VSL Provider Newsletter – June 2024

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Welcome to the VSL Provider Newsletter – June 2024

In this edition of the VSL Provider Newsletter we thank providers for their feedback about the VSL program. Providers were offered the opportunity to take part in a survey about annual reporting; they were also able to contribute to the consultation sessions with stakeholders on the Draft Tuition Protection Levy settings.

eCAF Multi Factor Authentication

Recently the department introduced Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) in the eCAF system to strengthen its security. MFA is a security measure to ensure only authorised users can access the system. It adds a second layer of protection to the user’s username and password.

A reminder that from 23 May 2024 all eCAF users were requested to set up and use MFA. For information on how to set up and use MFA, please refer to the video at eCAF Multifactor Authentication (viostream.com).

Annual reporting requirements – survey for providers

In the VSL Provider Newsletter – April 2024 we advised about an upcoming survey on the new annual reporting requirements. On 1 May we invited all VSL providers to take part in the survey. Of the 176 providers invited to take part, 47 completed the survey. Thank you to those providers who participated.

We are undertaking a review of the survey to better understand how and when VSL providers assess their VSL students’ satisfaction. We will advise you of the timing of the submission for this year’s annual reporting in due course.

Providers lapsing in 2024 seeking further VSL approval

We remind providers applying for a further period of VSL approval to lodge their applications by COB Friday 7 June 2024.

This will provide sufficient time for us to assess your application. Any delay with the submission of a complete and valid application may impact the expected outcome date for the application. This includes payment of the application fee.

Applications must be lodged by using the department’s HELP Information Technology System (HITS) and uploaded to the HITS Document List.

Your Key Personnel, CEO and Primary VET Contact should be up to date in HITS and reflect your current arrangements. Please ensure your key personnel are familiar with the VET Student Loans Act 2016 and the VET Student Loans Rules 2016.

Your VSL data must be accurate, current and up to date. We will assess the suitability requirements based on VSL data reported to the department. You must also provide evidence of current Workers Compensation and Public Liability insurance.

If you do not intend to apply for a further period of approval as a VSL provider, please email VSLProgramIntegrity@dewr.gov.au.

Draft 2024 VSL Tuition Protection Levy settings: Consultation

From mid-March to mid-May 2024, the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) conducted a series of consultation sessions on the draft 2024 VSL Tuition Protection Levy settings. The consultation period offered domestic VSL providers around Australia the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft levy settings before they were finalised.

The TPS would like to thank those who attended one or more of the consultation sessions and provided feedback on the draft 2024 VSL Levy settings. For further information about the sector consultation period and the VSL Tuition Protection Levy, please visit:

Any queries can be directed to the TPS via operations@tps.gov.au.

Tertiary Access Payment for regional and remote students

The Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) is a non-indexed, means-tested payment to school-leavers from regional or remote areas. Students must be studying full-time, higher-level tertiary education (Certificate IV and above) at an education provider located at least 90 minutes by public transport from their family home.

  • Successful applicants from outer regional and remote areas will be paid up to $5,000 in their first year of study in two payments.
  • Successful applicants from inner regional areas will be paid a single payment of $3,000 in the first year of study.

Students relocating to study at a tertiary education provider must apply within their first year of tertiary studies following completion of Year 12 (or equivalent).

We encourage you to share details of the TAP with all students that may be eligible for the payment. For more information, please visit Tertiary Access Payment - Services Australia.

Insights from the 2023 VSL Random Student Survey Check

As part of the VSL Compliance Strategy, we regularly conduct random student surveys. These ensure voluntary compliance is achieved with the VET Student Loans Act 2016 and the VET Student Loans Rules 2016.

Findings from the surveys provide insights in:

  • identifying potential provider or program risks and
  • indicating areas of VSL business operations that may require improvement.

Notable findings from the November 2023 survey indicated potential non-compliance with Sections 98 and 99 of the VSL Rules.

Section 98 of the VSL Rules requires you to give students certain information. The survey found that:

  • 56% of respondents indicated they were not, or could not remember being, informed about the importance of completing a progression form and student survey in February, March, and October of each year.
  • 17% of respondents indicated they were not, or could not remember being, made aware that if they withdrew before the census day they would not be charged for the unit of study.

Section 99 of the VSL Rules requires you to give a student enrolled in an approved course a notice in relation to each fee period. The survey found that:

  • 22% of respondents indicated they were not, or could not remember being, given a written fee notice for their most recent units of study.
  • 26% of respondents indicated that they were not, or could not remember being, informed on how to withdraw from their course.
  • 31% of respondents indicated they were not, or could not remember being, given a written notice of the census day for their most recent units of study.

Comparative analysis from the previous random student survey check suggests there has been an improvement in:

  • students being informed about total course tuition fees
  • students being satisfied or very satisfied with the training being provided.

In contrast, comparative analysis suggests a declining trend in:

  • students being informed about course contents and units of study
  • students being advised they are receiving a VET Student Loan from the government and
  • students who recall receiving an email asking for an online progression form to be completed.

Based on the survey results, we remind you the department has a strong commitment to ensuring you comply with your legal obligations and take compliance under the program seriously.

Adherence to VSL requirements is the responsibility of all VSL approved providers, their employees and/or contractors. The department recommends you conduct regular internal audits to determine whether your staff, systems and processes are meeting these requirements and, if required, seek independent legal advice to ensure compliance. Further information on provider obligations can found in the VET Student Loans Manual for Providers.

Subscribing to the VSL Provider Newsletter

The VSL Provider Newsletter is how we let you know about program updates and reminders about the program administrative requirements. Let your colleagues know they can subscribe to the newsletter at VET Student Loans – subscribe. You can access previous copies of the newsletter at VET Student Loans Provider Newsletter.