ESOS - Southern Cross University

If you are a current or prospective international student requiring information, please visit ESOS Policies and Procedures webpage.

In the provision of higher education to international students, the University is required to comply with multiple legislative instruments (including the ESOS Act. 2000, National Code 2018, and Tuition Protections Act.). These legislative requirements apply to all existing and potential International students studying a Southern Cross University course in Australia, including those delivered by educational collaborators.

The University maintains compliance through a quality assurance process including:

Alignment of policy, procedure and business process with legislative requirements and monitoring their effectiveness
Implementation of review and audit schedules
Monitoring performance of student cohorts

The Department of Education and Training administers the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework. Compliance is monitored by the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA), the sector designated authority for Higher Education with regard to this legislation.

Further details can be accessed here:

The Department of Education, Skills and Employment overview of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework.
The Tertiary Education Quality Assurance Agency overview of ESOS compliance requirements.
The Department of Home Affairs (Immigration) is another government department responsible for the administration of ESOS. Important information in relation to student visa matters can be found on their website.

Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)

The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act), is the overarching legislative framework that sets the minimum quality and compliance expectations of the University. The purpose of the ESOS Act is to provide consumer protection for overseas students, as well as protect the quality and reputation of Australian education and the integrity of the student visa system. There are two main related legislative instruments, the Tuition Protection Act and the National Code 2018. Consumer protections for tuition payments are outlined in the Tuition Protection Act and quality standards are detailed in the National Code 2018.

In the event that the University is unable to fully deliver a course as agreed in the offer letter, International Students are protected through the Tuition Protection Service (TPS), which is an initiative from the Australian Government to ensure students receive a refund or the opportunity to study the course at another provider.

Further details can be accessed here:

National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018

The National Code 2018 describes 11 minimum requirements and quality standards the University must meet with regard to marketing and recruitment, agent management, admissions, underage students, complaints and appeals, misconduct procedures, student visa requirements, and managing progression, suspensions or cancellation of enrolment among other matters.

Breaches of the National Code of Practice carry sanctions, penalty notices, or for more serious acts of non-compliance, suspension or cancellation of registration or incarceration.

As the University maintains compliance with the requirements of the National Code, we can register courses on the Commonwealth Register Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). This is a national register of all University and Non-University Providers that have approval to deliver courses to International students studying on a student visa in Australia. Each provider has a set number of international students they enrol, which is recorded on the CRICOS registers as the Total approved ‘capacity’.

The Office of Business Intelligence and Quality manages the University’s CRICOS register. The following course details need to be accurately displayed on the national CRICOS register:

Delivery location
Course fees
Course title
Education collaborators
Course duration
Work-integrated learning hours

Further details can be accessed here:

National Code Factsheets

SCU CRICOS register

View the National Code 2018 in full on the Federal Register of Legislation

https://internationaleducation.gov.au/Regulatory-Information/Pages/National-Code-2018-Implementation.aspx

PRISMS (Provider Registration and International Student Management System)

PRISMS is an Australian Government secure online system that enables the University to issue a confirmation of enrolment (CoE). Australian Government agencies use PRISMS to monitor student compliance with visa conditions and providers compliance with ESOS Act 2001.

The University issues CoEs to overseas students who are intending to study in Australia. A valid CoE is necessary for students to obtain and maintain a student visa. Providers must notify Immigration of any changes to the original CoE conditions or the student’s enrolment status.

PRISMS is used by multiple work units at the University and Education Collaborators, including Admissions, International Agents, Student Support and Planning, Quality and Review. Access to PRISMS is only granted to staff who require this functionality as part of their role.

Further details can be accessed here:

The PRISMS database publishes a number of guides, including a Reporting Quick Reference Guide.
Go to PRISMS - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, for further information on PRISMS, including Provider User Guide and Manage Student Transfers Guide.
PRISMS Latest News