• TEQSA stakeholder survey 2016

    Body

    Overview

    In July 2016 TEQSA undertook a sector wide survey for 2015-16. The primary purpose of the survey was to assess TEQSA’s performance for 2015-16 against the key indicators outlined in TEQSA’s Regulator Performance Framework (2015-16). Additionally, the survey was intended to increase TEQSA’s accountability, better understand its impact on higher education providers, and improve its performance.

    The survey consisted of:

    • Two provider specific versions (a brief survey for the operational head and a more detailed one for the principal contact) for all Higher Education providers (those registered as well as those who had submitted initial registration applications)
    • A brief survey for the operational head of selected peak/professional/student bodies.

    TEQSA engaged Australian Survey Research (ASR) to deploy and analyse a web survey of 194 principal contacts (PC), 194 VC/CEOs (VC/CEO) and 24 peak, professional and student bodies (PPSB).

    The content of the surveys focused on TEQSA’s key performance indicators from its Regulator Performance Framework (2015-16). In addition, principal contacts were asked about various recent interactions with TEQSA including applications, case managers and roundtables. All respondents in all surveys were asked to rate TEQSA’s overall performance as a regulator.

    Stakeholder
    Publication type

  • TEQSA regulator performance framework report 2015–2016

    Body

    Overview

    The Commonwealth Government released its Regulator Performance Framework (RPF or the Framework) in October 2014. The Framework was developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders, and consists of six outcomes-based key performance indicators covering:

    • reducing regulatory burden
    • communications
    • risk-based and proportionate approaches
    • efficient and coordinated monitoring
    • transparency
    • continuous improvement.

    Commonwealth regulators that administer, monitor or enforce regulation are required to implement the Framework. The Framework applies from 1 July 2015, with the first assessment period being the 2015–16 financial year.

    Under the Framework, TEQSA is required to self-assess its performance, and then obtain external validation of that self-assessment. The Higher Education Standards Panel has provided this external validation and the TEQSA accountable authority has certified the report. The report has also been provided to the Minister of Education and Training for noting.

    TEQSA’s RPF consists of the following six key performance indicators (KPIs):

    1. Regulation by TEQSA does not unnecessarily impede the efficient operation of higher education providers
    2. TEQSA’s communication with higher education providers is clear, targeted and effective
    3. Regulatory actions undertaken by TEQSA are proportionate to the risks being managed
    4. TEQSA’s compliance and monitoring approaches are streamlined and coordinated
    5. TEQSA’s dealings with higher education providers are open, transparent and consistent
    6. TEQSA’s regulatory framework continues to be improved in consultation with stakeholders.

    In December 2015, TEQSA obtained approval for the evidence metrics it proposed to use to assess its performance against these KPIs. The approval was provided by the Minister responsible for the RPF in the Education and Training Portfolio (the then Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, the Hon Luke Hartsuyker MP).

    Stakeholder
    Publication type

  • TEQSA annual report 2015–16

    Body

    TEQSA's Annual Report for 2015-16 was tabled in Parliament on 26 October 2016.

    Overview

    This report informs Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training, the Parliament of Australia, the Australian higher education community and the general public about the performance of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA or the Agency) during the financial year ending 30 June 2016.

    Prepared according to parliamentary reporting requirements, the report describes TEQSA’s achievements against the purposes and criteria set out in TEQSA’s Corporate Plan 2015–19 and the indicators in TEQSA’s 2015–16 Portfolio Budget Statements.

    It provides information on TEQSA’s performance in relation to its stated outcome:

    [To] contribute to a high quality higher education sector through streamlined and nationally consistent higher education regulatory arrangements; registration of higher education providers; accreditation of higher education courses; and investigation, quality assurance and dissemination of higher education standards and performance.

    Section 1

    Review by the Chief Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer – reflects on the past year, highlighting significant issues faced by TEQSA and initiatives undertaken, as well as current and future challenges.

    Section 2

    Agency overview – provides information about TEQSA and its governance, roles and functions and organisational structure, as well as its approach to risk and standards based regulation.

    Section 3

    Performance review – reports on how TEQSA performed during the reporting period against the purposes set out in the TEQSA Corporate Plan 2015–19 and its stated outcome and program deliverables contained in the 2015–16 Portfolio Budget Statements.

