Australian Universities Quality Agency
The Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) is an independent, national quality assurance body that audits the key activities of teaching, learning, research and management in Australian universities on a five-year cycle. Where an Australian university offers courses at an offshore campus or through an agent, the institution is be expected to maintain standards at least equivalent to those provided in Australia and carry full responsibility for all aspects of delivery.
International students and parents have access to AUQA audit reports. The Australian Government also publishes university quality assurance and improvement plans annually which can be used as a guide to find the university which best meets your needs and interests.
Code of Ethics
Universities Australia has strengthened and updated its Code of Ethical Practice in the Provision of Education to International Students by Australian Universities, and associated guidelines. Vice-Chancellors of all Australian universities have signed the code, which aims to safeguard the interests of international students, and assure the quality of the information and educational experience provided by universities. The code provides ethical practice guidelines for universities on promotion and marketing, agents and partners, and provides information on admission of students, arrival and orientation, student support, fee-charging and refunds, university infrastructure and returning home support.
National Liaison Committee for International Students in Australia
The National Liaison Committee for International Students in Australia (NLC), the peak body representing international students in Australia, has welcomed the release of the strengthened Universities Australia code, which incorporates input and suggestions from the NLC.
Education Services for Overseas Students ESOS
All students on a student visa are covered by the consumer and financial protections of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000.
A brief summary of the ESOS framework is available in (pdf 44kb and rtf 976kb).