​Independent schools enrolling school-aged overseas students are required to be registered on the Commonwealth Register of International Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), which is maintained by the Federal Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).  The NSW Board of Studies has responsibility for ensuring that NSW schools are appropriately registered (this was formerly the responsibility of the NSW Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board).

The ESOS (Educational Services for Overseas Students) Act and Regulations are the relevant legal instruments that apply to all matters pertaining to overseas students.  Schools are required to take account of these in order to enrol such students and maintain appropriate registration and standards in this area. The ESOS Act is currently under review and further information on the review can be found at the Australian Education International (AEI) website (see Related Links on this page).

There are a number of useful resources that schools should familiarise themselves with if they currently, or are seeking to, enrol overseas students.  These include:

• The NSW Board of Studies’  “Guidelines for Approved NSW School Providers Delivering Courses to Overseas Students” (October 2010).  These Guidelines are in a format similar to the Board of Studies registration manuals for non-government schools.  Registration is aligned with a school’s BoS registration and accreditation period, with approval for up to 5 years.  Detailed information is available on the Board of Studies website.

• The ESOS National Code: the National Code is a guide for schools that enrol overseas students, and interprets the ESOS Act and Regulations.  All schools enrolling overseas students should be familiar with the National Code.  A copy of the National Code and amended ESOS Act are available under 'Related Links' on this page.

• The National Code Transition Handbook for Independent Schools: the Independent Schools Council of Australia, in consultation with schools, government authorities and other key stakeholders, has prepared a Handbook for use by schools enrolling overseas students.  The Handbook provides practical advice and tips for ensuring that the requirements of the National Code and the ESOS Act and Regulations are met.  A copy of the Transition Handbook, including 2010 updates, is available under 'Related Links' on this page.

Member schools seeking further advice and information about overseas student matters should contact Robyn Yates, Director: Government Education Policy on (02) 9299 2845.