelink Website.

There are no strict deadlines for registration, SAE has three intakes per year and all registrations are considered on a 'first come, first served' basis. As there are a limited number of places available for each intake, it is advisable for you to enrol as soon as you have made the decision to join us.

The best part about studying as part of an international institution means you have the opportunity to relocate to any one of our global colleges throughout the duration of your course. Bear in mind the courses around the world commence at different times and some with different curriculums, so it is best to check with your local manager to ensure continuity of studies.

Fees can be paid in full in advance or on a payment plan. Depending on your payment plan, tuition fees must usually be paid prior to commencing your course/trimester.

Courses at SAE are taught 'hands-on' and as part of your course you will be given access to our industry standard studios and facilities. Theoretical topics are discussed and dealt with in formal lectures, and your performance will be gauged through ongoing tests and final exams. For the practical component of the course you will be given access to our extensive studios in addition to normal lectures, to give you ample time to complete your practical assignments.

It is possible for you to defer your study at most points during your course, provided we receive an application from you in writing. If you choose to defer, you will have the option to rejoin future classes within a maximum two-year period from the date of your deferment.

All the Australian-based SAE colleges teach in English. Other SAE colleges based in non-English speaking countries teach in their national language, with the exception of branches in the Netherlands, Slovenia, Middle East and Singapore who all teach in English.

All courses at SAE Institute are formatted in an accelerated learning structure, meaning it is possible to complete your studies and be out in the workforce much faster than at a traditional university. A standard SAE Bachelor Degree usually takes 2-years full-time to complete, and our Diplomas take approximately 1-year to complete. Our flexible study option however allows for you to undertake a variety of study options to suit your needs.

SAE's study year is organised in trimester format offering a two-year bachelor degree or a one-year diploma, enabling you to 'accelerate' the time it takes you to complete your studies and therefore be actively out in the workforce sooner.

With our flexible study mode option, it is possible to study either full or part-time depending on your student status. As an Australian or domestic student you can chose to study either full-time or part-time. However international students, due to visa restrictions, may only study full-time.

If you have previously commenced study elsewhere or have relevant work experience, it may be possible for you to gain Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), meaning you may get credit for certain units of study. Please contact the Academic Coordinator at your local campus for further information.

SAE Institute Byron Bay is the only Australian SAE campus that offers onsite and offsite private accommodation for students. For those considering studying at other campuses, here are a couple of useful sites where you can check out nearby rental properties in your chosen city:

• Real Estate.com
• MyDomain

Supervisors are teachers who do not conduct formal classes but who oversee and offer assistance to students working on practical assignments. There is always at least one supervisor on duty to help you during the College's opening hours.

SAE has a number of Open Days throughout the year, open to the public to come and take a look at our campuses and facilities, and learn about the different SAE courses on offer. Aside from these Open Days, we welcome and encourage you to visit your nearest SAE anytime during our office hours. Please contact reception at your chosen campus to book in a time to tour our facilities and chat with our friendly staff.

The SAE Store provides a large selection of study material, software and equipment at discount prices. You must be a current SAE student or SAE Alumni member to gain access to our discount store.

The SAE Alumni Association has been set up as a way to keep graduates in touch. As an Alumni member you can search for and find other alumni or just look for special offers from various manufacturers and SAE partners around the globe. There is also an active online job terminal where you can search for job opportunities that await you and a yearly Alumni conference.

MySAE is essentially Facebook for SAE students and alumni. It is a web-based audio and film community portal created and supported by SAE Institute. The MySAE site is the ideal place to meet like-minded individuals and to create your own online profile for future employers and serves as an active job market.

SAE Institute offers online distance education for both post-graduate courses and specialised short courses. More information can be found at SAE Online.