Australia Freezes New Overseas Student Provider Registrations: 12-Month Suspension on VET and ELICOS — How to Choose Compliant Institutions
From May 19, 2026, the Australian government has frozen new CRICOS registration applications for private VET colleges and ELICOS providers for 12 months until May 19, 2027. Public TAFEs and universities are exempt. This is the latest integrity measure by the Albanese government, significantly impacting international students planning to study in Australia.
Policy Overview
On May 19, 2026, the Australian federal government enacted a freeze on new CRICOS registrations for private VET colleges and ELICOS providers seeking to recruit international students. The suspension period is 12 months, until May 19, 2027.
This measure is authorized under the Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Act 2025 passed last year, and represents the Albanese Labor government's latest move to strengthen integrity across the international education sector.
Key Timeline
| Item | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Date | May 19, 2026 | Freeze takes effect |
| Duration | 12 months | Until May 19, 2027 |
| Transition | Pre-May 19 applications | Processed under existing rules |
| Scope | New VET/ELICOS registrations | New providers and new course apps |
| Exemptions | Public schools, TAFEs, Table A universities | Unaffected |
Who is affected?
- New CRICOS applications: Suspended for ASQA-regulated providers
- New provider entries: Private colleges not yet CRICOS-registered
- New course applications: Existing VET/ELICOS providers applying for new courses
- Public providers exempt: Government schools, TAFEs, Table A universities
- Existing courses continue: Already approved courses and locations unaffected