- Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd trading as Universal Business School Sydney (UBSS)
Life at GCA
Explore our comprehensive student support services and discover how GCA can assist you in maximising your academic, personal, and professional development throughout your educational journey.
UBSS Experience
ESOS Framework overview
https://www.education.gov.au/esos-framework
Rights and responsibilities of international students
https://www.education.gov.au/esos-framework/resources/international-students-factsheet
Tuition Protection Service (TPS)
https://www.tps.gov.au
At GCA, we are committed to fostering academic success through a comprehensive suite of tailored support services. Students benefit from a wide range of academic resources, including study skills workshops, exam preparation sessions, research guidance, and access to learning materials—all designed to enhance the overall educational experience.
Our dedicated Student Success Manager, along with experienced academic staff, provides personalised support to help students build essential academic skills and maintain steady progress throughout their studies. To accommodate diverse learning preferences, GCA offers flexible learning tools such as MBA TV, e-library access, and recorded lectures.
In alignment with our commitment to student success, GCA implements a robust Academic Progression, Monitoring, and Intervention Policy. This framework enables the early identification of students who may be at risk of underperformance. Targeted academic and non-academic support is promptly offered to ensure that all students are equipped with the guidance and resources necessary to improve their academic outcomes and successfully complete their studies.
Through these integrated support mechanisms, GCA aims to empower students to reach their full academic potential in a supportive and responsive learning environment.
At GCA, we recognise that student success encompasses more than academic achievement alone. Our comprehensive non-academic support services are designed to assist students in managing a range of personal, financial, and well-being challenges that may arise during their studies. Services include access to mental health referrals, options for study-load adjustments, financial assistance, and campus transfer support, all aimed at fostering a balanced and sustainable student experience.
We are committed to cultivating an inclusive and supportive learning environment through targeted well-being initiatives, student engagement programs, and structured peer support networks. These initiatives contribute to a strong sense of community and help promote resilience and personal development among our student body.
Our dedicated support team ensures that all students have equitable access to the necessary resources and services to thrive—both personally and academically—throughout their educational journey at GCA.
Non-Academic support services include –
Other Non-Academic Support Services include:
For further Student Support and other essential information to help you navigate studying, living, and working in NSW as a student, please visit:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/guide/support-for-international-students
https://www.education.gov.au/international-education/support-international-students
Financial Support for Students – ask our Student Services department for more information or visit:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/financial-support-students
https://www.education.gov.au/international-education/financial-assistance-international-students
For further Student Support and other essential information to help you navigate studying, living, and working in NSW as a student, please visit:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/guide/support-for-international-students
https://www.education.gov.au/international-education/support-international-students
Financial Support for Students – ask our Student Services department for more information or visit:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/financial-support-students
https://www.education.gov.au/international-education/financial-assistance-international-students
For further Student Support and other essential information to help you navigate studying, living, and working in NSW as a student, please visit:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/guide/support-for-international-students
https://www.education.gov.au/international-education/support-international-students
Financial Support for Students – ask our Student Services department for more information or visit:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/financial-support-students
https://www.education.gov.au/international-education/financial-assistance-international-students
In the event of an emergency on campus, follow the emergency plan and the instructions from our safety and emergency wardens.
Police Off campus – emergency: Dial 000
Crime Stoppers – 1800 333 000
Police Assistance Line – 131 444
Domestic Violence – 1800656463 (Department of Community and Family Services)
Child Protection Hotline – 132111 (Department of Community and Family Services)
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Emergency – 9515 6111
St Vincent’s Hospital Psychiatric Emergency Care – 8382 111
Sydney Hospital – 02 9382 7111
Sydney Eye Hospital 02 9382 7354
Aboriginal Medical Service – 9319 5823
Central Sydney Area Mental Health Service – 9515 9000 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)
Central Sydney Area Sexual Health Service – 9560 3057 (Monday – Friday, 8.45am – 4.45pm)
Dr Lun General Practice 8 Quay Street Haymarket
Sydney Central Medical Center, Level 3 Suite 306 451 Pitt St Haymarket
Worldciti Medical, Level 1, 710 Geroge Str Haymarket
Haymarket Medical Clinic, World Square, Level 5 Suite 53 650 George Street Sydney
It is normal to require additional support at various stages of your academic journey, particularly when balancing the demands of study, daily responsibilities, and, for some, the transition to a new cultural environment. The resources and contacts provided on this page are intended to assist you in navigating both academic and personal challenges, ensuring that you have access to the appropriate support services to maintain well-being and achieve success throughout your time at GCA.
