Overseas Students
Tara has over 115 years experience in girls' education and since 2002 has been catering to the needs of overseas students as a registered provider, CRICOS Number: 02320A.
Tara welcomes intake of overseas students from the Academic Years 5 to 11 only. To cater to your needs we provide a high level of support in the English language, pastoral care and integration into the Tara, Sydney, and wider Australian communities.
“ we provide a high level of support ”
We understand the language, social and environmental stresses faced by some overseas students, far from their families, home culture and language. For these reasons we prefer that our overseas students live on site in the Tara boarding house. This is a safe and nurturing environment where the students can practise their English and receive extra academic support. Tara does not work with or provide Home Stay accommodation.
Accommodation and Welfare
Government regulations require the School to inspect the homes where students under 18 will be living, unless they are with their parents. There will be an inspection conducted by two Tara staff members to check if the student will have her own room, access to study and computer facilities and access to bathroom and toilet facilities. They will also check the ease by which the student can get to School . These inspections will occur at least twice a year, subsequently. The School will not be ranking or assessing the home except for the conditions listed above. If, by any chance, the home is not found to comply, the student will be asked to board at Tara. These rules for compliance are for the protection of the girls as they are away from home and family.
Enrolment Process
Gather as much information as you need for this important decision. Please refer to other relevant pages here on the Tara website and read each insert provided in our prospectus. You can also ring the Director of Enrolments & Communications on 02) 8838 2655 if you have further questions.
Return the application form and the non-refundable Application Fee of $220 to secure your place on our wait list. This does not guarantee acceptance of a place at the school.
Fees: Non-Refundable
Application Fee $220 once off payment
Enrolment Fee $2,000 once off payment
Fees: Refundable as per the Refund Policy (see Prospectus)
Fees are reviewed in November each year by the School Council and overseas advance fee payments will be adjusted for the fee increase and the increment added to the next fee account.
· Tuition Years 5 -12 $39,880 annually
· Refundable Bond - Tuition $19,940* once off payment
· Boarding Years 5 - 12 $20,525 annually
· Refundable Bond - Boarding $10,263* once off payment
* These bonds are refundable after the final accounts are paid, less expenses, when the student leaves Tara. Refer to the Refund Policy (see Prospectus).
Estimated Other Expenses
Various other expenses are incurred during the student’s stay at Tara, such as:
· Incidentals
(excursions, stationery etc) $1,000 annually
· Medicare Levy $498 annually
· Uniform and books $1,000 annually
· HSC Application Fee $1,000 beginning of Year 12
· Food GST for Boarders $450 annually
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
For overseas students to be offered a place at Tara we require advance payment of tuition fees, boarding fees (if applicable) and refundable bonds. These refundable bonds are held in trust until the student leaves Tara. Medical insurance also needs to be purchased for the overseas student. Only upon receipt of payment of all fees outlined in the Letter of Offer will Tara issue the COE and Welfare documents to the government and parents. These documents are a requirement for parents to obtain an Overseas Student Visa.
· Tuition Years 5 - 12 6 months paid in advance per semester (twice a year in January and July)
· Refundable Bond - Tuition One-off payment, paid on enrolment
· Boarding Years 5 - 12 6 months paid in advance per semester
· Refundable Bond - Boarding One-off payment, paid on enrolment
· Estimated Other Expenses Per semester
· Uniform and books As needed
To ensure overseas students can pursue their studies satisfactorily they need to be tested in their use of English language. This testing needs to be completed by a suitably qualified person and meet the requirements of Migration Regulations. If the English level is not adequate, Tara suggests that the student undertakes an intensive language course before considering enrolling at Tara.
An interview will be arranged at Tara if there is a possible vacancy and if an appropriate English Proficiency Level has been supplied. The student, parents and guardian meet with our Registrar for this interview at the school.
The interview aims to explain to the student what life at Tara is like and the girls are encouraged to ask questions and look around the school. It is not a test, but an important meeting for the school and parents/guardians so that together we can clarify the needs and expectations for your daughter's education.
Please bring copies of the student's current School reports (translated) and results of the student's English test to the interview, as well as any documents or certificates showing your daughter's achievements.
A Letter of Offer from Tara will be sent to you immediately following the interview if a place is to be offered to your daughter. Alternatively, you will be contacted by the School for further consultation, usually relating to further English studies.
Your acceptance of our Letter of Offer. Should you wish to accept the Tara offer, you will need to pay the scheduled fees and sign and return the Acceptance of Offer contract and relevant documents to the School. This contract indicates the School's expectations of parents, guardians and students and restates our terms and conditions.
Once we have received your signed Acceptance of Offer contract and the required fees, Tara will notify the Immigration Department of your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) and if under 18 years of age, Accommodation and Welfare. Tara will then send to you copies of these COE and Welfare documents for your visa application. Parents of overseas students are required to send to Tara either the notice of a visa number when it is issued or notice that the visa has been refused. Refusal of a visa by the Australian government requires Tara to refund money as per the Refund Policy found in the Prospectus.
To assist with your daughter's integration into her new School we offer orientation programs. Before her first day, Tara will send your daughter a welcome pack with information about the School and the general requirements for uniforms and subject choices. In addition to the School induction programs, a special integration and orientation program is conducted by Tara's Overseas Students' Coordinator.
Overseas students are required to remain as a student at Tara for at least six months. Transfer and cancellation information is included in Tara's information pack when your daughter commences at Tara.
The Terms and Conditions regarding overseas student enrolment and attendance are very carefully monitored. Please read the details in our prospectus. To request a prospectus, please contact our Director of Enrolments & Communications, Nikki Williams via email
