International student information and responsibilities

Your rights and protections as an international student

Australia's Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Framework protects international students and sets standards for education providers. It helps ensure international students receive clear information before enrolment, access to appropriate support and protections and a high-quality educational experience while studying in Australia.

The framework includes:

• Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Framework
• National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students
• Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
• Tuition Protection Service (TPS)
• Department of Home Affairs student visa information

Your responsibilities as an ACU international student

As an international student at ACU, you are expected to:

• maintain your enrolment and meet course progression requirements
• maintain a valid student visa and comply with visa conditions
• comply with ACU policies, procedures and student conduct expectations
• complete any required orientation or learning activities
• keep your contact details up to date
• pay tuition fees and other charges by the required dates
• uphold academic integrity in your studies

You can find further information about your responsibilities and ACU’s obligations under the ESOS framework in the ACU Handbook's International Students section and the ACU University Handbook.

Compulsory learning and orientation requirements

To help you transition successfully to university life, ACU provides orientation and other learning activities designed to familiarise students with academic expectations, support services, student systems and life in Australia.

To access essential resources and find out more about our induction programs, including Getting Started Day and Orientation, visit starting at ACU

Commencing ACU students are also required to complete the following three compulsory modules prior to the results release date of their first semester / teaching period at ACU.

If these modules are not completed by the date of the results release date, a student's results will be withheld until the modules are completed.

• Academic Integrity Module (AIM) covers the importance of academic integrity, common forms of academic misconduct and their consequences, while providing practical guidance and real-world case studies to help you uphold academic integrity in your studies.

• The Respectful Relationships Module explains ACU’s expectations around healthy relationships, safety, consent and seeking support.

• The Protecting our Children Module builds awareness of what constitutes child abuse and how a student can assist in keeping children safe or take appropriate action if they become concerned for the safety of a child.

Depending on your course, additional compulsory activities may apply, including training related to:

• university systems and learning technologies
• support services and student resources
• important information for international students.

If additional activities apply to your course or student cohort, ACU will advise you of the requirements, deadlines and any consequences of non-completion.

Students should complete all required activities by the advised dates to ensure they are prepared to commence their studies.

Further information

• Ask ACU
• Academic Regulations
• Deferment and leave procedures
• Student Appeals Policy
• Student Conduct Policy
• Submitting complaints and feedback
• Course enrolment guides

Enrolment responsibilities

As an international student, you're responsible for maintaining your enrolment and meeting the requirements of your course and student visa throughout your studies.

To help you complete your course within the timeframe outlined on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), you must:

• Maintain a full-time study load
• Aim to complete your course by the end date shown on your CoE
• Ensure no more than one-third of your course is studied online
• Enrol in at least one face-to-face unit in each compulsory study period.

Changes to Enrolment

Before making changes to your study plans, seek advice from your course advisor or a International Student Advisor, particularly if you are considering:

• deferring your commencement
• taking leave from your studies
• reducing your study load
• withdrawing from units
• changing courses.

The availability of these options may depend on your circumstances, course requirements and student visa conditions.

International Student Release

International students studying at ACU on a student visa should be aware that restrictions apply to changing education providers during their studies.

From 2 October 2026 to 30 June 2027, student visa holders must complete at least 12 months of their principal course at ACU before transferring to another provider without approval. From 1 July 2027, this requirement will return to 6 months.

Any request to change providers is assessed in accordance with ACU's International Student Release Policy.

For more information about release requirements and the application process, visit Request for release.

Deferral, suspension and cancellation of enrolment

In some circumstances, a student's enrolment may be deferred, suspended or cancelled.

Student initiated changes

Students may apply to defer or temporarily suspend their studies in approved circumstances. Applications are assessed in accordance with ACU policies and supporting documentation may be required.

For more information see deferring or withdrawing from your studies

When ACU may take action

ACU may defer, suspend or cancel enrolment where permitted under University policy, or legislation, including where a student:

• does not meet enrolment requirements
• is not making satisfactory academic progress
• engages in serious misconduct
• fails to pay fees
• provides false or misleading information
• fails to comply with University policies or enrolment conditions.

Where ACU proposes to suspend or cancel enrolment, students will be informed of the process and any available review, complaint or appeal rights.

Impact on your student visa

Changes to your enrolment status may affect your student visa.

Before requesting a deferment or suspension, or if ACU advises that action may be taken against your enrolment, you should seek advice about the potential impact on your visa and your ability to remain in Australia.

Further information

• Academic Regulations
• Deferment and leave procedures
• Student Appeals Policy
• Student Conduct Policy
• Submitting complaints and feedback

Need help?

If you have questions before accepting your offer or commencing your studies, contact ACU International, or Ask ACU.

You can also find more information at ACU Support Services.