Your rights as a student

Students studying

Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)

Adelaide University 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 the legislation and regulations required by the Australian Government and the National Regulator, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). The legislation aims to ensure international students in Australia receive a safe and positive study experience. 

Australia's laws promote quality education and consumer protection for international students through the ESOS Legislative Framework, which upholds the reputation and integrity of the international education industry.  

This framework applies to students enrolled in CRICOS-registered programs onshore who hold an Australian student visa. It does not apply to students undertaking offshore programs or those staying in Australia on temporary visas other than a student visa.
 

ESOS Legislative Framework

Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act

The Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 sets out the legal framework governing delivery of education to international students in Australia on a student visa. The ESOS Act also provides tuition and financial assurance via the Tuition Protection Service (TPS). 
 

Tuition Protection Service (TPS)

In the unlikely event that Adelaide University is unable to deliver a program you have paid for – and does not meet our obligations to either offer you an alternative course that you accept, or pay you a refund of your unspent prepaid tuition fees – the TPS will assist you in finding an alternative course or obtaining a refund if a suitable alternative is not found. For more information, please visit the TPS website.
 

The National Code

The National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (The National Code) sets nationally consistent standards and procedures for registered providers. The National Code supports the effective administration of the ESOS legislative framework by the Australian Government.   

As an international student, you have the following rights before you enrol with an education institution.  

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.  

As an international student, you also have responsibilities that are related to the conditions of your student visa. 

You must ensure that you: 

  • Comply with your student visa conditions. 
  • Have and continue to maintain your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for as long as you stay in Australia on a student visa. 
  • Tell your education institution within seven days if you change your residency address or other contact details. 
  • Meet the terms of your written agreement with your education institution. 
  • 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.  

Adelaide University will also provide information and advice to help you adjust to study and life in Australia, including:

  • Services such as support and welfare services, legal services, and emergency and health services. 
  • Facilities and resources. 
  • Complaints and appeals processes. 
  • Any student visa condition that relates to the degree you are studying. 

 We will also provide you with information regarding the University’s obligations concerning the management and disclosure of your personal information.  

Change of passport  

If you change your passport details, please notify the Department of Home Affairs as your visa is linked to your passport number.  

You must also email us with a scanned copy of your new passport so that the University can update the information on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). 

Change of visa  

If you change your visa type to a temporary visa (other than a student visa), please email us. For example, if you change from a student visa to a Temporary Partner visa. 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 email 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.