    Section 4

    Management and accountability – provides information on corporate governance, external and internal accountability, human resource management, financial management, purchasing, consultants and contract management, legal services and other activities relevant to the administration of the Agency.

    Section 5

    Financial report – presents audited financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2016.

    Section 6

    Appendices – includes information relating to TEQSA’s staffing and its performance in relation to Australian Government environmental, disability, freedom of information and financial management outcomes.

    Section 7

    Indices and references – assists readers to locate and understand information in the annual report (includes glossary of acronyms and abbreviations, glossary of terms, compliance index, and alphabetical index).

    Stakeholder
    Publication type

  • TEQSA Regulatory Operations Employment Register

    About TEQSA

    TEQSA is Australia's independent national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education. Our purpose is to safeguard student interests and the reputation of the Australian higher education sector through a proportionate, risk-reflective approach to regulation.

    With Australian's pursuing higher education in record numbers, and education now Australia's third largest export, our work is more important than ever.

    The Register

    From time-to-time we require people to fill vacancies caused as a result of staff movement or to assist with a temporary increase in workload. The Register provides you with an opportunity to let us know that you are interested in working at TEQSA, and enables us to access a pool of people for further consideration.

    This register remains active for three months and is refreshed quarterly. If you wish to remain on the Register you will need to update your details and send us through a new application.

    Employment arrangements

    TEQSA, like all Commonwealth Government Agencies, is required to stay within a staffing cap. This means there is a limit to the number of people we can employ as Australian Public Servants (APS). If our staffing cap does not allow us to employ people as APS employees, we utilise a third party labour hire company.

    Ongoing APS employees are engaged to the APS under the provisions of section 22 (a) of the Public Service Act 1999. Their employment conditions are set out in the TEQSA Enterprise Agreement.  

    Non-ongoing APS employees sign a fixed term (non-ongoing) contract and are engaged to the APS under the provisions of section 22 (b). Their employment conditions are also set out in the TEQSA Enterprise Agreement.  

    People employed through a third party labour hire company are broadly paid at the same rate as APS employees but they receive an additional 25% to compensate them for the fact that they are not entitled to the same leave and other entitlements as APS employees.

    What sort of work is available?

    Opportunities are within our Regulatory Operations division. These roles are responsible for:

    • the assessment of applications involving higher education providers, including course accreditations
    • undertaking analysis of, and making expert judgments on, evidence and material submitted to TEQSA by providers or gathered from other sources against standards and other legislative requirements
    • responding to provider requests and questions, providing advice as appropriate, and building professional relationships with providers
    • preparing advice and recommendations to decision-makers, including briefing material and analytical reports, and presenting findings to decision-makers.

    Why choose TEQSA?

    At TEQSA, we are committed to providing a workplace that recognises and values the diversity of its employees and we encourage excellence, continuous improvement, professional development, integrity, and an array of perspectives and contributions.

    What we can offer

    • a variety of employment benefits and health and wellbeing initiatives
    • flexible working arrangements focused on work-life integration
    • professional and career development including coaching / mentoring support
    • salary packaging options for eligible staff
    • comprehensive onboarding support
    • a convenient CBD location with easy access to public transport and Melbourne’s renowned retail and dining options.

    Eligibility

    TEQSA would prefer to employ people that either have a tertiary qualification and/or have experience in the Australian or international higher education sector or that have experience with a regulatory body.

    To work at TEQSA you must be an Australian citizen, satisfactorily complete a National Police Check and obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security clearance to Baseline/ Negative Vetting Level 1 status as required.

    TEQSA staff may be required to travel. 

    How to express your interest

    If you are interested in working at TEQSA, you should prepare a statement of claims that addresses the selection criteria outlined below.  

    Your responses to the selection criteria should not exceed 200 words per criterion.

    Selection criteria

    1. a knowledge, or the ability to quickly acquire the knowledge, of issues relevant to TEQSA’s assessment processes, including principles and practices for regulation in an Australian Government context
    2. demonstrated ability to work independently, make decisions and exercise judgement under limited direction and against established priorities, practices, and methodologies
    3. demonstrated ability to develop and support relationships with internal and external stakeholders
    4. well developed written and verbal communication skills.

