COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Ensuring Compliance in ELICOS Programs course. This program has been designed to strengthen the capability of ELICOS providers, academic leaders, compliance personnel and teachers to understand, implement and maintain the extensive regulatory, academic and operational requirements that govern English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) in Australia.

Compliance is the foundation of safe, high-quality ELICOS delivery. This course begins by outlining the legislative and regulatory framework that applies to ELICOS programs, explaining the importance of compliance in protecting student safety, supporting educational quality and sustaining institutional reputation. Learners examine the roles and responsibilities of providers, senior management, compliance teams and teachers, and explore the relationships between ELICOS compliance, CRICOS registration and obligations under the ESOS Framework. The introduction also highlights the functions of key regulators and quality oversight bodies, including ASQA, TEQSA and relevant government agencies.

A strong understanding of the legislative and regulatory obligations for ELICOS providers is essential to maintaining lawful and high-quality program delivery. This section examines compliance with the ESOS Act 2000, ESOS Regulations 2019, the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 and the ELICOS Standards 2018. Learners also explore how anti-discrimination, equal opportunity and student-rights legislation intersect with ELICOS operations.

CRICOS registration, academic governance and course requirements ensure the integrity of ELICOS delivery. This section covers the requirements for maintaining CRICOS registration, meeting minimum curriculum and delivery standards, ensuring 20 hours of face-to-face instruction per week, maintaining appropriate student-to-teacher ratios and sustaining academic governance systems that support curriculum quality, consistency and compliance.

Teacher qualifications and ongoing professional competence are critical to educational quality. This section outlines TESOL qualification requirements, professional currency expectations and induction and professional development needs for academic staff. Learners explore the importance of accurate qualification records, verification processes and academic supervision to ensure that teaching staff remain compliant and well supported.

Curriculum design, assessment and academic quality assurance underpin the educational integrity of ELICOS programs. This section examines how to develop and maintain clear learning outcomes, curriculum frameworks and lesson plans; implement valid and reliable assessments; maintain moderation processes; and ensure consistent marking and evidence retention. Learners also explore continuous improvement practices that support ongoing academic quality.

Marketing, recruitment and pre-enrolment compliance ensure transparency and fairness for prospective students. This section discusses requirements for accurate and non-misleading marketing, compliant recruitment practices, agent oversight and provision of clear pre-enrolment information in line with the National Code. Learners examine how to maintain ethical agent relationships and ensure students receive accessible, accurate course information.

Student entry, placement and support services are central to educational success and compliance. This section outlines how to assess English proficiency for class placement, maintain culturally inclusive and appropriate support practices, provide orientation and welfare services, ensure appropriate accommodation arrangements where applicable and uphold ESOS-aligned welfare obligations.

Attendance monitoring, course progress requirements and intervention processes are essential compliance components. This section covers ESOS attendance thresholds, intervention triggers, documentation requirements and course progress monitoring aligned with the National Code. Learners explore how to implement timely interventions, support plans and evidence-based reporting where student compliance concerns arise.

Visa compliance, PRISMS reporting and enrolment management are fundamental to ELICOS operations. This section explains obligations relating to student visa conditions, maintaining accurate PRISMS enrolment and variation records, complying with deferral, suspension and cancellation requirements and ensuring transparent and compliant transfer processes between CRICOS providers.

Student safety, critical incident management and welfare obligations form core elements of student protection. This section examines how to maintain compliant critical incident management systems, implement emergency procedures, ensure student safety on campus and during learning activities, support wellbeing and provide staff with the training needed to respond effectively to emergencies and welfare concerns.

Facilities, resources and operational requirements ensure an appropriate learning environment. This section outlines obligations relating to classroom quality, ICT access, teaching and learning resources, WHS compliance and accessible, inclusive facilities. Learners explore operational expectations that support a safe, well-resourced and compliant learning environment.

Financial compliance, fees and tuition protection requirements are essential elements of organisational accountability. This section explores requirements for ESOS-aligned fees and refunds, transparent financial processes, TPS obligations and accurate financial record-keeping relating to student payments and financial administration.

Privacy, confidentiality and records management responsibilities underpin the lawful handling of student information. This section examines compliance with the Privacy Act 1988, secure storage of academic and administrative records, required retention periods, secure system access and lawful information sharing with regulators and stakeholders.

Governance, audit and continuous improvement processes support long-term regulatory compliance. This section covers the need for effective academic and organisational governance structures, internal quality assurance systems, participation in ASQA/TEQSA regulatory audits, continuous improvement practices and staff training designed to maintain compliance awareness across the organisation.

