The Australian Government is committed to ensuring you have a great education experience in Australia.
This page includes links to relevant information for international students who are studying in Australia to help ensure you have a positive study experience.
If you are unable to find the information you are after, please
submit an enquiry and we will contact you.
The ESOS Act
The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (the ESOS Act) and related laws set out the requirements for providers who deliver education services to international students on a student visa.
These laws protect international students and also help ensure students meet student visa conditions for attending classes and making satisfactory progress in their studies while in Australia. Information on the ESOS legislation is available on the
ESOS Act page.
Recent changes to ESOS
The Australian Government has recently changed the ESOS Act to make it stronger, simpler and smarter.
A full history of the changes that have occurred in response to a review of the ESOS legislation completed in 2010 (the Baird Review) is available on the
ESOS Review page.
The National Code
The National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students (the National Code) is a set of nationally consistent standards that governs the protection of overseas students and delivery of courses to those students by providers registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Only CRICOS courses can be offered to international students studying in Australia on a student visa.
The National Code provides 15 nationally consistent standards for the professional conduct of education providers and the registration of their courses on CRICOS.
Useful resources
These materials provide information on various aspects of international education in Australia for students. This information is a quick reference guide to enable you to understand your obligations and rights as an international student. Furthermore, you will be able to understand the obligations, standards, and code that govern your education provider.
This brochure outlines the changes to tuition protection and how they benefit international students. It also includes tips on what students should be aware of when signing a written agreement with an education provider.
The brochure has also been translated into Mandarin Chinese (simplified), Hindi, Hangul, Bahasa Indonesia, and Vietnamese, which represent the top countries of origin by international student enrolments.
This brochure outlines the changes to tuition protection and how they affect education providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about changes to tuition protection are available on the
Recent changes to ESOS page.
Tuition Protection Service
The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is a placement and refund service for international students. The TPS replaces the Tuition Assurance Scheme and the ESOS Assurance Fund.
On the rare occasions that a provider is unable to deliver a course an international student has paid for and does not meet their legal obligations to make alternative course placements or provide a refund, the TPS will assist students to find an alternative place or, if this is not possible, provide a refund of any unspent tuition fees. Please visit the TPS website.
The Overseas Students Ombudsman
The Overseas Students Ombudsman:
- investigates complaints about problems that overseas students have with private education and training in Australia
- provides information about best practice complaints handling to help private education providers manage internal complaints effectively
- considers, free of charge, external appeals under Standard 8 of the National Code of Practice for Registered Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007.
If you have a complaint about your education provider you may take the matter to an independent complaints handling body. This will be the
relevant State Ombudsman if you are enrolled with a publicly-funded provider or the
Overseas Student Ombudsman if you are enrolled with a private provider. Visit the relevant state ombudsman’s website or
www.oso.gov.au for more information.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship
The purpose of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is to 'build Australia's future through the well managed movement and settlement of people'. It also promotes a society that values Australian Citizenship, appreciates cultural diversity and enables migrants to participate equitably. The department's operational theme is - people our business. If you have a visa, skilled migration and permanent residence related question these should be directed to DIAC. You can call DIAC on 131 881, or visit their website:
www.immi.gov.au. If you are located outside Australia, you can look at the DIAC website to find contact details for these matters in your country.
Study in Australia
Study in Australia is the official Australian Government website for advice on study in Australia. Here you will find impartial and reliable information about courses, institutions, study and living in Australia.
Study in Australia provides impartial and reliable information about:
- Why study in Australia
- Living in Australia
- Courses and study costs
- During your study in Australia
- Information for after your studies
- Help in your country