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@teqsa.gov.au.

Guidance notes

Guidance notes are concise documents designed to provide high-level, principles-based guidance on interpretation and application of specific standards of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021. They also draw attention to other interrelated standards and highlight potential risks to compliance.
 

TEQSA is working to enhance its suite of guidance notes and will keep providers updated on our progress through our monthly e-News (subscribe here) and our social media channels.
 

We recognise and value the importance of drawing on knowledge of lived experience in the higher education sector.
 

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@teqsa.gov.au.

Current guidance notes

Guidance note Last updated
Academic Governance 30 November 2023
Academic and Research Integrity  2 February 2024
Academic Leadership (beta version) 18 June 2019
Academic Monitoring, Review and Improvement 19 March 2024
Academic Quality Assurance 11 October 2017
Admissions (coursework) 4 May 2022
Changes in a Course of Study that may lead to Accreditation as a New Course 6 March 2017
Corporate Governance 26 August 2019
Course Design (including Learning Outcomes and Assessment) 11 October 2017
Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning 7 July 2023
Delivery with Other Parties 7 July 2023
Determining Professional Equivalence – [full title: Determining Equivalence of Professional Experience and Academic Qualifications] 11 October 2017
Diversity and Equity 11 October 2017
Facilities and infrastructure 30 November 2023
Financial Assessment 11 April 2019
Financial Standing  11 April 2019
Grievance and Complaint Handling 22 February 2019
Joint and Dual Awards 11 October 2017
Monitoring and Analysis of Student Performance (beta version) 6 January 2020
Nested Courses  13 August 2019
Research and Research Training 12 September 2022
Research Requirements for Australian Universities 30 April 2024
Scholarship 4 May 2022
Staffing, Learning Resources and Educational Support  22 November 2017
Technology-Enhanced Learning  11 April 2019
TEQSA and the Australian Qualifications Framework 27 August 2019
Transnational Higher Education - Inbound [full title: Transnational Higher Education into Australia (including international providers seeking to offer higher education in Australia)] 11 October 2017
Varying a Period of Registration or Accreditation 26 August 2019
Wellbeing and Safety 8 January 2018
Work-Integrated Learning 4 May 2022
Workforce Planning 3 April 2019

Good practice notes

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.

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