• TEQSA published decisions report July – September 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 July 2017 until 30 September 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

    Decision Description

    Number of Conditions

    Period Length

     

    5-Jul-17

    S P Jain School of Global Management Pty Limited

     

    Accredit new course

     

    3

    2 years,

    8 months

    18-Jul-17

    Engineering Institute of Technology Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course

    1

    7 years

    18-Jul-17

    Engineering Institute of Technology Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course

    2

    7 years

     

    31-Aug-17

    Academy of Design Australia Limited (formerly Australian Academy of Design Inc)

     

    Renew registration of existing provider

     

    4

     

    4 years

    31-Aug-17

    The Australian Institute of Music Limited

    Renew registration of existing provider

    2

    4 years

     

    4-Sep-17

    Acknowledge Education Pty Ltd (formerly Stott's Colleges Pty Ltd)

     

    Accredit new course

     

    -

     

    7 years

    5-Sep-17

    Sheridan College Inc.

    Accredit new course

    1

    7 years

    6-Sep-17

    Victorian Institute of Technology Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course (x3)

    1

    4 years

     

    7-Sep-17

    Kollel Academy of Advanced Jewish Education Limited

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course

     

    -

     

    7 years

     

    7-Sep-17

    Kollel Academy of Advanced Jewish Education Limited

     

    Renew registration of existing provider

     

    -

     

    7 years

    8-Sep-17

    Macleay College Pty Limited

    Accredit new course

    -

    4 years

    8-Sep-17

    Macleay College Pty Limited

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    8-Sep-17

    Macleay College Pty Limited

    Accredit new course

    1

    4 years

     

    21-Sep-17

    The Australian Institute of Music Limited

    Renew renewal of accreditation of existing course (x3)

     

    3

     

    -

    22-Sep-17

    Top Education Group Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course (x3)

    -

    7 years

    27-Sep-17

    National Art School

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    28-Sep-17

    Bond University Limited

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    28-Sep-17

    The Institute of Internal Auditors-Australia

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    7 years

    28-Sep-17

    The Institute of Internal Auditors-Australia

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years
    Stakeholder
    Publication type

  • Welfare and wellbeing

    Providers can support the welfare and wellbeing of students and staff with clear policies and access to essential services.

    Support for vulnerable students

    Mental wellbeing for staff and students

     

    TEQSA makes the information on this webpage available to assist higher education providers, ELICOS providers and foundation program providers in building good practice. It has been obtained from a range of external sources and has not been generated by or on behalf of TEQSA unless otherwise noted. You should read, and carefully consider, the disclaimer before accessing any of the material.

    Last updated:

    Related links

  • Characteristics of Australian higher education providers and their relation to first-year student attrition

    Body

    Over the last 20 years, there has been significant interest in factors leading to student drop out (attrition) from first-year higher education studies. The factors identified include a range of personal attributes of the students themselves as well as academic and administrative aspects of higher education institutions’ operations. Concern over attrition is primarily centred on financial and reputational issues, for governments and for the institutions. But the issue is of considerable significance for the students themselves, in terms of wasted time and personal debt.

    While many new approaches to improving student attrition outcomes have been tried and there has been some improvement in retention in Australia and other countries, the improvement is not universal across the institutions, and there remains a persistent level of attrition in the sector.

    In Australia, the Commonwealth Government has been monitoring and publishing university attrition rates regularly and has a significant historical time series of data on attrition from 1992 to the present time (Department of Education, Science and Training, 2004; Department of Education, 2015; and Department of Education and Training, 2016). The published data show that overall, until 2010 average attrition rates were slowly decreasing in universities but not universally, and since then have slightly increased, but currently are at similar levels to those observed early in the decade.

    TEQSA categorises providers in Australia’s diverse higher education sector into various ‘market’ groupings. The two major groups are universities and non-university higher education providers (NUHEPS). The latter is divided into a number of subcategories (TAFE, faith-based not-for-profit, other not-for-profit, for-profit and pathway organisations) which exhibit different student profiles, institutional characteristics and attrition rates. Therefore it is important to look at student attrition across the whole-sector, and not just in the universities.

