Becoming a registered provider of education services to overseas students

Overseas Registration

Eligibility to Deliver to Overseas Students

To be eligible to offer education and training to students studying in Australia on student visas, you are required to seek approval from the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology (DFEEST), and comply with the Federal legislative requirements for registration and be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). 

If you are planning to deliver English Language Courses you will need to contact the National ELT Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) and apply for accreditation of your organisation and courses. Once you are NEAS accredited DFEEST will assess additional criteria to approve your course to be listed on CRICOS. To consider alternative processes for CRICOS registration please read the Standards for Registration to deliver Education Services to Overseas Students 

Steps involved in Overseas Registration in South Australia

Step 1: Preparation

1. Read and understand the following documentation to assist your organisation in meeting the required standards: 

• National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 (The National Code)
• Guide for Providers of Education and Training Services to Overseas Students (ESOS Act 2000)
• CRICOS Registration – How to become registered on CRICOS 
• CRICOS Registration - Pathways for New Providers 
• Standards for Registration to Deliver Education Services to Overseas Students
•  Council approval for premises that will be used for educational purposes.
• Assessment Tool - This tool has been developed to assist you in ascertaining if you are ready to be registered to deliver education and training to overseas students.  The tool will also assist you in having the necessary evidence available at time of audit.  We highly recommend that you access and complete this Self Assessment tool.

2. Download and complete both OS1 - Application to Vary Scope of Registration for Delivery to Overseas Students and Certified Accountant's Statement.

Note: If you are not currently registered for domestic students or if you are renewing registration you must also submit an application form for VET registration or Higher Education Recognition.

3. Provide evidence that you have applied to the  Tuition Assurance Scheme (TAS). Coverage from original TAS Provider has been extended to include each qualification that you wish to add to your scope must accompany your application to vary scope of registration, if adding a qualification/s.  Or if alternative arrangements have been approved under the ESOS Act 2000 by DEEWR, evidence that this approval has been extended to include the qualification/s to your scope, before submitting your application to vary scope of registration.

4. Contact Quality Directorate on (08) 8226 3065 to discuss your application and the process for assessment.

Step 2: Application

The application process requires you to:

• Complete the OS1 - Application to Vary Scope of Registration for Delivery to Overseas Students.
• Pay an application fee; refer to Schedule of Fees.
• Forward the above to the Quality Directorate with the appropriate evidence detailed on page 2 of the application form.

Step 3: The Site Audit

On receipt of the above documentation Quality Directorate will assess your application and supporting documentation and determine whether an on-site audit is necessary, in which case, a date for an audit will be negotiated.

Step 4: Approval of Application 

The audit team will provide a written report outlining compliance or non-compliance to the delegate for consideration. The report will carry a recommendation that the application be approved or not approved.

If the application is approved by the delegate, the applicant is notified and the relevant courses will be entered onto CRICOS. If the application is not approved, the applicant is informed of the stages they need to take to have their application re-assessed.

Step 5: Length of Registration

Registration for VET providers is in line with their registration period under the AQTF. Registration for Higher Education providers is in line with the expiry date of the course being delivered.