Registered training providers are now able to offer select supplementary courses to overseas students without registering the courses on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
The change came into effect on 29 June 2021 via the Education Services for Overseas Students (Exempt Courses) Instrument 2021, which exempts certain supplementary courses from the ESOS Act.
The instrument means non-CRICOS registered providers can deliver the ESOS-exempt courses to overseas students, if the provider meets the domestic requirements for registration and delivery.
An announcement by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) notes that the instrument will give overseas students easier access to a range of supplementary courses, such as hobby and recreational courses, and other short courses which may be required for employment while living in Australia.
The list of exempt courses includes first aid, infection control, construction white cards, and responsible service of alcohol courses.