    Student attrition is identified by TEQSA as a major risk factor for higher education providers. Indeed, it is the most common indicator of high risk to students across the sector.

    A copy of the report is available above in PDF format.

    Stakeholder
    Publication type

  • TEQSA published decisions report July 2015 – June 2016

    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 its annual decisions report, a summary of regulatory decisions from 1 July 2015 until 30 June 2016.

    What are TEQSA decisions?

    Each week, TEQSA makes regulatory decisions. These may be on the registration of new providers or the re-registration 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 2015-2016, TEQSA:

    • Registered six new higher education providers
    • Renewed the registration of 27 existing higher education providers
    • Accredited 135 new courses of study
    • Renewed the accreditation of 90 existing courses of study
    • Authorised four providers to self-accredit their own courses of study

    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 on our regulatory approach page.

    How often will TEQSA publish this report?

    TEQSA expects to publish its next decisions report later in October 2016, with a list of decisions in the period from July 2016 to September 2016. From November 2016 TEQSA will publish decision reports on a monthly basis.

    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

    Decision Description

    Number of Conditions

    Period Length

    03-Jul-15

    Technical and Further Education Commission

    Renew accreditation of existing course

     

    7 years

    08-Jul-15

    Le Cordon Bleu Australia Pty. Limited

    Accredit new course ( x 1 )

    5

    3 years

     

     

    Accredit new course ( x 1 )

    5

    4 years

    10-Jul-15

    Educational Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

     

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    10-Jul-15

    Excelsia College (formerly Wesley Institute)

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    2

    7 years

    10-Jul-15

    Navitas Bundoora Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    16-Jul-15

    Australian College of Theology Limited

    Renew registration of existing provider

    3

    7 years

    17-Jul-15

    INSEARCH Limited

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    6 Months

    21-Jul-15

    Macleay College Pty Limited

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    27-Jul-15

    Alphacrucis College Limited

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

    30-Jul-15

    Australian Catholic University Limited

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    30-Jul-15

    Curtin University of Technology

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    30-Jul-15

    Southern Cross University

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    11-Aug-15

    Melbourne Polytechnic (formerly Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 3 )

    -

    2 Years

    18-Aug-15

    National Art School

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    7 years

    19-Aug-15

    National Art School

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    19-Aug-15

    The University of Adelaide

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    21-Aug-15

    National Art School

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x1 )

    -

    2 years, 5 months

     

     

    Accredit new course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    28-Aug-15

    Eastern College Australia Incorporated (formerly Tabor College (Victoria) Inc.)

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    1 Year, 4 Months

    08-Sep-15

    Christian Heritage College

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

    09-Sep-15

    Box Hill Institute (formerly Box Hill Institute of TAFE)

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

     

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    15-Sep-15

    Central Institute of Technology

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    17-Sep-15

    ACPE Limited

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    17-Sep-15

    Russo Business School Pty Ltd (formerly Russo Higher Education 2 Pty Ltd)

    Register new provider

    -

    7 years

     

     

    Accredit new course

     

     

    17-Sep-15

    University of Canberra

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    08-Oct-15

    Christian Heritage College

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

    08-Oct-15

    INSEARCH Limited

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    1 year, 8 months

    12-Oct-15

    William Angliss Institute of TAFE

    Accredit new course ( x 7 )

    -

    7 years

    13-Oct-15

    ACPE Limited

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    19-Oct-15

    Commonwealth of Australia

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    7 years

     

    20-Oct-15

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

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course

     

    -

     

    2 Years

    20-Oct-15

    Technical and Further Education Commission

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    23-Oct-15

    Christian Heritage College

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    23-Oct-15

    Top Education Group Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    27-Oct-15

