Schools - preparing to lodge a CRICOS application

All high schools or primary schools wishing to deliver education to overseas students in NSW must apply to VETAB for CRICOS approval. 

Please note, that prior to lodging your application with VETAB, you must first register your school with the Board of Studies. The legal entity applying for VETAB CRICOS approval must be the same legal entity registered by the Board of Studies.

Before lodging an application for CRICOS approval, schools must ensure that their organisations are compliant with the following guidelines and legislation:

• The VET Act 2005
• The ESOS Act 2000
• The National Code 2007

Schools must ensure that they have, and are implementing, all the necessary policies and procedures in order to demonstrate compliance with the relevant legislation and guidelines.

You are strongly encouraged to attend a CRICOS Workshop prior to lodging your application for CRICOS approval. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)’s Australian Education International website contains information on the ESOS framework, including fact sheets detailing specific regulatory requirements.

Schools wishing to gain CRICOS approval should also be aware of their obligations in relation to the Department of Immigration and Citzenship’s (DIAC)’s student visa program.

Schools wishing to apply to deliver school courses to overseas students in NSW must complete the application form and submit to VETAB with supporting documents and fee payment.

Please note that VETAB will return incomplete applications.

Fees

Application fees are payable for initial CRICOS approval. For details see Initial CRICOS approval fees. Annual fees based on the number of courses delivered in each sector are also payable.