English conversation

You can enroll online (visit your course webpage for the enrolment link), over the phone, or complete an enrolment form at our Preston or Thornbury office. We require payment and completed enrolment details to secure your place in a course. Please note that new students will undergo an informal assessment to ensure they are enrolling in a course that is consistent with their literacy level. Current students and those who have submitted an expression of interest regarding a course will be notified of enrolment open dates for those courses. Enrolments are open to current students and the public and will be processed on a first-come, first served basis.

Enrolling students are required to participate in a brief informal assessment to determine language and literacy levels in line with national standards to ensure they are enrolling in a course that best meets their needs. This may be conducted via phone, internet or in person. Where applicable, students will be supported to complete an alternative course in preparation for study of the original intended course. Eg. English course to improve English skills prior to commencing a Beginner Computer course. This may only apply to newly enrolling students.

All fees are paid per course, in full, prior to course commencement. In situations of financial hardship, students can apply to training@bridgedarebin.org.au. Subsidized course fees are available for students who are eligible for government-funded programs, referred to as ACFE (Adult Community and Further Education) programs. To be eligible for ACFE funding you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident or an asylum seeker in specified visa categories, referred by a Jobs Victoria Employment Network provider.

Concession price is available for pension, healthcare and Veteran’s Gold card holders. A senior’s card is accepted for non-ACFE funded programs. If enrolling online, your concession/pension/seniors’ card must be presented at our office prior to commencement. We offer additional discounts and free places for certain courses to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Refunds will not be given for missed classes or courses. Course commencement is subject to sufficient enrolments – minimum and maximum class sizes apply to all courses.

In the event of a course cancellation due to low numbers, all fees will be refunded in full by direct payment to your nominated bank account. If an individual class needs to be cancelled at short notice, we will endeavor to schedule a make-up class, subject to trainer availability.

Notice of withdrawal from a course must be given 48 hours prior to course commencement. A 3% administration fee will be incurred for any refunds. Refunds may not be approved after the commencement of the course.

Enrolments into some courses can be made after the start date. Course commencement is subject to sufficient enrolments – minimum and maximum class sizes apply to all courses. In the event minimum enrolments have not been met, the course start date may be delayed. Students will be notified of any changes to start and end dates. We are closed on public holidays. Some courses may operate during school holidays; your tutor will advise if this is the case.

Students can pay for courses online at time of enrolment, or through our offices during opening hours. Credit card and EFTPOS are our preferred payment methods at this time, and we accept payments by bank transfer and cash. We also accept weekly direct debits (external transaction fees apply). Direct deposit details: Bank: Bendigo Bank Account name: Preston Neighbourhood House BSB: 633-000 Account number: 1285 76022 Reference area: Your surname, course name and time

We will advise students prior to course commencement if there are course material fees to be paid. This is a separate payment, in addition to the course fee, unless otherwise stated (materials are included in all Arts Hub courses).