Guidance notes
The Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HES Framework) has applied since 1 July 2021.
From a regulatory perspective, all applications made:
- before 1 July 2021 will be assessed against the HES Framework 2015
- on or after 1 July 2021 will be assessed against the HES Framework 2021.
Material Change Notification Policy (HES Framework 2021)
View the Material Change Notification Policy
Please direct any feedback to standards [at] teqsa.gov.au.
Guidance notes
In May 2022, TEQSA commenced a project to enhance our suite of guidance notes for registered higher education providers.
This work will reinforce the role of guidance notes to provide guidance that focuses on a specific section of the Higher Education Standards Framework (2021) while drawing attention to connections with other sections and highlighting potential compliance issues.
TEQSA will keep providers updated on our progress in updating the guidance note suite through the monthly TEQSA e-News and our social media channels (subscribe to eNews).
Please view our Consultation page to learn more about present opportunities to provide feedback.
The resources published on this page are not instructional or ‘how to’ documents for compliance with the new HES Framework.
TEQSA publishes guidance notes to provide greater clarity for providers in the interpretation and application of selected standards. Guidance notes draw on our regulatory experience and knowledge of experts in the higher education sector.
Guidance notes usually focus on a single topic (such as academic leadership, for example). The guidance note typically outlines:
- the nature of the topic
- the relevant standards in the Higher Education Standards Framework (HESF) that relate to the topic
- the underlying intent of those standards
- the risks to the quality of education if the topic is not addressed sufficiently by a provider
- the evidence that TEQSA is likely to look for to be satisfied that the requirements of the HESF are being met.
Comments and feedback on guidance notes can be emailed to standards [at] teqsa.gov.au.
Current guidance notes
Good practice notes
- Addressing contract cheating to safeguard academic integrity
- Improving retention and completion of students in Australian higher education
- Making higher education admissions transparent for prospective students
- Preventing and responding to sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Australian higher education sector
Guide to determining the fitness and propriety of a person
This guidance sets out the principles and considerations that TEQSA will have regard to when assessing fitness and propriety for the purposes of the TEQSA Act.
Independent Experts engaged by providers
This document provides guidance to providers on selecting a suitable independent expert to conduct a review or seek expert advice as part of their internal quality assurance processes.