• Review of TEQSA decisions

    As the regulator of Australian higher education, TEQSA makes decisions that may affect current and prospective providers.

    If your organisation is affected by a reviewable decision made by TEQSA, you may wish to make an application for internal review of that decision. This page provides an overview of reviewable decisions and applications for internal review.

    Reviewable decisions

    Reviewable decisions made under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Act 2011 (TEQSA Act) include decisions about:

    • applications for registration in a particular provider category
    • applications for course accreditation
    • conditions on a registration or course accreditation
    • renewing a registration or course accreditation
    • removing the authority of a provider to self-accredit one or more courses of study
    • shortening the period of a registration or course accreditation
    • cancelling a registration or course accreditation.

    Reviewable decisions under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) include decisions about:

    • whether a provider should be registered or have its registration renewed
    • the period for which a provider should be registered or have its registration renewed
    • imposing, varying or removing a condition on a provider’s registration
    • whether a course at a location should be added to a provider’s registration
    • extending a provider’s registration
    • imposing sanctions on a provider’s registration (such as cancellation or suspension of that registration).

    Reviewable decisions made under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Determination of Fees No. 1 of 2020 (Fee Determination) in relation to fees include decisions about:

    • the waiver of fees
    • the refund of fees. 

    Reviewable decisions made under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (Registered Higher Education Provider Charge) Guidelines 2022 (Charging Guidelines) in relation to the registered higher education provider charge (RHEP charge) include decisions about:

    • notices informing a provider of the amount of the charge
    • the waiver of the charge or part of the charge
    • the refund of part of the charge.

    Options for review

    There are three possible options for review:

    1. an internal review of decisions
    2. a merits review of decisions made by TEQSA in the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
    3. a judicial review of administrative decisions.

    Internal review

    If a provider is dissatisfied with a reviewable decision made by a delegate of TEQSA, they can apply for an internal review of the decision. The application must be made in the approved form. Application documents will be made accessible via the Provider Portal. Please liaise with the TEQSA Enquiries Management team at providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au to arrange your access to relevant application documentation.

    Fees for review application

    • Applications relating to decisions made under the TEQSA Act or the ESOS Act must be accompanied by the fee for an internal review application. See more information on our fees page.

    Application timing

    • Applications relating to decisions made under the TEQSA Act, the ESOS Act or the Fee Determination must be made within 30 days of the applicant being informed of the decision (or a longer period if agreed by TEQSA).
    • Applications made under the Charging Guidelines relating to decisions regarding the RHEP charge must be made within 14 days of the applicant being informed of the decision (or a longer period if agreed by TEQSA). 

    Decision timing

    • For internal review decisions relating to decisions made under the TEQSA Act, the ESOS Act or the Fee Determination, TEQSA must make an internal review decision within 90 days of receiving the application. TEQSA must provide written reasons for the decision within 30 days of a decision being made.
    • For internal review decisions relating to decisions made under the Charging Guidelines, TEQSA must provide written reasons for an internal review decision within 7 days of making that decision.

    Outcomes

    Where an application is made to TEQSA for an internal review, the person reconsidering the decision has the authority to affirm, change or revoke the decision. If TEQSA decides to revoke the original reviewable decision, TEQSA can make a new decision.

    ART review

    A provider can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for merits review of any internal review decision made by TEQSA.

    Providers can also apply to the ART for merits review of:

    • reviewable decisions made under the ESOS Act, or
    • reviewable decisions made under the TEQSA Act or the Fee Determination if the reviewable decision was not made by a delegate of TEQSA. 

    Merits review means the ART considers the available evidence and determines whether the relevant decision was the correct and preferable decision. For more information visit the ART’s website.

    Judicial review

    In certain circumstances, providers can apply to a court for a judicial review of an administrative decision made by TEQSA. A judicial review considers whether we correctly applied the law in making our decision but will not consider the merits of our decision.

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  • Tuition protection – information for providers

    In an event that a non-exempt registered higher education provider fails to commence or ceases to deliver a unit and/or course to their students (that is, the provider “defaults”), that provider has responsibilities under three different mechanisms depending on whether the student is an overseas student, a domestic student accessing Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loans, or a domestic up-front fee-paying student. These mechanisms are summarised in the table below.

