Application forms and support
The Australian Government’s COVID-19 pandemic higher education relief package included TEQSA application fee waivers and the introduction of short courses. As a result, TEQSA has received an unprecedented number of applications in both registration and course accreditation and renewals. TEQSA advises that this is likely to lead to extended application processing times, including well into 2022.
TEQSA has noted an increase in the number of applications that include evidence that is incomplete or contains errors. Wherever feasible, TEQSA will work with providers to address minor deficiencies during the course of an assessment. However, providers are advised that TEQSA may require incomplete and/or poor quality applications to be withdrawn and resubmitted as new applications with correct evidence, which will restart application processing timeframes.
The Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HES Framework 2021) replaced the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 (HES Framework 2015) on 1 July 2021. Information regarding the HES Framework 2021 (including a contextual overview and breakdown of each Domain) is available from our Higher Education Standards Framework 2021 section.
Supporting materials for online applications
Application guides
- Application Guide for Initial Registration as a New Higher Education Provider *updated 12 March 2020
- Application Guide for Renewal of Registration for Existing Providers *updated 29 August 2018
- Application Guide for Course Accreditation and Re-accreditation for Existing Providers *updated 6 September 2017
- Application Guide for Registration in any University Category *updated 6 December 2019
- Application Guide for Self-Accrediting Authority *This Application Guide is presently being updated and is not available at this time. We apologise for any inconvenience and ask that providers speak with their TEQSA case manager before commencing or submitting a new application.
Guidance note for application guides/templates
We appreciate the constructive feedback received to date on the revised application guides. While the beta consultation period for the application guides above has now closed, comments are still welcome.
Please direct any feedback to standards [at] teqsa.gov.au.
Good practice notes
- Addressing contract cheating to safeguard academic integrity
- Making higher education admissions transparent for prospective students
Guidance notes
View TEQSA's Guidance notes relating to the HES Framework on our Guidance notes page.
Online forms
Online application forms (for applications under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011) are available through the Provider portal.
Prospective higher education providers applying for initial registration
- Registration in HEP Category
- Initial Course Accreditation
Registered higher education providers
- Course Accreditation existing provider
- Renewal of Course Accreditation
- Renewal of Registration
- Self-Accrediting Authority
These new forms are supported by a range of application guides (see above for examples).
Other guides
Confidentiality
eLearning
ELICOS
English waivers
Risk assessment
- How TEQSA rates risk indicators
- Risk ratings: Examples of relevant context and provider controls that TEQSA considers
- TEQSA’s Approach to Risk Assessments of Stand-Alone ELICOS and Foundation Program Providers
Fit and proper person declarations
- TEQSA & ESOS fit and proper person requirements declaration form [Word 137KB] [PDF 228KB]
Please note that this fit and proper person declaration can be used for both the TEQSA and ESOS Acts.
Supporting materials for CRICOS applications
Contact your case manager for relevant application documents and access to online forms.
TEQSA's public disclosure policy
This document outlines our approach to public statements about regulatory actions and issues.