CRICOS approval

One of VETAB’s functions is to approve the delivery of courses to overseas students in New South Wales by education and training providers, including Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) colleges and schools.

To offer vocational, ELICOS and school courses to overseas students in NSW, a provider must have approval from VETAB to be listed on the CRICOS register. In NSW, VETAB grants this approval and recommends registration to the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations(DEEWR), which is responsible for CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students).

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is responsible for issuing student visas allowing entry to Australia to study, and for resolving student visa issues.

The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) framework is based on a cooperative, regulatory model between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments, and other relevant government agencies.

To ensure the integrity of training and education being delivered to overseas students, information is shared between VETAB, DEEWR and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

When applying to become a CRICOS provider in NSW, you must be able to demonstrate that you are fully compliant with and operate in accordance with:

• the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Act 2005 and
• the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000.
• the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007.

A CRICOS National Code Self Assessment Tool is available for providers preparing a CRICOS approval application. Download and save the self-assessment tool for your internal use.

Please note: if you are a CRICOS provider registered in a state or territory other than NSW, there are no national recognition provisions for CRICOS approval. You must apply to VETAB for CRICOS approval in NSW in order to deliver courses to overseas students in NSW.

VETAB strongly recommends that you attend the Providing Courses to Overseas Students Workshops prior to lodging your application for registration. The workshops provide important information about the AQTF, the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act and the National Code and the application process which will help you correctly prepare your application and avoid delays.