    Desirable

    1. knowledge of the higher education sector or experience in another regulatory context
    2. a tertiary qualification.

    Please email to recruitment@teqsa.gov.au​​​​​ the following documents:

    Last updated:

  • Experts advice hub

    Introduction

    To support the sector during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, TEQSA published a suite of information sheets and webinars on issues of key pertinence to providers during the mass transition to online delivery.

    The materials were prepared by specialist experts within the sector, drawing from their experience on the topics presented. The documents were published to assist the sector on key topics of focus to providers during the shift to online learning. They were not intended as binding or prescriptive documents, nor should they be seen to directly reflect TEQSA’s regulatory approach during the pandemic. 

    The information sheets are based on the opinions of the experts relating to online learning and the content has not been prepared by TEQSA. The information sheets below should not be treated as guidance notes, advice or endorsement from TEQSA. You should read, and carefully consider, the disclaimer before accessing any of the material.

    TEQSA appreciates that providers had to act swiftly to adopt to the delivery of online learning during the pandemic, and that there are elements within the information sheets which require preparation and time to implement. Providers are best placed to determine the delivery solutions that are most appropriate to their individual context. 

    TEQSA acknowledges the contributions of all those who provided documents and other resources towards the construction of this site, and continues to welcome contributions of best practice to share on this site. 

    Suggestions in terms of topics of interest may also be sent via onlinelearning@teqsa.gov.au and we will do our best to continue to provide resources that are relevant to sector needs.

    Information sheets

    Webinars 

    TEQSA webinar series - Going online: R(e)imagining teaching and learning

    TEQSA, in collaboration with RMIT, produced a weekly webinar series discussing online learning. Video recordings of the webinars are available.

    Last updated:

    Related links

  • TEQSA annual report 2014–15

    Body

    TEQSA's Annual Report for 2014-15 was tabled in Parliament on 21 October 2015.

    Overview

    This report informs Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham, Minister for Education and Training, the Parliament of Australia, the Australian higher education community and the general public about the performance of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA or the Agency) during the financial year ending 30 June 2015.

    Prepared according to parliamentary reporting requirements, the report describes TEQSA’s achievements against the goals set out in TEQSA’s 2014–15 Portfolio Budget Statements (PBS) and Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements. It provides information on TEQSA’s performance in relation to its stated outcome:

    [To] contribute to a high-quality higher education sector through streamlined and nationally consistent higher education regulatory arrangements; registration of higher education providers; accreditation of higher education courses; and investigation, quality assurance, and dissemination of higher education standards and performance.

    Section 1

    Review by the Chief Commissioner – reflects on the past year, highlighting significant issues TEQSA has faced and initiatives it has undertaken, as well as the Chief Commissioner’s perspective on current and future challenges.

    Section 2

    Agency overview – provides information about TEQSA and its governance, its roles and functions, and organisational structure.

    Section 3

    Performance review – reports on how TEQSA performed during the reporting period against its stated outcome (above) and the program framework contained in the 2014–15 Portfolio Budget Statements.

    Section 4

    Management and accountability – provides information on corporate governance, external and internal accountability, human resource management, financial management, purchasing, consultants and contract management, legal services and other activities relevant to the administration of the Agency.

    Section 5

    Financial report – presents audited financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2015.

    Section 6

    Appendices – includes information relating to TEQSA’s staffing and its performance in relation to Australian Government environmental, disability, freedom of information and financial management outcomes.

    Section 7

    Indices and references – assists readers to locate and understand information in the annual report (includes compliance index, acronyms, glossary of terms, and alphabetical index).

    Stakeholder
    Publication type

  • TEQSA annual report 2013–14

    Body

    TEQSA's Annual Report for 2013-14 was tabled in Parliament on 23 October 2014.

    Overview

    This report informs The Hon Christopher Pyne MP, Minister for Education, the Parliament of Australia; the Australian higher education community; and the general public about the performance of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA or the Agency) during the financial year ending 30 June 2014.

