• Re-registration and re-accreditation 30 June 2021

    Provider: Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd

    Course: Bachelor of Business

    Renewal of registration

    Report on renewal of registration of Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd and renewal of accreditation of nine courses of study

    On 30 June 2021 TEQSA:

    • renewed, under section 36 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of Group Colleges Australia in the category of Higher Education Provider, for a period of four years until 30 June 2025.
    • renewed, under section 56 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the accreditation of the following courses for a period of four years until 30 June 2025:
      • Master of Business Administration
      • Graduate Diploma of Business Administration
      • Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
      • Bachelor of Business
      • Associate Degree of Business
      • Diploma of Business
      • Bachelor of Accounting
      • Associate Degree of Accounting
      • Diploma of Accounting
    • imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, two conditions on the registration of Group Colleges Australia.

    Condition 1: Student performance monitoring

    GCA must provide to TEQSA:

    1. By 30 June 2022, a report containing a comprehensive diagnostic analysis of the probable causes for observed rates and trends for student attrition for each accredited higher education course it offers, for the period from 2016-2020 inclusive. Data on attrition rates must be calculated in accordance with the definition used in the TEQSA Risk Assessment Framework.
    2. By 30 September 2022:
      1. evidence that attrition as defined in the TEQSA Risk Assessments and adjusted attrition rates are regularly reported to the GCA Board of Directors and the Academic Senate, and
      2. evidence of the actions and mitigating strategies that have and will be implemented to address the continued high rate of unadjusted attrition.

    Condition 2: Scholarship

    1. By 31 March 2022, GCA must obtain a report from an independent expert that considers the extent to which GCA academic staff with academic oversight, and those with teaching and supervisory responsibilities, meet the requirements of the Higher Education Standards Framework to:
      1. have the appropriate qualifications and experience for their roles; and
      2. be engaged in continuing scholarship.
    2. Prior to engaging the reviewer to perform the review in paragraph 1, GCA must obtain TEQSA's approval for the identity of the reviewer and the terms of reference for the review.

    On 30 July 2021 TEQSA:

    • imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, one condition on the registration of Group Colleges Australia.

    Condition 3: Assessment moderation

    By 31 December 2021, GCA must:

    1. Engage an independent external moderation expert to prepare and sent to TEQSA a moderation assessment report of a statistically significant representative sample of randomly selected assessments from the Master of Business Administration by the external expert, for each completed subject in each study period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. The report is to contain recommendation(s), if any, on matters associated with the ability of the assessments to accurately reflect students achieving the stated learning outcomes from the assessment.
    2. Prior to engaging the expert to complete the moderation assessment report, GCA must obtain TEQSA's approval for the identity of the reviewer and the terms of reference for the report.
    3. If recommendation(s) are identified in the moderation assessment report, by 25 February 2022, GCA must provide TEQSA with evidence of the actions and mitigating strategies that have and will be implemented to address the recommendation(s).

    Main reasons for the decision

    TEQSA made these decisions in light of risks that Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd may not meet, or continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 and for Condition 3 only, the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021:

    1. Standard 6.3.2 of Part A, in relation to academic oversight of effective monitoring and initiating action to improve performance against institutional benchmarks for academic quality and outcomes, particularly focusing on the number of students who commence but do not continue their studies with Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd into their second year.
    2. Standard 3.2.3 of Part A, in relation to scholarship activities undertaken by staff, and concerns that academic staff are not engaged in adequate levels of scholarly activity.
    3. Standard 5.3.4 of Part A, in relation to monitoring, review and improvement activities, particularly in relation to the appropriate moderation of student assessment.

    Application to withdraw conditions

    In accordance with section 32 of the TEQSA Act, TEQSA may vary or revoke a condition imposed on the registration of a higher education provider, either on its own initiative, or upon application by the provider for variation or revocation.

    Decision
    Decision Type
    Re-accreditation
    Decision ID
    ID3204
  • Re-registration and re-accreditation 30 June 2021

    Provider: Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd

    Course: Graduate Diploma in Business Administration

    Renewal of registration

    Report on renewal of registration of Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd and renewal of accreditation of nine courses of study

    On 30 June 2021 TEQSA:

    • renewed, under section 36 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of Group Colleges Australia in the category of Higher Education Provider, for a period of four years until 30 June 2025.
    • renewed, under section 56 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the accreditation of the following courses for a period of four years until 30 June 2025:
      • Master of Business Administration
      • Graduate Diploma of Business Administration
      • Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
      • Bachelor of Business
      • Associate Degree of Business
      • Diploma of Business
      • Bachelor of Accounting
      • Associate Degree of Accounting
      • Diploma of Accounting
    • imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, two conditions on the registration of Group Colleges Australia.

