School providers selected at random for short notice inspections
NESA’s risk-based approach to regulation includes the selection of school providers at random for a short notice inspection. Learn more about this program.
The purpose of the School providers selected at random for a short notice inspection program (CRICOS Random Program) is to provide ongoing assurance of school provider compliance outside of cyclical renewal of school provider approval with the requirements set out in the NSW and Commonwealth legislation and guidelines. The CRICOS Random Program is based on NESA’s risk-based approach to regulation.
Selection of school providers
The CRICOS Random Program assesses whether school providers continue to comply with the requirements, as detailed in the Guidelines for Approved NSW School Providers Delivering Courses to Overseas Students (the Guidelines).
NESA publishes the Guidelines to:
- describe NESA’s functions
- provide information about the regulatory framework
- set out the requirements and evidence of compliance to be maintained by school providers delivering courses to overseas students.
The selection of school providers considers the range of providers across NSW, excluding the NSW Department of Education School System Provider, and its delivery sites. School system providers are already monitored annually.
Notification and timing
Inspections occur from Week 5, Term 1 to the end of Term 3.
If selected, an Inspector will contact the school provider’s Principal Executive Officer at least 10 calendar days before the inspection.
Focus requirements
The CRICOS Random Program focuses on requirements that have importance for overseas student education, welfare and wellbeing.
Focus requirements for 2025
| Requirement | Reference |
| 3.6 Formalisation of enrolment and written agreements | National Code Standard 3 |
| 3.8 Younger overseas students | National Code Standard 5 |
| 3.10 Overseas student transfers | National Code Standard 7 |
A set of focus questions will be released annually related to the identified requirements. This will provide school providers with a self-assurance tool to ensure that documented policies and procedures align with the Guidelines.
If a school provider is selected for a short-notice inspection, the Inspector will request:
- a copy of the latest written agreement with an overseas student
- evidence demonstrating how the school provider has addressed the focus questions through their documented policies and procedures and related record keeping.
The inspection details will be confirmed in writing with the school provider prior to inspection.
Focus questions for 2025
Within the school provider’s documented policies and procedures for Sections 3.8 and 3.10 of the Guidelines, evidence of addressing the following ‘focus questions’ will be requested.
- Does the school provider enrol overseas students under a CAAW (Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare)? If yes, what is the nature of the approved accommodation arrangements and how are these arrangements and welfare of the overseas students monitored at least every 6 months?
- Does the school provider enrol overseas students who are living with a Department of Home Affairs (DHA) approved relative? If yes, how does the school provider monitor these arrangements to ensure they remain appropriate?
- Does the school provider enrol overseas students who are currently onshore? If yes, how does the school provider ensure that appropriate welfare arrangements will be, or remain, in place?
Findings and outcomes
The process for delivering and acting on findings follows these steps.
Report is prepared by the Inspector
An Inspector will prepare a report identifying the findings in relation to the school provider’s compliance.
Report is provided to the school provider
The Principal Executive Officer (PEO) will be provided with a copy of the report before it is considered by the NESA Registration and Accreditation Committee.
If compliance concerns are identified
Where compliance concerns are identified, NESA will request the school provider provide evidence of addressing the concerns. An Inspector may request additional evidence in relation to a broader range of requirements and the school provider may be subject to further inspection.
Official Notices
Official notification documents regarding selection of school providers for a short notice inspection.
NESA 41/24 – CRICOS short notice inspections 2025
Further information
Contact Lauren Wood, Senior Inspector, School Registration Unit, Regulation of Schooling.
email: lauren.wood@nesa.nsw.edu.au