Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)
Overseas Student Program
The Australian Government operates an Overseas Student Program (OSP) that enables people who are not a New Zealand citizen, an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident to apply for a student visa and study in Australia.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) is responsible for making decisions on student visa applications and administering the Student Visa Program and other immigration-related legislation.
The provision of education to international students is regulated by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) through the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework. DEST has made available a brief overview of the ESOS Framework, including the rights and responsibilities of international students.
University responsibilities
The ESOS legislative framework protects the interests of international students by providing consistent standards for the conduct of education providers. These standards set out specifications in relation to staff capability, educational resources and facilities and marketing of courses and placement of students.
The University has a fee policy for international students that explains the calculation and payment of tuition fees and the arrangements relating to refunds.
There is a range of student support services available to assist you with adjusting to study and life in Australia. Your faculty is also able to provide advice on and assistance with academic matters. If you have concerns, complaints or grievances about matters relating to your experience at the University, you can access the University’s Student Grievances Policy.
The University is also required to monitor and inform the DEST and DIAC of changes in enrolment and breaches of visa conditions in relation to academic progress. Information provided by students may be made available to Commonwealth and State agencies as required by the ESOS Act and related legislation.
You have the right to gain access to your personal information held by the University. For further information please refer to the University of Melbourne Privacy Policy.
Student responsibilities
If you are holding a Student visa, you must abide with the conditions on your visa while studying and living in Australia. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship(DIAC) usually imposes the following conditions:
- You must enrol full-time (usually 0.500 EFTSL) in each semester of your course. You are only permitted to reduce your study load and extend the duration of your course in limited circumstances.
- You must achieve a satisfactory academic result.
- You must study at the University for the first six months of your principal course. You may change education provider only in exceptional circumstances.
- You must notify the University via Student Information System (SIS) of your address in Australia within 7 days of arrival or changing your address;
- If you wish to work while studying, you must apply for Permission to Work.
- You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover during your stay in Australia.
- You must hold a valid visa while in Australia. Remember to renew your visa if it is about to expire and you need to extend your stay in Australia.
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