About APIC
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Is APIC a recognised institution and are its courses formally accredited?
Yes, APIC has been formally recognised and registered by the NSW Department of Education and Training as an Australian Higher Education Institution. The Project Management Graduate Program has also been fully accredited by the same authority.
APIC is formally registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
The degrees and awards under this program have the same standing as those of Australian University degrees according to the Australian Qualifications Framework.
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Does APIC have Professional Endorsement?
APIC is professionally endorsed by:
- AIPM (Australian Institute of Project Management)
- PMI (Project Management Institute)
- CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply) Pending
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Why should I study at APIC?
Individual needs and priorities vary a lot and while APIC courses can be customised to fit a variety of needs, the decision to study at APIC or alternative institutions is a matter for individual students to decide. As an initial guide, do you need to acquire fresh expertise that enables you to better understand and master the art of management through projects and programs in an increasingly uncertain and complex world? Are you looking for a graduate program that is flexible (does not require you quitting your job) integrates well with workplace realities, is practical and yet challenging, is tough and yet fun, can systematically link you with your peers and frontline thinkers without losing sight of your field and can be customised to respond to your specific needs?
If you have answered yes to one or more of the above questions, APIC can help. Our approach is based on many years of research on effective methods of postgraduate research and learning.
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How does a degree from APIC compare with one from a university?
Qualification
- Our highest degree is MBA, and it´s the world´s first MBA specialising in Project and Program Management. We also offer Master of Business and Project Management, Graduate Diploma in Project Management and Graduate Certificate in Project Management.
- The cost to students is considerably lower than that typically charged by Universities in Australia.
- Students obtain degrees from APIC with the same recognition and standing as those awarded by Universities in Australia. See the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Delivery
- Generally class sizes at APIC are much smaller than universities. We focus on individual attention and we can tailor courses to suit individuals´ development and needs.
- Unlike traditional learning methods, APIC advocates project-based and competence-based learning with real project, program and organisation units as the site of learning.
- Courses are structured to suit workplace realities, and help develop multiple competences in Business, Project, Program and Portfolio Management worldwide.
- Proactive project-based learning is facilitated through mentoring and supported by frameworks, systems and tools.
- Individuals´ competencies are assessed, and students are assisted to develop their personal Learning & Development (L&D) plan.
Other
- Individuals matter at APIC!
- Employability is high due to emphasis on learning real life competencies.
- APIC location is very convenient and central.
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Where is the campus located?
We are in Sydney. See Contact us.
Applying to study with APIC
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What are the Semester dates?
To see when the next semester begins please see the Academic Calendar.
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What are the admission criteria?
Please refer to our Entry Requirements section for more details.
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How can I apply/enrol to study at APIC?
Follow the instructions in our How to Apply/Enrol section for Australian, International and Offshore students.
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How much does it cost to do a unit of study?
APIC is committed to providing cost-effective and affordable learning and development opportunities for students around the world. APIC´s schedule of charges and fees are among the lowest considering the quality of the services we deliver. Our costs are low due to relatively small administration costs and lower campus investment and operating charges. From this, we are able to pass on the savings to our students via lower fees and charges.
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How do I pay for my tuition fees?
Tuition fees are payable in advance for each unit of study. We will advise you of the amount payable and payment methods at confirmation of your enrolment. Payment of fees may be made by bank cheque/draft or bank transfer. Full payment information is provided in the Letter of Offer.
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Is APIC covered by Tuition Assurance Schemes?
We are members of ACPET (Australian Council for Private Education and Training) and ACPET's ASTAS (Australian Students Tuition Assurance Scheme) and OSTAS (Overseas Students Tuition Assurance Scheme).
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What is the Refund policy?
Please refer to our Refund Policy section for details.
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Is there any scholarship that I can apply for?
Please refer to our APIC Scholarship for details.
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Is there a loan scheme for Australian citizens or permanent residents to cover tuition fees?
No, currently APIC is not linked to any loan scheme. Individual students are often in a better position to organise their own finances for studying at APIC.
Course information
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What type of courses does APIC offer?
Asia Pacific International College offers formally accredited Graduate courses as well as industry-based courses in many fields that focus on development of individual competences and performance. Please refer to Course section for details.