    Mechanisms covering different types of students

    International student Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act)
    FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP student Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA)
    Domestic up-front fee-paying Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act)

    Providers with overseas and/or HELP students are already part of the tuition protection scheme. Regarding overseas students, providers should refer to Sections 46B and 46D of the ESOS Act for their specific obligations in the event of a default. For FEE HELP and HECS HELP students, providers1 should refer to Part 5-1A of HESA for their obligations in the event of a default.

    As of 1 January 2021, there are new requirements for providers2 regarding domestic students who pay their tuition fees up-front. Providers must pay any tuition protection levies (and any late payment penalty), keep records for tuition protection purposes, and disclose tuition protection information and documents to the Department of Education. Providers must also comply with certain obligations in the case of a default such as to provide a refund or alternate suitable unit and/or course replacement within 14 days to their students affected by the provider default.

    Providers are also required to report certain information in the approved form under Section 12 of the Tuition Protection (Up-front Payments Guidelines) 2020. The approved form can be found on the Department of Education's website.

    Relevant TEQSA requirements 

    Part 5A of the TEQSA Act sets out tuition protection arrangements for domestic up-front fee-paying students. It is a condition of registration for private higher education providers to meet the tuition protection requirements, including reporting student information and student notification requirements.

    The Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 (HES Framework) contains obligations under Standard 6.2.1 for providers to ensure there are credible business continuity plans and adequately resourced financial and tuition safeguards to mitigate disadvantage to students who are unable to progress in a course of study due to unexpected changes to the higher education provider’s operations.

    The TPS alone does not fulfil this obligation and is not a replacement for it. For further advice on financial and tuition safeguards and implications of the new scheme for your context, contact the TEQSA Enquiries Management team at providerenquiriest@teqsa.gov.au.

    Table A providers (i.e. public universities), TAFEs and other government owned providers are exempt from the requirements relating to the up-front payments tuition protection arrangements, except for obligations relating to providing information about replacement courses (section 62N of TEQSA Act) and obligations of replacement providers (Section 62P and 62Q of the TEQSA Act). Further, they are still required to have arrangements for financial and tuition safeguards as per Standard 6.2.1 of the HES Framework. 

    Key links

    Notes

    1. 'Table A' Universities, TAFEs and other Government-owned providers are exempt from the tuition protection arrangements for HELP students, except for obligations relating to providing information about replacement courses (section 166-27 of HESA) and obligations of replacement providers (Sections 166-30 and 166-32 of HESA)
    2. 'Table A' Universities, TAFEs and other Government-owned providers are exempt from the tuition protection arrangements for domestic up-front fee-paying students, except for obligations relating to providing information about replacement courses (section 62N of TEQSA Act) and obligations of replacement providers (Section 62P and 62Q of the TEQSA Act).
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  • TEQSA’s work to support social cohesion and safety in higher education

    TEQSA is working to develop updated guidance to support compliance with provider obligations under the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.

    Our work is focused on supporting universities and other higher education providers to assure themselves that discussion around contested ideas does not risk student and staff wellbeing and safety, while being cognisant of the sector’s commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom.

    This is part of TEQSA’s ongoing work to improve system responses to these issues within Australia’s higher education sector.

    TEQSA’s current work is focused on:

    • identifying and sharing best practice
    • updating guidance materials for higher education providers
    • developing statements of regulatory expectations about student grievances and complaints processes and academic adjustment/special consideration policies
    • continuing to engage with stakeholders including students, providers and other government agencies and experts.

    Roundtable meetings

    To support the development of updated guidance, TEQSA held roundtable meetings in October and November 2024, and February 2025.

    Invitees to these meetings include universities, students and other stakeholders, including the National Student Ombudsman, Australian Human Rights Commission, Universities Australia, the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia and the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia in Australia.

    TEQSA social cohesion roundtable with vice-chancellors on 31 October 2024

    TEQSA social cohesion roundtable with university managers on 15 November 2024

    Details regarding the 25 February 2025 roundtable meeting will be published in due course.

    Guidance materials

    Consultation for 2 interim regulatory guidance materials closed on Thursday 27 March 2025.

    Stay informed

    Updates on this work, including consultation opportunities, will be communicated via TEQSA’s website, our monthly e-News and social media channels. Be sure to sign up to our e-News to keep informed.

