New calendar and 4 new ICMS start dates announced

The announcement of new ICMS start dates and an aligned calendar for all ICMS and Aspire courses means more choice for commencing students.

All undergraduate and postgraduate programs offered by International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS), and pathway providers Aspire Institute and ISCA, now offer an additional four new start dates – offering more opportunities for enrolment throughout the year.

The new ICMS start dates and calendar takes effect from 2021.

Which courses will have the new ICMS start dates?

All undergraduate and postgraduate courses will now share the same intakes dates, and the seven intakes will be available at all campuses and offered across all modes of study (online and campus). Stuart Wiggins, Vice President (Student Engagement & Registrar) explained, “this means that there is now alignment of start and end dates for students at all levels. The new calendar applies for all ICMS and associated pathway provider brands, and all programs including Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses.”

What are the new ICMS start dates?

The ‘main’ intake dates remain similar to those in previous years – they begin three times per year in February, May and August.

The four new intakes are the three ‘mid-trimester’ intakes, which will begin in March, July and October, and the ‘Summer’ intake, which starts in December.

How will the 4 new ICMS ‘mid-term’ intakes work?

Students starting their studies in a ‘main’ intake (February, May or August) will study for the full twelve week study period and complete up to four subjects, studied concurrently, depending on the requirements of their program.

The ‘mid-trimester’ and the ‘summer’ intakes are both six weeks in duration allowing students joining their programs, and who do not want to wait for the next main intake, to make a start before joining their cohort on a full study load in the next study period. Starting in a ‘mid-trimester’ intake means that students complete two subjects in the six week period, rather than the usual four in a twelve week period. Students are also able to accelerate their studies by enrolling in classes in the Summer intake in December. The two subjects studied in a mid-trimester intake is still considered a full-time study load as it facilitates the completion of the required number of subjects within the academic year– something which is important for international students on student visas.

Mr Wiggins said, “students who start in a ‘mid-trimester’ intake will finish the study period at the same time as their classmates who started at the beginning of the trimester. ‘Mid-trimester’ intake students will then be ready to go to the usual full-time study load from the beginning of the following twelve week trimester”

What are the benefits to students of the new ICMS start dates?

With the expected arrival of international students back to Australia in 2021, ICMS is now well positioned to have international students start classes as soon as borders are opened. The term dates changes will add flexibility for students but will not affect the overall course duration of both Undergraduate Degrees (3 years) or Postgrduate degrees (2 years). This means students can still apply for post study work visas upon graduation.

The new ICMS start dates, of course, offer greater choice of intakes for prospective students, as well as pathway students from the Aspire Institute and International Sports College Australia (ISCA) who will not need to pause their academic progress as they transition to their chosen degree or diploma course at ICMS.

The new intakes and alignment of the calendars for all courses also means that students may have the opportunity to catch up to their peers if they miss a main round intake due to circumstances beyond their control.

“If we have learned anything from 2020, it’s that we need to be flexible. These additional start dates are in response to what students, both international and domestic, have told us is important to them and we feel fortunate to be able to implement this in time for the start of the 2021 academic year,” said Mr Wiggins.

• For more information on ICMS start dates, visit IMPORTANT DATES
• For more information on Aspire Institute start dates, visit INTAKE DATES
• Additional start dates have also been listed for the Aspire Institute’s General English and Academic English programs.