COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Ensuring Compliance with the ESOS Act course, designed for education providers and professionals responsible for the administration and delivery of education to international students in Australia. The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act establishes the legislative framework that governs the provision of education to international students, ensuring their rights are protected and that Australian education providers maintain high standards. In this course, we will explore the purpose and key provisions of the ESOS Act, focusing on why compliance is critical for maintaining the integrity of Australia’s international education sector.
The National Code of Practice 2018 plays a crucial role in ESOS compliance by outlining standards that education providers must meet to ensure quality and protect student interests. This section will provide an overview of the National Code, its relationship with the ESOS Act, and the key standards that guide education providers in delivering high-quality education to overseas students.
For education providers, CRICOS registration is essential for offering courses to international students. You will learn about the criteria and process for obtaining and maintaining CRICOS registration, the importance of adhering to ongoing compliance requirements, and what happens during renewal or suspension of CRICOS registration.
Providing accurate pre-enrolment information and ensuring ethical marketing practices are vital components of compliance. This section will cover how to provide comprehensive course details to prospective students, manage the responsibilities of international education agents, and ensure that marketing practices align with the ethical guidelines set by the ESOS Act.
Compliance extends to the enrolment and admissions process, where providers must meet specific requirements for managing enrolment offers, maintaining accurate records, and adhering to admission criteria for overseas students. This section will guide you on how to comply with record-keeping requirements and the procedures for managing student enrolment.
The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is another important aspect of the ESOS framework, designed to protect international students in case of provider default. You will learn how the TPS operates, the obligations of providers regarding student fees and refunds, and how to manage refunds and financial arrangements in the event of provider default.
International students must comply with specific visa requirements, and education providers play a key role in monitoring these conditions. This section will explore how to ensure students meet their visa obligations, the importance of reporting visa breaches to the Department of Home Affairs, and how to monitor compliance with visa conditions throughout the student’s enrolment.
Monitoring academic progress and attendance is essential for ensuring that students meet the requirements of their course. You will learn how to establish tracking systems for academic progress, monitor attendance, and manage issues such as unsatisfactory progress or attendance in line with ESOS and National Code requirements.
International student welfare is a priority under the ESOS framework. This section will guide you on how to provide appropriate student support services, including mental health and well-being initiatives, and offer cultural and social integration programs to help students adapt to life and studies in Australia.
Handling student transfers and deferrals requires careful management to ensure compliance with the ESOS Act and the National Code. You will explore how to manage student transfers between registered providers, handle deferrals and cancellations of enrolment, and report changes in student status through PRISMS (Provider Registration and International Student Management System).
Education providers must adhere to CRICOS standards and quality assurance to maintain their registration and deliver high-quality education. This section will focus on ongoing monitoring of provider performance, conducting internal audits, and implementing continuous improvement practices to ensure compliance with CRICOS standards.
In cases of non-compliance or breaches, it is important to have systems in place to identify, respond, and rectify issues. You will learn how to report breaches to relevant authorities such as ASQA, develop corrective action plans, and ensure that non-compliance issues are managed swiftly and effectively.
The ESOS framework requires strict reporting obligations through PRISMS. This section will cover what data must be reported, including enrolment changes and course progress, and how to manage reporting obligations to ensure accuracy and compliance with ESOS requirements.
Handling complaints, appeals, and disputes is an integral part of student support. This section will explore how to develop a transparent complaints and appeals process, ensure fairness in dispute resolution, and utilise external review bodies when necessary to resolve student disputes.
Engaging third-party providers requires careful oversight to ensure compliance with ESOS standards. You will learn how to manage agreements with third-party providers, monitor their compliance, and ensure they meet the quality and accountability requirements of the ESOS Act.
Compliance audits and inspections by ASQA and other authorities are common in the international education sector. This section will help you prepare for audits, address key areas of focus during inspections, and respond to audit findings to avoid penalties and sanctions.
Non-compliance with ESOS regulations can lead to severe penalties and sanctions. You will learn about the potential financial and administrative consequences of non-compliance and the steps you can take to manage risks and avoid regulatory action.
International student orientation and ongoing support are key to ensuring students understand their rights and responsibilities. You will learn how to develop comprehensive orientation programs, offer ongoing academic and cultural support, and promote a welcoming environment for students.
Proper financial management and record-keeping are critical to complying with ESOS financial obligations. This section will cover the requirements for managing student fees, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring compliance with financial obligations under the ESOS Act.
International students often need support with visa renewal and post-study pathways. This section will guide you on how to help students understand visa renewal processes, explore post-study work opportunities, and transition to permanent residency or further studies.
English language proficiency is an important requirement for overseas students. You will learn how to test, document, and ensure compliance with English language requirements for visa purposes, as well as provide language support services for students who need additional help.
Crisis management and student safety are essential for protecting international students in emergency situations. You will learn how to develop emergency response plans, ensure student safety during crises, and communicate effectively during emergencies.
