Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd

On 28 August 2024, TEQSA:

• renewed, under section 36 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd as an Institute of Higher Education, for a period of 7 years until 28 August 2031
• renewed, under section 56 of the TEQSA Act, the accreditation of the Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Bachelor of Business (Marketing), and Diploma of Business courses, for a period of 7 years until 28 August 2031
• renewed, under section 10E of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act), the application by Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd for renewal of registration on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), for a period of 7 years until 28 August 2031 in order to align with its TEQSA registration
• imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, the following condition on the registration of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd:

Condition 1.

1. By 31 December 2024, PIA must engage a suitably qualified independent reviewer or reviewers to undertake a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of PIA's oversight and management of risks to its higher education operations. The reviewer/s should have particular regard to the effectiveness of:
   
   1. the governing board's oversight of, and processes for monitoring performance and managing risk; and
   2. PIA's organisational management, delegated decision making and academic administrative processes.

      The reviewer/s and the scope of review must be approved by TEQSA, and the review, in addressing the above, must consider, but is not limited to, the concerns outlined in the assessment report relating to the effectiveness of PIA's: agent management; student admission processes; performance monitoring and evaluation of student outcomes and student attrition rates; student support structures; and academic governance, scholarship, and course design and review processes.

2. By 31 August 2025, PIA must provide TEQSA with:
   
   1. A copy of the completed review report.
   2. Evidence of PIA's governing body has considered the review; including any action plans to address or implement recommendations from the review.
   3. Evidence of progress towards implementing any agreed actions arising from the review.
3. By 31 August 2026, PIA must provide TEQSA with:
   
   1. Evidence that PIA's governing body has reviewed the implementation of any actions arising from the comprehensive review, and the effectiveness of these actions in addressing any identified issues.
   2. Evidence that PIA's governing body has used the review of the effectiveness of their actions to embed continuous improvements into their routine corporate and academic governance processes.

The condition will cease to be in effect upon completion of all of the above actions.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made these decisions in light of risks that Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd may not meet, or continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021:

1. Corporate monitoring and accountability (Standard 6.2.1): PIA has not demonstrated that its corporate and academic governing bodies assures themselves that PIA is identifying and managing risks to its higher education operations effectively including with regard to its risk management oversight and monitoring accountable bodies with delegated responsibilities for managing risk, student attrition rates, agent management, and student admission and support.
2. Scholarship (Standard 3.2.3 and Criterion B1.1.2): PIA has not demonstrated that it has meaningfully implemented measures that ensures its academic staff continue to engage in, or be informed by, scholarship.
3. Monitoring, review and improvement (Section 5.3): PIA has not demonstrated that reviews of its courses involve adequate oversight by the institutional academic governance processes. The lack of evidence of regular benchmarking, external referencing, and using student feedback for improvements and risk mitigation indicates deficiencies in PIA's course review processes.

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.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd

On 28 August 2024, TEQSA:

• renewed, under section 36 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd as an Institute of Higher Education, for a period of 7 years until 28 August 2031
• renewed, under section 56 of the TEQSA Act, the accreditation of the Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Bachelor of Business (Marketing), and Diploma of Business courses, for a period of 7 years until 28 August 2031
• renewed, under section 10E of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act), the application by Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd for renewal of registration on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), for a period of 7 years until 28 August 2031 in order to align with its TEQSA registration
• imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, the following condition on the registration of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd:

Condition 1.

1. By 31 December 2024, PIA must engage a suitably qualified independent reviewer or reviewers to undertake a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of PIA's oversight and management of risks to its higher education operations. The reviewer/s should have particular regard to the effectiveness of:
   
   1. the governing board's oversight of, and processes for monitoring performance and managing risk; and
   2. PIA's organisational management, delegated decision making and academic administrative processes.

      The reviewer/s and the scope of review must be approved by TEQSA, and the review, in addressing the above, must consider, but is not limited to, the concerns outlined in the assessment report relating to the effectiveness of PIA's: agent management; student admission processes; performance monitoring and evaluation of student outcomes and student attrition rates; student support structures; and academic governance, scholarship, and course design and review processes.

2. By 31 August 2025, PIA must provide TEQSA with:
   
   1. A copy of the completed review report.
   2. Evidence of PIA's governing body has considered the review; including any action plans to address or implement recommendations from the review.
   3. Evidence of progress towards implementing any agreed actions arising from the review.
3. By 31 August 2026, PIA must provide TEQSA with:
   
   1. Evidence that PIA's governing body has reviewed the implementation of any actions arising from the comprehensive review, and the effectiveness of these actions in addressing any identified issues.
   2. Evidence that PIA's governing body has used the review of the effectiveness of their actions to embed continuous improvements into their routine corporate and academic governance processes.

