2022 ELICOS ASQA Experience – Some of the Things I Learnt This Year
Hi everyone,
Although it is still early, the ELICOS market seems to be back as I’ve been busy with ELICOS projects. This year I have completed 2 Initial Application submissions and 4 Addition to Scope projects. I must say, my experiences this year are quite different compared to previous years, so I thought I would share them with you.
Firstly, ASQA is taking significantly longer to process applications. For a CRICOS Initial Application, it used to take less than 3 months for a client to receive the audit email. It has been almost 5 months this time, but we are still waiting. Yes, the official duration for processing is 6 months, and it appears ASQA requires the full 6 months. For an Addition to Scope application, approval is usually granted in less than 2 weeks. However, it currently takes about 6 weeks. I suppose the extended service processing time is expected in the current market, and we just have to get used to it. With this in mind, I would advise you to submit your applications earlier rather than later.
Secondly, the ASQA fee payment schedule has been updated. When you submit a CRICOS Initial Application, you are immediately hit with a $500 submission fee (it will be $600 as of 1st July 2022). Previously, when all your documents were processed, and ASQA was ready to audit you, they used to send you an invoice for the $8000 application fee. However, now, after you pay your submission fee and when your application is accepted, and no further documents are required, you must immediately pay the $8000 application fee. Then when it’s time for the audit, you must pay the audit charge, which is $250 per hour per auditor. With this in mind, be ready to make payments earlier.
Thirdly, on a positive note, I feel ASQA has been more supportive than in my prior experiences with them. They have provided a friendly and helpful response to my every email or call. Also, when I did not receive a timely response to my enquiry, I received an apology when they finally replied. I feel I am dealing with ‘real’ people, whereas before, I felt like corresponding to people sending an automated email. I think it is a healthy change. So, now I feel comfortable encouraging my clients to contact ASQA directly to questions.
I hope sharing some of my ASQA experiences from this year will benefit you, especially if you are considering adding an ELICOS program to your scope or setting up an ELICOS college.
See you again in my next blog.
Michelle LEE
ELICOS Consultant.