25 March 2015: Ombudsman's agreement checklist helps education providers

Written agreements between overseas students and private-registered education providers should improve following the release of an issues paper and checklist by the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

The release of the documents follows an investigation by the Ombudsman which identified common errors and concerns in relation to the agreements.

Commonwealth Ombudsman Colin Neave, who is also the Overseas Students Ombudsman, said written agreements needed to meet the requirements of the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) regulatory framework.

"When a written agreement doesn't comply with the framework, or is unclear or poorly written, it can be difficult for overseas students to understand their rights and responsibilities," Mr Neave said.

"It can also result in a provider being required to pay a refund where it otherwise would not have to.

"Through investigating complaints to my office we identified a number of common errors and problems. Refund and fee disputes are the most frequent type of complaint we receive.

"We consulted with peak bodies and stakeholders with a view to helping providers increase compliance with the ESOS framework and therefore improve the quality of their written agreements."

Mr Neave said there was broad support for the development of a checklist to help providers assess their agreements against the framework.

He added the Department of Education had begun consultations on the reform of the ESOS legislative framework.

"We are providing input to these reforms, including sharing our observations arising from our consultations with the sector regarding written agreements.

"I'd like to thank the industry and student peak bodies, providers and government agencies that responded to our consultation."

The Overseas Students Ombudsman investigates complaints from intending, current and former overseas students about the actions of private-registered education providers.

The issues paper and the checklist are available at www.oso.gov.au.

Media contact: Phil Mayne 0408 511 733

Date of release: 25 March 2015