The condition will cease to be in effect upon completion of all of the above actions.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made these decisions in light of risks that Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd may not meet, or continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021:

1. Corporate monitoring and accountability (Standard 6.2.1): PIA has not demonstrated that its corporate and academic governing bodies assures themselves that PIA is identifying and managing risks to its higher education operations effectively including with regard to its risk management oversight and monitoring accountable bodies with delegated responsibilities for managing risk, student attrition rates, agent management, and student admission and support.
2. Scholarship (Standard 3.2.3 and Criterion B1.1.2): PIA has not demonstrated that it has meaningfully implemented measures that ensures its academic staff continue to engage in, or be informed by, scholarship.
3. Monitoring, review and improvement (Section 5.3): PIA has not demonstrated that reviews of its courses involve adequate oversight by the institutional academic governance processes. The lack of evidence of regular benchmarking, external referencing, and using student feedback for improvements and risk mitigation indicates deficiencies in PIA's course review processes.

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.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd

On 28 August 2024, TEQSA:

• renewed, under section 36 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd as an Institute of Higher Education, for a period of 7 years until 28 August 2031
• renewed, under section 56 of the TEQSA Act, the accreditation of the Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Bachelor of Business (Marketing), and Diploma of Business courses, for a period of 7 years until 28 August 2031
• renewed, under section 10E of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act), the application by Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd for renewal of registration on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), for a period of 7 years until 28 August 2031 in order to align with its TEQSA registration
• imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, the following condition on the registration of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd:

Condition 1.

1. By 31 December 2024, PIA must engage a suitably qualified independent reviewer or reviewers to undertake a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of PIA's oversight and management of risks to its higher education operations. The reviewer/s should have particular regard to the effectiveness of:
   
   1. the governing board's oversight of, and processes for monitoring performance and managing risk; and
   2. PIA's organisational management, delegated decision making and academic administrative processes.

      The reviewer/s and the scope of review must be approved by TEQSA, and the review, in addressing the above, must consider, but is not limited to, the concerns outlined in the assessment report relating to the effectiveness of PIA's: agent management; student admission processes; performance monitoring and evaluation of student outcomes and student attrition rates; student support structures; and academic governance, scholarship, and course design and review processes.

2. By 31 August 2025, PIA must provide TEQSA with:
   
   1. A copy of the completed review report.
   2. Evidence of PIA's governing body has considered the review; including any action plans to address or implement recommendations from the review.
   3. Evidence of progress towards implementing any agreed actions arising from the review.
3. By 31 August 2026, PIA must provide TEQSA with:
   
   1. Evidence that PIA's governing body has reviewed the implementation of any actions arising from the comprehensive review, and the effectiveness of these actions in addressing any identified issues.
   2. Evidence that PIA's governing body has used the review of the effectiveness of their actions to embed continuous improvements into their routine corporate and academic governance processes.

The condition will cease to be in effect upon completion of all of the above actions.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made these decisions in light of risks that Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd may not meet, or continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021:

1. Corporate monitoring and accountability (Standard 6.2.1): PIA has not demonstrated that its corporate and academic governing bodies assures themselves that PIA is identifying and managing risks to its higher education operations effectively including with regard to its risk management oversight and monitoring accountable bodies with delegated responsibilities for managing risk, student attrition rates, agent management, and student admission and support.
2. Scholarship (Standard 3.2.3 and Criterion B1.1.2): PIA has not demonstrated that it has meaningfully implemented measures that ensures its academic staff continue to engage in, or be informed by, scholarship.
3. Monitoring, review and improvement (Section 5.3): PIA has not demonstrated that reviews of its courses involve adequate oversight by the institutional academic governance processes. The lack of evidence of regular benchmarking, external referencing, and using student feedback for improvements and risk mitigation indicates deficiencies in PIA's course review processes.

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.

