Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) - Your Rights & Responsibilities
The Australian Government seeks to provide international students in Australia a safe and rewarding study experience.
The University of Adelaide is a higher education provider that is registered to offer education services to international students. To provide these services to international students the University must comply with all legislation and regulations required by the Australian Government and the National Regulator, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
Australia's laws promote quality education and consumer protection for international students through the ESOS Framework and protect the reputation and integrity of international education as an industry. The ESOS Framework establishes and maintains national standards for the provision of education and training services to international students. The legislation aims to protect international students and guarantee quality education. This framework includes:
• ESOS Act 2000 and
• The National Code 2018
The ESOS Framework applies only to students who are enrolled in an onshore program and study in Australia on a student visa. This legislation does not apply to students undertaking programs offshore or in Australia on a visa other than a Student Visa. ESOS enables the Department of Education and Training to take action against providers who are found to be in breach of their obligations.
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Your rights as an international student
Under the ESOS framework, you have the right to receive current and accurate information about your program and the University and its services and facilities. Before commencing your program the University will provide you with a written letter of offer for you to accept and sign, that provides detailed and correct information on the following:
- Programs, fees (including refunds), study options and other important information relevant to your program.
- Services provided by the University.
- The requirements for satisfactory academic progress in the courses you study and academic support in case you require it.
- The University Student Grievance Resolution Process (internal and external complaints and appeals)
- Information on deferring, suspending, or cancelling your enrolment.
The University must also provide international students with:
- An appropriate orientation program.
- Access to support services to help you adjust to life and study in Australia and the contact information for these services.
- The University’s relevant student related policies, particularly relating to academic progress.
Please note that this is not a complete list, or further information refer to the Department of Education international student fact sheet which provides further guidance on the rights and responsibilities of international students
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Your responsibilities as an international student
All students are required to adhere to University rules and policies for students. The ESOS Framework also supports the Migration Act by reinforcing students' responsibilities and conditions under their student visas.
If you hold a student visa, you should ensure that you:
- Understand and satisfy your student visa conditions at all times.
- Adhere to any work conditions attached to your visa.
- Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period of your stay in Australia
- Inform the University of any change of address within 7 days
- Maintain satisfactory course progress and attendance in your programs.
Breach of your student visa conditions may result in the cancellation of your Confirmation of Enrolemnt (CoE) with the University. Additionally, the University is required to monitor international students our progress to ensure that students finish within the duration of their confirmation of enrolment. Before you make any decisions about your study you must consider your obligations under your student visa, as well as any academic considerations.
Additional information on studying in Australia is available from the Department of Home Affairs -
Tuition Protection Service
The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is a placement and refund service for international students. On the rare occasion that an education provider is unable to deliver a program an international student has paid for and does not meet their legal obligations to make alternative course replacements or provide a refund, the TPS will assist students to find an alternative place or provide a refund of any unspent tuition fees.
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Further assistance
International students with enquiries about any aspect of the ESOS Act or associated National Code can contact International Student Support. University staff can access more information about ESOS at the staff ESOS page.