    Prepared according to parliamentary reporting requirements, the report describes TEQSA’s achievements against the goals set out in TEQSA’s 2013–14 Portfolio Budget Statements and Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements. It provides information on TEQSA’s performance in relation to its stated outcome:

    [To] contribute to a high-quality higher education sector through streamlined and nationally consistent higher education regulatory arrangements; registration of higher education providers; accreditation of higher education courses; and investigation, quality assurance, and dissemination of higher education standards and performance.

    Section 1

    Review by the Acting Chief Commissioner – highlights significant issues and initiatives TEQSA has managed over the past year, as well as the Acting Chief Commissioner’s perspective on current and future challenges.

    Section 2

    Agency Overview – provides information about TEQSA and its Commissioners, its roles and functions, and organisational structure.

    Section 3

    Performance Review – reports on how TEQSA performed during the reporting period against its stated outcome (above) and the program framework contained in the 2013–14 Portfolio Budget Statements for the (then) Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education portfolio.

    Section 4

    Management and Accountability – provides information on corporate governance, external and internal accountability, human resource management, financial management, purchasing, consultants and contract management, legal services, and other activities relevant to the administration of the Agency.

    Section 5

    Financial Report – presents audited financial statements for the year ending 30 June 2014.

    Section 6

    Appendices – includes information relating to TEQSA’s quality assurance and regulatory approach and its international activities, as well as reporting on TEQSA’s staffing, and its performance in relation to Australian Government environmental, disability, freedom of information, and financial management outcomes.

    Section 7

    Indices and References – assists readers to locate and understand information in the annual report (includes compliance index, acronyms, glossary of terms, and alphabetical index).

    Stakeholder
    Publication type

  • TEQSA's regulator performance framework 2015-16

    Body

    Overview

    This document contains the activities and evidence metrics proposed to assess TEQSA’s performance as a regulator, per the Australian Government’s Regulator Performance Framework (RPF).

    The Regulator Performance Framework consists of the following six Key Performance Indicators:

    1. Regulators do not unnecessarily impede the efficient operation of regulated entities
    2. Communication with regulated entities is clear, targeted and effective
    3. Actions undertaken by regulators are proportionate to the regulatory risks being managed
    4. Compliance and monitoring approaches are streamlined and coordinated
    5. Regulators are open and transparent in their dealings with regulated entities
    6. Regulators actively contribute to the continuous improvement of regulatory frameworks

    This version of the TEQSA Regulator Performance Framework model reflects TEQSA’s work to enhance the RPF to more clearly illustrate the benefits of the multiple initiatives to enhance TEQSA’s quality assurance and regulatory performance. As part of this work, the RPF framework has been more explicitly aligned to the key strategies and metrics in the TEQSA Corporate Plan 2015-19. The Corporate Plan sets out TEQSA’s priorities, underpinning strategies and associated high-level performance indicators for the period. As described in the Corporate Plan, TEQSA strives to maintain, streamline and improve its regulatory performance and its regulatory frameworks through engagement with the providers it regulates, effective communication with the sector and, in particular, having regard to the Australian Government Regulator Performance Framework (RPF). TEQSA will continue to enhance the detail of its Regulator Performance Framework model to ensure that the agency demonstrates as clearly as possible its compliance with the RPF KPIs.

    Section 1 describes TEQSA’s proposed Regulator Performance Framework. For each Key Performance Indicator, TEQSA has identified a range of performance indicators and related possible evidence metrics that would be considered during self-assessment and external review.

    Section 2 shows how this framework aligns to the key Strategies and overall Key Performance Indicators of the TEQSA Corporate Plan 2015-19.

    To the extent that it is practicable, TEQSA proposes to streamline the measures of its performance to address reporting against both the priorities of the Corporate Plan and the KPIs of the RPF, ideally using data/metrics that have already been collected by the Agency in the course of risk analyses and regulatory activities, rather than imposing additional burdens on the sector.

    Subtitle
    Version 1.0
    Stakeholder
    Publication type

  • TEQSA published decisions report January – March 2017

    Body

    The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is responsible for regulating Australia’s higher education providers to protect and enhance Australia’s reputation for high quality higher education. TEQSA has published a summary of its regulatory decisions from 1 January 2017 until 31 March 2017. 

    What are TEQSA decisions?