    Condition 1: Student performance monitoring

    GCA must provide to TEQSA:

    1. By 30 June 2022, a report containing a comprehensive diagnostic analysis of the probable causes for observed rates and trends for student attrition for each accredited higher education course it offers, for the period from 2016-2020 inclusive. Data on attrition rates must be calculated in accordance with the definition used in the TEQSA Risk Assessment Framework.
    2. By 30 September 2022:
      1. evidence that attrition as defined in the TEQSA Risk Assessments and adjusted attrition rates are regularly reported to the GCA Board of Directors and the Academic Senate, and
      2. evidence of the actions and mitigating strategies that have and will be implemented to address the continued high rate of unadjusted attrition.

    Condition 2: Scholarship

    1. By 31 March 2022, GCA must obtain a report from an independent expert that considers the extent to which GCA academic staff with academic oversight, and those with teaching and supervisory responsibilities, meet the requirements of the Higher Education Standards Framework to:
      1. have the appropriate qualifications and experience for their roles; and
      2. be engaged in continuing scholarship.
    2. Prior to engaging the reviewer to perform the review in paragraph 1, GCA must obtain TEQSA's approval for the identity of the reviewer and the terms of reference for the review.

    On 30 July 2021 TEQSA:

    • imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, one condition on the registration of Group Colleges Australia.

    Condition 3: Assessment moderation

    By 31 December 2021, GCA must:

    1. Engage an independent external moderation expert to prepare and sent to TEQSA a moderation assessment report of a statistically significant representative sample of randomly selected assessments from the Master of Business Administration by the external expert, for each completed subject in each study period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. The report is to contain recommendation(s), if any, on matters associated with the ability of the assessments to accurately reflect students achieving the stated learning outcomes from the assessment.
    2. Prior to engaging the expert to complete the moderation assessment report, GCA must obtain TEQSA's approval for the identity of the reviewer and the terms of reference for the report.
    3. If recommendation(s) are identified in the moderation assessment report, by 25 February 2022, GCA must provide TEQSA with evidence of the actions and mitigating strategies that have and will be implemented to address the recommendation(s).

    Main reasons for the decision

    TEQSA made these decisions in light of risks that Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd may not meet, or continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 and for Condition 3 only, the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021:

    1. Standard 6.3.2 of Part A, in relation to academic oversight of effective monitoring and initiating action to improve performance against institutional benchmarks for academic quality and outcomes, particularly focusing on the number of students who commence but do not continue their studies with Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd into their second year.
    2. Standard 3.2.3 of Part A, in relation to scholarship activities undertaken by staff, and concerns that academic staff are not engaged in adequate levels of scholarly activity.
    3. Standard 5.3.4 of Part A, in relation to monitoring, review and improvement activities, particularly in relation to the appropriate moderation of student assessment.

    Application to withdraw conditions

    In accordance with section 32 of the TEQSA Act, TEQSA may vary or revoke a condition imposed on the registration of a higher education provider, either on its own initiative, or upon application by the provider for variation or revocation.

    Decision
    Decision Type
    Re-accreditation
    Decision ID
    ID3205
  • Re-registration and re-accreditation 30 June 2021

    Provider: Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd

    Course: Bachelor of Accounting

    Renewal of registration

    Report on renewal of registration of Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd and renewal of accreditation of nine courses of study

    On 30 June 2021 TEQSA:

    • renewed, under section 36 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of Group Colleges Australia in the category of Higher Education Provider, for a period of four years until 30 June 2025.
    • renewed, under section 56 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the accreditation of the following courses for a period of four years until 30 June 2025:
      • Master of Business Administration
      • Graduate Diploma of Business Administration
      • Graduate Certificate in Business Administration
      • Bachelor of Business
      • Associate Degree of Business
      • Diploma of Business
      • Bachelor of Accounting
      • Associate Degree of Accounting
      • Diploma of Accounting
    • imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, two conditions on the registration of Group Colleges Australia.

