• Conditions of registration/accreditation

    What are conditions?

    Higher education providers must meet certain conditions in order to become and remain registered with TEQSA.

    Conditions are obligations placed on higher education providers by either the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act) or the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and may be placed on providers’ registration or course accreditation.

    There are two types of conditions:

    • conditions imposed by the TEQSA or ESOS Act
    • conditions imposed as a result of decisions made by TEQSA under the TEQSA or ESOS Act.

    Examples of conditions imposed by the TEQSA Act include that higher education providers need to offer at least one accredited course of study, and cooperate with TEQSA to enable our regulatory functions. 

    When does TEQSA impose conditions?

    TEQSA may place specific conditions on providers’ registration or course accreditation in order to address an identified concern about their higher education activities.

    If we identify a risk of non-compliance (or actual non-compliance) with the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021, National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training for Overseas Students 2018 (National Code), the TEQSA Act or ESOS Act, providers may be required to:

    • review certain activities within a particular time
    • provide us with a report about how it has addressed the problems identified
    • undertake certain actions in order to address or mitigate the risk and/or non-compliance
    • cease to enrol students in a particular course or not offer a particular higher education award.

    How TEQSA makes decisions

    When making a decision to impose a condition, TEQSA considers all the relevant evidence about a provider and must also comply with the basic regulatory principles of: 

    • reflecting risk
    • proportionate regulation 
    • regulatory necessity.

    Providers are given the opportunity to comment on a proposed decision to impose a condition that may adversely affect them and can put forward any information they consider relevant before we make a final decision.

    We will advise providers (in writing) within 30 days of making a decision to impose, vary or revoke a condition and will explain what the condition is, the reason(s) the decision was made and any timeframes or deadlines that must be met.

    Applying for a condition to be revoked or varied

    Providers can apply for a condition to be revoked or varied. All applications to revoke or vary a condition must be submitted via the TEQSA Provider Portal.

    Information on how to apply to vary or revoke a condition is available from our Application guides and support page.

    NOTE: It is essential that applicants read the application guide prior to submitting an application.

    Seeking review 

    Providers can apply to have a decision to impose a condition on their registration or course accreditation reviewed. For more information about the avenues of review open to providers, visit our Review of TEQSA decisions page.

    Providers that do not meet a condition

    Providers must comply with conditions placed on their registration or course accreditation. If a provider fails to comply with a condition, the TEQSA Act allows us to take action including court proceedings or shortening/cancelling registration or course accreditation.

    We will consider whether to take further action based on the basic principles for regulation.

    National Register of Higher Education Providers

    Any specific conditions on providers’ registration (applied from 1 July 2013) are noted on the National Register. We will not, except in exceptional circumstances, note a decision or publish a public report on the National Register until the period for applying for review of the decision has expired or until the review is complete.

    Search the National Register

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  • How to add or withdraw a course on CRICOS

    How to apply to add a course on CRICOS

    CRICOS registered providers are required to apply to TEQSA to add a course of study to their CRICOS registration. To add a course on CRICOS, registered providers should submit the Add course on CRICOS application via the TEQSA Provider Portal. Before an application to add a course to CRICOS can be made, that course must first be accredited by TEQSA, except where the provider has self-accrediting authority (SAA).

    Course details

    In your application, you should include all relevant course details, including:

    • registered location/s where the course will be delivered (including campus name/s as listed in PRISMS)
    • AQF level and qualification type
    • whether the course awards a dual qualification
    • field of education type, including codes for broad, narrow, and detailed field of education
    • course duration in weeks (including breaks)
    • maximum percentage of total course that a student may undertake by distance and/or online learning
    • estimated tuition fee
    • estimated non-tuition fee/s
    • mandatory work-based training component (if applicable), including hours per week, number of weeks, and total number of hours
    • projected number of international students
    • projected number of domestic students
    • language the course will be delivered in, if other than English.

    Professional accreditation

    If professional accreditation is required for the course, your application should include evidence demonstrating that accreditation with the relevant professional body has been obtained, including the duration of the accreditation. If an application to the relevant professional body has been submitted and is awaiting an outcome, include details of the application status and indicative date of an outcome.

