• Applications for accreditation of Undergraduate and Graduate Certificate courses (short courses)

    On 20 January 2025, the Australian Government announced that Commonwealth, State and Territory government Education and Skills Ministers have agreed to make the Undergraduate Certificate a permanent qualification in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Previously, the Undergraduate Certificate was scheduled to sunset on 30 June 2025.

    The existing Graduate Certificate continues unchanged and can be awarded for a course at the postgraduate level.

    Application for accreditation

    Providers without the relevant self-accrediting authority need to apply to TEQSA to have their new courses accredited.

    TEQSA will continue to undertake the short course assessment where:

    • a new Undergraduate Certificate is created by drawing together four units from an existing accredited undergraduate course
    • a new Graduate Certificate is created by drawing together four units from an existing accredited postgraduate course.

    Important: Where a new short course is not drawn from an existing accredited course, the standard application and assessment process and associated application fees apply.

    Under TEQSA’s short course application and assessment process, TEQSA will generally align the accreditation period of new short course Undergraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates to that of their respective source course. This is to reduce regulatory burden and facilitate a streamlined and efficient renewal of accreditation process.

    Further information

    Preparing your application

    The scope of the short course assessment will focus on a set of key elements relating to the following standards under the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021:

    • Standard 1.1.1 in relation to admission
    • Standard 3.1.1 in relation to course design and learning outcomes
    • Standard 3.2.3 in relation to staffing
    • Standards 5.1.2 and 5.1.3 in relation to course approval
    • Section 5.4 (if applicable) in relation to delivery with other parties
    • Standard 7.1.5 in relation to the representation of graduate outcomes.

    Your application must contain the information and documentary evidence set out in this evidence table.

    An optional template is available to assist with preparing the application.

    It is anticipated that most courses will be drawn from a single accredited course. If the proposed course is drawn from multiple courses or from courses at different AQF levels, this will require a more comprehensive assessment from TEQSA. In this case, there will be an enhanced onus on the provider in preparing the application to explain the learning outcomes and pathways to further learning and graduate outcomes.

    Note: Where the units for the proposed Undergraduate or Graduate Certificate are not drawn from an existing accredited course, please contact assessments@teqsa.gov.au to request evidence requirements for your accreditation application in accordance with TEQSA’s standard course accreditation process (refer to TEQSA’s course accreditation and renewal of accreditation application guide for more information). 

    Submitting your application

    You must submit an application to TEQSA via the Provider Portal using the existing form for ‘Course Accreditation (HESF 2021) existing provider’. Some fields in the existing form are not applicable.

    Follow these instructions which explain how to complete the application form specific to these short course applications.

    What happens next?

    Once we receive your application, we will review it to ensure it is complete and contains the required information. If we need further information, we will contact you. If the application is complete, we will conduct the assessment and notify you once it has been completed.

    We publish information on our decisions in accordance with TEQSA’s policy on public reporting of regulatory decisions. 

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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  • TEQSA Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates (short courses) – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Updated 21 January 2025

    Can an Undergraduate Certificate be awarded as an exit qualification?

    An exit qualification provides an early exit pathway for students who are enrolled in a course of study and have completed the requirements for a qualification nested within the course.

    There may be circumstances where an Undergraduate Certificate can be awarded as an exit qualification. In awarding an Undergraduate Certificate, providers must ensure that:

    • the Undergraduate Certificate is awarded during the Undergraduate Certificate course accreditation period
    • the conferral of the award is consistent with the provider’s current policy framework
    • the conferral of the award is consistent with the requirements of the accredited Undergraduate Certificate course, i.e. the provider must be satisfied that the student has met the course requirements and learning outcomes.

    What are the requirements for the duration and structure of the Undergraduate Certificate?

    The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) specifies that the Undergraduate Certificate:

    1. has a duration of six months. This means that the design of the course must ensure that students are capable of completing the course in six months
    2. certifies completion of 0.5 Equivalent Full Time Study Load (EFTSL) toward an existing qualification at AQF levels 5, 6 or 7.

    When does the short course assessment process apply for a new Graduate Certificate application?

    Following the success of the short course assessment process for the accreditation since 2020, TEQSA will continue to use short course assessments of applications to accredit new Graduate Certificates where the units of the course are drawn from an already-accredited source course.

    Further information is available at Applications for course accreditation for new Graduate and Undergraduate Certificates.