    Queensland Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    7 years

    28-Oct-15

    Australian College of Natural Medicine Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course ( x 5 )

    -

    7 years

     

    29-Oct-15

    Chisholm Institute (formerly Chisholm Institute of Technical and Further Education)

     

    Renew registration of existing provider

     

    4

     

    7 years

    29-Oct-15

    International College of Management, Sydney Pty. Limited

    Renew registration of existing provider

    5

    3 years, 10 months

    29-Oct-15

    Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd

    Register new provider

    -

    7 years

     

     

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    4

    7 years

    30-Oct-15

    Eastern College Australia Incorporated (formerly Tabor College (Victoria) Inc.)

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    12-Nov-15

    S P Jain School of Global Management Pty Limited

    Accredit new course

    4

    7 years

    18-Nov-15

    Top Education Group Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    1

    7 years

    25-Nov-15

    Australian Institute of Business and Management Pty Ltd

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 4 )

    3

    5 years

     

    25-Nov-15

    Chisholm Institute (formerly Chisholm Institute of Technical and Further Education)

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course

     

    -

     

    7 years

    02-Dec-15

    Christian Heritage College

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 5 )

    -

    7 years

    04-Dec-15

    William Angliss Institute of TAFE

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

    08-Dec-15

    Sydney Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    10-Dec-15

    Morling College Ltd

    Renew registration of existing provider

    2

    5 years, 11 months

    10-Dec-15

    The College of Law Limited (formerly TCOL Limited)

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

     

     

    Authorised provider to self-accredit courses

     

     

    10-Dec-15

    Think: Colleges Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

    11-Dec-15

    Holmesglen Institute (formerly Holmesglen Institute of TAFE)

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    7 years

    15-Dec-15

    Marcus Oldham College

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

    17-Dec-15

    Australian Institute of Management Education and Training Pty Limited

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

    17-Dec-15

    Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School Pty Limited

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    17-Dec-15

    TAFE SA

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    17-Dec-15

    Top Education Group Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

    21-Dec-15

    Holmesglen Institute (formerly Holmesglen Institute of TAFE)

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    7 years

    21-Dec-15

    The Cairnmillar Institute

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

    22-Dec-15

    Melbourne Polytechnic (formerly Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)

    Accredit new course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    23-Dec-15

    Kaplan Higher Education Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 yea

    23-Dec-15

    Mayfield Education Inc.

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    7 years

    23-Dec-15

    Melbourne Polytechnic (formerly Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

     

    23-Dec-15

     

    Phoenix Institute of Australia Pty Ltd

    Reject renewal of registration of an existing provider

     

     

    25-Jan-16

    Raffles College Pty Ltd

    Renew registration of existing provider

    11

    1 year, 11 months

    28-Jan-16

    Alphacrucis College Limited

    Authorise provider to self-accredit courses

     

     

    02-Feb-16

    Melbourne Polytechnic (formerly Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    7 years

    18-Feb-16

    Melbourne Polytechnic (formerly Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)

    Accredit new course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    18-Feb-16

    The University of Notre Dame Australia

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    23-Feb-16

    Engineering Institute of Technology Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course ( x 2 )

    2

    7 years

    29-Feb-16

    Holmesglen Institute (formerly Holmesglen Institute of TAFE)

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    7 years

    01-Mar-16

    Excelsia College (formerly Wesley Institute)

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

     

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

    03-Mar-16

    Mayfield Education Inc.

