Frequently Asked Questions
About QIBT
Q : What is QIBT?
A : QIBT - Queensland Institute of Business and Technology has been in partnership with Griffith University since 1997. QIBT is a popular choice for both Australian and International students and provides quality pathway programs to a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate Griffith University programs.
Q : What courses does QIBT offer?
A : QIBT offers:
- Mixed English and Academic Program, which assists students in meeting the minimum English language requirements for all QIBT and Griffith University programs.
- Certificate IV Tertiary Preparation Program, which leads into QIBT diplomas or the first year of selected 1st year degree programs at Griffith University
- Diploma programs in: Biosciences, Commerce, Criminology & Criminal Justice (available to International students only), Engineering, Graphic Design, Health Care, Health Sciences, Hotel Management, Information Technology, and Media and Communication - all of which lead into the second year of Bachelor degrees at Griffith University.
- Associate Degree in Commerce and Business, which leads into the third year of the Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Business at Griffith University.
- Postgraduate Qualifying Program leads into 1st year of prepares students for selected Master degrees at Griffith University. This program is only available to international students.
Q : Where is QIBT located?
A : QIBT's programs are conducted on two Griffith University campuses in Mt Gravatt (Brisbane) and the Gold Coast, both located in Queensland, Australia. Being located on campus enables students to access and enjoy all facilities and services, creating a smooth transition to their degree at Griffith.
Q : Since QIBT is at two campuses, can I choose which campus I can study on?
A : It depends which course you want to do. Some programs are exclusive to a single the Gold Coast campus, while others are available at both. For more information, view the course outline for your particular program of interest.
Q : What are the advantages of going to QIBT rather than doing first year university?
A : The advantages for students are many. Classes are much smaller than the university lecture size. QIBT students have more class time per unit course than at the university which allows more time to understand the course. You also have the choice of studying over two or three semesters in one calendar year (depending on the program).
Q : Are QIBT diplomas recognised by other Australian universities?
A : Yes. Many Australian universities recognise the QIBT diploma programs.
Q : Do I have to complete my Certificate or Diploma program in two semesters (8 months)?
A : No. While it is possible to complete a either program in two semesters (eight months), some students opt to study over three semesters to allow more time to concentrate on each individual unit course.
Before I lodge my application
Q : I am not an international student. Can I still study at QIBT?
A : Yes. QIBT accepts Australian citizens, Permanent residents and full fee paying international students.
Q : How do I apply?
A : You can apply online, by mail or in person. Click here to start your application online.
Q : What are the entry requirements for QIBT?
A: Entry requirements are program and country specific. Click here to find out more.
Q : Are QIBT's diploma courses equivalent to first year university?
A: Yes. The diploma courses are the same level as those for the relevant first year undergraduate programs offered by Griffith University.
Q : Can I study part time?
A : Australian/permanent residents can study part-time. International students must study full-time to meet visa conditions.
Q : Do I need to submit academic from studies undertaken in my past?
A : Yes, you will need to submit certified academic transcripts, graduation certificates and any other relevant documentation to support your application to study at QIBT.
Q : Can I apply for credit for prior learning?
A : Yes, you can apply for exemptions credit for prior learning, which includes formal study undertaken in recognised tertiary institutions in Australia, including universities, colleges, TAFE and other post-secondary education institutions. For more information, refer to exemptions.
Q : What is the maximum number of courses that I can receive credit for prior learning?
A : Students may be awarded credit for a maximum of half (50%) of the courses to be undertaken within a program of study offered at the College. A maximum of four exemptions may be granted. Students must enrol and successfully complete all remaining QIBT units awarded for the Certificate or Diploma. This limit for credit does not apply to applicants undertaking formalised reverse articulation arrangements from Griffith University.
Q : Does QIBT accept mature age applicants?
A : Yes. QIBT welcomes students who are aged 21 or over and have relevant work experience, life skills or other appropriate qualifications.
Q : What does 'Mature Student' mean?
A : A mature age student may or may not have graduated from high school, and will be admitted to the program on the basis of relevant life and work experience. To enter as a Mature Student you must also meet QIBT's English language requirements meet academic pre-requisites where applicable. If applying for Mature Student status, you must indicate why you wish to enter tertiary study, how tertiary study will influence your future and be able to give practical examples of tertiary maturity and readiness for study.
After I've lodged my application
Q : How long will it take to receive my offer from QIBT?
A : It will only take 24-48 hours to receive an offer from QIBT.
Q : I have been provisionally accepted. What does this mean?
