Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)
If you are an international student studying in Australia on a student visa, the Education Services for Overseas Students Framework, known as ESOS, helps protect your rights while you study in Australia.
The ESOS Framework includes Australian laws and standards for international education, including the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018, CRICOS registration requirements and the Tuition Protection Service.
The ESOS Framework helps ensure that international students receive clear information about their course and provider, access quality education, are treated fairly, and can access support services.
Victorian Institute of Technology is required to meet its obligations under the ESOS Framework and is committed to helping international students understand their rights and responsibilities. VIT encourages all international students to read the official Australian Government information about the ESOS Framework before accepting an offer.
What this means for you
The ESOS Framework helps protect international students by setting standards for the information, support and services education providers must offer.
Clear information before you enrol
Before you enrol, you should receive clear and accurate information about your course, including course fees, study mode, campus location, refund arrangements and available support services.
Access to support while you study
While you study, you can access student support services and seek help early if you need academic, personal or wellbeing support.
Fair processes if you have a concern
If you have a concern, you can use complaints and appeals processes that are designed to be fair, timely and documented.
Clear responsibilities as a student visa holder
As a student visa holder, you are responsible for understanding and following your visa conditions, maintaining satisfactory course progress, meeting attendance requirements if they apply to your course, and keeping your contact details up to date.
International students studying in Australia on a student visa must enrol with a provider and in a course registered on CRICOS, the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. You can check your provider and course using the official CRICOS course searchand CRICOS education institution search. before accepting an offer.
Tuition Protection Service
The Tuition Protection Service, or TPS, helps protect international students if an education provider cannot deliver the course they have paid for.
If this happens, TPS may help you continue your studies in another suitable course or receive a refund for tuition you have paid for but not received.
Useful links
- Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000
- National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018
- Student rights and responsibilities under ESOS
- Tuition Protection Service
- National Student Ombudsman
Need help?
If you have questions about your course, your rights as an international student, or where to find support, please contact Student Services.