The Australian Government has announced new measures designed to better protect international students and make them have the best possible experience while studying in Australia.
In a major move, the government has announced that the fees paid to education agents (by education and training providers) for student transfers between providers in Australia are no longer allowed. Further, education providers will be given more access to education agent data to help ensure that providers work with high-quality education agents.
A new VET Integrity Unit will be run by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to make sure that students are delivered the highest quality education and training.
Student attendance will be monitored more closely by the international education sector’s regulators.
Most importantly, the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) will be changed to strengthen the existing fit and proper person test for education and training providers, including owners and senior managers.
These actions build on the changes announced earlier including the change to evidence of financial capacity for student visas and the concurrent enrolment changes. From October 1, 2023, student visa applicants will need to show they have a minimum of AU$24,505 in savings to cover annual living costs.
Earlier, the Australian Government announced that international students are no longer able to enroll in two courses at the same time within the first six months of study in their principal course.
As a result, concurrent enrolments are now closed to international students in the first six months of study.
If international students are having an issue with their education provider, there is help available. As an international student, you have access to a range of resources to protect your rights:
Provider and local student services: Australia’s ESOS Act means that all Australian education and training providers must offer specific student services to you as an international student.
Tuition Protection Service (TPS): The TPS supports any international student affected by an education provider closure. Free student support services include arranging for you to continue your studies with another provider and helping you to secure a tuition fee refund for incomplete studies.
Commonwealth Ombudsman: The Commonwealth Ombudsman can investigate any complaints you may have about private schools, colleges, institutes and universities in Australia. If you are studying at a public university, TAFE or school, please contact your local state or territory Ombudsman.