FAQ’s

FAQ’s

Get answers here

What's the CoEM difference?

Why are some of your courses more expensive than other providers?

Our course fees are in the higher range when compared to the average. That’s because we are not average. You can easily find a cheaper course but we guarantee you won’t find a better one. A CoEM experience is different to any other. Here's why...
  • Our courses are of an extremely high standard; 92% completion rates and approx 80% students currently in event roles across a number of industry sectors.
  • Every subject of our courses are specific to event management. You will often get mixed classes at other colleges as they bundle students from different courses together making content more generic and less specific. At CoEM there are no mixed classes.
  • We have extensive and long standing relationships with industry. Many event jobs are not advertised thus making the industry a ‘who you know’ industry. Industry relations are extremely important and we foster over 600 industry partners who can be accessed through our Industry Engagement Program and our in-house recruitment agency - Events Jobs Online.
  • Our course is 'hands-on' and practical in nature. You will do site visits, field trips, specialist workshops and work on real events via our Industry Engagement Program.
  • We are small and specialist which allows us to keep the content of our courses fresh, up to date and relevant. Government subsidised providers are subject to government cuts which severely effect quality, staff numbers and quality of facilities. These providers can be large and bureaucratic and content can often be out of date and irrelevant.
  • Our teaching staff are event industry professionals, most of whom remain close to the industry. Our guest lecture program give to access to some of the most experienced and knowledgeable event people around. Their knowledge is priceless.
  • CoEM provide you with lovely, modern and convenient facilities with the latest technology, not temporary structures.
Unlike organisations such as TAFE, our courses are not subsidised by the taxpayer so we are unable to compete on price alone.

Are your courses accredited?

Yes. We are a Registered Training Organisation (Provider Code 70229). All our event programs are nationally recognised and approved under the Australian Quality Skills Authority (ASQA).

Are your qualifications recognised internationally?

While our courses are nationally recognised and regularly endorsed by industry, they are not formally recognised overseas. However, Australian qualifications such as ours are highly regarded internationally and often acknowledged as ‘best practice’.

How are your courses delivered?

Our Event Manager Diploma is delivered either On Campus or Online although students are able to enjoy a blend of both with either study option eg If you choose our On Campus study option, you will also complete some of your coursework online. If you choose the Online study option you will have the option to access campus facilities. See more.  Our Event Starter Certificate III is delivered exclusively online although we are hoping soon to introduce a blended online/on campus version of this course. See more.

Are your courses practical?

Employers want to see evidence of practical experience in events. That’s why our Industry Engagement Program is such an integral and practical component of all our courses including our online options. You will have a required amount of engagement hours to fulfill but unlike other colleges you won’t be on your own searching for your own industry placement. We have connections to over 600 industry contacts providing you with fabulous volunteering, internship and paid opportunities on events of all kinds. There are so many opportunities to choose from you won’t have any trouble finding roles that suit your schedule and your interest. By the end of your course you will have gained hours of practical experience working on events and, importantly, you will receive countless opportunities to build your network of contacts. See more. 

What’s the difference between On Campus and Online learning?

Studying On Campus is an immersive study experience catering for those wanting the structure of a regular timetable and those who might benefit from a ‘face-to-face’ learning environment. Studying Online gives students the flexibility they require for study while keeping to existing work schedules or family commitments.Note that course content, industry engagement opportunities, learning support, industry networks and job opportunities remain the same for both On Campus and Online students.

Will I have assessments?

Yes. Assessments are spread throughout the course to enable students and lecturers to effectively monitor performance and manage study loads. A range of methods are used to assess student progress including quizzes, practical, research reports, presentations, folios, hypotheticals and case study analysis.

What is the entry criteria for my course?

Although each course has its own different entry criteria, none of our courses require applicants to have an ATAR. Click here for Event Starter Certificate III criteria. Click here for Event Manager Diploma criteria.

Can I start anytime I want?

You are able to start the Event Starter Certificate III at any time and work through at your own pace. Click here for Event Starter intake dates. Our Event Manager Diploma program however has specific intakes throughout the year. We understand that many courses offer a ‘start anytime’ option but we believe in fostering a strong learning community for a more satisfying experience and outcome for our students. This community also encourages further support and networking opportunities from peers and lecturers alike. Click here for Event Manager intake dates.

What payment options do you offer?

We all know how important education is but also realise how challenging it can be to find the money to invest in your future. To make things easier for you, we have come up with a few simple ways to pay for your course:    Option 1: Personalised Payment Plan  A great thing about being a small, boutique college is that we can tailor payment plans to suit the individual. Pay a deposit and then pay from as little as $65* per week (depending on the course taken). If you prefer fortnightly or monthly payments, we can adjust the plan to suit your needs.    Option 2:  Pay upfront in full and don't pay any admin fees  Many students have successfully secured loans for the full tuition fee amount via the following lending options: Please call 02 92804912 to arrange your personalised payment plan.*administration fees apply 

Do you offer VET Student Loans?

Yes, we do offer VET Student Loans for our Event Manager Diploma program. College of Event Management is an approved VET Student Loan provider although due to new regulations brought in in 2017, the maximum you can borrow for a Diploma of Event Management from any provider is $5,000. For further information about VET Student Loans please visit studyassist.gov.au.

How do I apply for VET Student Loans?

Before applying for VET Student Loans you must first complete our application process including an indication of whether or not you wish to access VET Student Loans. We will then give the department your enrolment information and they will contact you with instructions on how to proceed. Visit studyassist.gov.au for more information.

How good are my career prospects after graduating?

The current state of the events industry is strong. Statistics show that the Australian events industry has experienced steady growth over the past five years and is expected to continue to grow well into the future. A healthy industry coupled with the right practical skills and knowledge means that your career prospects are extremely high regarding employment within industry. We offer ongoing employment preparation and support and exclusive access to our in-house recruitment agency, Event Jobs Online. On completion of the course, CoEM graduates are work-ready, well connected to industry and confident in their abilities. This was proven by one of our last graduating classes (April 2017),  90% of whom were employed in event roles within five weeks of graduating.

Is a Diploma acceptable for entry into the events industry?

Yes. You do not need a degree to be an event manager. Employers of event management graduates are looking for people who can be immediately useful to their organisation; graduates who possess strong practical skills acquired from hands on experience on real events and a nationally recognised qualification that offers up to date and relevant content.

As an event manager what will I get paid? 

Your employment outcome and remuneration will depend on the course you choose, your previous employment history and your age. Like most careers, your wages will increase significantly when you gain experience. Here are some statistics from Payscale that show the average event manager wage:
  • An entry-level Event Manager with less than 5 years of experience can expect to earn an average total of $56,000
  • An Event Manager with 5 to 10 years of experience can expect to earn an average total of $66,000