A : A provisional offer of acceptance may be granted to those who have proven they are in the process of completing the entrance requirements for their program. All outstanding conditions (indicated on your offer letter) must be met prior to enrolment at QIBT.
Q : How many intake dates are there per year?
A : There are three intakes per year - February, June and October (this may vary depending on the individual program).
Q : How are classes taught?
A : All classes are four hours duration. The first two hours consists of a lecture. The final two hours are allocated to tutorials, workshops or computer laboratory sessions. There is some variation in this structure according to the nature of the individual courses and specific requirements.
Q : What is the maximum number of courses that I can study each trimester?
A : Four courses is the maximum for any student in any one trimester.
Q : What is the minimum number of units that I can study each trimester?
A : Due to visa conditions, international students must study a minimum of 3 units each trimester unless it is the students last trimester. There is no minimum for Australian students.
Fees, payments and refunds
Q : How do I pay my fees?
A : You can pay your fees by Telegraphic Transfer, Direct Deposit, Bank Draft, Bank Cheque, Credit Card/EFTPOS (incurs a 1.5% fee) or FEE-HELP (FEE-HELP is only available to Australian citizens or holders of a Permanent Humanitarian visa).
Q : Can I apply for FEE-HELP?
A : QIBT is a recognised Higher Education Provider, allowing eligible students the opportunity to access the FEE-HELP loan scheme. This scheme is only available to Australian citizens or holders of a Permanent Humanitarian visa. If you would like to apply for FEE-HELP please contact QIBT to request an application form. All applicants must have a valid tax file number.
Q : Are scholarships available at QIBT?
A : Yes. For more information click here.
International Students
Q : Do I have to have OSHC?
A : All international students must have OSHC. From 1 July 2010, The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) changed the student visa requirements. Under condition 8501, international students will have to obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the proposed duration of their student visa. For students who will be undertaking a packaged course, there cannot be a gap in the OSHC coverage.
Q : What does OSHC Cover?
A : OSHC helps pay for medical and hospital care should you become ill during your stay in Australia. OSHC will also pay for most prescription drugs and emergency ambulance transport. OSHC will not cover any illness or disability that you had prior to arriving in Australia. It will also not cover any ancillary services (for example, dental or optical services). If you require ancillary services you can take out extra cover, provided by an approved OSHC provider. Make sure you bring any optical or medical prescriptions with you to Australia.
Q : How much do I pay?
A : This will depend on the duration of your visa. QIBT will notify you of the cost of your program and related OSHC fees in your offer letter. Please visit the Living Costs page for more information on living expenses in Brisbane.
Q : What if I already have OSHC?
A : If you already have OSHC please provide proof of coverage to QIBT before you accept your offer.
Orientation
Q : What happens at Orientation and do I need to attend?
A : Yes, you definitely need to attend Orientation as this is the day you will enrol in your program of study. You will also meet key staff from QIBT and be informed about the many services available to you as a QIBT student. It is also a great opportunity to meet future friends in your mentor guided groups.
Q : What do I need to bring to Orientation?
A : Bring your QIBT offer letter, pen and passport (international students only).
Q : What happens if I'm late?
A : Please notify QIBT immediately if you cannot attend and you will be instructed about a late enrolment session.
Services
Q : Is student housing/ accommodation available?
A : Yes, there are on-campus and off-campus options at both campuses (Mt Gravatt and the Gold Coast). Visit the accommodation page to find out more.
Q : Since QIBT is located on Griffith University campuses, can QIBT students use the campus facilities and services?
A : Yes. As a QIBT student you are able to use all services and facilities at Griffith University, including the library and sports centre. You are also able to join Griffith's clubs and societies.
Postgraduate Qualifying Program
Q : I will be studying a Postgraduate Qualifying Program, is this a QIBT or Griffith program?
A : The Postgraduate Qualifying Program (PQP) is a non-award Griffith University program, taught at QIBT. So you will be a Griffith University student.
Q : How long is the PQP?
A : The PQP runs for one semester (4 months). These courses are only available to international students.
Associate Degree Program
Q : After completing the Associate Degree; will I need to achieve a minimum GPA to progress to the final year of the Bachelor Degree?
A : Yes, the minimum GPA required to progress to the final year of the Bachelor degree is 4.0 or above. This will be clearly indicated on your offer letter.
Q : What is a Grade Point Average (GPA) and how can I calculate it?