    Arrangements with other providers

    If the course is to be delivered as part of an arrangement with another provider, include:

    • the name of the other provider/s
    • the CRICOS provider code/s of the other provider/s (if applicable)
    • applicable delivery site/s of the other providers.

    Please note, if the arrangement with another provider has not been previously approved by TEQSA, an Arrangements with other provider/s (third-party partnership/s) application should be submitted concurrently with this application.

    Exceptions

    How to apply to withdraw a course on CRICOS

    CRICOS registered providers are required to apply to TEQSA to withdraw one or more courses of study from the provider’s CRICOS registration. To withdraw a course, submit the Withdraw course/s on CRICOS form via the TEQSA Provider Portal. There are no fees associated with this application.

    In applying to withdraw a course, you may indicate whether the course is to be cancelled or suspended:

    • Cancel:
      Once a CRICOS code has been cancelled it cannot be reinstated. By selecting this option, you will effectively delete the course from CRICOS.
    • Suspend:
      By suspending a course, it may continue to be delivered with any currently registered students with a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), but the provider will not be able to issue any new CoEs for that course. A suspended course may have its registration restored again in the future. 

    Please ensure there are no CoEs with an ‘approved’, ‘saved’, ‘pending’, or ‘visa granted’ status linked to a course before choosing to cancel or suspend a course. Any CoEs linked to a course that is suspended or cancelled may impact the student’s visa, potentially resulting in a cancellation.

    Course details

    To withdraw a course on CRICOS, TEQSA requires the following information:

    • whether the course is to be cancelled or suspended
    • proposed date of withdrawal (suspension or cancellation)
    • reason for withdrawing the course
    • confirmation that all overseas students registered for the course will be able to complete it before it is withdrawn from CRICOS.

    Transfer of current students

    If there are any overseas students that will transfer to another provider, for each applicable course, please include:

    • an outline of the arrangements that have been put in place for the overseas students to complete their course with other providers
    • a sample of the correspondence that will be sent to students regarding the transfer of students to another provider
    • a copy of each agreement that has been put in place with other providers.

    Refund arrangements

    If any overseas students will have access to a refund, for each applicable course, please include:

    • an outline of the arrangements that have been put in place for the refund of course fees
    • a sample of the correspondence that will be sent to students regarding the refund arrangements.

    Pending students

    If there are any pending overseas students with a CoE for a course being withdrawn from CRICOS, please include a sample of the correspondence that will be sent to these students, as well as education agents, about the withdrawal of each applicable course from CRICOS.

    Arrangements for overseas students

    If there are any pending or current overseas students with a CoE for the course/s to be withdrawn, providers should include a list of impacted students confirming whether the student:

    • will complete their course/s before the course/s are withdrawn
    • has been offered a place in an alternative course and has accepted the offer in writing
    • has received a refund of tuition fees in relation to the course.

    If any other relevant arrangement has been agreed between the student, the provider and a third party, details of that arrangement should also be included in the list with the following information:

    • the name of each overseas student currently enrolled in a course
    • a unique identifier for each student (for example, date of birth, student number)
    • the course/s in which the overseas student is enrolled
    • the specific arrangement agreed for each student
    • for transfer students, include details of the new provider and contact person, and the new provider’s CRICOS Provider Code.

    Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

    Is an application required to add or remove a course from an existing location?

    If both the course and the location are already registered on CRICOS, you can request to link (add) or unlink (remove) any CRICOS registered course to a CRICOS registered location by using the Linking Courses to Locations Function. Instructions on this process are available in the PRISMS Provider User Guide). No application to TEQSA is required.

    How do I change course fees on CRICOS?

    To make a change to course fees providers should:

    • upload the revised cost information in the Department of Education’s Provider Registration and International Student Management System (PRISMS)
    • email the CRICOS team at cricos@teqsa.gov.au to advise that a request has been made.

    There are no fees associated with these changes.

    How do I reinstate a suspended course?

    If you wish to reinstate a suspended course on PRISMS for a brief period of time to accommodate a CoE extension, please contact the CRICOS inbox at cricos@teqsa.gov.au.

