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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still continue on to the MBA, if I am at first accepted at the Graduate Certificate stage?
Applicants without undergraduate degrees, who meet the admission criteria, are admitted to the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration stage of the MBA programme. Candidates who successfully complete these four units can then progress to the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (eight units) and then to the MBA (12 units). There are no compulsory units required for the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma awards. However, please remember that if your ultimate goal is to successfully complete the MBA programme, you will need to include some of the five compulsory units required for the MBA when selecting your Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Business Administration units.
Am I eligible for a Student Loan?
No, as Southern Cross University in Australia awards these qualifications they do not qualify for a New Zealand Student Loan. Australian ARE ELIGIBLE to apply for assistance from the Australian Government under the FEE-Help scheme.
What support will I get for my studies?
You will receive a comprehensive study materials package for each unit in which you enrol. You will receive details of the "teletutorials" and/or "weekend workshops" in which you are able to participate. You will be notified of each tutor and their contact details, assigned to guide and assist you with any problems you may have in the units in which you enrol. You will have ready telephone, facsimile, and email access to the Faculty of Business staff enabling timely communication. Academic staff will keep in touch and provide you with helpful feedback on assignments and responses to queries. The administrative staff are easily contacted during normal business hours and you will receive contact details of your fellow MBA candidates to enable networking and the formation of study groups.
When are teletutorials and workshops held?
Teletutorials are just like classes over the phone and are usually held on weeknights between the hours of 8.00pm and 9.00pm. Workshops are usually half-day events and are held on weekends.
Can I withdraw or defer from my studies?
You can withdraw from your studies at any time by giving written notice. There is no provision for deferring your studies to a later trimester. If you are unable to continue your studies you must withdraw from the unit/s in which you are enrolled by notifying the University. You can then seek re-enrolment (or re-admission if you withdraw from the course) in a later trimester.
Can I take time off from my studies? Can I be marked absent for a period of time?
Five years is the maximum period allowed to complete the programme. Provided you complete your programme within the five year time limit, you may take leave of absence during your programme for a trimester or more. At the completion of your leave of absence, you must re-enrol.
What grades can I achieve in my studies?
You must obtain at least a Pass (P) grade in each unit. A Pass grade is the equivalent of 50 percent of the available marks for that unit. The grade of Credit (C) will be awarded if you achieve 65 to 74 percent of available marks. The grade of Distinction (D) will be awarded if you achieve 75 to 84 percent of available marks, or a High Distinction (HD) grade will be awarded if you achieve 85 or greater percent of available marks. Your academic transcript from the university will show a grade for each unit as one of HD, D, C, P, X (incomplete), NA (not available), W (withdrawn) or XX (fail).
Can I get a refund of my fees?
New Zealand students who withdraw on or after the first day of any trimester and prior to the SCU Census date* will be eligible for a 100% refund of tuition fees. However students will be liable for a $250.00 early withdrawal fee per unit. There will be no refund for withdrawals after the SCU Trimester Census date.
*SCU Census date is the Monday of Week 4 of each Trimester.
What happens if I don't complete a unit in one trimester?
You are expected to complete the assessment items by the due dates. If you do not complete the assessment items you will be considered to have failed the unit/s. The University will take into account special circumstances that might prevent you from completing a unit within the specified time. However, the onus is on the candidate to present corroborating documentation which substantiates the special circumstances to the University's satisfaction within the time-frame required by the University rules.
If I am studying by distance education, do I have to attend any residential workshops?
There are no residential workshops. Optional half-day workshops on weekends are available in Auckland and other centres when enrolments are feasible for this sort of interaction. Examination venues are usually located in the town or city in which you reside.
Southern Cross University CRICOS Provider: NSW 01241G, QLD 03135E
