Choosing where to study is one of the biggest decisions an international student makes. Before paying a deposit, it is worth spending ten minutes confirming that the provider and course are properly registered. Two official registers make this straightforward.
CRICOS: for study on a student visa
CRICOS is the official Australian Government website that lists all Australian education providers offering courses to people studying in Australia on student visas, and the courses they offer. You can search by course or by institution. If the course you are considering is not listed there, ask the provider why before you go any further.
TEQSA National Register: for higher education
For universities and other higher education providers, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency keeps the National Register. TEQSA describes it as the authoritative source on the status of registered higher education providers in Australia, and you can search it by provider or by course. TEQSA also publishes a list of entities that are not registered higher education providers.
Questions worth asking any provider
How is the course taught, and how much of it is in person?
What student support is included, and what costs extra?
Which costs sit outside tuition, such as materials or placements?
Write down each answer with the date and source. It makes comparing options easier and gives you a record if anything changes.
This is general information, not education or visa advice.
About the author
RullikClear, sourced explainers on Australia and the world
Rullik is the pen name of the founder of Australia Illuminate (Auslume). Rullik writes plain-language explainers on life in Australia, from immigration, study and work to money, sport and screen culture, always linking to the official sources behind each story. Every story is reviewed before publication.
More from Rullik ↗This article was prepared with AI assistance.
