Education Services for Overseas Students National Code
The National Code is established under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000.
The National Code has been recently revised with an aim to ensure that international students coming to Australia are provided with a very high standard of education. The changes came into effect on 1 July 2007.
It sets out the minimum standards for the University and is categorised under 15 different standards:
- Standards 1 - 4 cover marketing and engagement
- Standard 5 - 6 address services to students
- Standard 7 - 8 concern students as consumers
- Standard 9 - 13 cover the Student Visa program
- Standards 14 - 15 address the capacity to offer programs (for example staffing and resources)
National Code standards
- Marketing information practices
- Student engagement before enrolment
- Formalisation of enrolment
- Education agents
- Younger students
- Student support services
- Transfer between registered providers
- Complaints and appeals
- Completion within the expected duration of study
- Monitoring course progress
- Monitoring attendance
- Course credit
- Deferring, suspending or cancelling the student’s enrolment
- Staff capability, educational resources and premises
- Changes to registered providers’ ownership or management
For detailed information please refer to
- Education Services for Overseas Students
- The National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students
Main changes
1. Completion within the expected duration of study
From 1 July 2007, international students are expected to complete their program within the duration as specified in the Confirmation of Enrolment. In most cases, the program duration recorded on the Confirmation of Enrolment is based on completing 40 CP per semester. Some programs may require varying credit points to be completed in each semester. Please refer to Programs and Courses for more information on the structure of the program you are currently enrolled in.
The University will only be able to extend a Confirmation of Enrolment in exceptional circumstances. (For example, certified medical grounds or where the University does not offer a course).
If you are currently experiencing any difficulties that may affect your ability to complete the program before the end date stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment, please contact the International Office immediately.
- Brisbane campuses phone 3735 7200
- Gold Coast and Logan campuses phone 5552 8819
2. Meeting academic progress requirements
From 1 July 2007, the Universities are required to proactively identify, notify and counsel students at risk of not meeting their academic progress requirements. At a minimum, the University needs to identify and counsel students who have failed or are deemed as not yet competent in 50% or more of the units attempted in any study period.
The University has the procedures in place for the above. The University has various support services available to assist the students to make satisfactory academic progress.
For more information on the University’s policy on Academic Standing, Progression and Exclusion, please refer to Student Policies.
3. Appeals and grievances
All students, through the University’s Student Grievances and Appeals Policy have up to 20 working days to lodge an appeal with the University.
Until the 20 working day period is exhausted, the student’s enrolment must be maintained by the University.
4. No change of provider for the first 6 months
From 1 July 2007, all international students are able to change providers after studying for 6 months with the principal provider. Before the changes came into effect, it used to be 12 months.
Please note that this is not a comprehensive listing of all the changes. For more information please refer to The National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students.
Further information
Do you need more information? Have questions? Please email compliance@griffith.edu.au or visit the Griffith International website.