All universities, colleges, or training institutions that accept overseas students are required to be registered on CRICOS, and all programs should be assigned an active CRICOS code. These codes ensure that the courses you are selecting are real CRICOS-registered courses provided by licensed CRICOS-registered institutions, and you cannot fall victim to illegal or substandard institutions.
CRICOS Australia isn’t just a directory. It is a quality filter of the Australian Government whereby all international students receive genuine and compliant education supported by appropriate infrastructure, student services, and transparency of the course. When selecting a course, a look at the CRICOS listing helps you to avoid committing to a course that may not assist you in obtaining a student visa, in the 485 visa eligibility, or post-study plans.
This guide does not leave anything ambiguous.
CRICOS Australia Explained – Meaning, Purpose and Why It Matters
CRICOS stands for the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses of Overseas Students. This is the official full version of CRICOS that people are searching for when they ask the meaning of this term. Fundamentally, CRICOS Australia is a Government-regulated framework that records all approved CRICOS registered providers and courses that international students are legally permitted to study.
The aim is easy: safeguard international students against unchecked institutions. CRICOS registered Providers are not listed unless they are of high standards in terms of teaching, infrastructure, and student support. That is why CRICOS eligibility makes a significant part of the process of the student visa, unless your course and institution appear in the register, you will not have a valid visa.
This is not a trivial issue for the majority of students.
CRICOS eliminates confusion about whether the course is authentic, the duration of the course, and the authorisation of the provider to teach international students. Unless it is listed on CRICOS, it is neither recognised nor visa-safe, and nothing to risk with your future.
What Is a CRICOS Code? Full Breakdown for International Students
CRICOS code is the identifier attributed to each course and provider willing to teach international students in Australia. Imagine it as the validation stamp that establishes the authenticity of a program as Government-approved and can be used to apply for a student visa. When you enrol as a student, the CRICOS code is included as your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is used in the immigration examinations in the visa process.
CRICOS Code Structure Explained:
| Component | What It Represents | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Provider Code (e.g., 00123A) | A unique ID given to universities, colleges, or training organisations | Confirms the institution is approved to teach international students |
| Course Code (e.g., 076543G) | A government-assigned number for each individual program | Verifies the course is recognised and valid for a student visa |
| Delivery Location | Specific campus where the course is taught | Ensures the exact study location is authorised under CRICOS |
| Course Duration | Total length approved for overseas students | Used to calculate visa length and attendance requirements |
Every code holds significant information: the person offering the course, the place where the course is provided, the duration of the course, and the availability of the course to international students. A course that lacks CRICOS can not be used to apply for a visa, as there are no exceptions.
CRICOS Requirements Before Studying in Australia
Before you apply to get a student visa, you should be aware of the CRICOS requirements that determine whether or not your course and provider is even eligibility. Most students disregard this pre-enrolment checkpoint- and that is where visa refusals begin. The following are the necessities, which are distinctly divided:
- Your course should be a CRICOS-registered course: In the event that the course is not registered under CRICOS, the course is automatically invalid for a student visa.
- Your education provider should be a CRICOS-registered: Although the course may appear authentic, the institution should also be CRICOS-approved. The absence of any of the two implies the invalidity of the CoE.
- CRICOS checks are checked immediately based on immigration: They will check the institution, code, duration, and level of the course when determining your CoE directly on CRICOS.
- You must fulfill Genuine Student Requirements (GSR): Immigration checks whether your course of study is worthwhile, the program is recognised, and your course is listed in CRICOS, and whether it matches your career intention.
- Any deviation is a red flag: Incorrect CRICOS code, wrong time of year, non-CRICOS course, or ambiguous reasons of study may cause a visa refusal.
- Check the duration of the course on CRICOS: Visa length is not based on brochures, agent claims, or college marketing but on CRICOS duration.
Unless these requirements are verified by the time of application, your prospects of getting a visa are killed on the spot. This is a step not to be compromised.
Why You Must Choose a CRICOS-Registered Provider in Australia
The selection of a CRICOS-registered provider is not a choice, but a necessity that will help keep your plans of study and visa, as well as your stay in Australia, acceptable. These schools are listed in the official CRICOS provider list of the Australian Government Education Department, which implies that they have successfully gone through intense scrutiny and are legally permitted to teach international students. Anything that is not on the list is a direct jeopardy to your course validity in obtaining a student visa.
Here is why CRICOS-Approved Providers Are Not Negotiable:
- Legal qualification of international students: It is only the CRICOS-registered universities, colleges, and Registered Training Organisations in Australia (RTOs) that are allowed to enrol international students.
- Compliance by the Government is ensured: Providers are required to comply with stringent provider registration and compliance requirements involving the quality of teaching, student welfare, facilities, and support services. They are periodically audited in order to uphold course accreditation in Australia.