    Condition 1: Student performance monitoring

    GCA must provide to TEQSA:

    1. By 30 June 2022, a report containing a comprehensive diagnostic analysis of the probable causes for observed rates and trends for student attrition for each accredited higher education course it offers, for the period from 2016-2020 inclusive. Data on attrition rates must be calculated in accordance with the definition used in the TEQSA Risk Assessment Framework.
    2. By 30 September 2022:
      1. evidence that attrition as defined in the TEQSA Risk Assessments and adjusted attrition rates are regularly reported to the GCA Board of Directors and the Academic Senate, and
      2. evidence of the actions and mitigating strategies that have and will be implemented to address the continued high rate of unadjusted attrition.

    Condition 2: Scholarship

    1. By 31 March 2022, GCA must obtain a report from an independent expert that considers the extent to which GCA academic staff with academic oversight, and those with teaching and supervisory responsibilities, meet the requirements of the Higher Education Standards Framework to:
      1. have the appropriate qualifications and experience for their roles; and
      2. be engaged in continuing scholarship.
    2. Prior to engaging the reviewer to perform the review in paragraph 1, GCA must obtain TEQSA's approval for the identity of the reviewer and the terms of reference for the review.

    On 30 July 2021 TEQSA:

    • imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, one condition on the registration of Group Colleges Australia.

    Condition 3: Assessment moderation

    By 31 December 2021, GCA must:

    1. Engage an independent external moderation expert to prepare and sent to TEQSA a moderation assessment report of a statistically significant representative sample of randomly selected assessments from the Master of Business Administration by the external expert, for each completed subject in each study period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. The report is to contain recommendation(s), if any, on matters associated with the ability of the assessments to accurately reflect students achieving the stated learning outcomes from the assessment.
    2. Prior to engaging the expert to complete the moderation assessment report, GCA must obtain TEQSA's approval for the identity of the reviewer and the terms of reference for the report.
    3. If recommendation(s) are identified in the moderation assessment report, by 25 February 2022, GCA must provide TEQSA with evidence of the actions and mitigating strategies that have and will be implemented to address the recommendation(s).

    Main reasons for the decision

    TEQSA made these decisions in light of risks that Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd may not meet, or continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 and for Condition 3 only, the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021:

    1. Standard 6.3.2 of Part A, in relation to academic oversight of effective monitoring and initiating action to improve performance against institutional benchmarks for academic quality and outcomes, particularly focusing on the number of students who commence but do not continue their studies with Group Colleges Australia Pty Ltd into their second year.
    2. Standard 3.2.3 of Part A, in relation to scholarship activities undertaken by staff, and concerns that academic staff are not engaged in adequate levels of scholarly activity.
    3. Standard 5.3.4 of Part A, in relation to monitoring, review and improvement activities, particularly in relation to the appropriate moderation of student assessment.

    Application to withdraw conditions

    In accordance with section 32 of the TEQSA Act, TEQSA may vary or revoke a condition imposed on the registration of a higher education provider, either on its own initiative, or upon application by the provider for variation or revocation.

    Decision
    Decision Type
    Re-accreditation
    Decision ID
    ID3206
  • Accreditation 8 November 2021

    Provider: Technical and Further Education Commission

    Course: Diploma of Renewable Energy Engineering

    Course accreditation

    Report on accreditation of one (1) higher education course of study offered by the Technical and Further Education Commission

    On 8 November 2021, a delegate of TEQSA accredited, under section 49 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the following course offered by the Technical and Further Education Commission, for a period of seven years until 8 November 2028:

    • Diploma of Renewable Energy Engineering

    Main reasons for the decision

    TEQSA made this decision on the basis that it was satisfied that the course submitted by the Technical and Further Education Commission for accreditation meets the applicable Standards of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015.

    Decision
    Decision Type
    Accreditation
    Decision ID
    ID3319
  • Extension of Registration 10 November 2021

    Provider: The University of Queensland

    Extension of registration period

    Report on extension of registration of The University of Queensland

    On 10 November 2021, a delegate of TEQSA extended, under section 37A of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of The University of Queensland from 17 March 2023 to 17 March 2025.

    Main reasons for the decision

    TEQSA made this decision in order to reduce the administrative burden of regulation for the provider in response to COVID-19 and its impact on the higher education sector. This decision is consistent with the principles set out in TEQSA's policy on extensions to the period of provider registration or course accreditation, including an assessment of risks associated with the extension.

    Decision
    Decision Type
    Registration
    Decision ID
    ID3320
  • Accreditation 16 November 2021

    Provider: Box Hill Institute (formerly Box Hill Institute of TAFE)

    Course: Bachelor of Information Technology

    Course accreditation

    Report on accreditation of two higher education courses of study offered by Box Hill Institute

    On 16 November 2021, a delegate of TEQSA accredited, under section 49 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the following courses offered by Box Hill Institute, for a period of seven years until 16 November 2028:

    • Bachelor Information Technology
    • Associate Degree of Information Technology.