Finally, ensuring governance and accountability within your institution is critical for ongoing compliance. This section will focus on establishing strong internal governance structures, assigning compliance responsibilities, and engaging senior management in monitoring compliance efforts.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to ensure compliance with the ESOS Act, maintain high standards in international education, and provide a safe and supportive environment for overseas students in Australia.
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:
1. Introduction to the ESOS Act
- Overview and Purpose of the ESOS Act
- Legislative Framework and Key Provisions
- Importance of Compliance for Education Providers
2. Understanding the National Code of Practice 2018
- Overview of the National Code’s Role in ESOS Compliance
- Key Standards Outlined in the National Code
- Relationship Between the ESOS Act and the National Code
3. Provider Registration Requirements (CRICOS)
- Criteria and Process for CRICOS Registration
- Maintaining Ongoing Compliance with CRICOS Standards
- Renewal and Suspension of CRICOS Registration
4. Pre-Enrolment Information and Marketing
- Providing Accurate and Comprehensive Course Information
- Ensuring Ethical and Compliant Marketing Practices
- Managing International Education Agents and Their Responsibilities
5. Student Enrolment and Admissions Compliance
- Admission Criteria for Overseas Students
- Managing Enrolment Offers and Acceptance Processes
- Record-Keeping Requirements for Enrolment Documents
6. Tuition Protection Service (TPS) Obligations
- Overview of the Tuition Protection Service (TPS)
- Managing Student Fees and Refunds Under TPS
- TPS Obligations in Case of Provider Default
7. Managing Overseas Student Visas
- Overview of Visa Requirements for Overseas Students
- Monitoring Compliance with Student Visa Conditions
- Reporting Visa Breaches to the Department of Home Affairs
8. Monitoring Academic Progress and Attendance
- Establishing Academic Progress Tracking Systems
- Attendance Requirements and Monitoring for Compliance
- Managing Unsatisfactory Progress and Attendance Issues
9. Supporting International Student Welfare
- Providing Appropriate Student Support Services
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Services for International Students
- Cultural and Social Integration Support
10. Handling Student Transfers and Deferrals
- Transfer Between Registered Providers: Rights and Obligations
- Managing Deferrals, Suspensions, and Cancellations of Enrolment
- Reporting Transfers and Changes in PRISMS
11. CRICOS Standards and Quality Assurance
- Key CRICOS Standards for Education Providers
- Ongoing Monitoring of Provider Performance
- Internal Auditing and Continuous Improvement Practices
12. Managing Non-Compliance and Breaches
- Identifying and Responding to Non-Compliance Issues
- Reporting Breaches and Non-Compliance to ASQA and Other Authorities
- Developing Corrective Action Plans for Non-Compliance
13. Reporting Obligations and PRISMS Management
- Overview of Reporting Requirements Through PRISMS
- Key Events and Data to Report (e.g., Enrolment, Course Progress)
- Managing Changes in Student Status or Course Completion
14. Handling Complaints, Appeals, and Disputes
- Developing a Clear Complaints and Appeals Process
- Ensuring Transparency and Fairness in Handling Complaints
- Resolving Student Disputes and Using External Review Bodies
15. Assessing and Monitoring Third-Party Providers
- Managing Agreements with Third-Party Providers
- Monitoring Third-Party Providers for Compliance with ESOS Standards
- Ensuring Quality and Accountability of Third-Party Services
16. Compliance Audits and Inspections
- Preparing for ASQA and Government Compliance Audits
- Key Areas of Focus During Audits
- Addressing Audit Findings and Non-Compliance Issues
17. Penalties and Sanctions for Non-Compliance
- Understanding the Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Financial Penalties and Administrative Sanctions
- Steps to Avoid Regulatory Action and Manage Risk
18. International Student Orientation and Support
- Developing Comprehensive Orientation Programs
- Educating Students on Rights and Responsibilities
- Offering Ongoing Cultural and Academic Support
19. Financial Management and Record-Keeping
- Ensuring Proper Management of International Student Fees
- Record-Keeping Requirements for Financial Transactions
- Compliance with Financial Obligations Under ESOS
20. Student Visa Renewal and Post-Study Pathways
- Supporting Students in Understanding Visa Renewal Processes
- Providing Guidance on Post-Study Work and Pathways
- Helping Students Transition to Permanent Residency or Further Studies
21. Ensuring Compliance with English Language Proficiency Requirements
- Testing and Documenting English Language Proficiency
- Ensuring Compliance with Language Requirements for Visa Purposes
- Offering Language Support Services for Non-Native Speakers
22. Crisis Management and Student Safety
- Developing Emergency Response Plans for International Students
- Ensuring Student Safety and Wellbeing During Crises
- Communication Strategies During Emergencies or Safety Concerns
23. Governance and Accountability in ESOS Compliance
- Establishing Strong Internal Governance for Compliance
- Assigning Responsibilities for Compliance Monitoring
- Engaging Senior Management in Ongoing Compliance
24. Continuous Improvement and Best Practices
- Monitoring Changes in Legislation and Adapting Compliance Systems
- Conducting Regular Reviews of Policies and Procedures
- Engaging in Continuous Staff Development and Training
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 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”.