    Can I submit an application to TEQSA before the internal approval process for the course and qualification has been completed?

    It is a requirement under Standard 5.1 of the HES Framework that course approval is overseen by peak institutional academic governance processes and they are applied consistently to all courses of study, before the courses are first offered.

    TEQSA has implemented a streamlined approach for the assessment of these courses. The evidence required for these applications is set out in the evidence table and has been updated to include the requirement to provide evidence to TEQSA that the proposed course has been subject to institutional course approval and quality assurance processes.

    What is TEQSA considering in relation to course learning outcomes?

    Under the AQF qualification type descriptor, graduates of an Undergraduate Certificate will:

    • have foundational knowledge sufficient to undertake qualifications at the 5, 6 or 7 AQF level
    • have foundational skills sufficient to undertake qualifications at the 5, 6 or 7 AQF level
    • demonstrate a foundation of application of knowledge and skills sufficient to undertake qualifications at the 5, 6 or 7 AQF level.

    It is expected that course learning outcomes are demonstrably foundational in nature and differentiated from the course from which the units are drawn.

    Refer to the AQF qualification type descriptor for Undergraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates for the full descriptions.

    What are the requirements for the naming convention of short courses?

    The title used for Undergraduate Certificates should be ‘Undergraduate Certificate in/of [Field of study/discipline]’.

    The title used for Graduate Certificates should be ‘Graduate Certificate in/of [Field of study/discipline]’ (note: Not ‘Postgraduate Certificate’).  

    Broader nomenclature issues concerning both qualifications should be consistent with the AQF Qualifications Issuance Policy.

    Can an undergraduate certificate be a ‘nested’ course?

    As outlined in the AQF, the Undergraduate Certificate is intended to articulate with an existing qualification at AQF levels 5, 6 or 7 and qualifies individuals with knowledge and skills for further study, professional upskilling, employment and participation in lifelong learning. It is open to providers to design the course as a ‘nested’ course but this is not a requirement.

    Can an Undergraduate Certificate be awarded after 30 June 2025?

    Consistent with the updated AQF requirements following the decision to retain the Undergraduate Certificate as a permanent qualification, these courses may be accredited past 30 June 2025.

    With the Undergraduate Certificate now part of the AQF, how will TEQSA approach ‘short course’ assessments?

    TEQSA will continue offering a short course application and assessment process for new Undergraduate and Graduate Certificate applications where those courses have been drawn from an already accredited source course. Processing times will be in accordance with the legislative deadlines set out in the TEQSA Act.

    What is the cost for applications to accredit a new Undergraduate or Graduate Certificate course?

    Information on costs is available on our Fees and Charges page.

    Do I need to renew an Undergraduate Certificate at least 180 days before the accreditation expiry?

    In January 2025, the Australian Government announced that Undergraduate Certificate will be made a permanent qualification in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) (Addendum 6). With this decision, TEQSA will determine a shorter period for the submission of renewal applications, pursuant to s55(1)(b) of the TEQSA Act for Undergraduate Certificate short courses due to expire in 2025. TEQSA will be in touch with providers about the process for renewal of accreditation.

    The source course for an Undergraduate Certificate is due for renewal. Can I renew the Undergraduate Certificate at the same time?

    TEQSA will be in touch with providers about the process for renewal of accreditation of Undergraduate Certificates. A separate fee applies to renewal of Undergraduate Certificates which is less than the cost of renewing other nested qualifications. This means that providers will not be financially disadvantaged by having Undergraduate Certificates renewed separately to their source courses.

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  • Undergraduate Certificate extension

    TEQSA has been advised that Commonwealth, State and Territory government Education and Skills Ministers have agreed to make the Undergraduate Certificate a permanent qualification in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

    The Undergraduate Certificate was previously due to sunset on 30 June 2025.

    The decision means TEQSA will be able to accredit Undergraduate Certificate courses beyond 30 June 2025.

    Over the coming weeks TEQSA will contact providers who have accredited Undergraduate Certificates requiring renewal.

    Further information

    Date
    Last updated:
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  • Guidance note: Research and research training

    Body

    TEQSA’s guidance notes are concise documents designed to provide high-level, principles-based guidance on interpretation and application of specific standards of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021. They also draw attention to other interrelated standards and highlight potential risks to compliance. They do not introduce prescriptive obligations.
     

