🎓 CRICOS Register · April 2026

Your Head Start
to Studying in Australia

Australia's most complete resource for international students. Explore 26,433 courses from 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers — free, independent, and powered by official government data.

1,556 CRICOS providers
26,433 courses
All 8 states & territories
Free · No referral fees

Get Personalised Course Advice

Tell us what you're looking for — we'll email free, independent recommendations.

🔒 Free · No sign-up · No referral fees · We never share your details

1,556
CRICOS-registered providers — the only institutions authorised to enrol international students
26,433
Registered courses across all study levels, from certificates to doctoral degrees
8
States and territories covered — every part of Australia
100%
Free resource — no commission, no referral fees, no sponsored rankings
Getting started

How to Use HeadStart Academy

From choosing a course to applying for your student visa — three clear steps to start your Australian study journey.

1

Research CRICOS-registered providers

Use our database to find universities, TAFEs, and private colleges that are registered to enrol international students. All 1,556 providers are government-approved — only CRICOS-registered institutions can issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

2

Compare courses by level, field, and city

Browse 26,433 courses filtered by field of study, course level, duration, and location. Compare tuition fee ranges, delivery locations, and work component details — all sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.

3

Apply and prepare your student visa

Apply directly to your chosen institution. Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE — the document you need to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Our visa guides explain OSHC, the GTE requirement, and financial capacity requirements.

Browse by qualification

All Course Levels in Australia

From foundation studies and certificates to doctoral degrees — every level available to international students on a Student visa.

Popular searches

Start with what students are looking for

Direct links to the study destinations, course levels and visa guides international students search most often.

Study locations

Study Anywhere in Australia

Every major city has hundreds of CRICOS-registered providers. Compare providers, course availability, and living costs by location.

Browse by discipline

Fields of Education

Australia's CRICOS register covers 12 broad fields of education. Find courses in your area of study across all providers and cities.

Browse providers

CRICOS-Registered Providers by State

All institutions listed are registered on the CRICOS register and approved to enrol international students on a Student visa.

Why trust us

An Independent Resource You Can Rely On

HeadStart Academy is a free, independent information hub — not an agent, not a recruiter. Our data comes directly from the Australian government's CRICOS register.

🏛️

Official CRICOS Data

All provider and course information is sourced directly from the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) as at 1 April 2026 — the same register the Australian government uses.

💸

Truly Free — No Hidden Agenda

HeadStart Academy earns no commission, receives no referral fees, and has no paid sponsorships that influence our listings. Every provider and course appears on its own merits, ranked by genuine relevance to your search.

🛡️

ESOS Act Protections

All students enrolled at CRICOS-registered institutions are protected under the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act. We explain your rights on every provider page so you study with confidence.

🎯

Real Data, Not Estimates

Our course counts, fee ranges, and provider details come from structured CRICOS data — not scraped marketing pages. Fees are labelled as indicative because they are set by institutions and can change; we always tell you to confirm directly.

✈️

Visa Guidance Included

Every course page includes Student visa (Subclass 500) context — OSHC requirements, GTE criterion, financial capacity, and English language requirements by course level. We're not migration agents, but we give you the information you need.

🔄

Updated April 2026

Our dataset reflects the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026 — 1,556 registered providers and 26,433 courses. We refresh our data whenever a new CRICOS export is released by the Department of Education.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions international students most commonly ask before studying in Australia.

What is CRICOS and why does it matter?
CRICOS — the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students — is the Australian government's official register of education providers approved to enrol international students. If a provider is not CRICOS-registered, they cannot legally accept international students on a Student visa. Before you accept an offer from any Australian institution, always verify their CRICOS registration number.
Do I need a Student visa to study in Australia?
Yes, most international students need a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. Exceptions apply for certain short courses under 3 months, which may be covered by a Visitor visa. To obtain a Subclass 500 visa, you need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), evidence you meet the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, and proof of sufficient financial capacity. For visa applications, always consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
What is OSHC and how much does it cost?
OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) is a health insurance policy that international students on a Student visa must hold for the entire duration of their visa. It covers visits to the doctor, some hospital care, and limited pharmaceuticals. Cost varies by provider and cover level, but typically ranges from AUD $500–$700 per year for single cover. Your institution may arrange OSHC on your behalf when you accept an offer.
What is the Genuine Student (GS) requirement?
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement replaced the older Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion in 2024. It assesses whether your primary purpose is genuine study in Australia, that your course choice fits your history and plans, and that you intend to comply with visa conditions. There is no single GS form — officers assess your application holistically. A registered MARA agent can help you present your case. Always verify current rules on the Department of Home Affairs website.
How much does it cost to live in Australia as an international student?
The Department of Home Affairs currently lists a living-cost amount of AUD $29,710 per year for the primary Student visa (Subclass 500) applicant (figure published in the May 2024 update and still cited for 2026 applications — always verify the latest amount on the Home Affairs Student visa page). In practice, living costs vary significantly by city. Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive, with rent typically AUD $250–$550 per week. Adelaide, Hobart, and regional cities are considerably more affordable. All cost of living figures shown on HeadStart Academy are indicative only.
What is the difference between Government and Private CRICOS providers?
Government providers are publicly funded institutions — typically universities and TAFEs (Technical and Further Education) — that receive state or federal government funding and operate under public accountability frameworks. Private providers are independently owned institutions, ranging from large registered private colleges to small specialist schools. Both types must meet identical CRICOS registration requirements and provide ESOS Act protections to international students. Our comparison guide explores the differences in more detail.
Is HeadStart Academy a registered migration agent?
No. HeadStart Academy is an independent information resource — not a registered migration agent. We do not provide immigration advice, assess visa applications, or recommend specific agents. For visa advice, consult a registered MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) agent or visit the Department of Home Affairs website at homeaffairs.gov.au.
Important disclaimers: Course fees shown throughout HeadStart Academy are indicative only, sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by individual institutions and are subject to change — always confirm current fees directly with your chosen provider before accepting an offer. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For visa applications, consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs. All listed providers are registered on the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026 — registration status may change.