How to Check a Course on CRICOS

Choosing a course in Australia is one of the most significant decisions an international student makes. Before you accept any offer, pay a deposit, or apply for a student visa, there is a practical step that can protect your plans: checking that the course is registered on CRICOS. The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) is the official Australian Government register of all education providers and courses approved to enrol international students on a student visa. Only courses listed on this register can be offered to you as an overseas student. Verifying a course on CRICOS is free, takes only a few minutes, and gives you confidence that your enrolment meets Australian migration requirements.

This guide explains what CRICOS is, why it matters, how to search for a course, how to read a CRICOS listing, and what to do if a course is not registered. The information is based on official Australian Government sources and is intended as practical, independent guidance.

What Is CRICOS?

CRICOS stands for the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. It is a public, searchable database maintained by the Australian Government Department of Education. Every Australian education provider that wishes to teach international students on a student visa must be registered on CRICOS, and every course those providers offer to international students must have its own CRICOS course code.

The register serves two main purposes. First, it gives students a transparent way to check that a provider and course are officially approved. Second, it supports the integrity of Australia’s student visa system by ensuring that only genuine, quality-assured courses are available to visa holders.

You can access the CRICOS register at any time through the official website: the CRICOS Course Search page hosted by the Department of Education. There is no login, no fee, and no account required.

Why Checking CRICOS Matters for Your Student Visa

Enrolling in a non-CRICOS course can have serious consequences for your student visa. Under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) legislative framework, providers must meet specific obligations, and students must be enrolled in a registered course to maintain their visa conditions.

Standard 8 of the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 requires registered providers to safeguard Australia’s migration laws. This includes supporting overseas students to complete their course within the required duration and fulfil visa requirements for course attendance and course progress. If a course is not on CRICOS, the provider cannot lawfully enrol you as an international student, and your visa application or ongoing visa status may be at risk.

Checking CRICOS before you enrol helps you avoid situations where:

• A provider makes promises about a course that is not actually approved for international students.
• You pay fees for a course that cannot support a student visa application.
• You later discover your enrolment is invalid, potentially affecting your visa.

For a broader understanding of how your enrolment fits into the visa process, you may find our student visa document guide helpful as you prepare your application.

How to Search for a Course on CRICOS: Step by Step

The CRICOS search tool is straightforward to use. Follow these steps to verify any course you are considering.

1. Go to the official CRICOS Course Search page. The correct address is hosted on the Australian Government Department of Education website. Avoid third-party sites that claim to offer CRICOS searches, as they may not be current.
2. Enter the course details you have. The search form allows you to filter by course name, CRICOS course code, provider name, CRICOS provider code, or location (state or territory). You do not need to fill in every field. Often, entering part of the course name or the provider name is enough.
3. Review the search results. The system returns a list of matching courses. Each result shows the course name, the provider name, the CRICOS course code, and the course location.
4. Click on a course to see the full details. The detailed view includes the course duration, estimated total tuition fee (if provided by the provider), work component information, and any conditions that apply to the course.
5. Verify the CRICOS course code. Every registered course has a unique code, typically a six-digit number. Keep this code for your records. You may need it when applying for a student visa or when communicating with the Department of Home Affairs.
6. Check the provider’s CRICOS provider code. This is a separate code that identifies the registered provider. Both the provider code and the course code should appear in your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) later.

If you cannot find a course using the search, double-check the spelling of the course name or try searching by the provider name instead. Some courses are listed under slightly different titles than those used in marketing materials.

Understanding a CRICOS Course Listing

When you open a course entry on CRICOS, you will see several pieces of information. Knowing how to read these details helps you confirm that the course matches what the provider has offered you.

• Course name: The official registered title. This should match the name on your offer letter and CoE.
• CRICOS course code: A unique identifier for the course. Record this number.
• Provider name and CRICOS provider code: The registered institution delivering the course. Ensure this matches the institution you are dealing with.
• Course location: The state or territory where the course is primarily delivered. Some courses may be offered in multiple locations.
• Course duration: The expected length of the course in weeks. This is important for visa planning and work rights.
• Estimated total tuition fee: Not all listings include this, but where available, it gives an indication of the cost. Confirm the final fee with your provider directly.
• Work component: If the course includes a mandatory work placement, it will be noted here. This can affect your visa conditions and work rights.

If any detail on the CRICOS listing differs significantly from what the provider has told you, ask the provider for clarification before you proceed. The CRICOS entry is the authoritative record.