    The definitive instruments that set out providers’ obligations in delivering higher education remain the Threshold Standards (as written by the Higher Education Standards Panel) and the TEQSA Act.
     

    The purpose and intent of this guidance note about research and research training is to explore how providers can ensure the integrity and quality of research and research training is upheld at their institution.
     

    1. What does research and research training encompass?

    For the purposes of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (Threshold Standards), research is defined as ‘the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way by a higher education provider so as to generate new concepts, methodologies, inventions and understandings’. Research can be carried out in and between all fields and may involve a range of tools and media.

    Undertaking research can be considered:

    • at the level of individual activity (e.g. part of an individual’s personal research or professional practice), or
    • across a provider (e.g. policy frameworks, resource allocation, institutional expectations, staff development).

    At a minimum, research:

    • leads to and/or transmits new knowledge or advances in creative or professional practice in a field
    • is a planned, purposive intellectual inquiry
    • produces outputs that are subject to external, independent scrutiny.

    For the purposes of the Threshold Standards, ‘research training’ is a formal course of graduate study leading to the acquisition of advanced skills, techniques, and knowledge in the conduct of research. Research training also builds towards the production of a contribution to the field of research or creative or professional practice. Research training is a key characteristic of the Masters Degree (Research) and all Doctoral Degrees at AQF 10 (sometimes referred to as higher degrees by research) (Australian Qualifications Framework). In the case of Doctoral Degrees, the Threshold Standards requires a significant and original contribution to the field of research or creative or professional practice.

    Bachelor Honours degrees may include a significant research component and be a pathway to further research training. However, TEQSA will not assess coursework degrees (including Bachelor Honours Degrees) against the research standards.

    2. What TEQSA will look for

    Given the investment and resources necessary to successfully offer and support postgraduate research degrees, TEQSA expects to see well developed and mature course design, research supervision, review, and quality assurance processes.

    TEQSA’s considerations relevant to other aspects of the Threshold Standards include:

    Part A: Key considerations
    1.3.3 Orientation and Progression
    • Research candidate’s program progession is monitored and feedback provided.
    1.4.5–1.4.7: Learning Outcomes and Assessment
    • Research candidates aquire the relevant skills, their major assessable research outputs are assessed by suitably qualified external assessor(s) and contribute to the development of the field.
    2.1: Facilities and Infrastructure
    • Facilities and infrastructure are fit for purpose and can accommodate the research needs of the course, research candidates and staff.
    4.1: Research
    • There is a research policy framework and research is conducted consistent with this policy framework.
    • Research is conducted and overseen by suitably qualified staff.
    • Research outputs of staff and research candidates are recorded and records are current.
    4.2: Research Training
    • There is an institutional research training policy framework.
    • An appropriate environment, induction, supervisory arrangements and resources that support research training are in place.
    • Coursework components meet the governance and quality requirements for coursework set by a provider.
    • Supervisors of research have the requisite knowledge and skill to supervise a research candidate.
    5.2: Academic and Research Integrity
    • Policies and procedures uphold research integrity, mitigate risks, ensure guidance is provided, and integrity maintained in third party arrangements.
    • Promotion and fostering of a culture of research integrity and institutions meeting their responsibilities with respect to the provision of ongoing research integrity training and education for relevant staff and students.
    5.4: Delivery with Other Parties
    • The provider quality assures placements and internships (where applicable) and ensures that research training delivered by third parties (such as industry and higher education partners) is consistent with the Threshold Standards.
    6.1.3c: Corporate Governance
    • The governing body ensures that research and research training are governed by institutional policies.
    6.3.1 and 6.3.2: Academic Governance
    • Academic governance processes and structures maintain academic oversight of research and research training.
    7.3.1j Information Management
    • Information about arrangements with other parties delivering research training is publicly available.

    TEQSA may further consider:

    • referencing of policies to external requirements, particularly regarding research ethics
    • how any allegations of research misconduct have been investigated and resolved, and whether improvements were made to policies or procedures to prevent recurrence of breaches
    • data management and the adequacy of a provider’s arrangements for recording research outputs
    • whether academics supervising research students are ‘active in research’.
      • in determining whether an academic is ‘active in research’, TEQSA will consider whether the academic, in accordance with policies of their institution, currently and meaningfully participates in research
      • considerations will include whether current staff have peer reviewed research outputs, for example, journal articles, books, book chapters, conference papers, presentations, and non-traditional research outputs within the past five years in a relevant field.
    • whether an institutional environment that is supportive of academics being ‘active in research’ is fostered. Examples of factors TEQSA may consider include whether:
      • position descriptions for future staff require staff to have recent outputs and indicate that they must continue to be active in research
      • policies exist that actively support staff to participate in research outside of teaching hours and provide assistance for staff to apply for research funding and grants
      • there are sufficient staff to ensure availability to supervise HDR students
      • policies ensure regular reviews of staff research activities, such as maintaining a research register to track progress and outputs.