    If you have any questions about this work, please email socialcohesion@teqsa.gov.au.

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  • Key contacts at TEQSA (for providers)

    TEQSA’s Enquiries Management team (providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au) is the primary contact for registered higher education providers with TEQSA-related enquiries. However, TEQSA also has specialist contact teams across the agency that are best placed to assist you in a timely and efficient manner when you have a specific enquiry. Please use the following list of key contacts to help direct your enquiry to the most appropriate TEQSA team contacts.

    Nature of enquiry Example enquiries Key Contact
    New application for initial registration Preparing an application for initial registration Email new.registration.enquiries@teqsa.gov.au
    In progress assessments for initial registration and accreditation for prospective providers Enquiring about a submitted application Contact the TEQSA staff member assigned to the assessment. If you are unsure who this is, contact new.registration.enquiries@teqsa.gov.au
    In progress assessments for course accreditation or reaccreditation for existing providers

    Enquiring about a submitted application for:

    • new course accreditation for existing providers
    • renewal of course accreditation.
    		 Contact the TEQSA staff member assigned to the assessment. If you are unsure who this is, contact assessments@teqsa.gov.au
    CRICOS matters
    • Enquiring about CRICOS or ESOS Act requirements
    • Preparing an application for CRICOS registration or renewal of registration
    • Submitting a CRICOS-related application e.g. to add a course
    • Enquiring about a submitted CRICOS-related notification or application.
    		 Email CRICOS@teqsa.gov.au
    ELICOS and Foundation Program matters
    • ELICOS or Foundation Program provider enquiries
    • Applying to add an ELICOS or Foundation Program to CRICOS
    • Applying for an exemption to enrol students under the age of 17 in Foundation Programs.
    		 Email CRICOS@teqsa.gov.au
    Provider registration matters
    Renewal of registration
    Withdraw provider registration
    • Preparing an application for renewal of registration
    • Submitting an application for renewal of registration 
    • Enquiries about renewal of registration applications in progress
    • Requesting an extension to registration period
    • Submitting an application to withdraw registration
    • Enquiries about withdrawing registration
    		 Email: reregistration.enquiries@teqsa.gov.au
    Self-Accrediting Authority or Provider Category Change
    Self-accrediting authority (SAA) 
    Change provider category 
    • Preparing an application for self-accrediting authority or provider category change
    • Submitting an application for self-accrediting authority or provider category change
    • Enquiries about applications in progress
    		 Email: reregistration.enquiries@teqsa.gov.au
    Application fees Enquiring about refunds for application fees. Email finance@teqsa.gov.au
    Material changes Submitting a material change notification. Email materialchanges@teqsa.gov.au
    Risk Assessment Framework Enquiring about the risk assessment process. Email risk@teqsa.gov.au
    Provider Information Request (PIR) Enquiring about the PIR. Email collections@teqsa.gov.au
    Sexual assault and sexual harassment guidance Guidance about prevention and response to sexual assault and sexual harassment matters. Email studentwellbeing@teqsa.gov.au
    Compliance matters 

    Enquiring about a compliance matter that TEQSA has notified you about, for instance:

    • a compliance assessment
    • an investigation.
    		 Contact the TEQSA staff member assigned to the compliance matter. If you are unsure who this is, contact the TEQSA Enquiries Management team (providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au).
    Complaints about TEQSA Complaints about TEQSA’s practices, services or approach. Email review@teqsa.gov.au

    Preparing an application for:

      
    • Applying for new course accreditation for existing providers
    • Applying for renewal of course accreditation
    • Enquiries about:
      • withdrawing a course/ teach out
      • requesting an extension to accreditation period.
    		 Email: assessments@teqsa.gov.au
    Conditions

    Enquiries about:

    • conditions imposed on registration or course accreditation
    		 Email: conditionsundertakings@teqsa.gov.au
    Any other matters, enquiries or guidance Help with the Provider Portal, for example, changing and updating logins. Contact TEQSA’s Enquiries Management team at providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au

     

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  • Guide to determining the fitness and propriety of a person

    Body

    Documents

    Guide to determining the fitness and propriety of a person  (MS Word, 202 KB)

    Guide to determining the fitness and propriety of a person  (PDF, 214 KB)

    Please note that this guidance will be updated following the end of the caretaker period to reflect amendments to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Fit and Proper Person Determination 2018 made by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Fit and Proper Person Determination 2018 – Amendment No. 1 of 2025, which commenced on 5 April 2025.

