How to Check if a Course Is CRICOS Registered
If you plan to study in Australia as an international student, one of the most important steps is verifying that your chosen course is CRICOS registered.
Only CRICOS-approved courses allow international students to obtain an Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500). If a course is not listed in the CRICOS register, it cannot legally enroll overseas students on a student visa.
Fortunately, checking a CRICOS course is simple and takes only a few minutes. In this guide you will learn exactly how to verify a course, what information the CRICOS register provides, and what to watch for when comparing programs.
What Is the CRICOS Register
The CRICOS register is the official database of education providers and courses approved to teach international students in Australia.
CRICOS stands for:
Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
The register is maintained by the Australian Government Department of Education and includes thousands of approved courses offered by universities, colleges, and training institutions.
Every program listed in the register includes key details such as:
| Information in CRICOS | What it means |
| Institution name | Education provider offering the course |
| Course name | Official program title |
| CRICOS course code | Unique identifier used for visas |
| Course duration | Length of study in weeks |
| Study location | City or campus where the course is delivered |
This information helps international students confirm that their chosen program meets Australian immigration requirements.
Why Checking CRICOS Registration Is Important
Verifying CRICOS registration is essential before enrolling in any course.
Student visa eligibility
International students must enroll in a CRICOS-approved program to apply for an Australian student visa. If the course is not registered, a visa application cannot proceed.
Protection from fraudulent providers
Checking the CRICOS register helps students avoid unapproved or misleading programs that claim to accept international students.
Accurate course information
The register provides official details about course duration, location, and provider. This allows students to compare programs more reliably.
Step-by-Step: How to Check if a Course Is CRICOS Registered
Verifying a course in the CRICOS register usually takes only a few minutes.
Step 1 — Identify the course name
Start by confirming the exact course title provided by the education institution.
Examples of CRICOS course titles include:
- Diploma of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Business
- Certificate IV in Hospitality
The course name must match the official title listed in the CRICOS register.
Step 2 — Find the education provider
Next, identify the institution offering the program.
Examples of CRICOS-registered providers include:
- Australian universities
- vocational education institutions (VET providers)
- English language schools
Knowing the provider helps narrow down search results in the register.
Step 3 — Search the CRICOS register
Use the official CRICOS search tool and enter one of the following:
- course name
- institution name
- CRICOS course code
The search results will display approved courses matching the criteria.
Step 4 — Confirm the CRICOS course code
Each registered course includes a CRICOS code, which is a unique identifier.
For example:
| Course | Example CRICOS Code |
| Diploma of Information Technology | 098273F |
| Bachelor of Business | 083741M |
| Certificate IV in Hospitality | 104512K |
The CRICOS code confirms that the course is officially registered.
Step 5 — Check course details
When reviewing a course listing, verify the following information:
| Course detail | What to verify |
| Course duration | Number of weeks |
| Study location | Campus or city |
| Institution name | Official provider |
| Delivery type | On-campus or blended |
These details help ensure that the course matches what the institution advertised.
What Information the CRICOS Register Shows
Each course listing in the register includes several important fields.
| Field | Description |
| CRICOS Code | Unique identifier used for visa documentation |
| Course Name | Official program title |
| Provider | Institution offering the course |
| Course Level | VET, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, etc. |
| Duration | Length of study in weeks |
| Location | Campus where the course is delivered |
International students should always verify these details before accepting an offer.
Common Mistakes When Checking CRICOS Courses
Many students make simple mistakes when verifying courses.
Avoid these common issues.
Assuming all courses at a university are CRICOS registered
Even if an institution accepts international students, not every course may be registered. Always check the specific program.
Using outdated information
Course details and registrations can change. Always verify information directly in the official register.
Ignoring the CRICOS code
The CRICOS code is the most reliable confirmation that a course is officially approved.
CRICOS Registration and the Student Visa
CRICOS registration is directly linked to the Student Visa (Subclass 500).
After enrolling in a registered course, students receive a document called the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
This document includes:
- the CRICOS course code
- course duration
- institution details
The CoE is required when submitting a student visa application.
Without it, the visa cannot be granted.
How to Verify Education Providers
In addition to checking courses, students should verify the education provider.
The CRICOS register lists approved institutions including:
| Provider type | Examples |
| Universities | Public and private universities |
| Vocational colleges | VET providers and training institutes |
| English language schools | ELICOS providers |
Only providers listed in CRICOS can legally teach international students.
Final Thoughts
Checking whether a course is CRICOS registered is one of the most important steps when planning to study in Australia.
The CRICOS register ensures that education providers meet government standards and that international students enroll in approved programs.
Before applying for a student visa or paying tuition fees, students should always verify their course in the CRICOS database. Doing so helps avoid mistakes and ensures that the chosen program meets Australian immigration requirements.
Taking a few minutes to check the register can prevent serious problems later in the application process.
FAQ
How do I know if a course is CRICOS registered?
Search the official CRICOS register using the course name, education provider, or CRICOS code.
Can international students study a course that is not CRICOS registered?
No. International students must enroll in CRICOS-approved courses to obtain an Australian student visa.
What is a CRICOS course code?
A CRICOS course code is a unique identifier assigned to each approved program in the CRICOS register.
Do all Australian universities offer CRICOS courses?
Most universities offer many CRICOS-registered programs, but not every course may be approved for international students.
Is the CRICOS register free to use?
Yes. The CRICOS database is publicly accessible and can be used by anyone researching courses in Australia.