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What is Executive Diploma?
Executive Diploma is an executive and professional qualification designed to assist professionals to upgrade or obtain the latest knowledge on core areas of management as per recognised standards. Note that students who successfully complete the Executive Diploma can obtain advanced standing for the relevant knowledge workshops subject to meeting a number of conditions. Successful completion of the Executive Diploma in Project and Program Management also entitles students to a number of Professional Development Units of PMI. Please refer to Executive Diploma Program section from details.
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What is PDP?
PDP stands for Professional Development Planning; it is a 2-day intensive workshop held prior to the start of each semester in each year at our Sydney Campus. Its purpose is to help students develop their own personalised learning and development plans and receive briefing on the program, facilities available and other issues. A Certificate of Attainment for "Professional Development Planning" will be awarded upon successful completion of the PDP Workshop and development of an endorsed L&D Plan by the student.
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What is the course structure?
Please look up the links below to view the course structure for each graduate degree:
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What modes of study are available?
APIC´s courses are flexible in that students can elect to study on-campus at our Sydney Campus or at partner institutions, via distance mode facilitated by the Internet or a combination of both (Please note that International Students on student visas must study full-time on-campus at our Sydney Campus). The course structure, learning program and timetable are the same for all modes of study.
For those who prefer to study on-campus, regular classroom and supervised project/teamwork sessions are conducted at APIC´s premises.
Those who study through the distance mode also follow a structured project-based learning approach. Even if students study through the distance mode they will need to attend the Professional Development Planning (PDP) workshop and relevant Intensive Knowledge Workshops that introduce the units of study in each semester. Unless otherwise advised in individual cases, all workshops are generally held at our Sydney Campus. In addition, they are required to come to the Sydney Campus for their formal assessments which typically take a couple of hours at the conclusion of studies in each unit.
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Can I design my own study program?
As a continuing education student or freelance participant you may design your own study program. What matters is the manner and extent to which you are able to focus your studies to achieve your educational and professional development goals. As a formal graduate student of APIC you will be able to select the course most suited to your needs. Further, you can select your desired elective units of study, subject to the specified requirements of the chosen degree program.
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Do studies lead to an accredited graduate degree?
Yes, provided you are enrolled in as a candidate for, and complete the requirements of the respective graduate degree. Please note that only one-half of total units studied as CPD can count towards an academic degree in a given program. Admission to candidature of a degree is not automatic and requires compliance with APIC´s Rules and Regulations. Typically the candidate must possess a bachelor degree from a recognised institution and or equivalent qualifications. See How to Apply section for details.
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Do studies in project management align with the Project Management Institute and PMBOK®?
In our core units of study we do cover PMBOK® fully, including relevant knowledge tests. After completion of our core units all students should be able to sit for the PMP® test conducted by PMI and pass the same with relative ease. The Executive Diploma in Project and Program Management covers PMBOK® fully and is also a qualification in its own right.
PMBOK and PMP are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
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What is meant by a unit of study?
An academic course comprises a number of units of study and other learning activities. All academic degrees require completion of a number of core and elective units of study. Each unit of study is a self-contained package that has its own objectives, scope, learning program and learning materials.
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Where can I find details of the units of study?
For details of the units offered by the Project Management Graduate Program please see Units of Study.
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Can I look at a demonstration of teaching and learning methods?
Please view Unit of Study for a thorough understanding of how each unit of study will be staged and the unique advantages that our teaching and learning methods have. As you may note from the information displayed on our web site, our teaching and learning methods are based on the latest research findings in terms of the most effective way to enhance the insights, critical thinking skills and professional competencies of students.
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How long does it normally take to do a graduate degree?
APIC offers maximum flexibility with regard to the length of time taken by students to complete any of its graduate degrees. The minimum and maximum lengths of time permitted to complete each academic award course are set out below:
Degree Minimum Time (Australian & Offshore Students) Maximum Time (Australian & Offshore Students) Maximum Time (International Students) Graduate Certificate in PM 6 months 36 months 12 months Graduate Diploma in PM 12 months 36 months 18 months Master of Business and Project Management 12 months 48 months 24 months MBA 18 months 48 months 24 months -
Who are Course Convenors?