Renewal of registration

Report on renewal of registration of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd

On 28 August 2024, TEQSA:

• renewed, under section 36 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd as an Institute of Higher Education, for a period of 7 years until 28 August 2031
• renewed, under section 56 of the TEQSA Act, the accreditation of the Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Bachelor of Business (Marketing), and Diploma of Business courses, for a period of 7 years until 28 August 2031
• renewed, under section 10E of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act), the application by Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd for renewal of registration on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), for a period of 7 years until 28 August 2031 in order to align with its TEQSA registration
• imposed, under section 32 of the TEQSA Act, the following condition on the registration of Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd:

Condition 1.

1. By 31 December 2024, PIA must engage a suitably qualified independent reviewer or reviewers to undertake a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of PIA's oversight and management of risks to its higher education operations. The reviewer/s should have particular regard to the effectiveness of:
   
   1. the governing board's oversight of, and processes for monitoring performance and managing risk; and
   2. PIA's organisational management, delegated decision making and academic administrative processes.

      The reviewer/s and the scope of review must be approved by TEQSA, and the review, in addressing the above, must consider, but is not limited to, the concerns outlined in the assessment report relating to the effectiveness of PIA's: agent management; student admission processes; performance monitoring and evaluation of student outcomes and student attrition rates; student support structures; and academic governance, scholarship, and course design and review processes.

2. By 31 August 2025, PIA must provide TEQSA with:
   
   1. A copy of the completed review report.
   2. Evidence of PIA's governing body has considered the review; including any action plans to address or implement recommendations from the review.
   3. Evidence of progress towards implementing any agreed actions arising from the review.
3. By 31 August 2026, PIA must provide TEQSA with:
   
   1. Evidence that PIA's governing body has reviewed the implementation of any actions arising from the comprehensive review, and the effectiveness of these actions in addressing any identified issues.
   2. Evidence that PIA's governing body has used the review of the effectiveness of their actions to embed continuous improvements into their routine corporate and academic governance processes.

The condition will cease to be in effect upon completion of all of the above actions.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made these decisions in light of risks that Polytechnic Institute Australia Pty Ltd may not meet, or continue to meet, the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021:

1. Corporate monitoring and accountability (Standard 6.2.1): PIA has not demonstrated that its corporate and academic governing bodies assures themselves that PIA is identifying and managing risks to its higher education operations effectively including with regard to its risk management oversight and monitoring accountable bodies with delegated responsibilities for managing risk, student attrition rates, agent management, and student admission and support.
2. Scholarship (Standard 3.2.3 and Criterion B1.1.2): PIA has not demonstrated that it has meaningfully implemented measures that ensures its academic staff continue to engage in, or be informed by, scholarship.
3. Monitoring, review and improvement (Section 5.3): PIA has not demonstrated that reviews of its courses involve adequate oversight by the institutional academic governance processes. The lack of evidence of regular benchmarking, external referencing, and using student feedback for improvements and risk mitigation indicates deficiencies in PIA's course review processes.

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.

Extension of registration period

Report on extension of University of South Australia's registration

On 28 August 2024, a delegate of TEQSA extended, under section 37A of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), the registration of University of South Australia in the category of Australian University, from 28 September 2025 to 31 December 2026.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made this decision 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.

Renewal of CRICOS registration

Report on renewal of CRICOS registration of UOWC Ltd (formerly ITC Education Ltd)

On 5 September 2024, TEQSA renewed, under section 10E of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act), the CRICOS registration of UOWC Ltd (UOW College Australia) for a period of 7 years until 5 September 2031.

Main reasons for the decision

TEQSA made this decision on the basis that it was satisfied that UOW College Australia complies and will comply with the requirements of the ESOS Act and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training 2018 (National Code).

Course accreditation

Report on accreditation of two higher education courses of study offered by Southern Cross Institute (SCI) Pty Ltd

On 06 September 2024, 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 Southern Cross Institute (SCI) Pty Ltd, for a period of seven years until 06 September 2031:

• Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
• Graduate Diploma of Social Work

Main reasons for the decision

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

Course accreditation

Report on accreditation of two higher education courses of study offered by Southern Cross Institute (SCI) Pty Ltd

On 06 September 2024, 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 Southern Cross Institute (SCI) Pty Ltd, for a period of seven years until 06 September 2031:

• Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
• Graduate Diploma of Social Work

Main reasons for the decision

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

Course accreditation

Report on accreditation of two higher education courses of study offered by Southern Cross Institute (SCI) Pty Ltd

On 06 September 2024, 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 Southern Cross Institute (SCI) Pty Ltd, for a period of seven years until 06 September 2031:

• Master of Information and Communications Technology
• Graduate Diploma of Information and Communications Technology

Main reasons for the decision

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