- Visa safety: The future of your student visa is being put on the shoulders of your provider being registered on CRICOS. Without the institution, your CoE will not count, and your visa application will go down at once.
- Clear course instruction: CRICOS listings indicate approved campus locations, study load, contact hours, course duration (CRICOS), and other critical information–preventing misinformation and ensuring the course approval of international students is correct.
- Better security for students: Students who CRICOS supports have access to official dispute resolution systems, refund policies, and safety protection, which non-CRICOS organizations do not necessarily provide. A CRICOS number lookup can also be done at any moment to confirm legitimacy.
Bottom Line: Should there be no CRICOS-registered provider, avoid it. The risk is never worth it.
CRICOS Registration in Australia – How Providers Are Approved
A provider should clear a rigorous government assessment process in order to appear on CRICOS. It begins with the recognition by the Australian education frameworks (e.g., ASQA, TEQSA, or state regulators) and then demonstrating that they have qualified personnel, appropriate facilities, and the ability to handle international students.
They then need to provide course information in order to have courses accredited, such as time, method of delivery, system of assessment, and plans for supporting students. The Australian Government reviews this to register and ensure compliance by providers. A provider is officially registered on the CRICOS register only once the audits and all the requirements are satisfied.
CRICOS-Registered Courses in Australia – Types, Duration & Eligibility
CRICOS-registered courses include English courses, vocational courses, diplomas, pathway courses, and full degrees. The CRICOS course list gives each course a duration, mode of delivery, and entry criteria approved by the Government. CRICOS relies on the course duration to calculate your visa period, and therefore, the information must align with your CoE.
CRICOS identifies all the courses mentioned above, such as diplomas and pathway programs, ensuring their legitimacy, structure, and safety to international students.
CRICOS Course Overview:
| Category | What It Includes | Typical CRICOS Duration | Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELICOS (English Courses) | General English, Academic English, Test Prep | 4–52 weeks | Basic English requirements + genuine study purpose |
| VET Certificates & Diplomas | Cert III, Cert IV, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas | 6–24 months | Academic readiness + English skills + provider entry rules |
| Higher Education Diplomas | Diploma programs leading to Year 2 of uni | 8–12 months | Completion of Year 12 + English requirements |
| Pathway / Foundation Programs | University prep for international students | 6–12 months | Meets university pathway entry criteria |
| Bachelor’s Degrees | Undergraduate programs across disciplines | 3–4 years | Year 12 completion + academic prerequisites |
| Master’s & Research Degrees | Coursework, thesis, research programs | 1–3 years | Bachelor’s degree + academic/research prerequisites |
How to Check CRICOS Code Online – Step-by-Step Guide
You have to ensure your university or course is formally recognized before joining. A CRICOS number lookup is fast to determine whether the provider is legitimate and the program is valid for a student visa. It is the quickest method by asking questions such as “Is my university CRICOS registered? “Is this a CRICOS-approved course?
Here is the Process:
Step-by-Step CRICOS Check
- Use the official CRICOS search Site.
- It is the sole official Site as endorsed by the government; disregard third-party sites.
- Select what you would like to check.
- Institution Search: To determine whether a university/college is registered.
- Course Search: search to determine whether a particular program is CRICOS-listed or not.
- Add the name of the provider, course name, or CRICOS code.
- Enter relevant keywords: The name of a university, such as Monash University, or Master of IT.
Review the official listing
You’ll see:
- The CRICOS code
- Delivery locations
- Course duration
- Provider approval status
- Make sure that your course and campus are listed.
- Unless the campus or program is listed, it is not CRICOS approved.
- Check the safety of your visa with it.
All students are required to verify CRICOS course information before application – none of the CRICOS listing leads to visa issuance. This test takes less than one minute and does not allow mistakes, which may be expensive.
CRICOS for Student Visa and 485 Visa – Everything You Must Know
The appearance of your course on CRICOS determines the whole process of your visa. Immigration does not take into account brochures or other agents’ claims- only official CRICOS data is taken into account. When your course or provider is not listed, your visa is not going to be processed.
Some of the effects on your Subclass 500 visa include:
- Your CoE has to be provided by a CRICOS-registered provider: None of the CRICOS listings = none of the valid CoE = immediate rejection.
- The course duration should be the same as CRICOS: CRICOS duration is used to determine the length of your visa for immigration.
- The status of a course is verified on CRICOS: Inactive or irrelevant courses jeopardize your visa.
- CRICOS is in favor of Genuine Student Requirements (GSR): An acceptable CRICOS course makes your study intention stronger.
- CRICOS and Your 485 Visa (Post-Study Work Rights): To be eligible to receive a 485 visa, your program must:
- Be a CRICOS-registered course: Additional Minimum of two years of study in Australia, CRICOS-listed.
