Private Providers in Australia

A popular way of studying in Australia is by enrolling in one of the many private providers of english study, vocational education and training and higher education. Thousands of students from many overseas countries are currently enrolled in Australian private providers of education and training.

Most colleges have arrangements with government universities for students to undertake further study once they complete their private college study programs. These are called articulation pathway programs. Course levels include Certificate levels, Diploma and Advanced Diploma levels, as well as Higher Education courses. It may surprise many students to learn that while there are 38 public universities in Australia, there are 104 private providers in the country accredited to offer programs in the higher education sector. These programs offered by private higher providers are specialist niche courses of the highest quality.

While many of the private providers have particular specialisations such as English language intensive courses for overseas students (ELICOS) or information technology programs, there are plenty of courses at both vocational education and higher education levels as well. The most popular courses are in business, education, hospitality and tourism and the technologies, including information technology and usually provide pathways for entry to university degree programs.

All courses offered by private providers to overseas students are fully accredited by government authorities, their colleges are registered education and training organisations and they participate in the national framework of vocational education and training designed to ensure courses are vocationally relevant and quality assured.

The majority of private providers are members of the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET). ACPET represents its members in discussions with government education and immigration authorities and has a code of ethics to which all members subscribe. The purpose of the code of ethics is to ensure high professional standards in college management and in the marketing and delivery of education and training services to students. All ACPET members who enroll international students are members of the ACPET Overseas Students Tuition Assurance Scheme (OSTAS). The OSTAS provides students who pay tuition fees in advance with a tuition guarantee.

The Australian Council for Private Education and Training is the major industry association for private providers. It has nearly 700 members covering all states and territories and represents its members in dealings with Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments.

Further information on ACPET and its services for students may be found on our website at: www.acpet.edu.au