Access to education is now available for prisoners regardless of where they are, or their previous educational experience. University courses and programs are now accessible without the need for internet or any prison administration involvement. Such educational opportunities are being offered to prisoners due to a gap caused by COVID-19 and a lack of international students. Previous formal educational training is unnecessary to enrol. Special units and bridging courses are also available. Application for enrolment is mid-February so potential students must apply immediately.
Education is a basic human right that should be accessible to anyone, including incarcerated individuals. Education improves quality of life, facilitates rehabilitation and increases the prospect of released prisoners to find employment. Educational achievements will be useful for presentation to the Parole Board and can increase chances of parole.
All universities have confirmed the accuracy of the information below.
Enrolment information
Costs and Fees
Prisoners are entitled to university study on a Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) and Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) – a loan provided by the government to temporarily pay for tuition fees. Students repay the loan once their income reaches a certain level, if and when that occurs. To apply for a HECS-HELP loan a tax file number (TFN) and a request for Commonwealth support and HECS-HELP form is needed. To receive the forms, students must contact their university provider.
Tax File Number (TFN)
To apply for a TFN individuals must provide:
■ A primary identity document (Australian full birth certificate or Australian passport or Australian citizenship certificate or extract from Register of Citizenship by Descent or a Foreign Passport.)
■ A letter from the prison (on prison letterhead) signed by a prison officer, stating your name, date of birth and current postal address.
■ A certified copy of your prison identification signed by a certifier as a true and correct copy.
For those experiencing confusion when applying for a TFN or have lost it, call 13 28 61.
University Courses
We are pleased to inform you that Southern Cross University (SCU), University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and Curtin University have various courses available for incarcerated students.
SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY
(Sydney, Lismore, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth)
Available in correctional centres across all states and territories.
DEADLINE TO ENROL: 26TH FEBRUARY 2021
The courses available for incarcerated individuals are:
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TOURISM
◆ Diploma of Business (1 year full-time, 2 years part-time)
◆ Bachelor of Business and Enterprise (3 years full-time, 6 years part-time)
◆ Graduate Certificate in Business (8 months part-time)
◆ Graduate Diploma in Business (16 months part-time)
◆ Master of Business Administration (2 years full-time, 4 years part-time)
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
◆ Bachelor of Arts (note, not all majors are available) (3 years full-time, 6 years part-time)
◆ Bachelor of Social Science (3 years full-time, 6 years part-time)
◆ Associate Degree of Creative Writing (2 years full-time, 4 years part-time)
SCU COLLEGE
◆ Transition to Uni preparation program (6 weeks full-time)
◆ Preparing for Success program (3 months full-time, up to 1 year part-time)
◆ Diploma of Business (1 year full-time, 2 years part-time)
◆ Diploma of Hotel Management (1 year full-time, 2 years part-time)
◆ Diploma of Science (1 year full-time, 2 years part-time)
◆ Diploma of Civil Construction (Engineering and Management) (1 year full-time, 2 years part-time)
SCHOOL OF LAW AND JUSTICE
◆ Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) (2 years full-time, 4 years part-time)
◆ Bachelor of Laws (3 years full-time, 6 years part-time)
◆ Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies (3 years full-time, 6 years part-time)
◆ Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws (5 years full-time, 10 years part-time)
◆ Bachelor of Business and Enterprise, Bachelor of Laws (5 years full-time, 10 years part-time)
◆ Bachelor of Laws and Creative Writing (4 years full-time, 8 years part-time)
◆ Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies, Bachelor of Laws (5 years full-time, 10 years part-time)
◆ Bachelor of Social Sciences, Bachelor of Laws (5 years full-time, 10 years part-time)
◆ Graduate Certificate in Business Law (8 months part-time)
◆ Master of Laws (Business Law) (16 months part-time)
GNIBI COLLEGE OF INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN PEOPLES
◆ Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge (3 years full-time, 6 years part-time)
SCU will provide learning materials online or through hard copy course guides for those with limited or no access to the internet.
