Initial CRICOS Registration 16 April 2024

Provider: Astra Group Australia Pty Ltd

Initial CRICOS registration

Report on initial CRICOS registration of the ASTRA GROUP AUSTRALIA Pty Ltd (ASTRA)

On 16 April 2024, TEQSA:

  • Approved, under section 10 of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act), the application by Astra Group Australia Pty Ltd (Astra) for registration on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) for a period of 5 years until 16 April 2029.
  • Imposed, under section 10B of the ESOS Act, one condition on the CRICOS registration of Astra Group Australia Pty Ltd (Astra).

ESOS Condition 1 - Admission, Recruitment and Support of Overseas Students

  1. By 16 April 2025, Astra must engage a suitably qualified independent expert to undertake a review of Astra's first year of delivery to overseas students. The expert and terms of reference for this review must be approved by TEQSA. The review should assess the effectiveness of the implementation of Astra's policies and procedures in ensuring:
    1. responsible recruitment of overseas students
    2. its education agents act ethically, honestly and in the best interests of overseas students.
    3. adequate monitoring and support of overseas students
  2. By 16 July 2025, Astra must provide TEQSA the review report, evidence of consideration of the review report, and any actions in response to the report, by its relevant governing bodies.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made this decision in light of the risk that Astra Group Australia Pty Ltd (Astra) may not comply, or continue to comply with, the following objectives of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018:

  • recruit responsibly by ensuring students are appropriately qualified and sufficiently informed for their chosen course (Standard 2)
  • ensure that its education agents act ethically, honestly and in the best interests of overseas students (Standard 4)
  • assist overseas students adjust to study and life in Australia (Standard 6)
  • safeguard the integrity of Australia's migration laws (Standard 8)
  • appropriately manage overseas student enrolment, monitoring and reporting (Standard 9)

Application to withdraw decision.

In accordance with section 10B(1)(b) of the ESOS Act, TEQSA may vary or revoke a condition imposed on the registration of a registered provider at any time. TEQSA will consider any application by a provider for variation or revocation of a condition.