Indicative timeframes for registration as a higher education provider (TEQSA and CRICOS)

Guidance for prospective providers

When preparing an application for registration as a higher education provider, prospective providers must submit operational plans and projections to allow TEQSA to assess the financial viability and sustainability of the applicant. In preparing these plans and projections, prospective providers should consider the timeframes for registration by TEQSA. In addition, if a provider is considering delivery to overseas students, these projections should also consider the time to be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), the time to recruit overseas students, and sufficient time for those students to obtain visas and to make travel and accommodation arrangements, prior to the commencement of delivery.

Key steps

1. Initial engagement with TEQSA and preparation of applications

At least 6 months before submitting an application, and after reviewing the relevant guidance materials, prospective providers should contact TEQSA (new.registration.enquiries@TEQSA.gov.au) to advise of an intention to apply for registration. If intending to deliver to overseas students, prospective providers are also encouraged to contact TEQSA’s CRICOS team (cricos@teqsa.gov.au) for guidance.

2. Preliminary assessment of application for initial registration

Once an application is received, TEQSA must complete a preliminary assessment and notify you of the outcome within 30 days. During this assessment, TEQSA will check if you have provided all of the required evidence, including whether the application for registration in a particular provider category is appropriate, and whether an application is required for a course of study to be accredited, as per Section 19(1) of the TEQSA Act. Please note, if an application is not in the approved form, does not include all information, documents and assistance requested by TEQSA, or is not accompanied by the application fee, it will not progress to a substantive assessment.

3. Substantive assessment of application for initial registration

If TEQSA’s preliminary assessment finds that an application is appropriate (valid), the applicant may continue with its application by providing any further information requested by TEQSA and by paying the application fee. Once these have been received, the substantive assessment of an application commences.

TEQSA must make a decision on the application within 9 months of the commencement of the substantive assessment. However, if, for reasons beyond TEQSA’s control, a decision cannot be made within 9 months, a longer period not exceeding a further 9 months may be applied, as per Section 21(2-3) of the TEQSA Act.

4. Notification and publication of decision

Once a decision has been made, TEQSA must advise the applicant within 30 days of that decision and, if TEQSA rejects the application, the reasons for the decision.

5. Preparation of application for CRICOS registration

On average, providers submit their application for CRICOS registration 3 months following notification of their initial registration as a higher education provider. TEQSA encourages providers to consider the requirements of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code) in the development of all policies and procedures if intending to deliver to overseas students.

Further information to assist providers preparing an application for CRICOS registration can be found on TEQSA’s How to apply for CRICOS registration page.

6. Assessment of application for CRICOS registration

Once an application for CRICOS registration is received, TEQSA will assess whether the requirements of the ESOS Act and National Code have been met. If the application is of a high-quality, and the applicant responds promptly to TEQSA’s requests, a decision is usually made within 3 to 6 months. Where the application does not include all of the required evidence, or where there are delays in responding to TEQSA’s requests, the assessment process will take longer.

7. Provider CRICOS code issued by Department of Education

Once CRICOS registration is granted, it can take a further 2 to 4 weeks for a CRICOS code to be issued and the newly registered provider listed on the CRICOS register.

8. Commence recruitment of overseas students

Providers cannot advertise courses to overseas students or begin recruiting overseas students until registered on CRICOS and issued with a CRICOS code by the Department of Education. Generally, providers will need to commence recruitment activities at least 3 months prior to engaging the last students for a study period or 5 months prior to the commencement of delivery, noting the need for offshore intending students to obtain a student visa.

9. Offshore overseas students apply for student visa

Currently, the Department of Home Affairs advises students outside of Australia to apply for their visa at least 8 weeks before their course starts. Further information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs’ Subclass 500 student visa page.

10. Delivery commences

In total, prospective providers should plan for delivery to commence at least 35 months after first engaging with TEQSA, or 29 months after submitting an application for initial registration. Please note that these are indicative timeframes and are largely conditional on a high-quality applications and minimal delays in the preparation and submission of responses to TEQSA’s requests.