Pause on new private VET and ELICOS providers and courses until May 2027: what Kuwaiti students should know

The Australian Government has introduced a 12-month suspension on the registration of new CRICOS registered private vocational education and training (VET) or English language (ELICOS) providers, and any new private VET and ELICOS courses for international students. This affects Kuwaiti students and families considering English or vocational study in Australia.

What happened

From 19 May 2026 to 19 May 2027 (inclusive), no new CRICOS registered VET or ELICOS providers can apply to be registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) [S1]. The suspension will also mean no new VET or ELICOS courses can be registered for delivery to international students, under the CRICOS system [S1]. This temporary suspension allows the regulator (ASQA) to focus on existing applications for new CRICOS providers and courses, and to continue to carry out detailed integrity checks [S1]. Applications submitted before 19 May 2026 will continue to be assessed by ASQA [S1].

What it means for Kuwaiti students and families

This suspension does not affect CRICOS registered public providers, such as government schools, TAFE institutes, and public universities [S1]. Kuwaiti students can still apply to study at these institutions. However, Kuwaiti students and families should be aware that no new private VET or ELICOS providers or courses will be registered during this period. This means that students will have fewer options for private VET and ELICOS courses during this time [S1]. It is important for students and families to be informed about these changes to avoid any confusion or disappointment when applying for courses.

What has not changed

The suspension does not affect the regulatory standards that all Australian education and training providers must meet under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (the ESOS Act) [S1]. All providers, including those already registered, must continue to meet Australia's high regulatory standards and offer high-quality programs to international students [S1]. Registered providers must meet the ESOS Act and the National Code 2018; providers delivering ELICOS or Foundation Programs must also meet the ELICOS or Foundation Program Standards [S2]. Applications submitted before 19 May 2026 will continue to be assessed by ASQA [S1]. This means that some new providers and courses may still be registered during the suspension period if their applications were submitted before the cut-off date.

What to do now

• Check the CRICOS website to see if your chosen provider and course are registered [S3].
• Consider public providers such as government schools, TAFE institutes, and public universities, which are not affected by the suspension [S1].
• Be aware that no new private VET or ELICOS providers or courses will be registered during the suspension period [S1].
• If you have applied to a private VET or ELICOS provider, check the status of your application with the provider directly.
• Ensure that any provider you are considering is registered under the ESOS Act and meets the necessary standards [S2].

The bottom line

The suspension on new private VET and ELICOS providers and courses is a temporary measure to allow the regulator to focus on existing applications and carry out detailed integrity checks [S1]. Kuwaiti students and families should be aware of the changes and consider their options carefully. As always, it is important to check the official pages before making any decisions, as rules and regulations can change [S1].