FAQs

BSSM

  • Converge Students will be required to pay the BSSM deposit (USD $500) independently via MyBSSM to enrol as a BSSM student in the 2023/24 Academic school year. Upon paying your deposit, BSSM will commence the processing and issuing of your I-20/Visa. This deposit amount is not refunded under the Converge tuition payment scheme, however all additional outstanding tuition will be settled by Converge.

  • We are working alongside the BSSM finance and registration department to process the reimbursement of funds that will be covered through FEE-HELP

  • Converge Australia is only available for BSSM on-campus in Redding, California.

ACOM

  • Yes, but a minimal course load. All ACOM academic requirements mirror (almost entirely) the course and assessments completed at BSSM.

    BSSM assessments are uploaded to both BSSM Student Portal and the ACOM Student Portal. Full time on-campus BSSM students fulfil approximately 80% of the academic course requirements for the Diploma of Ministry whilst in Redding, and require approx. 20% additional coursework.

    Any additional coursework requirements is outlined in the student handbook, and the Converge student support team is available to guide students through the entire process (from general student support, check in sessions and academic aid).

  • You may apply for BSSM and the Converge Australia Pathway at ACOM whilst residing in Australia OR overseas.

    However, students must be in Australia to apply & qualify for Centrelink.

    Student must also return to Australia post-BSSM study period to complete the final ACOM unit (Australia based online-study) to receive the FEE-Help loan. Failure to return to Australia for final unit may contravene Fee-Help regulations and student may be liable to repay Centrelink support.

  • A Diploma of Ministry award is an 8-Unit Course. (Units can be considered as “subjects” or “classes”).

    This full time study load enables students to access Fee-Help and Study Assist Centrelink payments.

    One of the key requirements to get AusStudy/Youth Allowance, is that 1 of the 8 units of a diploma must be completed whilst residing on-the-ground in Australia. This means:

    7 Units (BSSM) + 1 Unit (Online, in Australia).

    ACOM + Converge have designed a unit to be completed post-BSSM over a 4-6 week period (May - July), and all learning will be completed via correspondence (i.e. online study).

    More information on the final Australia-based unit will be released upon enrolment.

VISA, i-20 form, SEVIS

  • Converge does not cover any Embassy or VISA fees.

  • Converge will not cover any SEVIS fees.

  • Students may receive an “Letter of Support” enrolment in both Converge Pathway and ACOM full-time course. This will meet some of the I-20 ‘Proof of Funds’ (tuition amount) requirement for your visa process to progress.

    Please note that additional 'Proof of Funds' documents (bank statements) may be required to meet your I-20 criteria. Converge Australia does not provide a ‘Proof of Funds’ letter for any support received under Centrelink payment schemes, as Centrelink eligibility is assessed on an individual basis by the Australian Government.

    Please kindly forward all further visa or immigration related questions to the BSSM finance department.

CENTRELINK

  • Converge is unable to determine the individual student eligibility to receive financial support.

    Students will receive a “proof of study” letter from ACOM upon enrolment. All eligibility is determined on an individual basis. Please refer to Services Australia for all information.

  • Each individual Converge enrolled student will be eligible to apply and access Centrelink support. Please visit Services Australia for additional information.

Alumni

  • Recognition of prior BSSM studies is not currently offered for graduates. However, students are encouraged to connect with ACOM student services team for information on exclusive study pathways.

Still have questions?

Please email info@convergeaustralia.com for additional information.