Protection of international students – the ESOS framework

ESOS Framework

To ensure that international students studying in Australia have a positive and productive experience, the Australian government provides a range of services and support. The Australian government actively promotes and safeguards the rights of international students. These  laws  are known as  the ESOS  framework  and  they  include  the  Education  Service  for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code. Please see the link below for more information: https://internationaleducation.gov.au/Regulatory- Information/Pages/Regulatoryinformation.aspx

Protection of International Students – CRICOS Providers

As an international student on a student visa you can only study with an education provider in a course that can be found on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). See: http://cricos.deewr.gov.au for more information

CRICOS accreditation ensures that both, the institution and the program you choose to study, are up to the standards. 

Your Rights

The ESOS framework protects your rights, including:

• Receive current and correct information about the courses, fees, structure of study and other relevant information before enrolling
• Sign a written agreement before you pay fees or before services are provided
• Receive information about refunds
• Receive the service (education) that you paid for
• Assurance (type of insurance) to  receive  a  refund  or  be placed in another course if your provider is unable to offer your course
• Access to student support services
• Access to additional information such as:
  • who is the contact officer for international students
  • when and how your enrolment can be deferred, suspended or canceled
  •  what are the requirements for satisfactory progress in the courses you study
  •  how and when is the attendance monitored for those courses
  •  what are the requirements if you wish to change providers
  •  how to access and use complaints and appeals processes

Your Responsibilities

As an international student on a student visa you have the following responsibilities:

• comply with all your student visa conditions
• make sure your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is valid through the whole stay in Australia (while on student visas)
• meet the conditions of the written agreement with your provider
• tell your provider if you change your address
• have satisfactory course progress
• follow your provider’s attendance policy
• pay your fees on time