    Courses with a cancelled status can only be reinstated by the Department of Education, via a request made by the CRICOS team.

    When should the 'Other CRICOS changes' application be submitted?

    The Other CRICOS changes application should be submitted to TEQSA via the Provider Portal in the following circumstances:

    • Changes to the duration of a course. You should provide evidence to support your application including rationale for the change and minutes of the decision taken by the governing body, evidence that students have been advised of the proposed change and evidence that students have been advised to contact the Department of Home Affairs if this change will require an extension of their student visa.
    • Changes to the title of a course, where the course duration and its learning outcomes remain the same. You should provide evidence to support your application including minutes of the decision taken to update the course title and evidence that current and accepted students have been informed.
    • Changes to work integrated learning components of a course. You should provide evidence to support your application including the rationale for the change and minutes of the decision taken.
    • To report administrative changes such as change of provider address.
    • To request a correction of a course’s Field of Education.
    • To request corrections to minor errors in the initial data entry.

    Changes to the title or duration of accredited courses of study from providers without self-accrediting authority require a Material Change notification, as this change requires an update to the National Register. More information is available on our Material changes page.

    The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 and National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 also have notification and approval requirements for CRICOS registered providers. Find out more about on our Notifications and approvals required of CRICOS registered providers page.

    When do changes to a course already registered on CRICOS require an application to register a new course?

    In some instances, changes to a course are significant enough to require a new application to add a course on CRICOS. Providers should submit an Add course on CRICOS application if there are:

    • changes to the title of the course, which reflect significant changes to the outcomes of the course
    • any significant change to the course field of study
    • any change to the course level.

    How should a course with specialisations be registered on CRICOS?

    Specialisations can be registered as a single course of study on CRICOS, if all pathways through the course lead to the same award and share all the following characteristics:

    • qualification level
    • broad field of education
    • course duration
    • course location
    • any work-based components
    • an estimate of course costs (this may be an average of a cost range).

    The award title is not changed based on the addition of specialisations, but the specialisation may be included on the testamur, for example, a Bachelor of Arts with specialisation options.

    When applying to add a single course with more than one specialisation to CRICOS, providers must demonstrate these characteristics (as part of course accreditation or by confirmation of internal processes for providers with self-accrediting authority).

    It is important to note that CRICOS registration is a separate process to course accreditation under the TEQSA Act. For the purposes of accrediting awards with multiple specialisations, each specialisation will be assessed separately to ensure that each is a coherent course of study.

    How should ‘joint award’ and ‘dual award’ courses be registered on CRICOS?

    TEQSA uses the term ‘joint award’ to refer to ‘a single course of study arranged and delivered jointly by two or more providers that leads to the award of a single qualification that is recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and is typically conferred jointly by the providers involved.’ TEQSA uses the term ‘dual award’ to refer to where ‘one or more courses of study … [lead] to the award of two separate qualifications’, for example: a double degree. For more information about joint and dual awards, refer to TEQSA’s Guidance note: Joint and dual awards.

    To register a dual award course, submit an Add course on CRICOS application, respond ‘yes’ to the question ‘Is this a dual course?’, and make sure to enter the fields of education for both awards.

    To register a joint award course, the primary provider is to submit an Add course on CRICOS application. If the joint award will be delivered as part of a new arrangement between providers, also submit an Arrangements with another provider (third-party partnerships) application. For more information about third-party partnership applications, see How to apply for TEQSA to assess a third-party agreement.

    How should ‘nested’ courses be registered on CRICOS?

    TEQSA uses the term ‘nested courses of study’ to refer to where ‘a set of courses of study … are offered sequentially and can lead to qualifications at different Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels’, for example: where a student may exit a bachelor program early with a diploma. For more information about nested courses, refer to TEQSA’s Guidance note: Nested courses of study.

    To register a nested course, submit separate Add course on CRICOS applications to create a unique CRICOS code for each award. While it is not a requirement that providers register exit awards, it is best practice to do so to enable monitoring of course progression and completions.

