Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)

Introduction

The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act regulates the provision of education to overseas students in Australia. It covers the conduct of providers (universities, colleges, and schools), students and the various government departments involved. The Act became effective on 4 July 2001.

The main purposes of the ESOS Act are to:

• protect the quality and reputation of Australian education
• provide consumer protection for overseas students
• protect the integrity of Australia's student visa system.

Administration of ESOS

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations administers the ESOS legislative framework. The Department maintains a comprehensive Education Services for Overseas Student (ESOS) website. It contains further information on:

• National Code of Practice 2007 - The ESOS Act is complemented by the National Code of Practice. This document provides a practical, detailed explanation of international education standards in Australia. Breaches of the National Code of Practice carry sanctions and/or fines, or for more serious breaches, suspension or cancellation from CRICOS and even jail terms. The UWS ESOS Information for UWS Students and Staff website explains how UWS carries out its obligations under the National Code.
• National Code Explanatory Guide
• Quick Info
• FAQs

Department of Immigration and Citizenship

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DlaC) is another important government department responsible for the administration of ESOS. Its website has a lot of important information in relation to student visa matters.

CRICOS

Registered providers and their courses for overseas students are listed in the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Information in CRICOS and PRISMS (Provider Registration and International Students Management System) form the basis of the electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE).

A valid eCOE is necessary to obtain and maintain a student visa. DlaC must be notified of any changes to the original eCOE by an authorised UWS staff member.

Other Useful Websites:

• Current and prospective UWS students should visit the UWS International website.
• Study in Australia is maintained by the DEST and gives impartial and reliable information about courses, institutions, study and living costs, the application process, visa requirements and more.
• The Universities Australia (UA) also provides important guidelines for universities in relation to ESOS. These guidelines are available as the Code of Practice and Guidelines for Australian Universities.

Information for UWS Students and Staff

The accompanying webpage, ESOS Information for UWS Students and Staff, provides useful information on National Code of Practice and the way UWS complies with its obligations.

Baird Review

In 2009 the Australian Government commissioned a review of the ESOS legislative framework. The review was carried out by Bruce Baird and released in March 2010.

The final report of the Baird review including a summary of the recommendations is available on the Australian Education International website (opens in a new window).

The Federal Minister of Education welcomed the report and initiated the following actions:

For more information, please see Ministers' Media Centre - Education, Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio website (opens in a new window).

UWS remains committed to compliance with the ESOS legislative framework and will update and amend its policies and procedures as the various reforms are introduced.

Contact Details

Students and staff can contact the UWS ESOS Compliance Officer for further information or explanation.

• Contact the ESOS Compliance Officer