Sarina Russo Institute

What Sarina Russo Institute does

Sarina Russo Institute (SRI) is a privately held Registered Training Organisation (RTO: 0427, CRICOS Provider Code: 00607B) operating from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and part of the Sarina Russo Group founded in 1979 by Sarina Russo AM. SRI delivers nationally accredited vocational qualifications (Certificate III, Certificate IV, and Diploma programs in business, entrepreneurship, aged care, and community services), English language programs through its SRI English sub-brand, and government-funded career transition training under Workforce Australia. Technology delivery is supported by the iLearn Portal (24/7 learning management access) and E-Campus virtual classroom for real-time online participation.

The institute serves two primary customer segments: international students (predominantly from Korea and Asia on student visas) and domestic students (career changers, school leavers, and upskillers), with secondary participation by Workforce Australia-eligible government-funded cohorts. Distribution is omnichannel, combining direct enrollment via website, phone, and email with international recruitment through Korean university partnerships (Hanyang University, Keimyung College University, Gyeongbuk College of Health), education agents, and Workforce Australia program administrators. A key ecosystem differentiator is the integration with Joblinx, the group-affiliated employment service operating since 2008 that provides free work experience and job placement support to SRI graduates.

SRI's revenue model is tuition-driven, with international students paying course fees into Tuition Protection Service-designated accounts (up to 50% upfront, full prepayment for courses under 25 weeks), domestic students paying at enrollment or via VET Student Loans/VET FEE-HELP where eligible, and ancillary fees from certificate reissues and OSHC arrangement (via Allianz Care Australia). The institute maintains a network of student accommodation partnerships (Student One, UniLodge, Urbanest, Australian Homestay Network, Genesis 1, Atira, CoVE Upper Mount Gravatt) to support the international student value chain. Operations are concentrated at a single Brisbane CBD campus, with co-location alongside James Cook University Brisbane providing higher education pathway options for graduates.

Name

Sarina Russo Institute

Legal name

Sarina Russo Institute Pty Ltd

Website

https://sri.edu.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Sarina Russo Institute is a Brisbane-based Registered Training Organisation (RTO 0427, CRICOS 00607B) delivering accredited vocational certificates, diplomas, English language programs, and government-funded career transition training to domestic and international students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education and Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Short-Term Certificate & Micro-Credential Programs (International) (EDAIAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Business & Professional Language Training Abroad (EDAIAEAC), Credentialing, Academic Credit, Assessment & Transcript Services (EDAIAFAO)

Keywords

• Vocational education training
• English language courses
• Certificate iv programs
• Career transition training
• Registered training organisation

Headquarters

HQ city

Brisbane

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees - International Students: International students pay course fees according to their program. Fees are deposited into a designated account under the Tuition Protection Service (TPS). Students pay up to 50% of total course fees before commencement, or full fees if course duration is 25 weeks or less.
2. Tuition Fees - Domestic Students: Domestic students pay course fees at enrollment or per agreed payment plan. Government-funded programs (VET Student Loans, VET FEE-HELP) may be available for eligible participants.
3. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): SRI arranges OSHC membership for international students through Allianz Care Australia, with fees withdrawn from the designated account.
4. Certificate and Document Reissue Fees: Replacement certificates: $22.00, Records of results: $22.00, State of attainment: $22.00 (discounted fee of $16.85 for government-funded programs).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Sarina Russo Institute is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 0427) and CRICOS provider that delivers nationally recognized vocational certificate and diploma qualifications (such as Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business, Diploma of Business, and Diploma of Community Services) to domestic and international students. It supplements these with English Language Courses through its SRI English brand, Joblinx internship and job placement support, and government-funded Workforce Australia Career Transition and Employability Skills Training programs.

Product overview

Sarina Russo Institute is a registered training organisation (RTO 0427) offering a portfolio of vocational education and training products. The core offerings include Certificate Programs (such as Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and Certificate III in Individual Support), Diploma Programs (including Diploma of Business and Diploma of Community Services), and English Language Courses. Supporting these are technology platforms including the E-Campus online learning system and iLearn Portal for 24/7 learning access. Additional services include Joblinx for career placement, government-funded workforce programs (Workforce Australia), and student support services. The institute primarily serves domestic and international students in Brisbane, Australia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurship qualifications and government-funded entrepreneurship programs helping individuals start their own business.
• SRI English