Finally, the course explores how to embed compliance into everyday ELICOS operations. This section emphasises the importance of integrating ESOS, National Code and ELICOS Standards requirements into daily workflows, maintaining consistent communication of compliance expectations, fostering a culture of integrity and quality, supporting ongoing professional development and ensuring readiness for regulatory change and continuous improvement.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge, frameworks and practical understanding required to ensure compliant, high-quality and student-focused ELICOS delivery that meets Australia’s rigorous regulatory, academic and operational standards.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

Introduction to Compliance Requirements in English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)

• Overview of the legislative and regulatory framework for ELICOS delivery in Australia
• Importance of compliance for student safety, educational quality, and institutional reputation
• Key regulators (ASQA/TEQSA), government agencies, and quality oversight bodies
• Roles and responsibilities of providers, senior management, compliance staff, and teachers
• Relationship between ELICOS compliance, CRICOS registration, and ESOS obligations

Legislative and Regulatory Framework for ELICOS Providers

• Compliance with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000
• Compliance with the ESOS Regulations 2019
• Adherence to the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018
• Compliance with the ELICOS Standards 2018
• Ensuring alignment with anti-discrimination and equal opportunity legislation

CRICOS Registration, Course Requirements, and Academic Standards

• Maintaining CRICOS registration for all ELICOS courses delivered
• Ensuring courses meet minimum standards for curriculum, hours, and delivery
• Ensuring minimum 20 face-to-face contact hours per week
• Ensuring appropriate student-to-teacher ratios (maximum 18 students per class)
• Maintaining academic governance to oversee curriculum quality and compliance

Teacher Qualifications, Competency, and Professional Development

• Ensuring all teachers hold TESOL-appropriate qualifications (degree + TESOL + practicum)
• Ensuring academic staff maintain teaching competence and professional currency
• Monitoring trainer qualifications, induction, and professional development
• Maintaining accurate staff qualification records and verification processes
• Ensuring professional supervision and support for teaching staff

Curriculum Design, Assessment, and Academic Quality Assurance

• Maintaining clear learning outcomes, curriculum frameworks, and lesson plans
• Ensuring appropriate assessment practices, moderation, and recording
• Implementing valid and reliable assessment tasks aligned with course objectives
• Ensuring consistent marking, moderation, and evidence retention
• Maintaining regular academic review and continuous improvement processes

Marketing, Recruitment, and Pre-Enrolment Compliance

• Ensuring truthful, accurate, and non-misleading marketing and promotional materials
• Providing accessible, accurate course information before enrolment
• Complying with National Code requirements for marketing and student recruitment
• Ensuring agents act ethically and follow provider guidelines
• Maintaining oversight and monitoring of education recruitment agents

Student Entry, Placement, and Support Services

• Assessing English language levels before placement to ensure correct class allocation
• Providing compliant student support services (orientation, welfare, academic support)
• Ensuring culturally appropriate and inclusive support practices
• Ensuring safe, appropriate accommodation arrangements where assistance is provided
• Maintaining student welfare and wellbeing in accordance with ESOS

Attendance, Course Progress, and Intervention Requirements

• Maintaining attendance monitoring policies under ESOS
• Ensuring compliant attendance thresholds and intervention triggers
• Implementing course progress monitoring systems aligned with the National Code
• Ensuring timely interventions, support plans, and documented follow-up
• Ensuring accurate and evidence-based reporting of student breaches

Student Visa, PRISMS Reporting, and Enrolment Management

• Meeting student visa compliance obligations (attendance, progress, enrolment status)
• Maintaining accurate PRISMS reporting (enrolments, variations, cancellations)
• Ensuring deferral, suspension, or cancellation processes comply with ESOS
• Ensuring compliant transfer policies between registered providers
• Maintaining accurate student enrolment and progression records

Student Safety, Critical Incidents, and Welfare Obligations

• Ensuring compliant critical incident management procedures
• Maintaining emergency plans, communication protocols, and response documentation
• Ensuring student safety on campus and during educational activities
• Supporting mental health, wellbeing, and pastoral care requirements
• Ensuring staff are trained to respond appropriately to emergencies and welfare needs

Facilities, Learning Resources, and Operational Requirements

• Ensuring access to adequate classrooms, learning spaces, and equipment
• Maintaining ICT systems suitable for ELICOS delivery
• Ensuring appropriate teaching and learning resources are available to students
• Meeting facility safety requirements and WHS obligations
• Ensuring accessible services and physical environments for all students

Financial Compliance, Fees, and Tuition Protection Obligations

• Ensuring compliance with ESOS financial requirements for fees and refunds
• Maintaining transparent fee information and refund processes
• Ensuring Tuition Protection Service (TPS) obligations are fulfilled
• Maintaining accurate financial records relating to student payments
• Ensuring refund and fee policies meet legislative and contractual obligations

Privacy, Confidentiality, and Records Management

• Ensuring confidentiality and privacy under the Privacy Act 1988
• Maintaining secure storage of student records (academic, welfare, attendance)
• Complying with required retention periods for academic and administrative records
• Implementing secure access controls for staff and systems
• Ensuring lawful information sharing with government agencies and stakeholders

Governance, Audit, and Continuous Improvement Requirements

• Ensuring governance structures oversee academic quality and compliance
• Maintaining internal quality assurance, monitoring, and audit processes
• Ensuring compliance with ASQA or TEQSA regulatory audits and CRICOS assessments
• Implementing continuous improvement strategies based on data and feedback
• Maintaining staff awareness of compliance responsibilities through training

Embedding Compliance into Everyday ELICOS Operations

• Integrating ESOS, National Code, and ELICOS Standards requirements into daily practice
• Ensuring consistent communication of compliance responsibilities across staff teams
• Maintaining organisational culture grounded in integrity, quality, and student safety
• Ensuring continuous professional development supports compliant practice
• Strengthening long-term readiness for regulatory change and quality improvement

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.