29 May 2015: Ombudsman releases issues paper on overseas student Course Progress and Attendance
The Overseas Students Ombudsman, Colin Neave, today released an issues paper that outlines the systemic issues his office has identified in private education providers' monitoring and reporting of overseas students for unsatisfactory course progress and attendance.
The Ombudsman has also published a student fact sheet with frequently asked questions and tips for international students.
"Education providers are required to report overseas students who fail to achieve satisfactory course progress or attendance to the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection," Mr Neave said.
"Before being reported, however, overseas students enrolled with private providers have the right to lodge an external appeal with my office.
"Complaints or appeals dealing with unsatisfactory course progress and poor attendance are among the most common we receive from overseas students"
- Education providers can use the Ombudsman's insights to:
- monitor whether they are meeting best practice
- improve their monitoring and reporting of course progress and attendance
- inform their consideration of course progress and attendance internal appeals
International students can use the fact sheet to know:
The Overseas Students Ombudsman investigates complaints from intending, current and former overseas students about the actions of private-registered education providers.
The issues paper and the checklist are available at www.oso.gov.au
Media Contact: Phil Mayne 02 6276 3759
Date of release: 29 May 2015