ESOS Framework

If you are studying in Australia on a student visa, the ESOS Framework is there to protect your rights and make sure you receive the education and support you were promised. It applies to all education providers and courses registered on CRICOS.

The ESOS Framework includes the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, the ESOS Regulations 2019, the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018, and, where relevant, the ELICOS Standards 2018. These laws set the standards providers must meet when enrolling and supporting international students in Australia.

What This Means For You

Before you enrol, you have the right to clear and accurate information about your course, fees, entry requirements, study mode and refund arrangements. You must also have a written agreement with your provider before, or at the time, course money is accepted. If your course is longer than 25 weeks, a provider generally cannot require you to pay more than 50% of your tuition fees before the course starts, unless you choose to do so.

Your provider must also give you access to support services to help you adjust to study and life in Australia. This includes information about support and welfare services, legal and health services, complaints and appeals processes, and where to get help with workplace rights.

Tuition Protection

If your provider cannot deliver your course, the law requires them to notify you and, within 14 days, either place you in a suitable alternative course or refund your unspent tuition fees. If that does not happen, the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) may be able to help you continue your studies or receive a refund.

Changing Providers

In most cases, international students can transfer to another provider after completing the first six months of their principal course. Earlier transfers may still be possible in limited situations, such as where the original provider agrees to release the student or the provider or course is no longer available. Recent changes also mean that a new provider cannot pay an education agent a commission for recruiting a student who is transferring from another provider after the student has already started studying onshore. Students can still transfer, and they can still get help from an agent, but the receiving provider cannot pay that commission.

Your Responsibilities as an International Student

As an international student, you must comply with your student visa conditions, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), keep your contact details up to date, meet the terms of your written agreement, and maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance.

If You Have a Complaint

If you have a problem or concern, you should first use Everest Institute’s internal complaints and appeals process. If the matter is still not resolved and you are studying with a private education provider, you can make a complaint to the Commonwealth Ombudsman. Providers must also give students access to a professional, timely, inexpensive and documented complaints and appeals process.

Contact Details

Everest Institute of Education Pty Ltd
For course information, policies, procedures and student support:

Department of Education
For general ESOS information and enquiries:

Tuition Protection Service (TPS)
For tuition protection support:

Commonwealth Ombudsman
For unresolved complaints about private education providers

Department of Home Affairs
For student visa enquiries: