VET Student Loans Code of Practice exceeds 80 signatories

Since mid-2021, VET Student Loans approved course providers have been able to sign up to the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s (the Office) voluntary code of practice (the Code).

The Code gives guidance to providers about how to effectively resolve complaints. It contains 10 better practice principles that target common issues the Office sees in complaints about VET Student Loans. It also includes practical guidance about how providers can apply each principle, and useful tips to help providers and students resolve complaints.

The Office designed and developed the Code in consultation with education providers, peak bodies, government agencies and students. By the end of 2021, 78 providers – representing over 50 per cent of students with a VET Student Loan – registered as signatories to the Code. That number has now hit 84, representing over 60 per cent of students with a VET student loan.

‘Signatories to the Code are making a public commitment to transparency and better practice complaint handling. We hope the Code improves experiences for students and increases public confidence in the VET Student Loans program’, Commonwealth Ombudsman Iain Anderson said.

VET Student Loans approved course providers interested in signing up to the Code can contact the Office at VSL.codeofpractice@ombudsman.gov.au.

The Code and list of signatories are available on the Office’s website.