Australia provides rigorous protection for international students through the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and related legislation, which protects and enhances Australia’s reputation for quality education, provides tuition protection and supports the integrity of the student visa program. Breaches are treated seriously, and the penalties can be significant.
- Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000
- National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students
- ELICOS Standards
- Foundation Program Standards
- Education Services for Overseas Students Regulations 2019
- Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Act 1997
- The Education Services for Overseas Students (TPS Levies) Act 2012
- Education Services for Overseas Students (Calculation of Refund) Specification 2014
The National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code 2018) sets nationally consistent standards for the delivery of courses to overseas students.
The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is a placement and refund service that helps:
- International students on student visas affected by a provider closure
- When students have withdrawn from or not started their course and are eligible for a refund of tuition fees that have not been paid by the provider
- Provide students with the information they need to choose an alternative course that best suits them through an online placement system
- Arrange a refund of any pre-paid tuition fees if there is no course that meets their needs
Visit the TPS website for more information.