Foundation programs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special notice: ASQA and approval and regulation of Foundation programs
From 1 July 2011, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) will regulate and be the designated authority under ESOS for providers of Foundation programs to international students in Victoria, except where these programs are delivered by registered schools.
CRICOS approval and the regulation of any Foundation programs delivered by a registered school continue to be the responsibility of the VRQA as the designated authority for Victoria for these providers and programs.
We are currently revising our forms and guides to reflect the VRQA’s changed regulatory functions. Thank you for your patience during this transition. We will begin uploading the revised documents as soon as possible, until then you may continue to use the current forms.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About Foundation programs
Foundation programs for international students are courses that equip students with the skills and capabilities to seek entry into Bachelor degree higher education programs in Australia. They provide an academic entry pathway to first year undergraduate study or its equivalent.
The VRQA is responsible for the approval and regulation of Foundation programs delivered by registered schools. ASQA is responsible for the approval and regulation of Foundation programs to be delivered by providers, other than registered schools, in the state of Victoria.
National Standards for Foundation programs
The National Standards for Foundation Programs provide uniform criteria to be applied by all designated authorities when approving Foundation programs to be registered on CRICOS. These standards have been approved by the Commonwealth Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills as a legislative instrument.
How to apply
Providers that may be approved by the VRQA should use the Application for approval of a Foundation program for registration on CRICOS form (PDF - 802Kb) and consult with the contact person below for information on the application process and implementation arrangements for the standards:
Ms Ellen Young
Manager, Quality Assurance Schools Unit
Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA)
GPO Box 2317
Melbourne VIC 3001
Ph: (03) 9651 3803
Email Ellen Young
How to apply
The fee for making application to the VRQA for approval of a Foundation program is equivalent to the fee for accreditation of a senior secondary qualification.
The fee for 2012 is as follows: $200 application fee plus $1,085 investigation fee (total fee $1,285).