How to apply to relocate or add a new location on CRICOS

CRICOS registered providers are required to apply to TEQSA to approve the addition of any location to the provider's CRICOS registration, either through relocation or a new location. Providers should submit an Intention to relocate or add new delivery site application form through the provider portal when seeking to relocate or add a new location.

In your application to relocate or add a new location, you should demonstrate that the arrangements for the new location include adequate and appropriate space, staff, and resources for students, in accordance with Standard 11.2.

Your application should also take into consideration your total student capacity. If you wish to add a new location, you may request to transfer some of your existing student capacity from an existing location to the new location.

However, if you wish to increase your total student capacity you will also need to submit the Change Student Capacity on CRICOS application, and supporting evidence to demonstrate that the space, staff, and student resources and support are adequate to support the requested student capacity.

Applications to relocate or add a new location should be submitted as soon as practicable and at least 30 days prior to the intended commencement date for delivery at the new location. This is to ensure sufficient time for TEQSA to assess the application prior to commencement. If the application is incomplete or includes insufficient evidence, TEQSA may request additional information, which may delay the assessment.

The following sections outline the evidence requirements depending on your circumstances to demonstrate appropriate space, staff, and resources for students, in accordance with Standard 11.2.

Providers with self-accrediting authority

To add a new delivery location, to add a delivery location that was previously registered on PRISMS or to relocate from an existing delivery location, TEQSA requires the following evidence from SAA providers:

• a current signed lease for the new location
• evidence of the location’s approval for education purposes (9B classification)
• floor plans that show teaching spaces, amenities, student breakout area, meeting and staff rooms, library, counselling rooms and any specialist teaching facilities required for any course
• a draft timetable, demonstrating how the requested student capacity will be accommodated in the space
• the total or projected number of domestic students that will study at the location
• the current and projected student to staff ratios. If these figures are not available, provide assurance that the provider has self-assured itself that the staffing is appropriate in accordance with Standard 11.2
• assurance that the provider has self-assured itself that the student resources and support are appropriate in accordance with Standard 11.2.

Please note, if you are making changes to an existing campus/registered location, you may not need to submit an Intention to relocation or add new delivery site application. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page for advice regarding campuses.

Providers without self-accrediting authority

To add a new delivery location, to add a delivery location that was previously registered on PRISMS or to relocate from an existing delivery location, TEQSA requires the following evidence from non-SAA providers:

To demonstrate appropriate space

• a rationale, including strategic and business plan and how it aligns with the application for a new location
• due diligence undertaken by the provider in vetting the new location including any approvals acquired by the Academic Board or the Governing council
• a current signed lease for the new location
• occupancy certificate which outlines 9(B) classification and the number of persons that can be accommodated at the location
• photographs of the location (if available)
• floor plans that show teaching spaces, amenities, student breakout area, meeting and staff rooms, library, counselling rooms and any specialist teaching facilities required for any course. ensure floor plans show the dimensions of all spaces
• a draft timetable, demonstrating how the requested student capacity will be accommodated in the space, including appropriate time for student cohorts to change between classes without exceeding the location's maximum capacity, staff at the location, and an allocation for students using common spaces at the location
• security arrangements for the new location for operating hours, including library hours or after hours
• if the space will be used by any other provider, outline how the space will be shared between the providers
• the total or projected number of domestic students that will study at the location.

To demonstrate appropriate staffing

• current workforce plan, highlighting plans for recruitment of new staff, staff training and induction
• number of full-time and casual academic staff and non-academic staff (e.g. librarian, admin, IT)
• provide a spreadsheet with the number of projected international and domestic students at the location and any supporting evidence to show that the number of staff will be appropriate for the projected student numbers
• provide position descriptions for staff recruitments for academic and support staff that will be recruited (if available)
• current and projected student to staff ratios.

To demonstrate appropriate student resources and support

• description of IT resources and library resources and facilities available at the new location, IT resources include but is not limited to computers, hardware and software and access to the internet across the campus or at least in the library, study areas and classrooms
• list of adequate physical textbooks to cater for the location and list of available online resources
• list of student support services available at the new location
• information on whether the library is accessible and open for extended hours for ease of student access
• evidence of adequate student support including academic support at the new location
• if student support is determined as inadequate, evidence of corrective mechanisms in place
• critical incident policy.

Please note, if you are relocating and all current academic and non-academic staff, student resources, and support will be available at your new location, please state this clearly in your application. If TEQSA has previously assessed the appropriateness of the staff and student resources, no further evidence will be required to assess the appropriateness of staffing, student resources, and support.

To demonstrate compliance with obligations under 46D of the ESOS Act

If you are relocating students from an existing location to a new location, please provide a copy or draft of the correspondence to advise students about the relocation. This should demonstrate how obligations under 46D of the ESOS Act will be discharged by the provider where the provider has defaulted in relation to the student, as defined in 46A of the ESOS Act.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I register a campus with multiple premises as a single location?

For providers with self-accrediting authority (SAA), TEQSA only requires the registration of a single location on CRICOS where learning takes place in multiple connected premises (commonly referred to as a campus). Premises may be considered connected when they are located in the same suburb or locality, or otherwise in close proximity. Providers should ensure that students are not disadvantaged when required to travel between premises within the registered location. In addition, providers should submit a material change to notify TEQSA when a premise at a new address is added to an existing campus/registered location. TEQSA expects that SAA providers assure themselves of ongoing compliance with all requirements of the National Code when managing multiple connected premises at a registered location.

Is an application required to remove a registered location from CRICOS?

Further information

For more information or assistance applying to relocate or add a new location, please contact the CRICOS team at cricos@teqsa.gov.au.