    If nested courses are not separately registered, and a student finalises their studies and completes with an exit award, the provider would need to report this event on PRISMS as non-completion of the primary course. This is to ensure the Department of Home Affairs is notified that the student’s course of study has concluded, requiring them to either apply for a new visa or exit the country. A more accurate record would be created if the student were transferred to the exit award, which can only occur if the course is CRICOS registered.

    Having nested courses registered on CRICOS allows oversight into student transfers to lower qualifications. Such transfers may highlight risks to the sector from (a) providers regularly admitting students into higher qualifications that are not able to meet the standard required, or (b) encouraging students to exit with lower qualifications rather than implementing robust strategies to support transition and progression.

    Further information

    For more information or assistance applying to add or withdraw a course on CRICOS, please contact the CRICOS team at cricos@teqsa.gov.au.

    For more information regarding fees providers must pay in relation to applications made to TEQSA, refer to our Application-based fees page.
     

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    Related links

  • Contract cheating

    Introduction

    This resource has been developed to provide the sector with information and background research on key topics associated with student assignment outsourcing and contract cheating.

    It has been designed to supplement the practical tools outlined in both the Good Practice Note: Addressing Contract Cheating and the Academic Integrity Toolkit, providing background information on topics associated with student outsourcing behaviours in higher education, particularly those associated with contract cheating, and has a focus on the Australian context. 

    The information within this Contract Cheating site is based on the opinions of experts relating to academic integrity and has not been generated by TEQSA. This information should not be treated as guidance notes, advice or endorsement from TEQSA. You should read, and carefully consider, the TEQSA disclaimer before accessing any of the material.

    Report a concern to TEQSA

    To report a concern to TEQSA about contract cheating, please send your concern to concerns@teqsa.gov.au.

    Please provide as much detail as possible. Helpful information includes the relevant website address, how you became aware of the website, and any supporting evidence.

    Acknowledgements

    Rebecca Awdry, Deakin University

    How to use this site

    Navigate to a section using the links below:

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    Related links

  • Consultation on revised compliance guides

    On 1 July 2021 the new Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HESF) came into effect. 

    TEQSA is reviewing the current suite of guidance notes to ensure they reflect the requirements of the new HESF. 

    As part of this review, TEQSA has developed a new template to streamline our guidance materials. 

    We have also introduced a revised title, Compliance Guide, to differentiate these new guidance materials from the previous guidance notes.  

    TEQSA has developed 3 compliance guides using the new template covering admissions (coursework), scholarship, and work integrated learning (WIL) - see download links below. 

    The revised content of the admissions (coursework) and scholarship compliance guides has been informed by prior sector consultation. 

    The WIL compliance guide is informed by engagement with the Australian Collaborative Education Network (ACEN).

    TEQSA is seeking feedback on the content and format of each compliance guide. Questions to consider include:

    1. Are the revised compliance guides fit-for-purpose?
    2. Do the revised compliance guides include all relevant information?
    3. Do the revised compliance guides present clear and targeted information?

    Following this consultation, the new compliance guide template will be reviewed to take account of feedback and then applied to all existing guidance notes. 

    The content of the 3 guides included in this consultation will also be finalised using the new template, taking into account the feedback received.

    Submissions are open for four weeks until 5pm (AEDT) on Wednesday 10 November 2021.

    All submissions and any questions about the consultation should be sent to panda@teqsa.gov.au.

    TEQSA welcomes all feedback and appreciates the time taken to participate in this consultation.

    Compliance guides

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  • Protect yourself from illegal commercial cheating services

    TEQSA crest

     

    WEBSITE BLOCKED

    Access to this website has been blocked because it has been found to facilitate a contravention of section of the provisions of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act) regulating academic cheating services.

     

    The relevant provisions in the TEQSA Act

    • make it an offence for any person to provide or advertise academic cheating services relating to the delivery of higher education in Australia, whether that person is in Australia or elsewhere
    • allow TEQSA to apply under section 127A to the Federal Court for an injunction requiring carriage service providers to take steps to disable access to websites found to contravene or facilitate a contravention of sections 114A or 114B of the TEQSA Act
    • provide for financial and custodial penalties where an offence is proven of up to 500 penalty units, two years imprisonment, or both. The TEQSA Act distinguishes between cheating services provided on a commercial basis, and where the cheating service is provided without payment.

