Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)

Australia is a popular choice for international students, because of its reputation for delivering a high standard of higher education. This is upheld by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and accompanying ESOS legislative framework. This framework outlines a set of standards that education institutions must meet, so that both students and providers understand their obligations when entering into an agreement to undertake a study program. ESOS works in two ways, and for two groups: 

1. It protects international students coming to Australia on student visas. 

2. It sets out clear guidelines, roles and responsibilities for education institutions that teach overseas students.  

These include requirements about the skills of our staff, our resources and facilities, how we promote courses and place students. The ESOS Framework also provides tuition fee protection for international students. 

The ESOS framework requires providers to ensure certain information is available to international students, including future students. This information is included on our website (particularly our Policies webpage) and your offer letter, if you have received one.

The Department of Education, Skills and Employment administers the ESOS framework. Check out their factsheet for students, if you want to learn more, via their International Education website.  

Your Student Visa

As an international student, there are certain obligations you must uphold to meet your student visa conditions. You can find these on the government portal, Visa Entitlement Verification Online VEVO. 

Some important conditions include: 

• You must complete your program within the timeframe of your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) 

• You must notify us of your Australian address within seven days of arriving or if you change your address, through the Student Portal Hub, or UNSW Sydney’s portal for Diploma students 

• You must maintain your enrolment status, satisfactory academic progress and attendance requirements 

• You must maintain your Overseas Student Health Cover for the period of your stay, and 

• You must maintain your approved accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements if you are under 18 years old. 

Note: the above list is not an exhaustive list of your visa conditions – please visit VEVO.

Changes to your enrolment or your length of study might also affect your current student visa. If you change your type of visa, or become a permanent Australian resident, you will need to update your details as soon as possible.