    3. Identified issues

    Research

    Within the context of the Threshold Standards, TEQSA has identified a range of  issues which are indicative of risks to the integrity and quality of research. These include, but are not limited to:

    • lack of appropriate engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples where relevant (2.2.2, 4.1.1a,b,d, 6.2.1g) 
    • physical or psychological harm to people or animals, as subjects of the research, to associated communities, to the persons conducting the research and to the environment (Standard 4.1.1a)
    • breaches of Australia’s laws on intellectual property protection, as well as disputes over ownership of, or effective control over, intellectual property (Standard 4.1.1b)
    • breaches of the Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research (Standard 4.1.1)
    • improper or inaccurate attribution of authorship to research outputs, not reflective of the personnel (staff or research candidate) who conducted the work (Standard 4.1.1a, d)

    Research training

    Within the context of the Threshold Standards, TEQSA has identified a range of issues which are indicative of risks to the integrity and quality of research training. These include, but are not limited to:

    • Policies, procedures, resourcing and environment
      • inadequate policies and procedures for addressing research candidate grievances (Standard 4.2.1g and Section 2.4)
      • providers having insufficiently strong research cultures surrounding research candidates, including working with other research candidates and having peer support (Standard 4.2.2)
      • a lack of awareness of safety protocols for laboratories or of the dangers in particular environments (Standard 4.2.4)
      • inadequate resourcing for research candidates’ projects, including inadequate on-campus facilities and a less than stimulating intellectual environment (Standard 4.2.2).
    • Delivery by third parties
      • lack of oversight of issues in third party relationships involved in delivering Higher Degrees by Research (Standard 5.4.2).
    • Examination of theses
      • poor choice of examiners or the dispatch of a thesis for examination that is under-prepared (Standard 4.2.1c-e).
    • Supervision of research
      • providers not sufficiently guiding the research candidate in the development of the project concept and expected outcomes (Standards 4.2.1a and 4.2.3)
      • providers not paying adequate attention to ensuring sufficient progress is maintained by research candidates. Any lack of progress should be identified early by supervisors and fresh targets established with the candidate (Standard 4.2.1c)
      • inadequate supervision, whether due to selection of the supervisor (internal or external to provider), insufficient training and preparation of supervisors, policies supporting supervision not being fit for purpose, and/or weak support for the supervisory relationship (Standards 4.2.1a-b and 4.2.3)
      • lack of explicitly and mutually agreed expectations between the research candidate and supervisor. This prevents research candidates from determining whether the supervisory service is reasonable or not. Such requirements would cover, for example, timeliness of work required by both candidate and supervisor and expectations around tasks such as review of chapters or whole thesis at given points (Standard 4.2.1a)
      • making frequent or repeated change of supervisor(s), especially if a new supervisor has less interest in the candidate’s research or lacks appropriate experience or qualifications than the original supervisor (Standard 4.2.3)
      • the principal supervisor not being suitably qualified and experienced in research in the relevant field, such as having little or low quality published research output in that field (Standard 4.2.3a).
         

    Related resources

    Version # Date Key changes
    1.0 21 October 2016 Made available as beta version for consultation.
    1.1 30 August 2017 Revised in response to consultation feedback.
    1.2 11 October 2017 Minor amendment to ‘What will TEQSA look for?” text box.
    1.3 5 July 2018 Updates to resources and references section for new publications and changed hyperlinks.
    2.0 12 September 2022 Major revision.
    2.1 11 December 2024 Minor updates including additional information on ‘active in research’.

     

    Subtitle
    Version 2.1
    Stakeholder
    Publication type

    Documents

    tom.hewitt-mcmanus

  • TEQSA team member's Public Service Medal

    Respected former TEQSA colleague, Anne McFall, has been awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) in the Australia Day Honours List for her outstanding public service to Australian higher education.