Products and services

• Certificate Programs Nationally recognized vocational Certificate III and IV qualifications including BSB40320 Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business and CHC33015 Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Disability), delivered to domestic and international students in Brisbane.
• Diploma Programs Advanced vocational diploma qualifications including BSB50215 Diploma of Business and CHC52015 Diploma of Community Services for career advancement.
• English Language Courses (SRI English) Flexible English programs designed for international and domestic students, including pathway courses to university and vocational study, delivered via the dedicated SRI English brand.
• Joblinx Employment and Internship Service Internship placement and career progression service providing employment assistance, work experience opportunities, and career development support to Sarina Russo Institute students.
• Workforce Australia Programs Government-funded employment programs under Workforce Australia including Career Transition Assistance for those aged 45+ and Employability Skills Training.
• VET Student Loans and VET FEE-HELP Government loan schemes helping eligible domestic students pay for vocational education and training course fees at Sarina Russo Institute.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 16,000 individuals helped to start their own business through Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• CoVE Upper Mount Gravatt (Aspen Living Cove)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 March 2025New collaboration offering SRI students premium rental accommodation at CoVE Upper Mount Gravatt. Provides furnished rooms in 4-6 bedroom apartments with flexible booking terms including short-term options for students on programs or tours.
• Gyeongbuk College of Health (Korea)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 February 2020Korean health college that sends students on 3-week English study tours to SRI. 50 students recently completed the program as part of Korea Week in Queensland.
• Hanyang University (Korea)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 30 January 2020Korean university partnership for student exchanges and study tours. SRI currently hosts 11 Hanyang students studying English and participating in industry visits. Executives from both institutions meet regularly to discuss the partnership.
• Keimyung College University (Korea)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 January 2020Korean education partner with successful Global Internship Program. University President and Professor visited Brisbane campus to discuss program success and future opportunities.
• James Cook University BrisbanecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJCU Brisbane is co-located with SRI at the Brisbane campus, sharing facilities and providing pathways for SRI graduates to continue their higher education. The institutions collaborate on international student services and share campus amenities including the Resource Centre, Student Lounge, and Computer Lab.
• JoblinxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoblinx is a Brisbane-based internship placement and career progression specialist that provides free employment support to SRI students. The service assists with work experience, part-time employment, and graduate job placement. Since 2008, Joblinx has been helping SRI clients gain employment opportunities.
• Allianz Care AustraliacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPreferred provider of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students. SRI arranges initial OSHC membership on behalf of students to meet visa requirements. Students can renew and manage their OSHC directly through Allianz.
• Student OneminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStudent accommodation provider in Brisbane CBD, recommended to SRI international students. Located within walking distance of SRI campus with fully furnished rooms, free internet, and communal facilities.
• Australian Homestay Network (AHN)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHomestay accommodation provider recommended for new international students. Includes placement with local families, cultural integration support, and assistance with Australian daily life.
• Genesis 1 Student AccommodationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStudent accommodation option recommended to international students with air-conditioned units, fully furnished kitchens, and nearby bus routes.
• Atira Australian Student AccommodationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStudent accommodation provider with properties in Brisbane inner-city suburbs, offering share houses, units, and accommodation buildings.
• UniLodge BrisbaneminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStudent accommodation provider in Brisbane CBD with furnished, self-contained apartments and panoramic city views.
• Urbanest SouthbankminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStudent accommodation near Southbank Beach with fully furnished rooms, broadband internet, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms. Rents from A$159 twin share and A$245 single room per week.
• Russo Business SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the Sarina Russo Group offering business education programs, sharing campus facilities and student services with SRI.
• Sarina Russo GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organization established in 1979, encompassing SRI, Joblinx, Russo Business School, and the Sarina Russo Foundation. Provides the integrated education and employment ecosystem.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Study Group: Global education provider specializing in international student pathway programs and English language preparation with Australian operations. Comparable in business model of channeling international students into Australian vocational and higher education.
• Kaplan Australia: Major private education provider offering English language programs, vocational pathways, and higher education across Australian campuses. Comparable in serving international students with pathway-to-degree models and CRICOS-registered delivery.
• TAFE Queensland: Largest public vocational education provider in Queensland, offering a broad portfolio of certificates, diplomas, and English language programs across multiple campuses including Brisbane. Directly comparable as a Brisbane-based VET competitor with overlapping course offerings.
• Navitas: Large publicly-listed education provider specializing in international student pathways, university pathway programs, and English language training. Comparable as a pathways-focused operator serving international students with pathway-to-degree offerings similar to SRI's JCU articulation.

Direct peers

• ILSC Education Group: Large private English language and vocational training operator with campuses in Australia (including Brisbane). Comparable in delivering SRI English-style programs and vocational certificates to international students.
• Holmesglen Institute: Major Australian RTO delivering certificates and diplomas across business, community services, and health support areas with significant international student enrollment. Comparable vocational course portfolio and international student focus.
• Imagine Education Australia: Private Brisbane-based CRICOS-registered RTO delivering English language courses, vocational certificates, and diplomas to international and domestic students. Closely comparable in scale, location, target market, and product mix to Sarina Russo Institute.
• Australian Institute of Business: Private Australian higher education and vocational provider offering business diplomas and certificates with pathways to degree programs. Comparable in targeting career-focused domestic and international students in the business/administration qualification space.
• Phoenix Academy: Perth-based CRICOS-registered English language and vocational training provider serving international students. Comparable in product mix of English programs plus vocational certificates/diplomas, though geographically separate.
• Russo Business School: Sister institution within the Sarina Russo Group delivering business-focused higher education programs from the same Brisbane campus. Comparable as an adjacent in-family provider of business qualifications sharing facilities, services, and student base with SRI.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC6ekNxXjlFfZjPQOXkghwvw
• Facebookfacebook.com/SarinaRussoInstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/2049870
• Instagraminstagram.com/sarinarussoinstitute

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sarina Russo Institute