Prior to applying to undertake a course, students are encouraged to think about their individual learning needs. Students should then consider all the information provided in the International student handbook and decide whether the course, training and assessment methods and support mechanisms are appropriate for addressing their individual learning needs. Learning needs can mean different things to different people. Some examples of individual learning needs may relate to/ be the result of:

• Intellectual, psychological, physical or medical conditions or have vision or hearing impairments.
• Family or personal commitments that impact study
• Poor experiences encountered when undertaking previous studies at or since leaving school
• Why you want to undertake the intended course e.g. to access further study or employment opportunities
• The amount of time you have available to study per week or the duration of time you have to complete a course e.g. 1 year.
• Preferred learning style/ s. Some people learn best through reading, listening or watching, some through working independently as opposed to in groups with others. Some people learn best when completing practical activities and/ or learning on the job. Some people learn best when undertaking a variety of learning methods identified above.
• Existing knowledge, skills and experience relevant to their intended course of study

Prior to submitting an enrolment application all students should read the International student handbook in full. Particular attention should be paid to the sections that outlines how Gippsland Institute of Technology and the course in which you are interested could address your learning needs. e.g. Read the section on the type of academic support that is available to support students who have problems understanding the terminology in a subject and/ or with homework.

The Course information section of the International student handbook provides details on e.g. target market, course pathways, duration and demands per week, types of learning and assessment methodologies, further study and employment opportunities on successful course completion. Students should think about whether the course and support mechanisms could address their learning needs prior to applying.

Students should note that course delivery and assessment methodologies, duration and many other aspects of a course can be amended (where feasible) to address individual learning needs.

Students should consider whether the support mechanisms outlined in the International student handbook are appropriate for supporting their individual learning needs. e.g. Sometimes being provided access to modified training materials address specific needs or being provided extra time to complete a task allows students to appropriately address assessment requirements.

During enrolment students will be asked to identify any individual learning needs that require support during their course. It is recommended that students provide Gippsland Institute of Technology full details that will enable us to identify whether we can appropriately address your individual needs and if so how this can be achieved.

Gippsland Institute of Technology encourage students to contact them and discuss any specific learning needs they may have and if/ how these can be supported during their studies.