Diploma of Networking Technology

The Institute uses authentic assessment principles that may include practical exercises, case studies, presentations, reports, online simulations, essays, and examinations. These may include being done under invigilation.

• Successful completion of an Australian senior secondary qualification (or recognised equivalent) with the equivalent of a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 60 and
  • NSW (or equivalent) Band 4 Standard English; and
  • NSW (or equivalent) Band 3 Advanced Mathematics; or
  • NSW (or equivalent) Band 4 Standard 2 Mathematics.
• An equivalent secondary qualification overseas that also meets the mathematics requirement above; or
• An accredited Tertiary Preparation Program or a Foundation Year Program offered by an accredited Australian provider that also meets the mathematics requirement above; or
• One year of completed accredited full-time study at a registered institution of tertiary education at AQF level 5 or above that also meets the mathematics requirement above.

Students who have not completed an Australian Year 12 qualification may be admitted into the program through the flexible entry mode.

• An equivalent secondary qualification overseas; or
• An accredited Tertiary Preparation Program or a Foundation Year Program offered by an Australian university; or
• One year of successful full-time study in an accredited course at a university or other higher education provider; or
• Admission to candidature for an undergraduate degree at an Australian university

Applicants who are 21 years of age or over who have not completed Year 12, or its equivalent may gain entry to a course by addressing one of the following entry requirements:

1. Successful completion of a Special Tertiary Admissions Test administered by a tertiary admissions centre; or
2. Submission of a portfolio of prior and current academic and professional work; or

Applicants applying under special admission categories will be required to attend an interview with the Dean to assess the applicant’s capacity for higher education studies. The applicant should submit a portfolio of prior and current academic and professional work prior to the interview to assist in the assessment process.

The criteria used by the Dean when approving applicants for admission into a course under special or alternative admission arrangements include:

• capacity to pursue tertiary studies;
• motivation to pursue tertiary studies in the discipline of the chosen course;
• demonstrated potential for academic studies based on the applicant’s portfolio;
• relevant professional and industry experience; and
• specific consideration of access issues for ATSI’s.

Students whose first language is not English, must demonstrate competency in the English language. English proficiency can be demonstrated by providing certified evidence of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test result (or equivalent alternative test result, as follows), issued no more than two (2) years prior to date of application:

* Under trial

Note that the most recent attempt at any language proficiency test supersedes any previous attempts (irrespective of those test results) or requirements.

English Language Test results are valid for two years from the date of the results up to the date of commencement at the Institute. The most recent test supersedes ALL previous tests.

Other acceptable evidence of English proficiency includes:

Successful completion of an AQF Level 5 Diploma or above with at least one (1) year of full-time study in English at an Australian registered vocational or higher education.

Applicants who do not meet the specified English proficiency requirements must enrol in an English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) program at PIA or a provider of their own choice.

Where student have applied to undertake an ELICOS course through an alternate provider they must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) for an ELICOS program in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), for a duration of at least twelve (12) weeks for every 0.5 below 6.0 overall or subsection IELTS or equivalent result, prior to application, and evidence of successful completion must be provided prior to enrolling in the PIA course.

The Institute has enforceable requirements in relation to attendance. Further details are provided at Item 20 of the Terms and Conditions.

Granting credit for prior learning ensures that students commence study at a level that appropriately recognises their prior learning experiences and are not required to repeat equivalent learning successfully undertaken in another context. Process for applying for Advance Standing (credit) can be found in the Advanced Standing Policy and Procedure