Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)
Australia is committed to providing international students with a safe, high-quality and rewarding study experience.
Adelaide University is a registered higher education provider authorised to deliver education services to international students. To do so, the University must comply with all relevant legislation and regulations set by the Australian Government and the national regulator, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
Australia’s laws support quality education and consumer protection for international students through the ESOS Framework, which upholds the reputation and integrity of the international education industry. This framework includes:
The ESOS Framework applies to onshore students enrolled in CRICOS-registered programs who hold an Australian student visa. It does not apply to students undertaking offshore programs or those staying in Australia on visas other than a student visa.
Your rights as an international student
Under the ESOS Framework, before you enrol with the University you have the right to:
- Receive current and accurate information about your degree, entry requirements, fees and study options.
- Sign a written agreement before or at the time you pay fees.
- Seek a refund in certain situations and be provided with refund arrangements in your written agreement.
- Accept a refund or be placed in another degree if we are unable to deliver your degree (as per the Tuition Protection Service).
- Access our complaints resolution process and policies, including appeals.
- Request to transfer to another education institution and have that request assessed for eligibility by your education institution.
In addition, in accordance with the Framework, the University will provide access to support services to help you adjust to study and life in Australia, achieve your learning goals and maintain satisfactory progress in your learning. This includes:
- A culturally and age-appropriate orientation program,
- Support and welfare services provided by the University to help you adjust to life and study in Australia, including contact details for these services,
- Information about other services, such as legal, emergency and health services available in the wider community,
- Direction on where to access information on your employment rights and conditions, and how to resolve workplace issues, such as through the Fair Work Ombudsman,
- Any student visa conditions that relate to the program you are studying
- Student-related policies and procedures, especially those relating to academic progress, complaints and appeals processes
Please note this is not a complete list. For more information, refer to the Department of Education, Skills and Employment’s international student fact sheet.
You can also speak with Adelaide University’s dedicated International Student Support team for guidance and information. Email internationalstudentsupport@adelaideuni.edu.au or make an appointment here at Book a 1:1 appointment.
Your responsibilities as an international student
As a student, you must follow all University rules and policies. The ESOS Framework also supports the Migration Act by reinforcing your responsibilities under your student visa.
If you hold a student visa, you must:
- Understand and comply with your student visa conditions
- Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay
- Notify the University of any change to your address or contact details within 7 days
- Meet the terms of your written agreement with the University
- Maintain enrolment, satisfactory academic progress and attendance in your program
Please note that this is not a complete list. You can refer to the Department of Education’s International Students Factsheet for further information.
Although it is your responsibility to comply with your visa conditions, we are also required to monitor your enrolment and report any breaches to the Department of Home Affairs. Any breaches may result in the cancellation of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) with the University.
Before making any decisions about your studies, consider both your visa obligations and academic requirements. For more information about studying in Australia, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.
Changes to passport, visa or residency status
Change of passport
If your passport details change, you must notify the Department of Home Affairs, as your visa is linked to your passport number.
You should also contact us with a scanned copy of your new so the University can update your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Change of visa
If your visa type changes (for example, from a student visa to a Temporary Partner visa) please contact us. Our team will then advise the Australian Government and cancel your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) if no longer required.
Change of residency
If you change your visa type to Australian permanent residency or citizen, please contact us. You will be required to complete an online application and provide supporting documentation. This will need to be completed before the Census Date for the current study period to ensure your fees are revised.