    Recently retired, Anne is one of only 100 government employees to be recognised in 2025 for outstanding public service, in these annual awards. Deservedly, her honour focuses on her exemplary guidance to the sector in the regulation of the Higher Education Standards Framework 2021 (Threshold Standards), and her contributions to policy development and design that have achieved significant efficiencies in TEQSA’s management of provider applications.

    To summarise the official description of her honour:
    “Anne McFall has consistently delivered outstanding service to support Australia’s higher education sector in areas such as compliance and investigations, customer service, stakeholder management, provider registrations / re-registrations and course accreditations / reaccreditations assessments, and contributions to policy development and projects. Her exemplary leadership was noted in the regulating of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) (2011/2015/2021), which sets the standards that a provider must meet and continue to meet to be registered to operate as a higher education provider in Australia.

    “The design processes and reporting arrangements led to significant efficiencies in the management of applications and successful maintenance of the integrity of entry to Australia’s higher education sector under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Act 2011 (TEQSA). 

    “Ms McFall’s leadership skills, her consultative and inclusive management style has resulted in recognition and respect throughout the sector as a person with extensive experience and knowledge of regulation within higher education. She has assumed a leadership role to guide and support staff across TEQSA’s regulatory operations groups, where she worked across multiple roles to provide a supportive and knowledgeable team environment.

    "(Her) leadership skills, her consultative and inclusive management style has resulted in recognition and respect throughout the sector as a person with extensive experience and knowledge of regulation within higher education... (she) consistently exhibits excellence in her leadership and has done so while modelling TEQSA’s values of trust, respect, accountability and collaboration.”

    •    Read the full PSM honour description

    Date
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  • Queen Anne School of Management Pty Ltd

    Application for registration and course accreditation

     

    Decision: Rejected
    Date of decision: 5 February 2025
    Main reasons for decision:

    The decisions were made on the basis that TEQSA was not satisfied that Queen Anne School of Management Pty Ltd meets the following provisions of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021:

    • Domain 1 Student Participation and Attainment: Standards 1.1.1; 1.3.1; 1.3.2; 1.3.3; and 1.4.3
    • Domain 2 Learning Environment: Standards 2.1.1 and 2.2.1
    • Domain 3 Teaching: Standards 3.1.1 paragraphs (b), (d), (g); 3.1.2; 3.1.3; 3.2.1; 3.2.2; 3.2.3 paragraphs (a), (b) and 3.3.1
    • Domain 5 Institutional Quality Assurance: Standards 5.1.2 and 5.1.3
    • Domain 6 Governance and Accountability: Standards 6.1.1; 6.1.3 paragraphs (a), (b), (d), (e); 6.2.1 paragraphs (b), (d) (e), (f), (h), (i); 6.3.1 paragraphs (a), (d) and 6.3.2 paragraph (c)
    • Domain 7 Representation, Information and Information Management: Standards 7.1.1; 7.1.2; 7.1.5; and 7.2.1. 
    Review stage:  

     

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  • Unsuccessful applications

    TEQSA registers all providers of higher education in Australia.

    We consider if applicants meet the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.

    If we approve an application, we publish that decision on the National Register.

    If we reject to an application, we share that decision on this page.

     