    If you use academic cheating services you might not learn all the skills you need for your career. You also risk losing your money, your enrolment, and even your student visa. In some cases, you could be blackmailed by the cheating service providers who might threaten to tell your institution or a future employer that you cheated.

     

    Cheating is never the right answer.

    Why are we blocking academic cheating websites?

    Australia’s anti-cheating laws make it an offence to provide or advertise academic cheating services in higher education, with penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment or fines of up to 500 penalty units ($111,000 on 30 June 2021) or both.

    TEQSA  is working to disrupt access to these sites to protect students and the integrity of higher education.

    Which academic cheating services have been blocked?

    Complain about a commercial academic cheating website

    How to complain

    You can help to stamp out academic cheating. Complete the form to complain about suspected commercial academic cheating services (cheating websites).

    If you are unable to submit your complaint using the online form, you can make a complaint by emailing TEQSA at concerns@teqsa.gov.au.

    TEQSA may use any information it receives from any person who contacts it about suspected commercial academic cheating services in taking enforcement action (including in the pursuit of civil penalty or criminal penalty proceedings pursuant to sections 114A and 114B of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Act 2011), either independently or in conjunction with other agencies.

    Complain or raise concerns about the blocking of a website

    You can tell us why you think a particular website shouldn’t be blocked (you don’t have to give us any personal details) or that you have concerns about the blocking, by submitting the form you can access using the link above.

    If you are unable to submit your complaint or concerns using the online form, you can make a complaint by emailing TEQSA at highereducationintegrityunit@teqsa.gov.au.

    TEQSA may use any information it receives from any person who contacts it about the disruption of access to an online location in taking enforcement action (including in the pursuit of civil penalty or criminal penalty proceedings pursuant to sections 114A and 114B of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Act 2011), either independently or in conjunction with other agencies.

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  • Blocked commercial academic cheating services

    Why we block academic cheating websites

    Find out why we block academic cheating websites.

    Complain about a blocked website

    If you believe a website has been unfairly blocked, you can complain to TEQSA by using our online complaint form.

    For more help, contact concerns@teqsa.gov.au.

    How we handle your details

    We can only collect personal information if it is related to what we do. We may want to contact you for more information about your complaint or ask for help with our review into whether blocking a website was appropriate.

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  • Reducing the administrative burden of regulation - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Updated on 3 September 2021

    UPDATE – Will TEQSA continue to offer regulatory flexibility beyond the 2021-22 financial year in response to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic?

    TEQSA will consider extending the period of provider registration and course accreditations for renewals due in the 2022-23 period that have not previously been extended. These arrangements will be considered on a case by case basis, and are intended to support the sector by deferring the need for renewal applications in consideration of the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. TEQSA will contact providers about this additional round of extensions from August 2021.

    How long are TEQSA’s flexible arrangements in place to support the sector during COVID-19?

    Measures, such as online delivery flexibility, flexible attendance requirements for international students, and relaxing the material change notification policy, will remain in place until they are no longer required.

    The sector should be assured that TEQSA’s regulatory flexibility will continue to support the sector’s transitions out of COVID-19 restrictions. TEQSA understands that these challenges may continue for some time and that providers may have multiple modes of delivery depending on what regions or locations can access face-to-face learning and which cannot. Any changes to our flexible regulatory approach will be carefully considered, including consultation with peak bodies and other government agencies as appropriate. Changes and updates will continue to be announced through formal communication channels to the sector, with guidance published on our website. Should a decision be taken to end TEQSA’s regulatory flexibility adequate transition arrangements will be afforded to providers to ensure that students and providers are not adversely impacted.

    For further guidance to support the sector during the recovery planning process, please see COVID-19 recovery – key considerations for providers.

    We have not traditionally offered online courses. However, can we now offer courses that we have recently converted to online delivery in response to the COVID-19 restrictions to new on and offshore students?

    TEQSA accepts providers have rapidly shifted to online delivery modes in response to COVID-19 to ensure students can continue their studies. For most providers online delivery will be a temporary arrangement until students are able to return to face-to-face and other established forms of delivery. 

