Complaints and Appeals

A student or prospective student who feels that an academic or administrative issue is unsatisfactory or unacceptable is strongly encouraged to attempt to resolve the matter informally and directly with the person of the area concerned, or with the appropriate supervisor of that person. SIBT will endeavour to resolve the matter as quickly as possible with a minimum of formal procedures.

In circumstances where the outcome of the informal complaint is not considered satisfactory, or the matter is serious or sensitive in nature, a student can choose a more formal approach. Before lodging a formal complaint, it is recommended you seek confidential, independent professional advice from a SIBT Student Learning Advisor or Student Counsellor.

An appeal can be lodged for consideration by the Student Appeals Committee when the student feels they have grounds to appeal the outcome of a formal complaint, or an SIBT decision.

Just being dissatisfied with an SIBT decision is not grounds for appeal and the  appeal would not be considered on this basis.

A student can request a review of a Student Appeals Committee decision by the Review Officer who will assess whether the decision-making process had adhered to established guidelines and principles.

A student can lodge a complaint or request an external review of SIBT’s decision or process by contacting the National Student Ombudsman (NSO) which is an Australian Government agency.

NSO’s contact details are:

Attention: National Student Ombudsman

Address: GPO Box 442, Canberra ACT 2601

Phone: 1300 395 775

Outside Australia +61 2 5117 3600

Email: nsooutreach@ombudsman.gov.au

Online Form: Office of the Ombudsman Online Form

Website: https://www.nso.gov.au