The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Framework is a body of legislation that provides protection for international students studying in Australia, protects and enhances Australia’s reputation for quality education, and supports the integrity of Australia’s student visa program. The Department of Education administers the ESOS framework, including all relevant legislation, the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) and the Provider Registration and International Student Management System (PRISMS).
The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act
All providers delivering courses to overseas students in Australia must apply for registration under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act). Under the ESOS Act, overseas students are defined as students who hold a student visa to study in Australia. The ESOS Act protects all overseas and intending overseas students studying at Australian schools, registered training organisations, and higher education providers.
The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
Providers that are approved to deliver courses to overseas students are published on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). In addition, all courses approved for delivery to overseas students are published on CRICOS.
TEQSA's role as regulator and ESOS agency
Under the ESOS Act, TEQSA is the ESOS agency for:
- all higher education providers registered under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act)
- English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) courses delivered by, or in entry arrangements with, registered higher education providers
- all providers of Foundation Programs.
Any provider seeking to deliver education in these areas is required to apply to TEQSA for CRICOS registration.
For these providers, TEQSA is responsible for:
- assessing applications for CRICOS registration and renewal of CRICOS registration
- assessing applications to make changes to CRICOS registration, including making changes or adding courses, locations, student capacity, and third-party arrangements
- monitoring compliance with all requirements under the ESOS Framework and acting where there is non-compliance.
For more information on the ESOS Act and associated legal framework visit our ESOS Act page.
CRICOS and ELICOS