New CRICOS provider registration process
A Queensland registered training organisation (RTO) that wishes to offer nationally recognised qualifications and courses to international students must apply for CRICOS registration with the Queensland Department of Education and Training.
The department is responsible for assessing applications from new providers and making recommendations for approval or refusal to the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE).
Step 1: understand what it means to obtain CRICOS registration
CRICOS registration brings with it significant obligations for ensuring quality training and assessment outcomes are achieved for international students, industry and the Australian VET sector.
The principal/chief executive of a RTO is responsible for ensuring that the organisation understands the ESOS legislative frameworks which govern the delivery of educational services to international students.
RTOs that wish to gain CRICOS registration must have a comprehensive understanding of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 and the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007.
While there are similarities with the requirements of the Australian Quality Training Framework, there are also many additional requirements which are specific to CRICOS providers.
Step two: lodge your application
Complete all sections of the CRICOS 1 form - new provider application for CRICOS registration accurately and forward to the department together with the application fee and required attachments.
A Legislative explanatory guide for new provider application for CRICOS registration has been developed to assist applicants to understand legislative requirements. It is important you refer to the guide when completing the application form so that you are able to submit a well prepared and complete application. Applications that do not include the required attachments will be returned for correction.
Your application must also include the correct application fee. A schedule of CRICOS application fees can be found under the heading application fees.
Step three: application checked for completeness
A client service officer will check your application to establish if all required information and attachments have been provided. If the application is incomplete or incorrectly completed, it will be returned to your organisation for correction. If the application is complete, you will receive an email acknowledging that your application has been received and it will then proceed to be scheduled for audit.
Step four: audit
Your application will be scheduled for a new provider audit. This audit process will involve a site visit at your premises. The audit will involve an assessment of your organisation's compliance with the National Code and the ESOS legislative requirements. The evidence you submit with your application will form the basis for this compliance audit.
Following the audit, details of non-compliances are provided to the organisation in an 'audit report' within seven business days of the audit. This audit report formally records compliances, non-compliances and opportunities for improvement identified at the audit.
Where non-compliances are identified, the organisation has an opportunity to submit additional evidence to demonstrate compliance. This evidence is required to be submitted within 15 working days following receipt of the audit report or 22 working days from the day of the audit whichever is greater.
The additional evidence is analysed by the audit team. Should the analysis reveal outstanding issues, a report detailing the findings will be forwarded to the State Designated Authority. Following the audit, the department writes to the RTO to outline the audit findings.
Step five: application recommendation - for approval or refusal
Where an organisation demonstrates compliance with the National Code and ESOS legislative framework, the organisation is considered compliant. The application is then recommended for approval by the State Designated Authority and notification is sent to DIISRTE for its consideration.
While the State Designated Authority can 'recommend approval' for a new provider application, the authority to approve the application rests with DIISRTE. If your application is recommended for approval by the State Designated Authority, your organisation will receive a letter confirming that a recommendation for approval has been forwarded to DIISRTE for consideration.
Where an RTO remains not compliant after submitting evidence in response to the audit report, the organisation will be requested to show cause as to why its application should not be refused. A show cause notice is subsequently issued to the organisation. This is an opportunity for the organisation to show how it now complies with all national requirements.
If DIISRTE refuses the application, the organisation will receive a letter formally advising of the refusal.
Step six: application approval
When DIISRTE has reviewed the application and recommendation to its satisfaction, a formal letter of approval will be forwarded to your organisation from DIISRTE. At that time, the details of your registration will be recorded on CRICOS and in PRISMS and your organisation has authority to commence offering courses to students entering Australia on a student visa.
Please note: promoting an institution as a registered CRICOS provider, making offers to, or enrolling international students without registration, is considered a major offence against the Commonwealth ESOS Act and Queensland E(OS) Act. Prosecution for this type of offence can result in up to two years imprisonment.
Application timeframes
Application processing times will vary depending on the findings of the audit activity. A well prepared organisation should allow approximately three to five months for the process to be completed by the State Designated Authority.
Once the application is assessed and supported at the state level, it will be forwarded to DIISRTE for final consideration and approval. The timeframes for final assessment by DIISRTE can vary and applicants must liaise directly with DIISRTE to ascertain the status of their application.