    If a provider does not have a history of online delivery but is considering a longer term opportunity to promote its converted online courses to new markets domestically or internationally, on an ongoing basis (as opposed to a temporary arrangement), TEQSA will need be satisfied with the quality of each online course. TEQSA has prepared guidance for key consideration for providers for online delivery.

    TEQSA has temporarily relaxed its Material Change Notification Policy to focus on key changes, including change to mode of delivery. Mode of delivery changes may significantly affect a provider’s ability to meet the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 (HES Framework). Therefore, if you have changed your mode of delivery, you must notify TEQSA. Please email materialchanges@teqsa.gov.au with a copy to your case manager. In the material change you must let TEQSA know if the shift to online delivery is a temporary change or a new business model, as well as the steps taken to ensure continued quality of teaching, adequate resources for staff and support for student wellbeing and safety. 

    Do I need to notify TEQSA if I receive funding under the government’s higher education relief package for an existing accredited course for a graduate certificate, where there is a change in delivery mode?

    Where a provider has changed the delivery mode to online delivery, then a material change notification should be sent to TEQSA. More information on material change notification obligations is available on our website.

    I have lodged a material change but I have not yet received a response from TEQSA. Can I proceed with the change? 

    Yes, you can proceed with the change. Reporting material changes to TEQSA does not constitute an application for approval. You do not need to wait for a response from TEQSA. TEQSA will follow up if it considers there is a risk that Standards in the HES Framework have been or will be breached.

    How do I report material changes?

    Material changes should be reported to materialchanges@teqsa.gov.au. You may also wish copy in your case manager. Material changes must be lodged within 14 days. However, please speak with your case manager if you are unable to meet that timeframe.

    Many of our staff (including the Principal Executive Officer) are working from home. As a result, it is difficult to meet the requirements of the TEQSA application which requires a witness to the signature. Will TEQSA accept electronic signatures on applications, including from witnesses?

    Yes, e-signatures are fine and no witness is required until further notice, noting that giving false or misleading information is a serious offence.

    What flexibility will be given with regard to limitations on online delivery to international students (requirements 8.19 and 8.20 of the National Code 2018)?

    TEQSA is continuing to be flexible in its approach to regulating standards 8.19 and 8.20. ​​​​​TEQSA understands that providers may not be in a position to offer courses via face-to-face delivery. If providers switch to an online delivery model, TEQSA expects that providers maintain accurate records on the student file.  

    As long as students remain enrolled with their provider and the assessment requirements of the course allow it, TEQSA will be flexible on the location of the student, the mode of delivery, and accept that minimum face-to-face teaching requirements may not be met at this time. Providers should assure themselves that such arrangements maintain assessment and quality standards, and are appropriately documented. Not all courses will be suited to online learning.

    Providers should continue to ensure students receive appropriate learning support via its online delivery model and are able to achieve learning outcomes. 

    Providers may also need to consider any contracts or other written arrangements with students, including the written agreements made with students in accordance with Standard 3.3.1 of the National Code 2018, about mode of delivery, when determining options to afford to students in light of any changes to course delivery.

    What flexibility will be given to attendance requirements related to ELICOS and Foundation Program providers?

    TEQSA is maintaining a flexible approach with regard to regulating attendance requirements for ELICOS and Foundation programs.

    Where providers are choosing to deliver ELICOS or Foundation courses via online delivery, providers need to make sure they have the capacity to deliver online programs, provide learning support and engage students whilst delivering the face-to-face component via online delivery. Any significant changes to face-to-face attendance requirements and delivery mode should be advised to TEQSA via a material change notification.

    ELICOS and Foundation Program providers must continue to monitor and record the attendance of overseas students. However, until further notice, TEQSA will accept other mechanisms for monitoring and recording students’ engagement and participation, and will not require that providers enforce the minimum requirement in standard 8.6.1 of 80 per cent attendance of scheduled course contact hours.

    Can international students have a reduced study load during this challenging time?

    TEQSA’s priorities are to ensure that the quality of higher education and student wellbeing are maintained. We support providers’ efforts to keep students enrolled, and accept that this may include a reduced study load. It will be important to keep good and comprehensive records as students may need to extend their student visa in future, and providers will need to ensure that they’re in a position to substantiate the extension. For information on any changes to student visa requirements, the Department of Home Affairs has information on its website.