Please contact your campus Student Services team.
Lifeline: Call if you are feeling overwhelmed, if you are worried about someone else or you need help in a crisis.
Phone 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: A nationwide service for people affected by suicide.
Phone 1300 659 467 or visit www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Alcohol and Drug Information Service: A free 24 hour support line on 1800 250 015.
Gamblers Anonymous: Assistance for compulsive gamblers, and their family and friends 02 9726 6625
Some of the following sites provide helpful fact sheets, self-assessment and tracking tools, and other resources to support mental health and wellbeing:
Black Dog Institute: This website has many useful resources to support mental health. Visit www.blackdoginstitute.org.au
Head to Health: This website can help you find digital mental health services from trusted organisations. Visit www.headtohealth.gov.au
Reach Out: The most accessed online mental health service for young people in Australia. Find self-help information, peer support and referral tools. Visit https://au.reachout.com/
SANE: This website has useful resources for people with recurring, persistent or complex mental health issues and trauma, and for their families, friends and communities. Visit https://www.sane.org/
Beyond Blue: This website has many mental health information and support. Visit https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Inner City Legal Centre – Legal services are provided through advice, representation and advocacy.
02 9332 1966 (Office), 1800 244 481 (Toll Free), 0466 724 979
Shopfront Youth Legal Centre – Free advice for young people under 25 in the Sydney Metro Area.
Phone: 02 9322 4808
Email: https://www.theshopfront.org
Redfern Legal Centre – Free legal advice.
Phone: 02 9398 7277
Email: [email protected]
HopeStreet Women’s Space Services for women including counselling and advocacy.
Phone: 0432 557 091
Email: https://www.hopestreet.org.au
Aboriginal Legal Service – Advice and assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Phone: 02 9213 4100
Email: [email protected]
Information and Privacy Commission NSW
Phone: 1800 472 679
Email: [email protected]
Commonwealth Ombudsman
Phone: 1300 362 072 [email protected]
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Sydney)
Phone: 02 9230 9133 https://www.accc.gov.au
CONSENT and SASH (Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment)
Good relationships are all about respecting and trusting each other. At the heart of enjoyable, healthy and safe sexual experiences is a focus on consent. Always make sure that your partner gives their consent before engaging in sexual activity.
Consent is the free and voluntary agreement to willingly engage in sexual activity of any kind. You know you have consent if you get an enthusiastic ‘yes’ (verbal or non-verbal) from the other person that indicates they want to participate in the sexual activity. Remember that they have the right to change their mind at any time. If they ask to stop, or give signs that they are uncomfortable, do not keep going or try to persuade them to keep engaging in the sexual activity. Consent cannot be assumed where a person:
What can I do?
Ensure safety: If you believe there is an immediate risk to yourself or another person on campus, speak to our staff ; or for off campus, call 000.
Seek advice: You can seek confidential advice from Student Services. We’ll help to:
How do I help someone else?
If someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, you should encourage them to discuss the matter with Student Services, a counsellor or GP, who can provide them with information, advice and support specific to their circumstances. Student Services can also provide advice for you to pass on to another person.
OFF CAMPUS
RESPOND
Police 000
REPORT
Police Assistance Line 131 444
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
SUPPORT
Lifeline 131 11 14
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
GCA is a registered independent higher education provider and its courses are accredited by the Australian Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA). Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd trading as Universal Business School Sydney (UBSS).
Street Address:
Level 10, 233 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Australia
Postal Address:
Locked Bag A3100
Sydney South NSW 1235
Phone Number:
T: + 61 1300 422 422
F: + 61 2 9310 1548
