International Agent Responsibilities

International agent responsibilities

As an authorised agent of Melbourne Polytechnic, it is essential that you are familiar with your responsibilities and follow the correct procedures.

Melbourne Polytechnic is a registered dual-sector CRICOS provider, offering high-quality education to international students. We are committed to ensuring that our courses and services meet the highest standards and comply with all regulatory requirements for international education in Australia.

ESOS legislative framework

As a CRICOS provider, Melbourne Polytechnic operates under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework, administered by the Australian Government’s Department of Education.

Regulatory oversight for CRICOS courses is split between:

• TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) — for higher education courses
• ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) — for vocational education and training (VET) courses.

While TEQSA and ASQA monitor provider compliance with national education quality standards, all CRICOS providers must comply with ESOS obligations, including those set out in the National Code 2018. This framework ensures the rights and welfare of international students are protected and promotes integrity in the delivery of education services.

The ESOS legislative framework principally includes:

• Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and associated regulations
• Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Act 1997
• Education Services for Overseas Students (Tuition Protection Service Levies) Act 2012
• National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code 2018).

For more information, visit the Department of Education ESOS Framework page.

Role of education agents

Under Standard 4 of the National Code 2018, Melbourne Polytechnic must maintain a list of authorised education agents and monitor their activities. Our agents play a critical role in providing accurate information and guidance to prospective students.

Education agent responsibilities

Agents are expected to (but not limited to):

• provide accurate, up-to-date information about Melbourne Polytechnic, including campus locations, facilities, course content, entry requirements, tuition fees, and accommodation options
• ensure students are aware of the conditions of their student visas and advise them to seek guidance from the Department of Home Affairs where necessary
• assess whether a course is suitable for a student based on their academic background, English proficiency, and previous qualifications
• act ethically and honestly, following the Australian International Education and Training Agent Code of Ethics.

Agents must not:

• engage in dishonest practices, including counselling students to enter Australia for purposes other than study
• provide false or misleading information about courses, employment, or migration outcomes
• submit applications for students who do not meet visa or course requirements without disclosure to Melbourne Polytechnic
• market Melbourne Polytechnic without prior written consent from the International Office.

Our commitment to agents

Melbourne Polytechnic is committed to:

• maintaining a current list of authorised agents
• providing agents with accurate and timely information about our courses and services
• monitoring agent activities to ensure compliance with the National Code 2018
• taking corrective action or terminating agreements if agents breach the standards.

Compliance and integrity

We uphold the highest standards of integrity and compliance with the ESOS legislative framework, ensuring that international students receive high-quality education and support.

Prospective education agents are encouraged to review the ESOS legislative framework and the National Code 2018 to understand their responsibilities and the standards expected when representing Melbourne Polytechnic.

For more information and resources: Department of Education – ESOS Framework