    Overview

    In 2017, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (the Act) was amended to include a ‘fit and proper person’ requirement at provider registration and renewal of registration, and as an ongoing condition of registration as a higher education provider.

    This requirement is located in the following provisions of the TEQSA Act:

    • Paragraph 21(1)(b) provides that TEQSA may grant an application for registration if it is satisfied that the applicant, and each person who makes or participates in making decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the applicant’s affairs, is a fit and proper person.
    • Paragraph 36(1)(b) contains an identical provision with respect to renewal of registration.
    • Subsection 25A provides that a registered higher education provider, and each person who makes or participates in making decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the provider’s affairs, must be a fit and proper person. This is a condition of registration.

    In December 2018, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Fit and Proper Person Determination 2018 (the Instrument) came into effect. The purpose of the Instrument is to specify matters that TEQSA may have regard to when determining whether a person is fit and proper under paragraph 21(1)(b), subsection 25A and paragraph 36(1)(b) of the Act.

    Section 7A of the Educational Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) also specifies matters that TEQSA (as an ESOS agency) must have regard to in deciding whether a provider is fit and proper to be registered for the purposes of the ESOS Act.

    This guidance sets out the principles and considerations that TEQSA will have regard to when assessing fitness and propriety for the purposes of the TEQSA Act.

    What does it mean to be a ‘Fit and Proper Person’?

    ‘Fit and proper person’ is not defined for the purposes of the Act. Read in the context of the Act, TEQSA considers that whether a person is fit and proper should be determined by reference to the person’s character and ability, as well as the likelihood that the person will comply with (or reasonably assist compliance with) the obligations imposed by the Act and the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 (Threshold Standards). Whether a body corporate is fit and proper should be determined by reference to the persons through whom the body corporate acts, as well as the body corporate’s own history. These considerations are reflected in the Instrument.

    The objects of the Act include, among other considerations, the protection and enhancement of Australia’s reputation for quality higher education and training services and to protect students undertaking, or proposing to undertake, higher education in Australia by requiring the provision of quality higher education. These considerations underpin TEQSA’s regulatory activities and inform the way in which fitness and propriety is assessed by TEQSA.

    How does TEQSA assess fitness and propriety?

    The evidence that is relevant to whether a person is fit and proper, and the weight that should be afforded to that evidence, will be considered in the circumstances of each case.

    A finding by TEQSA that a person is not a fit and proper person is a serious determination. This could result in the applicant being precluded from registration as a higher education provider or the possibility (if registered) of the registration being cancelled.

    Accordingly, when determining whether a person is fit and proper it is important that TEQSA give due regard to relevant considerations including a person’s:

    1. compliance with the law and provision of information
    2. previous conduct and management history
    3. financial record.

    The above matters can be considered in respect of the person (if an individual), a corporation and any of its officers (if a provider or prospective provider), including its directors, chief executive and managers, or other persons who are involved in making decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the provider’s affairs.

    Compliance with the law and provision of information

    In determining whether the person is fit and proper, TEQSA considers, amongst other things, whether the person has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty, fraud, money laundering, theft or any other crime, and whether the person has been ordered to pay a pecuniary penalty. TEQSA also considers whether the person is currently involved in proceedings before a court or tribunal.

    TEQSA will take into account whether the individual presents with a record of any:

    1. criminal convictions
    2. professional denunciations and misconduct
    3. the provision of false or misleading information
    4. disqualification of registration, licence or accreditation.

    Should any of the above be found against the individual being assessed, then the decision maker should take into account additional matters such as:

    1. whether the conduct in question was regarded as relevant to exercising duties required for the registration, licence, authorisation, certification (or equivalent) within the Higher Education Sector
    2. the seriousness of the matter
    3. the length of time that has lapsed since the event occurred
    4. any history of past conduct
    5. any consequences for the applicant or any other person
    6. the implications of the matter—that is, what does it show about the person?
    7. the person’s attitude towards the matter—such as whether the person has learnt, changed and improved their behaviour and is unlikely to further offend in the future.

