ESOS Act

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ESOS Assurance Fund

Tuition Assurance Scheme

ESOS Assurance Fund

Q What do we do if we think our Assurance Fund contribution is too high?

A
Providers may apply in writing to the Fund Manager to review the amount of their annual Fund contribution. The contributions criteria cannot be reviewed – only how the criteria has been applied to the particular provider. Providers must apply for review within 14 days of the Fund Manager’s written notice about the amount of contribution. A provider must still pay their annual Fund contribution on time - even if they plan to apply for a review. A fee is charged for a review. More information at: http://esosassurancefund.com.au/

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Tuition Assurance Scheme (TAS)

Q What is a Tuition Assurance Scheme? How do I get TAS coverage?

A
A Tuition Assurance Scheme (TAS) is a scheme approved by the Australian Government Minister for education to ensure that overseas students receive the course they have paid for. If a provider is unable to meet its teaching obligations to a student (for whatever reason) one of the other providers in the scheme will take over teaching the student. There are several TASs and providers must be a member of a TAS and apply for coverage unless they are exempt from joining a TAS. For more information see Tuition Assurance Scheme.

Q Is there other Tuition Assurance coverage?

A
Providers exempt from TAS membership must have either an approved Bank Guarantee which covers the tuition that all students have paid, an approved parent indemnity agreement which guarantees students are reimbursed, or a ministerial exemption which means the Federal Education Minister is satisfied the provider has the financial resources to reimburse student fees if necessary.

Q Must non-TAS members pay a higher contribution to the ESOS Assurance Fund?

A
No. Providers with a bank guarantee or indemnity agreement pay the same amount as TAS members. Only those with a ministerial agreement pay a higher fee. However, the contributions criteria must reflect the risk of calls made on the fund and a criterion is whether the provider is a member of a TAS. Non-TAS members are judged as likely to represent a higher risk of calls on the Fund because if the Provider closes, or otherwise ceases to provide a course, a TAS would not be obliged to step in to place the provider’s students under the TAS arrangements.

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Last update July 2007

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ESOS Act

ESOS Assurance Fund
Q	What do we do if we think our Assurance Fund contribution is too high?
A	Providers may apply in writing to the Fund Manager to review the amount of their annual Fund contribution. The contributions criteria cannot be reviewed – only how the criteria has been applied to the particular provider. Providers must apply for review within 14 days of the Fund Manager’s written notice about the amount of contribution. A provider must still pay their annual Fund contribution on time - even if they plan to apply for a review. A fee is charged for a review. More information at: http://esosassurancefund.com.au/
[Return to Top]
Tuition Assurance Scheme (TAS)
Q	What is a Tuition Assurance Scheme? How do I get TAS coverage?
A	A Tuition Assurance Scheme (TAS) is a scheme approved by the Australian Government Minister for education to ensure that overseas students receive the course they have paid for. If a provider is unable to meet its teaching obligations to a student (for whatever reason) one of the other providers in the scheme will take over teaching the student. There are several TASs and providers must be a member of a TAS and apply for coverage unless they are exempt from joining a TAS. For more information see Tuition Assurance Scheme.
Q	Is there other Tuition Assurance coverage?
A	Providers exempt from TAS membership must have either an approved Bank Guarantee which covers the tuition that all students have paid, an approved parent indemnity agreement which guarantees students are reimbursed, or a ministerial exemption which means the Federal Education Minister is satisfied the provider has the financial resources to reimburse student fees if necessary.
Q	Must non-TAS members pay a higher contribution to the ESOS Assurance Fund?
A	No. Providers with a bank guarantee or indemnity agreement pay the same amount as TAS members. Only those with a ministerial agreement pay a higher fee. However, the contributions criteria must reflect the risk of calls made on the fund and a criterion is whether the provider is a member of a TAS. Non-TAS members are judged as likely to represent a higher risk of calls on the Fund because if the Provider closes, or otherwise ceases to provide a course, a TAS would not be obliged to step in to place the provider’s students under the TAS arrangements.