School reviews and CRICOS renewal

The VRQA has contacted all independent schools and providers on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) scheduled for review or renewal this year.

Our 2026 school cyclical review program will focus on compliance with the:

• Child Safe Standards (Ministerial Order 1359)

• governance, not-for-profit and financial capability

• care, safety and welfare of students.

CRICOS registration renewals will also focus on the Child Safe Standards and compliance with the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students(opens in a new window)

The Child Safe Standards require that schools review their child safety risk registers annually, including to ensure the effectiveness of existing controls and treatments.

All schools must have a risk management register and strategies to prevent, identify and mitigate child safety and wellbeing risks. The register must consider the school’s environment, programs the school delivers and the needs of all students.

We are running information sessions for:

• CRICOS schools on Wednesday 18 February(opens in a new window)

• independent schools on Thursday 12 March(opens in a new window).

Our guidelines provide more detail about the requirements and resources are available to support compliance with the Child Safe Standards:

• Guidelines to the minimum standards and requirements for school registration(opens in a new window)

• Guidelines for the enrolment of overseas students aged under 18 years(opens in a new window)

• Child Safe Standards - Schools and school boarding premises (opens in a new window)