• Select Currency:

About Us » Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When can I start studying?
A. Anytime; any day, week or month of the year.

Q. Where can I start study from?
A. Any country or location in the world. You can even study while you travel, moving from one hotel to the next, or one country to the next. Students have undertaken these courses successfully while backpacking around the world, travelling with work, or even while taking a voyage on a cruise ship. Others have studied from their home, their workplace, or sitting in a coffee shop or garden, working on their lap top. These courses offer you optimum flexibility!

Q. How long does the course take - What does "a self paced 20 hour course" mean?
A. We leave it up to you. The 20-hour courses consist of a pdf file and a number of lesson review questions (for each lesson). The course culminates at the end with a large exam. When a student achieves 60% or more they pass the final exam and they will be able to download a certificate of attainment for the course. Currently, the exam can only be sat once.

Q. Do we get a discount if two of us enrol together?
A. You may claim a 5% discount on fees if you both enrol in courses at the same time.

Q. Do we get a discount if we enrol in a second course?
A. Yes, you may claim a 5% fee discount when you enrol in a second course. (This does not apply however to the second stage or part of the same certificate or diploma.)

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (e.g. Get sick, go on holidays, have a baby).
A. If you need to, just apply to defer your studies, and we will put  them on hold for you, for up to 6 months with no additional charge. If you wish to defer for longer, a restart fee may apply later on.

Q. Do I need any extra books?
A. You are supplied with all "essential" reference material to complete a course. Learning to undertake research is important in any area of study these days though; so you may at times need to have access to a library or the internet, to undertake some work beyond the course notes supplied.
Extra books are always useful though, especially for special projects. A range of ebook references have been developed specifically to compliment many of the courses; and these are available through our book store on this web site, if you are ever seeking additional reading.

Q. What can I achieve as a student?
A. You need to understand that a course is "a learning experience” designed to transform your understanding of the subject you study. If you apply yourself, and have faith in the expertise of the course writers ad tutors, you should leave the course different capabilities and a mindset that will enable you to be more effective within your area of study. Whether these added abilities are sought to impress employers, improve business prospects or simply enhance your personal passions, this course does have the potential to help you achieve whatever goals you might have.

Q. How does recognition of these courses compare with others?
A. Exceptionally well; but different.  These courses have a long history dating back to 1979 when the first was developed by John Mason, an internationally respected author, educationist, businessman and horticulturist. Mr Mason is the author of over 150 books and 600 courses; and worked for decades in both Australia and the UK.  The courses have since 2002, been delivered by a group of affiliated colleges, out of seven different countries; and have been studied by over 150,000 different people. This college is one of those “affiliated” colleges.

Q. How is Practical Work Done?
Unless you have experienced our courses it can be difficult to comprehend how an online course can be anything more than reading and answering questions. In reality though; students studying this way are treated as individuals, which doesn’t tend to happen in a large college or university classroom, with one teacher attempting to communicate with dozens of different students, each with different needs, all at the same time.

Our courses are very practical, and allow for learning that focuses on “differing individual needs”

Set tasks are a key part of most courses; challenging students to interact with the real world through observation, research and simple practical tasks. Every subject is different; every student is in a different situation, and every situation calls for a different learning experience. These courses recognise and cater for these considerations. If you would like some specific examples, contact us and ask us.

Disclaimer

The information given is for general information and should not be regarded as advice in any matter. First Nations Institute Australia (FNIA) disclaims all and any liability in relation to any act or omission which is done in reliance to the information provided in this web site. While every effort is made to ensure that we display correct information on our website, errors can occur. FNIA disclaims liability or responsibility for orders or complaints arising from such errors, including (but not limited to): pricing, fees and course requirements. FNIA reserves the right to decline orders arising from such errors.