    Main reasons for the decision

    TEQSA made this decision on the basis that it was satisfied that the courses submitted by Box Hill Institute for accreditation meet the applicable Standards of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.

    Decision
    Decision Type
    Accreditation
    Decision ID
    ID3321
  • Accreditation 16 November 2021

    Provider: Box Hill Institute (formerly Box Hill Institute of TAFE)

    Course: Associate Degree of Information Technology

    Course accreditation

    Report on accreditation of two higher education courses of study offered by Box Hill Institute

    On 16 November 2021, a delegate of TEQSA accredited, under section 49 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the following courses offered by Box Hill Institute, for a period of seven years until 16 November 2028:

    • Bachelor Information Technology
    • Associate Degree of Information Technology.

    Main reasons for the decision

    TEQSA made this decision on the basis that it was satisfied that the courses submitted by Box Hill Institute for accreditation meet the applicable Standards of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.

    Decision
    Decision Type
    Accreditation
    Decision ID
    ID3322
  • Registration and Accreditation 25 October 2021

    Provider: Mpika Holdings Pty Ltd

    Registration and Accreditation 25 October 2021

    Report on registration of Mpika Holdings Pty Ltd trading as Churchill Institute of Higher Education

    TEQSA has agreed to orders made by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) under which Mpika Holdings Pty Ltd (Mpika) trading as Churchill Institute of Higher Education is registered in the provider category of Institute of Higher Education pursuant to section 21 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (the TEQSA Act) until 26 October 2026.

    The AAT orders also provide for the accreditation of the Bachelor of Business course of study to be offered by Mpika, pursuant to section 49 of the TEQSA Act, until 26 October 2026.

    Two conditions have been imposed on Mpika's registration under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, and one condition on its course accreditation under section 53 of the TEQSA Act. A copy of the conditions is available in Attachment 1.

    Background

    Mpika applied to TEQSA for registration in the category of Higher Education Provider under Part 3 of the TEQSA Act.

    An assessment team considered Mpika's application and provided a draft assessment report with details of the assessment of the application to TEQSA's Commission. TEQSA's Commission considered Mpika's response to the draft report and made a decision to reject Mpika's application for registration on 10 December 2020, on the basis that it was not satisfied that Mpika met the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015.

    Mpika applied for review of TEQSA's decision in the AAT. In the course of the proceedings, Mpika made submissions and provided further information and evidence about the matters raised in TEQSA's decisions.

    It is well established that absent a specific legislative provision to the contrary, the AAT is generally required to make a decision on review based on the evidence available at the time of the AAT's decision on review, and that the AAT is not confined to the evidence available at the time of the primary decision. Accordingly, TEQSA accepted that the AAT was required to take account of the further material submitted to TEQSA after TEQSA had rejected Mpika's applications.

    Main reasons for the decision

    After reviewing the further material submitted by Mpika, TEQSA was satisfied that Mpika meets the Threshold Standards. However, TEQSA considered that there remained a number of risks related to Mpika's capacity to meet the Threshold Standards in the future.

    On this basis, TEQSA agreed that it was appropriate to substitute TEQSA's initial rejection of the applications with decisions to register Mpika until 26 October 2026, and to accredit Mpika's Bachelor of Business course for the same period. TEQSA also agreed it was appropriate to impose two conditions on Mpika's registration, and one condition on its course accreditation.

    The conditions are designed to address the following requirements of the Higher Education Standards Framework:

    1. Risks to higher education operations have been identified and material risks are being managed and mitigated effectively (Standard 6.2.1)
    2. The provider is financially viable and applies, and has the capacity to continue to apply, sufficient financial and other resources to maintain the viability of the entity and its business model, to meet and continue to meet the requirements of the Threshold Standards to achieve the provider's higher education objectives and performance targets and to sustain the quality of higher education that is offered (Standard 6.2.1)
    3. Methods of assessment are consistent with the learning outcomes being assessed, are capable of confirming that all specified learning outcomes are achieved and that grades awarded reflect the level of student attainment (Standard 1.4.3)
    4. On completion of a course of study, students have demonstrated the learning outcomes specified for the course of study, whether assessed at unit level, course level, or in combination (Standard 1.4.4).

