AISV - Compliance Framework, Student exchange programs

Guidelines for registration as a provider of overseas student exchange programs.

Compliance Directory
Students
Student exchange programs

AISV Compliance Framework

Student exchange programs

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Possibly

Conditions of compliance

A school must be registered as an exchange organisation if it intends conducting its own student exchange programs.

Student exchange programs range from a minimum three to a maximum of twelve months in duration. Students enter Australia on a student visa, for which reciprocity must be maintained. The student is enrolled within the school, studying formal subjects at age appropriate levels. At the completion of the exchange a statement of achievement is provided.

In order to obtain a student visa the student must enter Australia under the auspices of an organisation, group or school approved by the State.

Note: Schools hosting students on a cultural visit do not need to register as an exchange organisation. (Students on cultural visits (maximum 3 months), enter Australia on a tourist visa. Cultural visits may involve the exchange of students on a school to school basis or may be organised by a commercial operator. Students are visitors in the school and school study is not the major focus. Students on these visas may not attend school on a regular basis and are not to be enrolled in schools.)

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

Government and non-government schools seeking registration as an exchange organisation must submit an application through the Executive Officer, Committee to Register Exchange Organisations (contact details listed at the bottom of the page).

In the application, schools must address the following issues:

Background History and Structure of the School
Purpose of Exchanges
Administrative Support
Not-for-Profit Status and Financial Viability
Privacy
Insurance
Duty of Care
Support for Students and Host Families
Selection of Students - Incoming and Outgoing
Selection of Host Families
Resolution of Problems
Orientation for Students and Host Families
School Liaison
Travel
Health Insurance
Documentation

There are also accountability and reporting requirements of registered exchange organisations/schools.

Registered exchange organisations/schools which have not been active in student exchanges for a period of three years or more will automatically lose registration and will be required to reapply for registration in order to operate student exchange programs.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

If your school is not approved by the State for inclusion in a State register of approved organisations promoting or accepting student exchanges, then students will not be able to obtain a student visa for entry to Australia as an exchange student at your school.

Organisations which do not comply with reciprocity requirements over a three year period may have their registration as approved providers suspended or terminated.

Who will help you?

AISV contact:

Peter Roberts
Assistant Director
Management Services
Ph. 03 9825 7211
peter.roberts@ais.vic.edu.au