    Each week, TEQSA makes regulatory decisions. These may be on the registration of new providers or the reregistration of existing providers. For the providers that do not have the power to accredit their own courses, TEQSA also makes decisions whether to accredit or re-accredit their courses. There are many legal, compliance and quality assurance measures which a higher education provider must demonstrate in order for TEQSA to allow a provider entry to Australia’s higher education sector.

    In order to make these decisions, TEQSA must be satisfied that a provider complies with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act) and the Higher Education Standards Framework, the standards framework underpinning the TEQSA Act.

    TEQSA’s regulatory approach is standards and principles-based. It is guided by three regulatory principles: regulatory necessity, reflecting risk and proportionate regulation, when exercising its powers. TEQSA’s regulatory decisions are taken by its Commission, or by senior members of TEQSA staff under delegation from the Commission.

    More information about TEQSA’s approach is available at Our regulatory approach page.

    Where do I find more information about TEQSA’s decisions?

    Detailed public reports on individual decisions are available on the National Register of higher education providers. 

    For media interviews

    Please contact comms@teqsa.gov.au

    Decision Date

    Provider

    Decisions Description

    Number of Conditions

    Period Lengths

    12-Jan-17

    Australian Academy of Music and Performing Arts (formerly International Conservatorium of Music (Aust))

    Renew accreditation of existing course (x2)

    -

    4 years

    12-Jan-17

    Australian Academy of Music and Performing Arts (formerly International Conservatorium of Music (Aust))

    Renew registration of existing provider

    6

    4 years

    19-Jan-17

    Australian College of the Arts Pty Ltd

    Renew registration of existing provider

    4

    4 years

    20-Jan-17

    Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    5 years, 6 months

    1-Feb-17

    ISN Psychology Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    1-Feb-17

    ISN Psychology Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course (x3)

    1

    7 years

    1-Feb-17

    ISN Psychology Pty Ltd

    Register new provider

    -

    7 years

    15-Feb-17

    Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd

    Renew accreditation of existing course (x5)

    -

    7 years

    17-Feb-17

    Melbourne Polytechnic (formerly Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    7 years

    22-Feb-17

    JMC Pty. Limited

    Renew accreditation of existing course (x6)

    2

    2 years, 10 months

    22-Feb-17

    SAE Institute Pty Limited

    Accredit new course (x6)

    -

    7 years

    24-Feb-17

    Engineering Institute of Technology Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course (x4)

    -

    4 years, 4 months

    6-Mar-17

    Holmes Institute Pty Ltd as Trustee for Holmes Institute Trust

    Renew accreditation of existing course (x2)

    -

    7 years

    13-Mar-17

    ACPE Limited

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    13-Mar-17

    ACPE Limited

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    2 years

    15-Mar-17

    ACPE Limited

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    15-Mar-17

    ACPE Limited

    Accredit new course

    3

    7 years

    15-Mar-17

    ACPE Limited

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    2 years

    16-Mar-17

    Macleay College Pty Limited

    Renew registration of existing provider

    2

    4 years

    20-Mar-17

    Melbourne Polytechnic (formerly Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)

    Renew accreditation of existing course (x2)

    2

    4 years

    23-Mar-17

    Technical and Further Education Commission

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    24-Mar-17

    Technical and Further Education Commission

    Accredit new course

    3

    7 years

    24-Mar-17

    Technical and Further Education Commission

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    3

    7 years

    29-Mar-17

    Technical and Further Education Commission

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    30-Mar-17

    Navitas Professional Institute Pty Ltd (formerly Australian College of Applied Psychology Pty. Limited)

    Accredit new course (x2)

    -

    7 years

    30-Mar-17

    Navitas Professional Institute Pty Ltd (formerly Australian College of Applied Psychology Pty. Limited)

    Authorised provider to self-accredit courses

    -

    7 years

    30-Mar-17

    Navitas Professional Institute Pty Ltd (formerly Australian College of Applied Psychology Pty. Limited)

    Renew accreditation of existing course (x2)

    -

    7 years

    30-Mar-17

    Navitas Professional Institute Pty Ltd (formerly Australian College of Applied Psychology Pty. Limited)

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    12-Jan-17

    Australian Academy of Music and Performing Arts (formerly International Conservatorium of Music (Aust))

    Renew accreditation of existing course (x2)

    -

    4 years
    Stakeholder
    Publication type