ESOS Policies and Procedures
To study in Australia, international students must have a valid Australian student visa. The student visa is a temporary visa that allows people to come to Australia to study for a specific time at a registered Australian education institution.
Registered education providers have a CRICOS code and specific course codes. International students who wish to study in Australia on a student visa can only apply for courses that are registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
Student visas are issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)
Higher education providers in Australia who wish to enrol international students must meet the minimum standards set by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) under the ESOS Framework. The ESOS Framework includes the ESOS Act, the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students (National Code 2018) and the Tuition Protection Service.
The ESOS Act provides legislation to protect the interests of international students and Australia’s reputation for quality education. The ESOS Act ensures that that the quality of tuition and support provided to international students is of a consistently high standard, and that the integrity of the student visa program is maintained.
The National Code (2018) is a set of nationally consistent standards that govern the protection of international students and quality of courses delivered. Education providers must comply with the National Code 2018 to maintain their registration to provide courses to international students.
Tuition Protection Service
The Australian government provides protection to international students whose education providers are unable to deliver the course of study. The TPS ensures that international students are able to complete their studies at another education provider or receive a refund of their remaining tuition fees. More information on the TPS can be accessed through https://www.dese.gov.au/tps.