    Previous conduct and management history

    In determining a person’s fitness and propriety, TEQSA will have regard to a person’s past conduct, previous involvement and management history. This will include but not be limited to:

    1. whether the person has previously been found not to be fit and proper in relation to a relevant act, including those listed in subsection 10(1) of the Instrument
    2. whether the person’s registration to provide higher education courses, accreditation of a course or registration as an RTO under the Act or a State or Territory law has been cancelled, revoked, restricted, not renewed or suspended
    3. whether the person’s registration under the ESOS Act has been cancelled, revoked, restricted, not renewed or suspended
    4. whether the person has had a condition imposed on a registration, approval or arrangement to provide higher education courses, accreditation of a course or registration as an RTO under the Act, ESOS Act or a State or Territory law
    5. whether the person has breached a condition listed at d above
    6. whether the person has been disqualified from managing corporations under Part 2D.6 of the Corporations Act 2001
    7. whether the person has the skills and experience relevant to govern and manage the affairs of a higher education provider
    8. whether the person has the technical knowledge and ability relevant to the specific duties for which they are engaged
    9. whether the person has a sound professional reputation (for example, based on the individual’s professional history and the views of others from the relevant field/s)
    10. whether the person has the confidence of peers, colleagues, clients, and the public at large to not engage in improper conduct in the discharge of their professional duties. This could involve matters that fall short of convictions but call into question the person’s judgement and integrity, such as whether the person represents as legitimate a qualification issued by an institution that is found to issue illegitimate qualifications (i.e. a degree or diploma mill).

    Financial record

    A person’s financial record is an important element in determining their fitness and propriety.

    When assessing the financial record of the individual, TEQSA will generally consider matters such as (but not limited to):

    1. whether there are any indicators that the individual will not be able to meet debts as they fall due
    2. whether relevant solvency requirements are met
    3. whether the individual has been subject to any judgment, debt or award that remains outstanding or has not been satisfied within a reasonable period
    4. whether the individual has made arrangements with creditors, filed for bankruptcy or been adjudged bankrupt or had assets confiscated
    5. whether the individual has been able to provide TEQSA with a satisfactory credit reference.

    Next steps

    If you have queries about TEQSA’s application of the fit and proper person requirements, please contact the TEQSA Enquiries Management team at providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au for assistance.

    Document information

    IQAF document category External user guide
    Document owner General Counsel, Legal Group
    Review date TBC after 2025 caretaker period
    Version Approved by Brief description of the changes Date approved
    1.0 TEQSA Commission New guidance note for external users 20 August 2020
    1.1 General Counsel Annotation added 8 April 2025
    Stakeholder
    Publication type

  • Application guide for renewing CRICOS registration

    Background

    The application process for renewing CRICOS registration seeks to assure TEQSA that the provider is effectively anticipating, identifying and managing risks to the quality of education, and complying with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework.

    This guide reflects TEQSA’s current process for providers applying to renew their CRICOS registration, under Section 10D of the ESOS Act.

    TEQSA is reviewing our regulatory risk framework. To stay up to date on consultation opportunities and our progress, subscribe to the TEQSA e-News. 
     

    The below application guide will be updated as our regulatory processes and operations are revised, to align with any revisions of our regulatory risk framework.

    Applications for renewing CRICOS registration have 3 key stages:

    • Stage 1: the provider prepares a CRICOS renewal application
    • Stage 2: TEQSA assesses the application
    • Stage 3: TEQSA decides on the application

    Application guide

    Further information

    For more information or assistance applying to renew CRICOS registration, please email the CRICOS team.

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    Related links

  • CRICOS renewal assessment scope

    Legislative framework

    In assessing CRICOS renewal applications, TEQSA is guided by the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code 2018).

    Area of assessment Relevant legislation
    Student recruitment and admission
    • Sections 19 and 21 of the ESOS Act
    • Standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.1, 7 and 8 of the National Code 2018
    Student participation, support and experience
    • Standards 5, 6, 10 and 11 of the National Code 2018
    Student attainment
    • Standards 2.3, 8 and 9.3.3 of the National Code 2018

    How TEQSA assures compliance

    TEQSA is assured a provider is compliant with the ESOS Act and National Code when institutional and quality assurance processes indicate:

    • periodic monitoring, review and improvement processes are in place to actively ensure the:
      • integrity of recruitment and admission of overseas students
      • availability of sufficient support for overseas students
      • integrity of student progress and attainment
    • peak corporate and academic governance bodies are informed of, monitor and act on risks to overseas students
    • the provider will continue to comply with the ESOS Act and National Code as demonstrated by current governance and internal quality assurance processes and the extent of compliance with the selected Standards.

