The audit process and site inspection

As part of the assessment process for CRICOS approval, VETAB will conduct a compliance audit and inspect of all the sites where your school intends to deliver its courses.

The audit is an evidence-based process which involves collecting information to ensure compliance with the relevant standards and legislation. Auditors will verify a school’s policies and procedures and seek evidence that they are being implemented. Schools must demonstrate that their education resources, management systems and student services are fully compliant with the relevant guidelines and legislation, and meet the particular needs of overseas students.

In particular, schools must also demonstrate that they comply with requirements for younger students (under 18 years old) and the NSW Commission for Children and Young People Act 1998.

Once your audit is complete and you have received your audit report, you will be given 28 calendar days to rectify any non-compliance and provide evidence to VETAB. If this deadline is not met, a recommendation may be made to the Director, VETAB, to refuse your organisation’s application for registration and/or approval.

You will be formally advised of the Director’s decision and provided with the final report.  In the case of an adverse decision, you also will be informed of review and appeal mechanisms available. 

Your school’s period of CRICOS approval will typically be aligned to your period of registration with the Board of Studies.

CRICOS site inspections

VETAB auditors will visit and inspect every delivery site where the training and education of overseas students takes place.

VETAB carries out site inspections when:

• a provider initially applies to deliver courses to overseas students
• a provider applies to renew their approval
• a provider applies to amend their scope of approval for courses that require specialist facilities
• a provider applies to establish or relocate to a new site.

VETAB can also initiate a site inspection at any time under authority of the VET Act 2005. Auditors, who are trained in auditing compliance with CRICOS requirements, may also talk to your staff and students and inspect your premises to verify that these standards are being met.