Policy & Procedures

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 Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) through the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework. DEEWR has made available a brief overview of the ESOS Framework, including the rights and responsibilities of international students.

HSA responsibilities

(Ref:  HSA-F-042 International Student Handbook v11 Jul 2008 497.11 Kb)

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 HSA has a fee policy for international students which explain 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. HSA 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 HSA, you can access the HSA's Student Grievances Policy.

HSA is also required to monitor and inform the DEEWR and DIAC of changes in enrolment and breaches of visa conditions in relation to academic progress, and course attendance. 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 HSA in writing. For further information please refer to the HSA's 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 in each semester of your course.

• You must achieve a satisfactory academic result.

• You must study at HSA for the first six months of your principal course. You may change education provider only in exceptional circumstances.

• You must notify HSA via Student Services (reception) of your address in Australia within 7 days of arrival or changing your address;

• 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 if you need to extend your stay in Australia.