A : A Grade Point Average (GPA) is the average of all grades achieved by a student. All grades obtained in a course are converted into numerical values on a 7-point scale.
| Grade | Numerical Value |
| High Distinction (HD) | 7.0 |
| Distinction (D) | 6.0 |
| Credit (C) | 5.0 |
| Pass (P) | 4.0 |
| Non-graded Pass (NP)* |
4.0* |
| Pass Conceded | 3.0 |
| Fail (F) | 1.5 |
| Fail, Assessment Not Submitted (FS) | 0 |
| Withdraw with Failure (WF) | 0 |
*NP is not always awarded a numerical value, or included in GPA calculation.
GPA = Sum of the numeric value of the grades for all courses attempted/Number of courses attempted
Q : Can students progress to Griffith University at any time if they commence the Associate Degree with QIBT and don't want to finish it?
A : Yes, but QIBT would not encourage this. It is better for the student to stay and complete the Associate Degree award. Secondly, a student is only able to progress to Griffith University at any time if they were not subject to the GPA hurdle when they entered the Diploma.
Q : Do students taking the Hotel Management or International Tourism & Hotel Management specialisation have to complete more work experience hours if they continue on to do the Associate Degree?
A : Yes, a total of 160 hours across the 160 credit points of the Associate Degree.
Q : What are the fees for the Associate Degree courses?
A : Fees are the same as the Diploma courses.
Q : Will the Associate Degree courses be taught any differently to the QIBT Diploma courses?
A : No, however, expectations on students will be higher as they would be in the second year of the degree.
Q : Are there any restrictions on students choice of specialisation?
A : Yes, students wanting to study the Accounting or Finance specialisation, must have completed 1101AFE - Accounting Principles in their Diploma of Commerce. It is possible to do 1101AFE as an extra course when studying the Associate Degree; however a student's length of study may be longer.
Q : Can students with a GPA of greater than 4.5 study the Associate Degree?
A : Yes, however it is in the students best interest to progress to the Bachelor Degree at university.
Q : Does a student have to complete the QIBT Diploma of Commerce or Diploma of Hotel Management to be eligible to enrol in the Associate Degree?
A : No, if a student has completed equivalent courses at another institution, they can apply for credit for these courses and commence the Associate Degree with up to 80 credit points (equivalent to eight courses) of credit.
Q : Can a student change specialisation once they have commenced study in the Associate Degree program?
A : Yes, but this may result in an increase in the student's duration of study.
Q : Will students receive an award for the Diploma and the Associate Degree?
A : Students that have studied the Diploma before the Associate Degree will receive an award for both programs. Students who commence studies at QIBT into the Associate Degree will receive an award for the Associate Degree.
Q : If a student commences with QIBT with an offer directly into the Associate Degree, can they leave once they complete the eight courses within the Diploma (first year of the Associate Degree) and graduate with a Diploma qualification?
A : Yes, but there may be additional conditions that must be met (e.g. amount of credit, if any, awarded on commencement of the Associate Degree).
Q : Can students progress to Griffith University at any time if they commence the Associate Degree with QIBT and don't want to finish it?
A : Yes, but QIBT would not encourage this. It is better for the student to stay and complete the Associate Degree award. Secondly, a student is only able to progress to Griffith University at any time if they were not subject to the GPA hurdle when they entered the Diploma.
Q : Do students taking the Hotel Management or International Tourism & Hotel Management specialisation have to complete more work experience hours if they continue on to do the Associate Degree?
A : Yes, a total of 160 hours across the 160 credit points of the Associate Degree.
Q : Can a student change specialisation once they have commenced study in the Associate Degree program?
A : Yes, but this may result in an increase in the student's duration of study.
Q : If a student has completed courses equivalent to the courses within the Associate Degree, and they want to apply for an exemption (credit), how long does it take for an application to be approved?
A : All applications are assessed by Griffith University, and they may take up to two weeks.
Q : Can a student apply to commence an Associate Degree before they have completed their Diploma?
A : If the student has courses remaining in their Diploma, the recommendation would be for the student to complete their Diploma and apply to enrol in Associate Degree courses in miscellaneous mode at the same time (students are permitted to take a total of four courses in a semester).
- Once the student completes all of the Diploma courses, a student may then progress to the Associate Degree in the following semester (students need to apply, and accept an offer, for entry to the Associate Degree).
- The student would then achieve the Diploma award, as well as the Associate Degree award.
- If the student is not interested the achieving the Diploma award and wants to transfer to the Associate Degree, this would be permitted.
* A hurdle is a condition that you are required to achieve or meet.
# Specialisation is also known as a Major.
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Queensland Institute of Business and
Technology Pty Ltd
CRICOS Provider Codes: QIBT: 01737F
Griffith University: 00233E