JavaScript needs to be enabled in your browser to use the site search feature. Click here for information about how to enable JavaScript.
Please note this explanatory guide applies to the National Code 2017 and will not apply after 1 January 2018. Factsheets on the National Code 2018 are available here.
The standards for registered providers set out the obligations on registered providers in delivering education and training to overseas students[1]
Compliance with the National Code by registered providers is assessed at the point of registration. Compliance of registered providers, other than registered self-accrediting providers, is assessed during the period of registration by either the designated authority or DIISRTE – see Part B for a description of the respective roles of the state and territory governments (through the designated authority) and the Australian Government (through DIISRTE).
Compliance with the National Code by registered providers which are self-accrediting, is assessed through an annual declaration of conformity with the National Code and, once every five years, an independent external audit report. The designated authority or DIISRTE may still undertake compliance visits to registered self-accrediting providers in the event that the designated authority or DIISRTE deem this necessary.
Registered self-accrediting providers must undertake an independent external audit once every five years which must assess its compliance with the National Code and include a full inspection of the premises. The results of this audit are to be provided to the designated authority. Registered self-accrediting providers are also required to provide a declaration of conformity to the designated authority annually that contains the following:
· unique identification of the declaration of conformity
· the name and contact address of the registered provider
· the CRICOS number of the registered provider
· a statement that the registered provider conforms with the National Code
· the date of the declaration of conformity
· the signature of the principal executive officer
· reference to the existence of any associated supporting documentation, and
· a report on the implementation of any corrective and preventative actions identified as being necessary.
CRICOS-registered providers must comply with 15 standards that ensure their quality of education and professionalism is of a sufficiently high standard to enrol international students.
These education providers must demonstrate their compliance with the standards at the point of CRICOS registration and throughout their CRICOS registration period.
The 15 standards cover the following aspects of delivery of education to international students:
Standard 1
Marketing information and practices
Standard 2
Student engagement before enrolment
Standard 3
Formalisation of enrolment
Standard 4
Education agents
Standard 5
Younger overseas students
Standard 6
Student support services
Standard 7
Transfer between registered providers
Standard 8
Complaints and appeals
Standard 9
Completion within expected duration
Standard 10
Monitoring course progress
Standard 11
Monitoring attendance
Standard 12
Course credit
Standard 13
Deferment, suspension or cancellation of study during enrolment
Standard 14
Staff capability, educational resources and premises
Standard 15
Changes to registered providers’ ownership or management
Name and purpose
States the National Code requirement and explains the intent of the standard
Key requirements for all sectors
A dot point summary of obligations
What does this standard involve?
Clarifies the meaning and illustrates the standard through examples
Compliance tips
Suggests evidence that would demonstrate compliance to authorities
Q&A
A lengthy list of scenarios both sector-specific and general that illustrate the standard’s practical application
Connections
Links the standard to related requirements in the National Code and the ESOS Act
[1] Overseas students are henceforth referred to as students, except where otherwise explicitly stated. Refer to the appendix for a definition of an overseas student.