ASQA’s 2024-25 Regulatory Risk Priorities have highlighted increasing risks posed by non-genuine providers and bad-faith operators, especially concerning international students. This trend emerged from an annual environmental scan, which involved extensive consultations and interviews with key stakeholder groups. Based on comprehensive research and analysis, key risks were categorised into distinct themes, leading to adjustments in regulatory risk priorities to ensure they are fit for purpose in protecting both domestic and international students.
The findings indicated that some providers listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) are not genuinely delivering educational services to international students. These providers are often implicated in visa fraud by not enforcing class attendance or progression requirements and facilitating academic cheating to meet assessment criteria. The motivations of these bad actors amplify the potential harm across other identified risk factors, making them a critical focus for regulatory efforts in the coming year.
To combat these issues, the role of ensuring quality and integrity within the VET sector has been significantly strengthened through recent legislative changes. These changes include investments in the Integrity Unit, the establishment of a tip-off line to detect and address unacceptable or illegal behaviours by Registered Training Organizations (RTOs), and a phased program to upgrade the digital and data systems supporting the regulatory framework.
The Integrity Unit is particularly focused on ensuring the delivery of quality training to overseas students and addressing the issue of so-called 'ghost colleges,' which do not require student attendance and sometimes issue fraudulent qualifications. Ongoing commitments include conducting compliance blitzes to scrutinise the standards and conduct of CRICOS providers. The unit is also closely monitoring Fit and Proper Person requirements, student attendance and delivery locations, student recruitment practices, agent management, financial viability, and false and misleading marketing practices.
To ensure compliance, a comprehensive range of regulatory responses is being employed. These include unannounced site visits, monitoring compliance with student visa conditions, conducting investigations, taking enforcement actions, and issuing penalties where necessary. Additionally, data capabilities and networked intelligence across law enforcement and government entities have been enhanced to better identify and respond to threats to the integrity of the VET sector.
The focus on removing non-genuine providers and addressing the associated risks is essential for maintaining the quality and integrity of the VET sector. By leveraging legislative changes, strengthening the Integrity Unit, and employing robust regulatory responses, the commitment remains strong to protect the interests of both domestic and international students. Moving forward, efforts will continue to ensure that the VET sector remains a credible and reliable pillar of education and training.
