MEDIA RELEASE Students find the right pathway at SIBT - Navitas

MEDIA RELEASE
22 January 2013
Students find the right pathway at SIBT
Recent graduates of Sydney Institute of Business and Technology (SIBT) are preparing to
make their way across to the second year of Macquarie University, after completing their
first year units at SIBT.
Like many students, Aiden Fleming did not receive the ATAR he expected after finishing
high school so he started seeking other pathways to a degree at his first choice,
Macquarie University.
Aiden Fleming, 19, was always interested in commerce, but found the required ATAR for
a commerce degree to be out of reach. He learned about the SIBT Diploma of Commerce
course at the Macquarie Open Day and decided this was the best route for him.
“I realise now that if I’d gone straight into first year at one of the universities that had a
lower ATAR requirement that I would have probably struggled in the larger classes. The
support systems at SIBT made a huge difference, and I now feel really prepared for my
second year,” Aiden said.
Aiden is finishing SIBT as a top student, and in two years’ time will be graduating with a
Macquarie Bachelor Degree in Commerce – at the same time as many of his friends who
entered directly from high school.
SIBT prides itself on the support system provided to students, such as one-on-one time
with the teachers, academic drop-in sessions and early academic intervention strategies.
Students’ academic success is the main priority and with the progression rate higher than
the national average, the system can be considered a success.
Pathway institutions have become a popular route for students who do not wish to
compromise on their first choice, and also for parents who may worry what the future will
hold for their child if they don’t go on to higher education.
SIBT Campus Director and Principal Sonia Jeffares said since the start of SIBT in 1997
more than 20,000 students have successfully graduated from SIBT and the number of
enrolments continues to rise.
“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in enquiries and enrolments from students all around
NSW, who find themselves facing the prospect of not reaching their goal of getting into
Macquarie University. Some have missed out on the ATAR requirements by just a few
points so enrolling at SIBT can mean the difference between attending their university of
choice or giving up on higher education,” Ms Jeffares said.

High school graduates are not the only students taking advantage of the pathway
formula; non-school leavers, and mature age students, are also finding that pathway
institutions can provide a softer and more convenient transition back into university.
“We are also noticing a rise in the number of non-school leavers applying for pathway
courses. The more personalised attention they receive here can make the leap back into
university less daunting,” Ms Jeffares said.
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For further information contact:
Kimberly Taylour
Erin McMurray
Associate Public Relations Officer
Public Relations Officer
Navitas Limited
Navitas Limited
Tel: +61 2 9025 4742 Tel: +61 2 9025 4744
Mob: 0411 446 884
About SIBT
Sydney Institute of Business and Technology (SIBT) has been working in partnership with
Macquarie University since 1996 as an alternative pathway into Macquarie University
undergraduate degrees. SIBT is located at Macquarie University and Macquarie City
Campus (Sydney CBD).
Further details about SIBT are available at www.sibt.nsw.edu.au
About Navitas
Navitas is an Australian global education leader providing pre-university and university
programs, English language courses, migrant education and settlement services, creative
media education, student recruitment, professional development and corporate training
services to more than 80,000 students across a network of over 100 colleges and
campuses in 23 countries. Navitas is an ASX Top 200 Company. Further details about
Navitas are available at www.navitas.com.