ESOS Framework

ESOS Framework

International students studying in Australia under a student visa benefit from the protection outlined in the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000.

  

This legislation establishes standards to ensure the delivery of quality education and provides financial assurance through the Tuition Protection Service. The ESOS Act 2000 and The National Code 2018 form the legislative framework, aimed at safeguarding international students and upholding educational excellence.

  

Education providers and their courses must be registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). For further details, including the rights and responsibilities of international students, refer to the ESOS Framework Student Fact Sheet.

  

It’s important to note that this framework applies exclusively to students enrolled in onshore programs under a Student Visa, excluding those in offshore programs or holding temporary visas other than a Student Visa.

Tuition Protection Services (TPS)

The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is an Australian government initiative safeguarding international students’ interests. 

 

It guarantees that if an education provider fails to deliver a course as promised, students can either transfer to another institution or receive a refund of their prepaid tuition fees. 

 

This service offers financial security to international students and upholds the integrity of Australia’s international education sector.

 

For more information on the TPS see TPS Brochure and the TPS Website. 

Your Rights

Under the ESOS (Education Services for Overseas Students) framework, international students studying in Australia have several rights to ensure they receive quality education and support.


These rights include: 

  • Access to detailed information about the course, including its content, delivery methods, assessment procedures, and any associated fees.

  • Access to support services, including academic and welfare support, to help them succeed in their studies.

  • Access to a fair and transparent complaints and appeals process if they have concerns or grievances regarding their education or treatment.

  • Protection of their tuition fees through the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) in the event that their education provider is unable to deliver the course as agreed.

  • Access to accurate information about their rights and obligations under the ESOS framework.


These rights aim to ensure that international students have a positive and rewarding experience while studying in Australia. 

Your Responsibilities

As an overseas student on a student visa, you have responsibilities to: 

 

  • Comply with the conditions of your student visa.  
  • Ensure continuous coverage with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) throughout your stay.  
  • Adhere to the terms outlined in your agreement with your education provider.  
  • Notify your provider of any changes in your address.  
  • Make consistent progress in your course.  
  • Adhere to your provider’s attendance policy if attendance is recorded for your course.