Interested applicants should contact SCU’s Equity and Inclusion team when they apply to assess the learning program best suited for the corresponding detention facility.
To enrol in the courses, write to Southern Cross University:
Future Students Team, PO Box 157, Lismore NSW 2480
For those with internet access or with family/friends who can assist in the enrolment process, please check the website or call:
SCU website/Future Students Team: www.scu.edu.au 1800 626 481
Student Equity and Inclusion: inclusion@scu.edu.au 02 6626 9514
Careers and Employability: careers@scu.edu.au 02 6620 3300
Indigenous Australian Student Services: iass@scu.edu.au 02 6620 3377
Tertiary Preparation Program (Preparing for Success Program)
You can start your journey to SCU with their Preparing for Success Program (PSP). This course develops your academic and study skills to make the transition to university easier. Students can study PSP in 12 weeks or part time over a year. The PSP is a fee-free program for domestic students. Please enquire with the Future Students Team.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND
(Toowoomba, Springfield, Ipswich, Stanthorpe)
Available in correctional centres across all states and territories.
DEADLINE TO ENROL: 22ND FEBRUARY 2021
The Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) is currently offered by USQ College and will continue to provide, on request and confirmation, hard copy and CD copy of the TPP course material. Please note that access and use of USQ offline technology is required for USQ Offline programs and courses. Some jurisdictions and correctional centres will not allow for the use of offline technology. Please talk with your education officer for information regarding the provision of USQ programs in your correctional centre.
The courses available for incarcerated individuals are:
TERTIARY PREPARATION PROGRAM
The Tertiary Preparation Program is a pathway program that is offered to students (incarcerated, domestic and international) to build the necessary skills for tertiary studies. The program aims to develop reading, writing, maths and study skills. After completion of this program, students will be eligible for direct entry into a selection of undergraduate programs.
USQ OFFLINE PROGRAMS AND COURSES
◆ Associate Degree of Business and Commerce
◆ Certificate of University Studies Program
◆ Diploma of University Studies Program
◆ Bachelor of General Studies
COURSE ELECTIVES
◆ Sociology
◆ Business and Commerce
◆ Journalism
◆ Engineering/Spatial Science
◆ Science
To enrol in the courses, write to University of Southern Queensland:
University of Southern Queensland, West Street Toowoomba QLD 4350 Australia
For those with internet access or with family/friends who can assist in the enrolment process, please check the website or call:
Phone: +61 7 4631 2285
Freecall: 1800 007 252
Future Student: study@usq.edu.au
Continuing Student: usq.support@usq.edu.au
CURTIN UNIVERSITY
(Perth, Murray Street, St Georges Terrace, Kalgoorlie, Midland)
Available in correctional centres across all states and territories.
DEADLINE TO ENROL: 18TH FEBRUARY 2021
The courses available for incarcerated individuals are:
JUSTICE AND EQUITY THROUGH ART (JETA)
The JETA Program is offered by Curtin University designed specifically for incarcerated students. This program offers Fine Art degrees; from Associate Degree through to Masters level degrees. The JETA program allows for students to pursue a higher education degree while having the opportunity to expand their knowledge in the area of art through practical application. Through the JETA program, engagement with contemporary art practices including painting, drawing, sculpture and print will foster critical thinking and self-determination.
This program does not require internet access as students will receive all JETA units as study packages. The packages will include the unit, assignment instructions and the resources necessary to complete the unit. Tutors for the JETA program are in regular contact with the students.
To apply for the JETA program, please contact Dr Rebecca Dagnall and a hard copy application package can be sent to the prospective student. The application can be filled out with minimal prison staff assistance.
Dr Rebecca Dagnall (JETA Coordinator)
Phone: 08 9266 7412
Email: r.dagnall@curtin.edu
To enrol in the JETA program, write to Curtin University, School of Media Creative Arts and Social Inquiry:
GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ring the Community Justice Coalition on 02 9283 0123 ext 12 and ask for the Education Information Officer Chelsea Pachirera.