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 However, providers are advised that TEQSA may require incomplete and/or poor quality applications to be withdrawn and resubmitted as new applications with correct evidence, which will restart application processing timeframes.
- Important update: Applications for accreditation of Graduate and Undergraduate Certificates
- Important update: See our Coronavirus (COVID-19) – latest regulatory advice page for relevant updates
To provide a higher education course of study, providers without self-accrediting authority must have a course accredited by TEQSA under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act).
Only eligible, registered higher education providers can apply for accreditation of higher education courses. If the application for accreditation of a course is successful, we will determine the period that the course is accredited for. Under the TEQSA Act, this period cannot exceed seven years.
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.
Before submitting
It is essential that applicants read the relevant application guide before submitting an application. The application guide explains the process, and gives indicative information about the evidence that will need to be submitted with each application, which should include a report by one or more independent experts with academic expertise in the relevant field.
Application guides can be accessed at our Application guides and support page.
Application forms
Application forms are available from TEQSA’s Provider Portal. For samples of the forms found on the Provider Portal, contact enquiries@teqsa.gov.au. The application form for applying for course accreditation only applies to courses of study that lead to a qualification recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
NOTE: Application forms must be submitted in the approved format via the Provider Portal, include all information requested, and be accompanied by the required fee.
Application forms and support