How to apply to relocate or add a new location on CRICOS

CRICOS registered providers are required to apply to TEQSA to approve the addition of any location to the provider's CRICOS registration, either through relocation or a new location, with the exception of providers with self-accrediting authority (SAA) making changes to an existing campus/registered location.

In your application to relocate or add a new location, you should demonstrate that the arrangements for the new location include adequate and appropriate space, staff, and resources for students, in accordance with Standard 11.2.

Your application should also take into consideration your total student capacity. If you wish to add a new location, you may request to transfer some of your existing student capacity from an existing location to the new location. This reflects the reallocation of staff and/or resources between registered locations.

However, if you wish to increase your total student capacity you will also need to submit the Change Student Capacity on CRICOS application, and supporting evidence to demonstrate that the spaces, staff, and student resources and support are adequate to support the requested student capacity.

Applications to relocate or add a new location should be submitted as soon as practicable and at least 30 days prior to the intended commencement date for delivery at the new location. This is to ensure sufficient time for TEQSA to assess the application prior to commencement. If the application is incomplete or includes insufficient evidence, TEQSA may request additional information, which may delay the assessment.

The following sections outline the evidence requirements depending on your circumstances to demonstrate appropriate space, staff, and resources for students, in accordance with Standard 11.2.

To demonstrate appropriate space

To add a new delivery location or to relocate from an existing delivery location, TEQSA requires the following evidence:

• a current signed lease for the new location
• evidence of the approved maximum occupancy for the location
• evidence of the location’s approval for education purposes (9B classification)
• floor plans that show teaching spaces, amenities, student breakout area, meeting and staff rooms, library, counselling rooms and any specialist teaching facilities required for any course. If evidence of an approved maximum occupancy is unavailable, ensure floor plans show the dimensions of all spaces
• a draft timetable, demonstrating how the requested student capacity will be accommodated in the space, including appropriate time for student cohorts to change between classes without exceeding the location's maximum capacity, staff at the location, and an allocation for students using common spaces at the location
• security arrangements for the new location for operating hours, including library hours or after hours
• if the space will be used by any other provider, outline how the space will be shared
• the number of domestic students expected to attend the campus.

If your new location has previously been approved for delivery to overseas students and registered on CRICOS, TEQSA will only require the following evidence in relation to the appropriateness of space:

• details of the previous registered provider at the location
• current lease for the new location
• evidence of the approved maximum occupancy for the location
• if evidence of an approved maximum occupancy is unavailable, include floor plans showing dimensions of all spaces
• a draft timetable, demonstrating how the requested student capacity will be accommodated in the space
• if the space will be used by any other provider, outline how the space will be shared
• the number of domestic students expected to attend the campus.

To demonstrate appropriate staff

To add a new delivery location, TEQSA requires the following evidence:

• current workforce plan, highlighting plans for recruitment of new staff, staff training and induction
• number of full-time and casual academic staff and non-academic staff (e.g. librarian, admin, IT) and any supporting evidence to show that the number of staff will be appropriate for the projected student numbers
• current student to staff ratio.

If you are relocating and moving all existing academic and non-academic staff from your previous location to your new location, please state this clearly in your application. If TEQSA has previously assessed the appropriateness of staff, no further evidence will be required to assess the appropriateness of staff.

To demonstrate appropriate student resources and support

To add a new delivery location, TEQSA requires the following evidence:

• description of IT resources and library resources and facilities available at the new location
• list of student support services available at the new location
• critical incident policy.

If you are relocating and all current student resources and supports will be available at your new location, please state this clearly in your application. If TEQSA has previously assessed the appropriateness of these student resources, no further evidence will be required to assess the appropriateness of resources.

To demonstrate compliance with obligations under 46D of the ESOS Act

If you are relocating students from an existing location to a new location, please provide a copy or draft of the correspondence to advise students about the relocation. This should demonstrate how obligations under 46D of the ESOS Act will be discharged by the provider where the provider has defaulted in relation to the student, as defined in 46A of the ESOS Act.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can I register a campus with multiple premises as a single location?

For providers with self-accrediting authority (SAA), TEQSA only requires the registration of a single location on CRICOS where learning takes place in multiple connected premises (commonly referred to as a campus). Premises may be considered connected when they are located in the same suburb or locality, or otherwise in close proximity. Providers should ensure that students are not disadvantaged when required to travel between premises within the registered location. In addition, providers should submit a material change to notify TEQSA when a premise at a new address is added to an existing campus/registered location. TEQSA expects that SAA providers assure themselves of ongoing compliance with all requirements of the National Code when managing multiple connected premises at a registered location.

Is an application required to remove a registered location from CRICOS?

Further information

For more information or assistance applying to relocate or add a new location, please contact the CRICOS team at cricos@teqsa.gov.au.