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    03-Mar-16

    Melbourne Polytechnic (formerly Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE)

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 2 )

    -

    2 years

    10-Mar-16

    Raffles College Pty Ltd

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 4 )

    1

    1 year, 9 months

    11-Mar-16

    Academy of Information Technology Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course

    1

    7 years

     

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 2 )

    1

    7 years

    17-Mar-16

    Macquarie University

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    17-Mar-16

    The University of Queensland

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    17-Mar-16

    UOWC Ltd (formerly ITC Education Ltd)

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    22-Mar-16

    Adelaide College of Ministries Incorporated

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    1 year, 3 months

     

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    22-Mar-16

    Campion Institute Limited

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

     

    24-Mar-16

    Australian College of Christian Studies Ltd (formerly Tabor College (NSW) Ltd)

     

    Accredit new course

     

    -

     

    5 years, 2 months

    31-Mar-16

    ACPE Limited

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    2 years

    04-Apr-16

    Holmesglen Institute (formerly Holmesglen Institute of TAFE)

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    07-Apr-16

    Nan Tien Institute Limited

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 3 )

    -

    7 years

    14-Apr-16

    The University of Western Australia

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    21-Apr-16

    John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family, Melbourne

    Renew accreditation of existing course (x 10)

     

    1 year, 2 months

    22-Apr-16

    Box Hill Institute (formerly Box Hill Institute of TAFE)

    Renew accreditation of existing course (x 2)

    -

    7 years

    26-Apr-16

    The Australian Council for Educational Research Limited

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    27-Apr-16

    Proteus Technologies Pty Ltd

    Register new provider

    2

    7 years

     

     

    Accredit new course ( x 2 )

    1

    7 years

    27-Apr-16

    UOWC Ltd (formerly ITC Education Ltd)

    Renew registration of existing provider

    2

    7 years

     

    28-Apr-16

    Chisholm Institute (formerly Chisholm Institute of Technical and Further Education)

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course

     

    -

     

    7 years

    28-Apr-16

    Nan Tien Institute Limited

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    4 years

    28-Apr-16

    North Metropolitan TAFE

    Register new provider

    1

    1 year, 8 months

     

     

    Accredit new course ( x 4 )

    3

    1 year, 8 months

    28-Apr-16

    South Metropolitan TAFE

    Register new provider

    1

    1 year, 8 months

     

     

    Accredit new course ( x 9 )

    3

    1 year, 8 months

    28-Apr-16

    The Australasian College of Dermatologists

    Register new provider

    -

    7 years

     

     

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    29-Apr-16

    Engineering Institute of Technology Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course ( x 4 )

    -

    7 years

     

    24-May-16

    Chisholm Institute (formerly Chisholm Institute of Technical and Further Education)

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course

     

    -

     

    7 years

     

    26-May-16

    Academies Australasia Polytechnic Pty Limited (formerly AMI Education Pty Ltd)

     

    Renew registration of existing provider

     

    4

     

    2 years

     

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    1

    2 years

     

    26-May-16

    Governance Institute of Australia Ltd (formerly Chartered Secretaries Australia Ltd)

     

    Renew registration of existing provider

     

    1

     

    7 years

    30-May-16

    Alphacrucis College Limited

    Accredit new course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    30-May-16

    Perth Institute of Business and Technology Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course ( x 6 )

    -

    7 years

    1-June-16

    Engineering Institute of Technology Pty Ltd

    Accredit new course ( x 2 )

    1

    5 years

    08-Jun-16

    Newcastle International College Pty Ltd

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 4 )

    -

    7 years

    09-Jun-16

    TAFE SA

    Accredit new course ( x 4 )

    -

    6 years, 6 months

    09-Jun-16

    The Cairnmillar Institute

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    14-Jun-16

    Sheridan College Inc.

    Accredit new course ( x 3 )

    1

    3 years

    16-Jun-16

    The Cairnmillar Institute

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    17-Jun-16

    Australian Guild of Music Education Inc.