    TEQSA is satisfied that the conditions will provide an appropriate framework for TEQSA to oversee Mpika's approach to dealing with these issues.

    Application to withdraw conditions

    In accordance with sections 32 and 53 of the TEQSA Act, TEQSA may vary or revoke a condition imposed on the registration and accreditation of a course of study of a higher education provider, either on its own initiative, or upon application by the provider for variation or revocation.

    ATTACHMENT 1

    Pursuant to subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, the following conditions are imposed on the registration of Mpika as a higher education provider under the TEQSA Act:

    Condition 1: Risk identification and mitigation

    1. Mpika must not enter into an articulation arrangement, or an arrangement to provide block credit, for a course offered by an entity related to Mpika, without TEQSA's prior consent. In seeking consent pursuant to this condition, Mpika must provide minutes and relevant papers of its Governing Council and Academic Board meetings which consider the proposed arrangement. For the purposes of this condition the term "related" has the same meaning as in subsection 15(2) of the TEQSA Act.
    2. No later than 26 October 2022, Mpika must provide to TEQSA a report drafted by a suitably qualified, independent expert to review its arrangements for identifying and mitigating material risks for compliance with, but not limited to, standard 6.2.1(e) of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021. The report must assess the content of the risks and mitigation arrangements in its risk register. Prior to engaging the expert, Mpika must obtain TEQSA's approval of the expert and their terms of reference.

    Condition 2: Financials

    1. Mpika must seek TEQSA's approval of the identity of the auditor it engages in order to provide TEQSA with its financial statements.
    2. Mpika must at all times, throughout the period of its registration, maintain within Mpika controlled bank accounts minimum cash reserves of $250,000.
    3. If the minimum cash reserves in (ii) are not maintained, Mpika must:
      1. Notify TEQSA in writing within 2 business days, together with its proposed action to bring the cash reserves back into compliance with (ii); and
      2. Provide TEQSA with a revised financial forecast (including financial projections in the form of income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement and student projection) within 1 month.

    Pursuant to section 53 of the TEQSA Act, the following conditions are imposed on the accreditation of Mpika's Bachelor of Business course under the TEQSA Act:

    Condition 1: Assessment

    1. Prior to the delivery of the Bachelor Business course, Mpika must provide to TEQSA:
      1. A report drafted by a suitably qualified, independent expert to review all of its first-year assessment rubrics for the Bachelor of Business course for compliance with, but not limited to, standards 1.4.3 and 1.4.4 of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021. Mpika must obtain TEQSA's approval for the identity and terms of reference of the expert before engaging the expert.
      2. Copies of any revised rubrics which address the expert's review, accompanied by minutes and relevant papers from its Academic Board which demonstrate consideration of the report, the revised rubrics and the steps taken to implement the recommendations contained therein.
    Condition
    Decision Type
    Registration
    Decision ID
    ID3323
  • Registration and accreditation 25 October 2021

    Provider: Mpika Holdings Pty Ltd

    Course: Bachelor of Business

    Registration and Accreditation 25 October 2021

    Report on registration of Mpika Holdings Pty Ltd trading as Churchill Institute of Higher Education

    TEQSA has agreed to orders made by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) under which Mpika Holdings Pty Ltd (Mpika) trading as Churchill Institute of Higher Education is registered in the provider category of Institute of Higher Education pursuant to section 21 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (the TEQSA Act) until 26 October 2026.

    The AAT orders also provide for the accreditation of the Bachelor of Business course of study to be offered by Mpika, pursuant to section 49 of the TEQSA Act, until 26 October 2026.

    Two conditions have been imposed on Mpika's registration under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, and one condition on its course accreditation under section 53 of the TEQSA Act. A copy of the conditions is available in Attachment 1.

    Background

    Mpika applied to TEQSA for registration in the category of Higher Education Provider under Part 3 of the TEQSA Act.

    An assessment team considered Mpika's application and provided a draft assessment report with details of the assessment of the application to TEQSA's Commission. TEQSA's Commission considered Mpika's response to the draft report and made a decision to reject Mpika's application for registration on 10 December 2020, on the basis that it was not satisfied that Mpika met the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015.

    Mpika applied for review of TEQSA's decision in the AAT. In the course of the proceedings, Mpika made submissions and provided further information and evidence about the matters raised in TEQSA's decisions.

    It is well established that absent a specific legislative provision to the contrary, the AAT is generally required to make a decision on review based on the evidence available at the time of the AAT's decision on review, and that the AAT is not confined to the evidence available at the time of the primary decision. Accordingly, TEQSA accepted that the AAT was required to take account of the further material submitted to TEQSA after TEQSA had rejected Mpika's applications.

