Registered providers can apply for self-accrediting authority (SAA) or to vary existing scope of SAA at any time. The authority to self-accredit courses can be granted for all fields of education and/or AQF levels, or for specific courses.
Applications must be on the approved online application form (available from the Provider Portal), include all information requested, and be accompanied by the applicable fee and payment/invoice form. See more information on our fees page.
Once an application has been submitted, the scope of SAA applied for is what TEQSA will assess. If you wish to change your scope of SAA after this time, you will need to submit a separate application.
The time it takes for TEQSA to assess an application for SAA depends on the quality of the submission, any concurrent assessments being undertaken by TEQSA, and the time it takes for providers to respond to requests by TEQSA. As part of the assessment, TEQSA may request evidence to address gaps in the application, or to substantiate claims made in the submission.
Key stages
- Stage 1: Prepare your application
- Stage 2: Submit your application
- Stage 3: Application is assessed by TEQSA
- Stage 4: Findings and recommendations
- Stage 5: Application is decided by the TEQSA Commission
- Stage 6: Decision is published on the National Register
Application guide for SAA
TEQSA encourages all applicants to read the application guide for SAA before submitting an application. The application guide explains the application process, sets out the required evidence that will need to be submitted with each application, and provides guidance in preparing the application.
Key considerations for providers considering applying for SAA
TEQSA encourages all providers to closely consider their own regulatory history and track record when deciding the optimal timing to apply for SAA. This includes the extent to which a provider would be able demonstrate sufficiently mature academic governance and quality assurance processes and outcomes required in Part B2 of the Threshold Standards.
All providers considering whether to apply for SAA should read the key considerations for providers preparing to apply for SAA before submitting an application. This document is designed to assist providers in determining their readiness to apply for SAA and sets out key aspects providers should be considering prior to applying, including information on preparing a self-assurance report.
Multiple applications
Providers may wish to consider applying for SAA concurrently to their renewal of registration application. Information on concurrent evidence requirements can be found in the application guide for SAA.
TEQSA recognises that it may not always be practical for providers to lodge an application for SAA at the same time as their re-registration application. In these instances, providers may choose to lodge a standalone SAA application and, in assessing such an application, TEQSA will seek to avoid duplicate requests for evidence where we are able to rely on information already before us.
Further information
For further information when preparing your application for SAA, please contact TEQSA’s re-registration team at reregistration.enquiries@teqsa.gov.au.
Fees and charges