    Can I enrol new international students into a course of study, noting that they will most likely have to commence from overseas and online?

    Yes, new international students can be enrolled into courses that are currently being delivered online. If the international student is offshore, providers need to be transparent with students about the fact that this is an interim arrangement, and that a valid COE and student visa will be required for the international student to come onshore once normal modes of delivery can be resumed. 

    Although we are continuing to operate, we have students who are unable to continue paying for their course. What do we do?

    The coronavirus outbreak is causing significant stress on all Australians, including from a financial and mental health perspective. We encourage all providers to be aware of this and consider all student concerns.

    Providers should consider the information they have published in their documented policies and procedures relating to payments, refunds, and unable to pay situations. You may choose to offer payment plans, of smaller and more manageable amounts, for students who want to actively continue to study. You could also defer a student’s study for the time being, until they are able to continue.

    I am a CRICOS provider. Can we market to international students who are currently living offshore, with the intention that they will be issued with a confirmation of enrolment (CoE) and student visa to complete their course in Australia?

    If an international student studies a course while they are living offshore, they do not need a visa for Australia. Students only require a visa when they intend to enter Australia.

    While CRICOS providers with an active registration can continue to market CRICOS courses, in these current circumstances the marketing must make explicitly clear:

    • that the student will likely begin their studies online in their home country
    • if there is a portion of the course which must be completed in Australia (cannot be completed online) and, if so, what these units are
    • that the student will be required to come to Australia on a student visa as soon as they are able
    • that the student must be eligible to apply for a student visa as soon as they are able.

    Marketing must also clearly explain to prospective students what will occur if a student’s visa is rejected.

    Where a student begins studying without a student visa, providers must ensure they meet all requirements of the HESF, ESOS National Code, ELICOS Standards and Foundation Program Standards relating to offshore delivery.  

    For information as to the current status relating to applying for a student visa, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs dedicated website.

    I am a CRICOS provider. Can we commence online delivery to students who are on a student visa and have a confirmation of enrolment (CoE) if they are still living offshore?

    Yes, students who have already been issued a student visa can commence their studies online in their home country.

    I am a CRICOS provider. How do I report changes to delivery and student circumstances on PRISMS?

    PRISMS is administered by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE). The PRISMS website provides news and information which may assist providers.

    The PRISMS helpdesk has provided advice for education providers in relation to managing international student Confirmation of Enrolment records (CoEs).

    Providers should also continue to review information provided by DESE on its dedicated website, relating to regulatory information for universities VET, ELICOS and higher education providers.

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  • What happens next

    The information TEQSA receives through concerns helps us to identify potential risks of non-compliance with a provider’s obligations under the legislation we administer.

    After you submit a concern

    After submitting your concern, you will receive acknowledgement that it has been received, generally via email if you have provided a contact email address.

    We will review your concern to determine whether it is within our responsibility. If it is not, we will let you know and direct you to the relevant organisation or, with your consent, we may refer the matter to the higher education provider or another government agency.

    For concerns within our responsibility we will carefully consider the risk and issue involved to decide the most appropriate response from TEQSA in the circumstances.

    In some cases, we may contact you for more information to help us consider the concern.

    Possible outcomes

    While we consider all concerns that are brought to our attention, we do not investigate every concern. We take forward those concerns that present the most serious risk to students, or to the quality or reputation of the higher education sector. 

    Depending on the type of concern, we may:

    • contact the provider to ask for information or request that the provider take specific action
    • provide targeted regulatory advice to the provider
    • use the information to inform a future regulatory assessment of the provider
    • broaden the scope of a current regulatory assessment of the provider
    • commence an assessment of the provider to determine if it is complying with its obligations
    • refer the matter to another government agency
    • take no action, keeping a record of the concern for future reference
    • inform the individual who raised the concern to direct the concern to the provider.

    We generally do not advise individual complainants of specific regulatory action we may take with a provider, due to confidentiality obligations.

    For more information about our approach see our Complaints about providers policy.

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