National Code

History

Q What is the National Code?

A
The National Code is a set of nationally consistent standards that govern delivery of courses to overseas students by providers registered on CRICOS - the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for overseas students. Only CRICOS courses can be offered to international students studying in Australia on a student visa.

Q
Where does it fit in the ESOS framework?

A
The National Code is established under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000. To become CRICOS-registered a provider must demonstrate that they comply with the requirements of the National Code. The National Code is a legislative instrument. It is legally enforceable and breaches of the National Code by providers can result in enforcement action under the ESOS Act such as conditions on registration, suspension or cancellation of registration.

The National Code complements existing national quality assurance frameworks in education and training including the Australian Quality Training Framework (for registered vocational education and training providers offering these courses) and the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes (for institutions offering higher education qualifications).

Q Why was it changed in 2007?

A
An independent evaluation of the ESOS legislation in 2005 and subsequent consultation with states and territories and representatives of industry and student bodies led to the National Code being substantially revised.

Students now have more flexible study options and are served by a stronger appeals and complaints process. Education providers have more autonomy to manage a student’s enrolment and monitor their progress.

The National Code 2007 came into force on 1 July 2007 and replaced the original National Code.

Q What sort of information does the National Code cover?

A
The National Code 2007 is divided into four parts. Part A includes a description of its role in the ESOS legislative framework and its purpose and objectives. Part B outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Australian and state and territory governments which share the responsibility for implementing the Code.

Part C explains the CRICOS registration process including providers’ requirements and obligations. Part D comprises 15 standards that providers must meet in their interactions with international students. Standards 1 to 4 relate to the pre-enrolment engagement of students; 5 to 6 Care for and services to students; 7 to 8 Students as consumers; 9 to 13 The student visa programme; and 14 to 15 Staff, educational resources and premises.

The National Code 2007 (pdf 857kb or rtf 398kb) is available to download.

Q Is there a limit on the number of overseas enrolments we can have at our school/college?

A
Yes. The maximum number of overseas students to whom you may provide a course or courses is approved by the state authority. If you want to enrol more than your maximum number you must seek approval from the state/territory authority.

Last update July 2007

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National Code

History
Q	What is the National Code?
A	The National Code is a set of nationally consistent standards that govern delivery of courses to overseas students by providers registered on CRICOS - the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for overseas students. Only CRICOS courses can be offered to international students studying in Australia on a student visa.
Q	Where does it fit in the ESOS framework?
A	The National Code is established under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000. To become CRICOS-registered a provider must demonstrate that they comply with the requirements of the National Code. The National Code is a legislative instrument. It is legally enforceable and breaches of the National Code by providers can result in enforcement action under the ESOS Act such as conditions on registration, suspension or cancellation of registration. The National Code complements existing national quality assurance frameworks in education and training including the Australian Quality Training Framework (for registered vocational education and training providers offering these courses) and the National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes (for institutions offering higher education qualifications).
Q	Why was it changed in 2007?
A	An independent evaluation of the ESOS legislation in 2005 and subsequent consultation with states and territories and representatives of industry and student bodies led to the National Code being substantially revised. Students now have more flexible study options and are served by a stronger appeals and complaints process. Education providers have more autonomy to manage a student’s enrolment and monitor their progress. The National Code 2007 came into force on 1 July 2007 and replaced the original National Code.
Q	What sort of information does the National Code cover?
A	The National Code 2007 is divided into four parts. Part A includes a description of its role in the ESOS legislative framework and its purpose and objectives. Part B outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Australian and state and territory governments which share the responsibility for implementing the Code. Part C explains the CRICOS registration process including providers’ requirements and obligations. Part D comprises 15 standards that providers must meet in their interactions with international students. Standards 1 to 4 relate to the pre-enrolment engagement of students; 5 to 6 Care for and services to students; 7 to 8 Students as consumers; 9 to 13 The student visa programme; and 14 to 15 Staff, educational resources and premises. The National Code 2007 (pdf 857kb or rtf 398kb) is available to download.
Q	Is there a limit on the number of overseas enrolments we can have at our school/college?
A	Yes. The maximum number of overseas students to whom you may provide a course or courses is approved by the state authority. If you want to enrol more than your maximum number you must seek approval from the state/territory authority.