The ESOS Framework
The detailed information on ESOS framework is available on this web link: http://aei.gov.au/AEI/ESOS/EasyGuide_ESOS.htm .
However, a brief information is given below:
The ESOS legislative framework is designed to ensure that Australia’s reputation for delivering quality education services is maintained and that the interests of overseas students are protected. It sets minimum standards and provides tuition and financial assurance. Together with Australian immigration law, the ESOS framework also imposes visa related reporting requirements on both students and educational institutions.
ESOS related information and definitions:
Who is an International Student?
Student, other than Australian resident/citizen or a New Zealand citizen, who is enrolled in any course of study, is an international student.
Does the ESOS framework apply to all International Students?
Yes, it applies only to those International Students who have Student Visas. The ESOS Act refers to these students as Overseas Students.
Can International Students study part-time?
Yes, if their visa condition permits, they may study part-time. Normally an international student holding a Student Visa is required to study full time (minimum 20 contact hours a week). International students must complete their course as per the duration shown on the conformation of enrolment (CoE), unless certain circumstances apply (see Student Visa conditions at http://www.immi.gov.au/students/visa-conditions-students.htm
Student visa conditions:
If the holder of a Student Visa does not comply with his or her visa conditions, the student visa may be cancelled and he or she may have to leave Australia.
A full list of conditions is available from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website http://www.immi.gov.au/students/visa-conditions-students.htm
Pre-enrolment information
Standard 2 of the National Code requires ICTM to give students detailed information about their course and about studying at ICTM to enable the student to make an informed decision before enrolling in any of our course.
Satisfactory course progress
The National Code requires ICTM to have an Intervention Strategy to identify and assist students at risk of not meeting their course progress requirements. For further information student contact officer may be contacted.
Completion within the expected duration of study
Standard 9 of the National Code requires ICTM to ensure that, at all times, Student Visa holders are in a position to complete their studies within the duration specified in their CoE, unless certain circumstances apply.
If a Student Visa holder completes his or her course early, ICTM must report this through PRISMS to DEEWR and advice student to contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), Phone 131881, and the duration of the student's visa will be reduced accordingly.
Mode of study
The National Code permits Student Visa holders to enrol in a limited amount of distance/online learning. No more than 25% of their entire course may be studied in distance/online mode.
Change of course/provider
If a Student Visa holder intends to transfer to another Institute within the first six months of their principal course, his or her request will be assessed as per college policy based on Standard 7 of the National Code. Student contact officer may be contacted for further advice.
Complaints and appeals
International Students have access to ICTM’s Complaints and Appeals Policy based on Standard 8 of the National Code.
Deferring, suspending or cancelling study
Any deferment, suspension or cancellation of a Student Visa holder's enrolment may have an effect on his/her visa. It is important that he/she seeks expert advice or contact DIAC for advice before taking any action. ICTM has detailed policy on the above ,based on standard 13 of the National Code.
Course credit
If a Student Visa holder is granted course credit, after the enrolment resulting in a shortening of the course, ICTM will amend the CoE to reflect true duration of the course through PRISMS and the student will be advised to visit DIAC office.
Under 18 students
Currently ICTM does not enrol students under 18 due to specific nature of Horticulture course.
Definitions
- ESOS Framework: the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Acts and Regulations set out the legal framework governing delivery of education to student visa holders.
- National Code: the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007. The National Code provides standards and procedures for institutions providing education to student visa holders.
- DEEWR: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
- DIAC: Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
- CRICOS: Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students.
- PRISMS: Provider Registration and International Students Management System (PRISMS). It is a web-based system that lists registered courses and is used to create CoEs or to report on changes in student enrolments.
- Overseas Student: this term is used in the ESOS Framework to mean an International Student who has a Student Visa. The ESOS regulations only apply to these students.
- CoE: Confirmation of Enrolment or CoE is a document that ICTM creates on PRISMS for a prospective Student when the student has signed their acceptance of offer and student agreement and paid the fee. The student uses the CoE as proof of enrolment when applying for their Student Visa.
- Enrol: the words "enrolled" and "enrolment" are used in the ESOS Framework in the broad sense to mean that a student is undertaking a course.
- Suspend: in the ESOS Framework, "suspend" is used to mean any break in studies, for whatever reason, whether it is initiated by the student or the institution.