    Renew registration of existing provider

    5

    2 years

     

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 1 )

    -

    2 years

    21-Jun-16

    Holmesglen Institute (formerly Holmesglen Institute of TAFE)

    Accredit new course

    -

    7 years

    21-Jun-16

    John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family, Melbourne

    Accredit new course ( x 4 )

    -

    7 years

     

     

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    7 years

    21-Jun-16

    William Angliss Institute of TAFE

    Accredit new course ( x 9 )

    -

    7 years

    22-Jun-16

    Excelsia College (formerly Wesley Institute)

    Authorise provider to self-accredit courses

     

     

    22-Jun-16

    Newcastle International College Pty Ltd

    Renew registration of existing provider

    -

    7 years

    22-Jun-16

    Sydney College of Divinity Ltd

    Authorise provider to self-accredit courses

     

     

    27-Jun-16

    Study Group Australia Pty Limited

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    1

    7 years

    29-Jun-16

    South Metropolitan TAFE

    Accredit new course ( x 6 )

    -

    7 years

     

     

    Accredit new course ( x 2 )

    1

    7 years

    30-Jun-16

    Melbourne Institute of Technology Pty Ltd

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    30-Jun-16

    Queensland Institute of Business & Technology Pty Ltd

    Renew accreditation of existing course

    -

    7 years

    30-Jun-16

    Top Education Group Pty Ltd

    Renew accreditation of existing course ( x 2 )

    -

    7 years

    This report of TEQSA’s published decisions is intended to provide a summary of TEQSA’s decisions on applications under the TEQSA Act. The report also includes decisions made by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal following a review of a decision by TEQSA.

    It does not include:

    • Decisions made by TEQSA under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000
    • Decisions which are subject to external review, or which are the subject of a current review process
    • Decisions not made based on an application, such as:
      • decisions to impose conditions on a provider’s registration or course accreditation outside an application process
      • decisions to extend the period of registration or accreditation
      • decisions to accept the withdrawal of a provider’s registration.

    The report does not include details of the reasons for TEQSA’s decisions. For instance, in many cases decisions to renew the accreditation of a course for a shorter period than the maximum 7 years have been made on the basis that the provider itself has decided to “teach out” the course for existing students and cease the enrolment of new students. Details about the individual decisions published in this report, as well as other decisions made in relation to registered higher education providers, can be obtained from the National Register of higher education providers. Details about decisions made under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 can be obtained from the CRICOS website.

     

    Stakeholder
    Publication type

  • Integrating the Provider Information Request into the Higher Education Data Collection - consultation summary paper

    Body

    On 29 July 2019, TEQSA released the Integrating the Provider Information Request into the Higher Education Data Collection consultation paper, that sought to request feedback from the higher education sector concerning the minimising and streamlining of reporting requirements, and improving the transparency and efficiency of data collected. The consultations were in preparation for the implementation of the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (‘DESE’) data redevelopment project, Transforming the Collection of Student Information (‘TCSI’), that aims to align TEQSA and DESE data collections to create a single, unified reporting system for universities, higher education and vocational institutions.

    The sector responded enthusiastically to the paper, with six (6) submissions received and a robust presence on social media during the submission period, which concluded on 20 September 2019. TEQSA, in conjunction with our colleagues at the DESE, considered these submissions alongside additional feedback stemming from workshops in Melbourne (12 November 2019) and Sydney (15 November 2019) that were ran in conjunction with the DESE and Services Australia (previously Department of Human Services, ‘SA’). TEQSA has attempted to integrate the suggestions and concerns generated during the consultation into its final data framework.

    Stakeholder
    Publication type

    Related links

  • Surveys

    Stakeholder survey for higher education providers

    This survey is conducted annually to seek feedback from higher education providers about TEQSA’s regulatory approach.

    The survey is used to assess our performance against the key performance indicators set out in our Corporate Plan.

    The results help us assess our strategic and operational plans.

    Latest report

    TEQSA provider survey report and response 2023

    Previous reports

    TEQSA provider survey report and response 2022

    TEQSA stakeholder survey report and response 2021

    TEQSA stakeholder feedback report and response 2020* (survey was suspended due to COVID-19. TEQSA instead sought insights on stakeholder views from peak bodies representing the sector)

    TEQSA stakeholder survey 2019: Report of overall findings

    TEQSA stakeholder survey 2018: Report of overall findings

    TEQSA stakeholder survey 2017: Report of overall findings

    TEQSA stakeholder survey 2016: Report of overall findings

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  • Summary report of the consultation process – public reporting of TEQSA’s decisions

    Body

    Background

    The Agency publishes information about most of its decisions under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), consistent with the requirements of the Act and the terms of the National Register Guidelines.

