Frequently Asked Questions

WHO IS BEHIND TABOR COLLEGE NSW?

Tabor College NSW is multi-denominational and not linked with any particular denomination or local church. Our students come from many different churches and denominations. Tabor was founded by Dr Barry Chant and his wife Vanessa. Barry is highly regarded across the denominations and continues to lecture at the NSW campus. Barry is now the Senior Minister at Wesley International Congregation in Sydney and Vanessa is head of the Counselling stream at Tabor College NSW. The first Tabor College was established in Adelaide and other branches were then developed in different states. At present there are branches in five states and every College functions autonomously with their own Board of Directors and separate accreditation and registration in each state.

 

WHERE DOES TABOR'S FINANCIAL SUPPORT COME FROM?

Tabor is a faith ministry. Tuition fees do not cover all the costs of operating the College. Tabor NSW greatly appreciates receiving donations and gifts from individuals and businesses to enable its continued growth and development. Our dependence is continually on God. As a student you will learn from experience about living by faith.

 

WHAT DOES THE TABOR LOGO SIGNIFY?

The name 'Tabor' is taken from Mount Tabor in Israel, which is traditionally believed to have been the mount of Transfiguration. The logo depicts this mountain, with the lines suggesting an ascent to meet Christ in his glory. Like the disciples who saw Jesus transformed there, our goal is to be 'witnesses of his majesty' (2 Peter 1:16).

 

WHAT IS TABOR'S PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY?

This can be summarised by the acronym SCAMPS:

• Scripture-based
• Christ-centred
• Academically sound
• Ministry-oriented
• Positively expressed
• Spiritually empowered

 

HOW IS THE PROGRAM ORGANISED?

Tabor's program is very flexible. Classes are held during the day and in the evening. You can attend at a time to suit you. Short schools are also conducted during semester breaks. There is something for everyone. Regular classes are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the teaching semester, with special intensives being offered during semester breaks. The teaching program has several advantages:

• You can work part-time on other days
• You can study on other days
• You can travel on the other days if you live some distance away
• Full-time country students don't have to be away from home for more than a couple of days each whole week
• Subjects/Modules that are not available on campus or are unsuitably timetabled may be available by distance education through a cross institutional arrangement with Tabor College (Adelaide).

DO I NEED TO STUDY FULL-TIME?

Students are welcome to enrol as part time (two to three subjects a semester) as well as full-time (four to five subjects a semester). Classes are held at the same time each week through a semester which is usually 14 weeks duration. The timetable changes from year to year. Many modules are held each year though the day and time may change from year to year. For example, where possible a daytime class one year will be run as an evening class the following year to enable those working full time to complete their courses. Some modules are only held alternate years or when numbers permit.

 

CAN I STAY IN MY LOCAL CHURCH WHILE I STUDY?

If you live in Sydney, you will be encouraged to be an active and loyal member of your home congregation. If you come from outside Sydney, we will help you find a church of your choice where you can worship and serve the Lord. Tabor is committed to help build up local churches in every possible way.

 

WHAT FACILITIES ARE THERE?

Tabor's facilities are constantly being developed. Currently they include:

• Comprehensive library of 20,000+ volumes
• Computers and printers for exclusive student use
• Free internet and email access on campus
• Photocopying services
• Video and audio equipment availability
• Plenty of free off-street parking
• Student counselling service
• Complimentary tea, coffee
• Snack bar
• Close to Westfield Miranda

 

WHO DOES THE TEACHING?

Tabor has a highly qualified faculty who have experience both 'in the workplace trenches and the classroom benches'. All faculty are required to have a good blend of years of experience in Christian ministry and strong academic qualifications.


WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

You need to be a committed Christian and have a satisfactory reference from your minister where possible. Academic requirements vary according to the course concerned. The Handbook has full details. Mature-age students may be admitted on the basis of previous study or experience. See: Entry requirements for Degree Courses  OR Entry requirements for VET Courses

 

WHAT WILL IT COST?

You can audit a module for as little as $250. Additional fees are payable for credit depending on the level of study chosen. See Fee Schedule. Tabor fees are comparable with those of other Christian colleges and much lower that traditional university fees. Approved students may be able to claim Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy from the government.

 

IS FEE-HELP OR HECS AVAILABLE?

Government FEE-HELP is available for Tabor courses studied at Bachelor degree level. HECS (The Higher Education Contribution Scheme) was only available through recognised universities. FEE-HELP is similar to HECS but is available to students at private colleges like Tabor. MORE ABOUT FEE-HELP 


WHAT IS DISTINCTIVE ABOUT TABOR?

Tabor is the only non-denominational charismatic College of its kind in Australia.

• Tabor is not linked to any particular church so we are free to work with all churches.
• Tabor was the first Australian ministry training college to offer Government-accredited degree courses in ministry and theology. .
• Tabor is not committed to any particular denominational approach.
• Tabor believes the Scriptures alone are the standard by which doctrine and faith are measured.
• Tabor's teaching is in the context of charismatic worship and ministry.
• Tabor nationally offers over twenty-five Government-accredited courses in several disciplines.
• Tabor has a strong emphasis on practical ministry.
• Tabor's flexible program suits almost everyone.

 

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE TABOR?

Tabor has over twenty years of established ministry.

• Tabor has a proven record of fine training, quality education and excellent productivity.
• Tabor has a highly qualified faculty.
• Tabor provides a balance between Spirit and Word. Spiritual development is a priority and academic standards are high. You develop both your heart and your mind.
• You will be encouraged to step out in faith but to keep your feet on the ground.

Hundreds of Tabor graduates are serving God in many places - as pastors, teachers, chaplains, missionaries, counsellors, youth workers, children's workers, church-planters and lay workers. You can be one of them.