Australia’s international education regulatory framework has been updated with the registration of the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Integrity Measures) Regulations 2025, supported by a detailed Explanatory Statement that sets out the government’s policy intent and practical implications for providers.
Together, the two documents form a coordinated package aimed at strengthening integrity, transparency and accountability within the ESOS framework. While the regulations establish the legal requirements, the explanatory materials provide guidance on why the changes have been made, how they operate in practice, and when they apply, giving providers clearer direction on their new obligations .
The explanatory guidance outlines how the amendments align with broader migration and education policy objectives, particularly in relation to student genuineness, English language proficiency and the role of education agents. It also clarifies commencement dates, transitional arrangements and record-keeping expectations, supporting consistent implementation across the sector.
Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Integrity Measures) Regulations 2025
The Amendment Regulations formally amend the Education Services for Overseas Students Regulations 2019 and introduce a number of targeted changes focused on recruitment practices and English language assessment. A key feature is the updated and consistent use of the term “education agent”, alongside the introduction of a defined concept of “recruitment activity”. This replaces earlier references to agents “facilitating enrolment” and provides greater clarity about when agent involvement must be disclosed and recorded by providers
The regulations also strengthen English language testing requirements. Where an accepted student has undertaken an English language test required for a Student (Subclass 500) visa, providers must now give additional details to government authorities, including the test identifier or unique student reference number. Providers are also required to retain this information in student records. The amendments commence in stages, with agent-related provisions linked to the commencement of the enabling Act, and English language testing changes taking effect immediately after registration.
The regulations can be downloaded here.
Explanatory Statement to the Amendment Regulations
The Explanatory Statement, issued by the Minister for Education, provides detailed context for the regulatory changes and explains their intended operation. It outlines the authority under which the regulations are made, the policy objectives behind the amendments, and how they interact with existing legislation within the ESOS framework
The document explains that enhanced English language reporting and record-keeping requirements are designed to improve provider accountability and enable verification of test results, helping to ensure students are adequately prepared for study and life in Australia. It also clarifies how the updated education agent terminology supports clearer oversight of recruitment practices. The statement includes commencement and application provisions, consultation outcomes, and a statement of compatibility with human rights, concluding that the measures support the right to education by promoting quality, integrity and student success.
The explanatory guide can be downloaded here.
Together, the regulations and explanatory guidance provide a clearer and more robust compliance framework for international education providers operating in Australia.
