FAQs

Yes, our classes are always on the same day each week, as advertised. Unless something unforeseen happens, for which you will be notified, all your classes will be on the same day of the week, at the same time and same venue.

Yes we do sell gift vouchers. They can be purchased as a specific enrolment into a course or you can nominate the amount for the voucher and the recipient can use it towards any course of their choice. They are available online for purchase here.

New programs are released twice a year in two-term blocks: Term 1 & 2, and Term 3 & 4. These programs are made available in the final weeks of each term and include information about courses for the upcoming term. Programs are distributed to local cafés, libraries, Centrelink offices, job search providers, and other community hubs. If your organisation would like to display copies, please contact us on  (02) 4226 1622 .

Once an enrolment has been processed, refunds are not made except when WEA Illawarra cancels a course. However, a credit note may be issued if a replacement student can be found prior to the course commencing, or in the case of a serious illness if a written request is accompanied by a medical certificate. However requests for a credit note or refund on medical grounds must be lodged within the term in which you are enrolled. An administrative charge of 10% of the course fees applies with a minimum fee of $10. WEA cannot accept responsibility for changes in personal circumstances or work commitments or for books or materials purchased for a course. In some instances transfer between courses may be granted upon application by a student to the CEO. Final decisions on any refund, transfer or credit note issues remain with the CEO.

*For Online courses there are no refunds after you have enrolled and received access to the course.

*WEA reserves the right to alter any of its published arrangements, either before or during a course, or to cancel or terminate a course.

Full course payment is required to confirm your place in all courses. WEA reserves the right to cancel or postpone any class due to under-enrolment or other unforeseen circumstances. In this case, students will receive a full refund.

Contact us if you are unclear about the requirements for a specific course. The majority of lifestyle courses are introductory so no prior knowledge or skill is required.

The course requirements will be specified for each course as part of the Course Requirements section on this website. If you are still unsure after reading this section, contact us for further assistance.

No, unfortunately, WEA Illawarra does not have child minding services available.

As there is no child minding you cannot bring your children to class with you. Our courses are geared for adult learning and not structured to entertain children for the duration of the class. The exception to this rule is when older children are enrolled in a course as participants.

In usual circumstances pets are not allowed on campus, but if you have special needs or disability requirements, a companion animal such as a seeing-eye dog may be allowed in class with you. Please contact WEA to discuss before attending class.

Cooking classes are held at WEA Illawarra, 58 Auburn Street kitchen. They are not nut free. Please contact us if you have other medically recognised special needs.

No. As an educational facility WEA Illawarra has a no-smoking policy in all venues at which WEA courses are held including the car parks and grounds of a venue.

The consumption of alcohol in cooking classes is not permitted, however, some recipes being cooked in the class may require alcohol as an ingredient. Please check with us on (02) 4226 1622 if you have any concerns about your class.

If you are taking a course in excess of $1500, a payment plan can be set-up to help you pay for your accredited/Vocational Course. Please contact us to discuss payment plan options.

Disability access varies depending on the particular venue in which your class is being held. Our WEA Wollongong Centre has a lift and ramps on-site. Please contact our enrolment office if you require additional information or assistance.

No, we don’t have a canteen onsite. There is a Zip Tap available for those who wish to BYO cup plus tea/coffee/milk supplies. For weekend courses please bring all food and drink requirements with you.

Yes, we have on-site parking at our WEA Wollongong Campus. Other venues may have either street or on-site parking depending on the venue.

Please note: The WEA Centre should be approached from the South, either at the south end of Auburn Street, or by turning into Auburn Street from Swan or West Streets. Please DO NOT TURN RIGHT into the carpark. You could endanger yourself, any passengers and any others on the road.

Yes, we do recognise prior learning, which we term Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you feel that you have the skills and knowledge equivalent to a course, or part of a course, and can prove it through documentation, we offer a range of RPL options to explore. Contact us to discuss your suitability.

The process of RPL requires you to compile and submit a portfolio of evidence which is then assessed by a qualified assessor. Assessment typically takes two weeks. Successful applicants will be issued with the same qualification as those who study the course. Any units of competency that you cannot supply evidence for can be studied individually – prices are available on application.

Leisure courses are not accredited. Work skills courses will individually indicate whether the course is accredited or not, see the work skills course section for details.

Our payment methods are credit cards (Mastercard or Visa card), bank transfer and cheque payments. We do not, however, accept Diner’s Card, American Express or cash payments. Payments must be made before a course starts (preferably at least a week earlier) especially when resources need to be prepared or ordered.

Please contact us to discuss your individual needs relating to a carer, other disability or related matter.

Yes, you can use your Seniors Card for discounts with us. Your Seniors Card will entitle you to a 10% discount on Leisure Skills courses if the course fee is above $200.