Course Convenors are lecturers who teach the assigned course units on a semester by semester basis. The Course Convenor of a unit of study typically teaches the entire unit in a semester. This includes all related assessments. In large classes a number of tutors are employed to assist Course Convenors.
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Who are the people involved with the delivery of Business and Project Management Programs and what are their qualifications?
Asia Pacific International College has a highly qualified faculty that is internationally regarded and at the forefront of their fields.
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Can I defer my studies whenever I want?
Yes you can defer enrolment in a particular semester but cannot discontinue your studies once you commence studying in a particular unit. For details regarding withdrawals, deferrals and other academic regulations please refer to APIC General Regulations.
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How much time (on average) do I need to spend a week on a typical unit?
The time commitments will be around 15 hours per week per unit/semester (12 weeks average) but this depends on the person´s background knowledge and abilities etc.
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What type of people do I expect to team up with at APIC?
APIC has an international student mix and we emphasises close interaction among them. The diversity of backgrounds is in fact a resource as it allows cross fertilisation of ideas and indepth learning.
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What software applications do I need for the project phase?
Normal Internet browser, email and standard office software for word processing, spreadsheet and related tasks are sufficient (most can be open source).
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How can I find out if I am entitled to any credit for prior learning?
APIC normally awards credit for prior learning for equivalent units completed and assessed at recognised institutions. There may be other instances that APIC might grant credit for prior learning and all are assessed on a case by case basis. Lodgement of an application is no guarantee that it will be successful as all applications that do not meet the Guidelines and Criteria for Recognised Prior Learning will be rejected. It is the responsibility of claimants to ensure they are entitled to credit under APIC´s Guidelines and Criteria viewed at Prior Learning Recognition. Please note that there is a non-refundable fee for assessing credit application.
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How can I apply for credit for a given unit?
APIC has a process for assessment and recognition of prior learning of students. The applicant is required to find a match between the respective unit´s scope, target competencies and assessment requirements and the equivalent study completed elsewhere. Documentary evidence may include the syllabus of the subject studied, assessment methods, actual mark and grade, date and other relevant information. Send your request along with the relevant supporting documentation after completing the PDP Workshop. (Note that APIC only accepts applications for RPL assessment from its enrolled students.) For details please see Prior Learning Recognition.
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Can APIC courses be customised to suit a corporate customer?
While the fundamental knowledge in management does not change the context will differ. In that sense our students acquire the latest conceptual methods and techniques and learn their application in the context under consideration applying action research learning techniques. Thus, real life projects and organisations are used as the site of learning and research.
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Is mid semester enrolment possible?
Yes, but only for continuing education and professional development students.
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Will there be a midyear intake?
Yes, there will be two intakes annually: April Semester (apply prior to mid March) and September Semester (apply prior to the end of July).
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Is there a quota in place for the number of students admitted each semester?
APIC ensures that the number of students enrolled in a particular unit of study is within the available capacity. The enrolment will be open to all on the basis of first come first served. Late applicants may have to wait till the units of their choice are offered again.
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Is the course receiving positive feedback from students and business?
APIC is committed to a process of continuous improvement to ensure we deliver the highest quality programs at all times. See what APIC Graduates say about their Courses at APIC.
Living in Sydney
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What kind of Visa do I need to study in Australia?
If you are an international student, you will need a Student Visa to study any of our accredited courses. For visa details, please refer to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
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Can I work if I have a student visa?
All student visas issued after 26 April 2008 automatically include permission to work with the visa grant. Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week while the course is in session (excluding any work undertaken as a registered component of course of study or training) and they can work unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Please refer to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website for more information.
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Where do I find information about Living in Sydney?
Please refer to the Study in Australia website for information.
Other
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What is OHSC (Overseas Student Health Cover)?
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is compulsory for all international students. If you do not have OSHC, we will be happy to guide you through the process. If you already have valid OSHC from your previous studies, please let us know.
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What level of English do I need prior to starting my course?
Please refer to our Entry Requirements section. If you do not have the right level of English to start your course, please Contact Us and we will recommend direct entry to our associate college.
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What if I have more questions?
Please Contact Us and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.