    From February–November 2017 the agency consulted on changes to its policy on public reporting, including changes to the Register Guidelines.

    Key themes and responses from the consultation process have been summarised in this report.

    Consultation process

    In February 2017 TEQSA conducted a formal consultation process seeking sector views on changes to the way the Agency publishes its regulatory decisions. The paper posed five questions seeking feedback on TEQSA’s proposed approach.

    • Question 1: Do you agree with the proposed principles to guide TEQSA’s approach to publishing information about its decisions?
    • Question 2: Do you agree with the proposed approach to the timing of the publication of information about TEQSA’s decisions?
    • Question 3: Do you agree with the proposal to publish information about the rejection of applications for initial registration and course accreditation?
    • Question 4: Do you agree with the proposed amendments to the National Register Guidelines?
    • Question 5: Do you agree with the proposal to publish news announcements and media releases about significant decisions by TEQSA?

    Information about the Consultation Paper was made available on the TEQSA website and sent to the following peak bodies:

    Australian Council for Private Education and Training, Council of Private Higher Education, Universities Australia, TAFE Directors Australia, International Education Association of Australia, English Australia, Regional Universities Network, Innovative Research Universities, Group of Eight, Australian Technology Network, Council for International Education, National Union of Students, Council of International Students Australia, Australian Medical Students' Association, NSW/Territories Committee of Chairs of Academic Boards and Senates on behalf of the Chairs of Academic Boards and Senates, Chairs of Academic Boards Forum and University Chancellors Council.

    On 2 November 2017, following a further targeted consultation with peak bodies, drafts of the Register Guidelines 2017 and Policy of public reporting of TEQSA’s decisions were sent to the following groups for comment: Australian Council for Private Education and Training, Council of Private Higher Education, Group of Eight, TAFE Directors Australia, Innovative Research Universities and Universities Australia.

    Consultation responses

    While some respondents were supportive of TEQSA’s proposed changes to publishing its decisions, many had concerns relating to the timing of publishing decisions in the initial responses received.

    Some common areas of feedback provided by respondents included:

    • Concern that publishing decisions sooner would deny applicants procedural fairness.
    • Questions as to whether publishing decisions in the manner contemplated by the proposals would meet the basic principles for regulation in the TEQSA Act.
    • Questions on what the Agency means when it plans to publish “significant decisions”.

    TEQSA’s response

    As noted above, in response to the concerns raised in the initial consultation responses, the Agency conducted further targeted consultation to discuss the concerns with the relevant peak bodies.

    During the targeted consultation the Agency:

    • explained that before TEQSA makes a decision which would adversely affect an applicant, the Agency sends all the relevant facts and reasoning to the applicant for comment prior to a decision being made. Any response is then considered when making the decision. TEQSA already affords procedural fairness to an applicant before a decision has been made, well before the publication of the decision, and will continue to do so.
    • Explained in detail that the Agency complies with basic principles of regulation when making a decision and the act of publishing certain decisions earlier would not contradict the requirements in the basic principles.

    The Agency also adjusted its proposed amendments so that decisions would not be published until the end of the period within which an application may be made for the internal review of the decision, or at the end of the internal review process, whichever is the later.

    The Agency also elaborated on what it considers a ‘significant decision’ in the targeted consultation and in the Policy on public reporting of TEQSA’s decisions.

    Next steps

    The Agency appreciates the time and effort of respondents as well as the constructive feedback provided throughout the process.

    The Agency will finalise and register the National Register Guidelines 2017, and finalise the Policy on public reporting of TEQSA’s decisions.

    The proposed changes to the Agency’s approach to publishing its decisions will take effect from January 2018. 

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