    If our assessment identifies unmitigated risks to the quality of education or overseas students, which affect Standards that are beyond the assessment’s scope, we’ll consider our regulatory response. Any response we make will be proportionate to the risks and tailored to the specific circumstances.

    If more information is needed or the scope of our assessment needs to change, we will reach out and provide an opportunity to supply additional details and address our concerns.

    More information about how we regulate is available on our website.

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    Related links

  • Assessment and decisions for CRICOS registration renewal (Stages 2 and 3)

    Stage 2: TEQSA assesses the application

    Once all required evidence is received, we begin our assessment. During the assessment, we look at the evidence to determine current and ongoing compliance with all requirements of the ESOS Act, the National Code and any other relevant legislation within the ESOS Framework.

    If we identify any areas where your application is not compliant with legislative requirements, or is at risk of non-compliance, we will contact you. You will be given an opportunity to respond to our concerns and submit additional or revised evidence to demonstrate compliance, usually within 28 days.

    Stage 3: TEQSA decides on the application

    TEQSA may approve or reject your application for CRICOS renewal. In doing so, we will notify you, in writing, of our decision and the reasons for the decision.

    If TEQSA approves the application, we may decide to approve a period of registration less than the maximum 7 years. TEQSA may also decide to impose conditions on registration to manage any risks that have not been fully addressed in your institution’s application.

    If TEQSA decides to reject the application, or if you are dissatisfied with our decision, you may seek a review. Information on  your options for seeking a review of TEQSA decisions is available on our website.

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    Related links

  • How to apply to renew CRICOS registration

    Under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act), TEQSA is the ESOS agency for:

    • all higher education providers registered under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act)
    • English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) courses delivered by, or in entry arrangements with, registered higher education providers
    • all providers of Foundation Programs.

    Institutions must be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) to enrol and deliver education services to students who are in Australia on a student visa.

    TEQSA registers providers on CRICOS for a specific period, up to a maximum of 7 years. Registration periods are recorded in PRISMS under the ‘Summary’ tab.

    Applications to renew CRICOS registration can be made using the form in TEQSA’s provider portal.

    Providers must make a CRICOS renewal of registration application at least 90 days before their current registration period lapses.

    Application timeframes for CRICOS renewal are specified by TEQSA through a legislative instrument, as per section 10D of the ESOS Act. Providers can request a shorter application period by emailing the CRICOS team.

    Providers with ELICOS or Foundation Programs, or an exemption to enrol students under the age of 17 in Foundation Programs, will need to apply for renewal of these course accreditations and exemptions as part of their CRICOS registration renewal. The application guide for renewing CRICOS registration provides more information.

    Once a renewal application is submitted CRICOS registration remains active, with no restrictions in place, until TEQSA makes a decision.

    Processing times

    To support TEQSA in assessing applications as promptly as possible, we encourage providers to check they have included all required information to make a decision.

    While TEQSA endeavours to complete assessments as efficiently as possible, assessment times can vary considerably. Factors which impact assessment times include:

    • application quality and completeness
    • risks identified by TEQSA and complexity of the assessment
    • the volume of applications TEQSA is assessing.

    As part of the assessment, TEQSA may request additional or revised evidence, if the application is incomplete or if instances of or risks of non-compliance are identified. If this occurs, TEQSA will let the applicant know what is missing and when it needs to be submitted.

    Key stages

    Applications for renewing CRICOS registration have 3 key stages:

    • Stage 1: the provider prepares a CRICOS renewal application
    • Stage 2: TEQSA assesses the application
    • Stage 3: TEQSA decides on the application

    Application guidance

    Before starting an application, TEQSA encourages providers to read the application guide for renewing CRICOS registration. This guide supports providers by:

    • explaining the process
    • outlining what evidence and documents are required
    • providing guidance on preparation.

    Application guide for renewing CRICOS registration

    Further information

    For more information, or assistance with your application, please email the CRICOS team.  
     

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    Related links