- Be done with a CRICOS-approved provider: Be full-time and satisfy attendance regulations. Unless these are met, you will not qualify to work in Australia after your studies.
Bottom Line: Should you have a future in Australia, CRICOS is a must. It keeps your 485 visa and student visa safe.
CRICOS-Approved Universities in Australia – Full Provider List Overview
All universities where international students study should be listed on the CRICOS provider list. This list authenticates that they comply with the governmental quality criteria and may legally accept international students. When you need to check whether a university is CRICOS registered, you can use the CRICOS search tool and check the provider code, campus, and approved courses.
Here is a list of some of the larger CRICOS-approved Australian universities with their provider number (publicly known information), providing you with a reference list before you apply:
| University Name | CRICOS Provider Code | Why This Matters |
|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | 00116K | Confirms eligibility for international students and visa-linked courses |
| Monash University | 00008C | Validates all Monash campuses teaching overseas students |
| Australian National University (ANU) | 00120C | Guarantees course recognition for student visa pathways |
| University of Sydney | 00026A | Ensures programs meet Australian Government standards |
| University of Queensland (UQ) | 00025B | Shows the university is fully approved for CRICOS-delivered programs |
| University of New South Wales (UNSW) | 00098G | Confirms its courses are internationally recognised and visa-safe |
| RMIT University | 00122A | Covers higher education + vocational training under CRICOS |
| Deakin University | 00113B | Ensures compliance with international student teaching requirements |
| University of Adelaide | 00123M | Validated for all CRICOS-registered courses offered |
| Curtin University | 00301J | Confirms eligibility across multiple campuses and study areas |
CRICOS Course Code List – Popular Courses & Their Codes
All the programs that are accepted by international students are listed on the official CRICOS courses list, and each one has an identifier. These codes are evidence that the course is authentic, recognised as on a student visa, and meets government standards.
A brief example of the common, popular, and high-demand courses and their CRICOS codes (publicly accessible samples) will be provided to help you get an idea of how the listing should appear.
H3: List of Popular CRICOS Courses
| Course Name | CRICOS Course Code | Why Students Choose It |
| Master of Information Technology | 077562A | High job demand + strong 485 visa pathways |
| Bachelor of Business | 001055D | Broad career options across industries |
| Master of Engineering (Various Streams) | 079123M | Engineering roles remain in skilled occupation lists |
| Bachelor of Nursing | 016012F | Direct route into Australia’s critical workforce needs |
| Master of Data Science | 093589F | Huge demand in tech, analytics & AI fields |
| Diploma of Leadership and Management | 087943M | Popular VET pathway leading to business degrees |
| Foundation / Pathway Program (General) | 086129G | Entry route into top universities for international students |
| ELICOS – Academic English | 0101987 | Prepares students for university-level study |
CRICOS Contact List and Details
These are the official authorities responsible for CRICOS compliance, course approval, and provider regulation across Australia.
| Category | Organisation | Contact Details | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vocational Courses (VET Providers) | Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) | Postal: PO Box 9928, Melbourne VIC 3001 Phone: 1300 701 801 Email: enquiries@asqa.gov.au | Handles CRICOS regulation for VET certificates, diplomas, and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Ensures vocational courses meet national standards. |
| Higher Education Courses (Universities) | Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) | Postal: GPO Box 1672, Melbourne VIC 3001 Phone: 1300 739 585 Email: enquiries@teqsa.gov.au | Regulates university-level CRICOS courses including bachelor’s, master’s, and research programs. Ensures higher education providers meet quality and compliance benchmarks. |
Final Word
Studying in the country is largely supported by CRICOS Australia. It determines the validity of your course, the compliance of your provider, and even the possibility of your visa. When you think about the wrong provider, or not checking the CRICOS, you are predisposed to visa problems, losing money, and months of delays. Take the right direction and you have a straight road to graduation, employment after studies, and prospects.
WalkInternational can guide you in order to have zero guesswork in this whole process. We will not press-sell any random colleges on commission; we assist in selecting CRICOS-approved courses, ensuring eligibility, and take you through the student visa process. They are the team you want on your side, assuming you are serious about studying in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to study in Australia as an international student?
Select a course that is registered by the C COS, obtain a CoE, and apply for the Subclass 500 student visa. Pass GSR, financial, English, and academic exams, and get ready to travel and enter universities.
What is the CRICOS code in Australia?
The identifier of approved courses and providers used by the government is a CRICOS code. It proves that the program is genuine among international students and capable of receiving a student visa.
How many CRICOS providers are there in Australia?
There are more than 1000+ CRICOS-recognized providers in Australia, which may be universities, colleges, and RTOs. This figure varies with the addition or removal of new institutions from the register.