Common Situations Where a CRICOS Check Is Essential

There are several moments in your enrolment journey when checking CRICOS is particularly important.

Before accepting an offer letter. Even if a provider is well-known, confirm that the specific course you have been offered is currently registered. Courses can be added or removed from CRICOS, and a provider’s registration for one course does not guarantee registration for another.

When changing courses or providers. If you are already in Australia on a student visa and plan to switch to a different course or institution, you must ensure the new course is on CRICOS. Enrolling in an unregistered course could breach your visa conditions.

If a course seems unusually cheap or short. Some providers may market courses that appear to be a bargain but are not registered. A quick CRICOS search can reveal whether the course is legitimate.

When dealing with an education agent. A reputable agent will only recommend CRICOS-registered courses. However, doing your own check adds an extra layer of security. If an agent is unable or unwilling to provide a CRICOS course code, treat that as a warning sign.

What If a Course Is Not on CRICOS?

If you search for a course and cannot find it on the CRICOS register, take the following steps.

1. Confirm your search terms. Try variations of the course name, or search by the provider name and browse their listed courses. Sometimes the registered name differs slightly from the marketing name.
2. Ask the provider directly. Request the CRICOS course code. A registered provider should be able to give you this code immediately. If they cannot, or if they give you a code that does not appear on the register, be cautious.
3. Do not proceed with enrolment until you have verified the course. Paying fees or signing documents for an unregistered course puts your money and your visa at risk.
4. If you have concerns about a provider, contact the Department of Education. The ESOS framework exists to protect international students, and you have the right to report suspicious behaviour.

Remember that some courses are designed only for domestic students and are not required to be on CRICOS. A provider may legitimately offer non-CRICOS courses to local students. The key point is that as an international student on a student visa, you must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course.

How CRICOS Fits into Your Broader Planning

Checking CRICOS is one part of preparing for study in Australia. It connects directly to your student visa application, your Confirmation of Enrolment, and your ongoing compliance as a student. Once you have confirmed your course is registered, you can move forward with other practical steps.

For example, you will need a valid CoE from your provider. The CoE will include your CRICOS course code, and you must enter this code when applying for your visa. If the code is incorrect or missing, your visa application may be delayed or refused.

You will also need to arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your student visa. OSHC is mandatory and must be maintained while you are in Australia. To understand what your health cover includes and how to choose a policy, read our guide on understanding OSHC.

Additionally, arriving in Australia involves many administrative tasks beyond enrolment. Our first-week setup checklist outlines the steps to take once you land, from setting up a bank account to getting a Tax File Number.

Taking the time to verify your course on CRICOS early in the process gives you a solid foundation. It removes uncertainty and lets you focus on preparing for your studies and your new life in Australia.

FAQ

Q1: What is a CRICOS course code and where do I find it?

A CRICOS course code is a unique six-digit number assigned to every course registered for international students in Australia. You can find it by searching the official CRICOS Course Search using the course name or provider name. Your education provider should also give you the code on your offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment.

Q2: Can I study a non-CRICOS course on a student visa?

No. To meet your student visa conditions, you must be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course. Enrolling in a course that is not on CRICOS can lead to visa cancellation. Some short courses or courses designed only for domestic students are not on CRICOS and are not available to student visa holders.

Q3: How often is the CRICOS register updated?

The CRICOS register is maintained by the Australian Government Department of Education and is updated regularly. Providers must notify the department of changes to their course offerings. For the most current information, always check the official website directly rather than relying on cached or third-party versions.

Q4: What should I do if my provider’s CRICOS registration is cancelled while I am studying?

If your provider’s registration is cancelled, the Australian Government has arrangements to protect international students. You may be transferred to another provider or receive a refund of unspent tuition fees under the Tuition Protection Service (TPS). Contact the Department of Education or the TPS for guidance specific to your situation.

Q5: Is a CRICOS check enough to confirm a course is good quality?

A CRICOS check confirms that a course is registered and meets the requirements for international student enrolment. It does not assess the academic quality, teaching standards, or graduate outcomes of a course. For quality indicators, you may also want to look at other sources such as TEQSA registration for higher education providers or ASQA for vocational providers, as well as independent student reviews.

Sources

• Australian Government Department of Education, CRICOS Course Search
• Australian Government Department of Education, National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018, Standard 8
• Australian Government Department of Education, Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Framework

Checking your course on CRICOS is a small step that makes a big difference to your peace of mind. Once you have confirmed your course is registered, you can move forward with confidence. Ready to plan your next step? Speak with an Australian education counsellor → /contact/