Tips for students

The information on this page is designed to help people who are thinking of studying in the vocational education and training area.

Australia has a national system of accrediting vocational education training qualifications and courses. Only registered training organisations (RTOs) can deliver nationally recognised qualifications and accredited courses.

If you are interested in undertaking any qualifications or courses you should make the following essential checks.

1. Is the RTO registered?

Check that the training provider is registered to deliver the particular qualification and that the qualification or course is nationally recognised. Details of all RTOs, recognised qualifications and accredited courses can be found on the National Training Information Service (NTIS) website at www.ntis.gov.au

Some questions you might like to ask the RTO:

  • What nationally recognised qualification will I receive?
  • What is the full title and national or NTIS code for the qualification I will be studying?
  • Will I be entitled to a refund if I have paid fees?

2. Is the qualification recognised?

Check with the relevant Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB) to see if the qualification or course is recognised by the industry at www.nswitabs.com

3. Does the course suit me?

Conduct some research to find the training course that best suits your needs. Compare prices, fees, length of the courses and job opportunities following completion.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Will this qualification or course get me the job I want?
  • Will it help me in my career path?
  • Does the course cover everything I need to learn?
  • Will I be able to use this qualification to do other courses in the future?

4. What’s in the contract?

Read the training contract before you sign it, and check the cancellation and refund conditions in case you change your mind. Ask to see a copy of the student handbook, which should have information about the organisation’s grievance and appeals policy.

Extra tips for overseas students

Check the CRICOS register

If you are from overseas and have a student visa, you must check that the organisation you wish to study with is approved to deliver training to overseas students and is listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).

This register is located on the internet at http://cricos.dest.gov.au.

Try seeking a refund in certain circumstances

Your provider is responsible for providing the course that you, as a student, enrolled in. If your provider has not provided you with the course you enrolled in, and you believe that the provider has defaulted, then you may be entitled to a full refund. In this instance you should contact Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) by telephoning 1300 363 079 or email esosmailbox@deewr.gov.au

You should also be aware that you cannot be transferred to another course or training organisation without first receiving a written offer from your provider. If you do not agree with this offer, and do not wish to transfer to another course or training organisation, you are entitled to receive a full refund. If you have any concerns regarding these matters you should contact the ESOS helpline.

Contact the appropriate information provider

If you are attending a self-accrediting university, such as the University of Sydney, any enquiries and concerns should be directed to the International Students Office of your university.

Any students who are not satisfied with the training provided and believe that they have not received value for money should contact the Office of Fair Trading on 133 220.

Any overseas students with concerns about their visas should contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on 131 881.

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