    Main reasons for the decision

    After reviewing the further material submitted by Mpika, TEQSA was satisfied that Mpika meets the Threshold Standards. However, TEQSA considered that there remained a number of risks related to Mpika's capacity to meet the Threshold Standards in the future.

    On this basis, TEQSA agreed that it was appropriate to substitute TEQSA's initial rejection of the applications with decisions to register Mpika until 26 October 2026, and to accredit Mpika's Bachelor of Business course for the same period. TEQSA also agreed it was appropriate to impose two conditions on Mpika's registration, and one condition on its course accreditation.

    The conditions are designed to address the following requirements of the Higher Education Standards Framework:

    1. Risks to higher education operations have been identified and material risks are being managed and mitigated effectively (Standard 6.2.1)
    2. The provider is financially viable and applies, and has the capacity to continue to apply, sufficient financial and other resources to maintain the viability of the entity and its business model, to meet and continue to meet the requirements of the Threshold Standards to achieve the provider's higher education objectives and performance targets and to sustain the quality of higher education that is offered (Standard 6.2.1)
    3. Methods of assessment are consistent with the learning outcomes being assessed, are capable of confirming that all specified learning outcomes are achieved and that grades awarded reflect the level of student attainment (Standard 1.4.3)
    4. On completion of a course of study, students have demonstrated the learning outcomes specified for the course of study, whether assessed at unit level, course level, or in combination (Standard 1.4.4).

    TEQSA is satisfied that the conditions will provide an appropriate framework for TEQSA to oversee Mpika's approach to dealing with these issues.

    Application to withdraw conditions

    In accordance with sections 32 and 53 of the TEQSA Act, TEQSA may vary or revoke a condition imposed on the registration and accreditation of a course of study of a higher education provider, either on its own initiative, or upon application by the provider for variation or revocation.

    ATTACHMENT 1

    Pursuant to subsection 32(1) of the TEQSA Act, the following conditions are imposed on the registration of Mpika as a higher education provider under the TEQSA Act:

    Condition 1: Risk identification and mitigation

    1. Mpika must not enter into an articulation arrangement, or an arrangement to provide block credit, for a course offered by an entity related to Mpika, without TEQSA's prior consent. In seeking consent pursuant to this condition, Mpika must provide minutes and relevant papers of its Governing Council and Academic Board meetings which consider the proposed arrangement. For the purposes of this condition the term "related" has the same meaning as in subsection 15(2) of the TEQSA Act.
    2. No later than 26 October 2022, Mpika must provide to TEQSA a report drafted by a suitably qualified, independent expert to review its arrangements for identifying and mitigating material risks for compliance with, but not limited to, standard 6.2.1(e) of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021. The report must assess the content of the risks and mitigation arrangements in its risk register. Prior to engaging the expert, Mpika must obtain TEQSA's approval of the expert and their terms of reference.

    Condition 2: Financials

    1. Mpika must seek TEQSA's approval of the identity of the auditor it engages in order to provide TEQSA with its financial statements.
    2. Mpika must at all times, throughout the period of its registration, maintain within Mpika controlled bank accounts minimum cash reserves of $250,000.
    3. If the minimum cash reserves in (ii) are not maintained, Mpika must:
      1. Notify TEQSA in writing within 2 business days, together with its proposed action to bring the cash reserves back into compliance with (ii); and
      2. Provide TEQSA with a revised financial forecast (including financial projections in the form of income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement and student projection) within 1 month.

    Pursuant to section 53 of the TEQSA Act, the following conditions are imposed on the accreditation of Mpika's Bachelor of Business course under the TEQSA Act:

    Condition 1: Assessment

    1. Prior to the delivery of the Bachelor Business course, Mpika must provide to TEQSA:
      1. A report drafted by a suitably qualified, independent expert to review all of its first-year assessment rubrics for the Bachelor of Business course for compliance with, but not limited to, standards 1.4.3 and 1.4.4 of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021. Mpika must obtain TEQSA's approval for the identity and terms of reference of the expert before engaging the expert.
      2. Copies of any revised rubrics which address the expert's review, accompanied by minutes and relevant papers from its Academic Board which demonstrate consideration of the report, the revised rubrics and the steps taken to implement the recommendations contained therein.
    Decision
    Decision Type
    Accreditation
    Decision ID
    ID3324