    Applicant’s name Date of decision Decision type Details
    Queen Anne School of Management Pty Ltd 5 February 2025
    1. Application for registration
    2. Application for accreditation of:
      • Bachelor of Business
    		 View more information on Queen Anne School of Management's application outcome
    Nova Higher Education Pty Ltd 22 October 2024
    1. Application for registration
    2. Application for accreditation of:
      • Bachelor of Culinary Arts Business Management 
    		 View more information on Nova Higher Education's application outcome
    Armstrong Institute Pty Limited 19 June 2024
    1. Application for registration
    2. Application for accreditation of:
      • Master of Business Administration (IT)
      • Graduate Certificate of Business Administration and Information Technology
      • Graduate Diploma of Business Administration and Information Technology  
    		 View more information on Armstrong Institute's application outcome
    AIM Insitute of Higher Education Pty Ltd 27 November 2023
    1. Application for registration
    2. Application for accreditation of Diploma in Business Information Systems
    3. Application for Associate Degree in Business Information Systems
    4. Application for Bachelor of Business Information Systems
    		 View more information on AIM Insitute of Higher Education's application outcome
    NewLaw Academy Pty Ltd 5 June 2023
    1. Application for registration
    2. Application for accreditation of Graduate Certificate of Legal Practice
    		 View more information on NewLaw Academy's application outcome
    Southeast Education Pty Ltd 10 May 2021
    1. Application for registration
    2. Applications for accreditation of a Bachelor of Accounting and a Bachelor of Information Technology
    		 View more information on Southeast Education's application outcome
    SSBI International Pty Ltd 6 August 2020
    1. Application for registration
    2. Application for accreditation of a Bachelor of Commerce and an Associate Degree in Commerce
    		 View more information on SSBI International's application outcome
    Syme Business School Pty Ltd 8 May 2019
    1. Application for registration
    2. Application for accreditation of Graduate Diploma in Management Accounting
    		 View more information on Syme Business School's application outcome
    National Institute of Integrative Medicine Ltd 9 May 2018
    1. Application for registration
    2. Application for accreditation of Master of Integrative Medicine (Research)
    		 View more information on National Institute of Integrative Medicine's application outcome
    Rosary Tertiary Institute Australia Pty Ltd 28 March 2018
    1. Application for registration
    2. Application for accreditation of Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
    		 View more information on Rosary Tertiary Institute's application outcome
    National Business and Technology Institute Pty Ltd 8 February 2018
    1. Application for registration
    2. Application for accreditation of Bachelor of Business (Innovation) and Diploma of Business (Innovation)
    		 View more information on the National Business and Technology Institute's application outcome
    Last updated:

  • Financial reporting

    As an Australian Government-controlled not-for-profit entity, TEQSA is required to publish certain financial documents.

    You can access current financial statements in the most recent annual report.

    Procurement

    TEQSA’s procurement policies and practices are consistent with all relevant Australian Government laws, the Commonwealth financial framework (including the Commonwealth Procurement Rules), and other applicable policies.

    Tenders and major planned procurement

    TEQSA advertises all tenders and all major planned procurement on the Australian Government tendering website, AusTender.

    General purchase order conditions

    The general conditions by which TEQSA (‘The Commonwealth’) enters into an agreement with a provider for the purchase of goods and/or services.

    Read the General purchase order conditions (DOC)

    Senate Order on entity contracts

    On 20 June 2001, the Senate agreed to an Order requiring each Minister to table a letter advising that a list of contracts in respect of each entity administered by that Minister has been placed on the Internet with access to the list through the entity homepage. The letter must be tabled no later than two calendar months after the end of the calendar and financial years.

    An amendment to the Order of 14 May 2015 requires all procurement contracts be listed in a report on the AusTender website, with non-procurement contracts to be listed on entity websites.

    Commencing with the 2014-15 financial year report, non-corporate Commonwealth entities will use AusTender to satisfy the requirements of the senate order with respect to procurement contracts only. A listing of procurement contracts is available through the Senate Order page on the AusTender website.

    Senate Order listing

    Procurement complaints

    General procurement complaints

    To lodge a general complaint about any procurement conducted by TEQSA or if you believe TEQSA has breached Commonwealth Procurement Rules, please email procurement@teqsa.gov.au attaching copies of all relevant documents.

    To help us resolve your complaint quickly, please include the following information in your written submission:

    • your name, supplier business name, ABN, address, phone and email address
    • details of the procurement, including the service, estimated contract value, relevant times and dates, AusTender ID and UNSPSC code (if known)
    • a factual and concise outline of your complaint and any Commonwealth Procurement Rules you believe we breached
    • any other information, documents or evidence to support your complaint.

    When we receive your complaint we:

    • acknowledge we’ve received it
    • investigate and work with you to resolve the issue within 10 days
    • let you know if it will take longer.

    If you are happy with the outcome, we’ll close the matter and consider it resolved.

    If you are not happy with the outcome, you can raise it with the Australian Government procurement coordinator or Commonwealth Ombudsman.

    Complaints under the Government Procurement (Judicial Review) Act 2018 (GPJR Act)

    The Government Procurement (Judicial Review) Act 2018 (the Act) establishes an independent complaint mechanism for government procurement processes. The Act requires the accountable authorities of relevant Commonwealth entities to formally investigate complaints that are made in accordance with the Act, and to suspend procurements during the investigation of a complaint under the Act, unless a public interest certificate is in place. The Act also places obligations on suppliers to take reasonable steps to resolve a complaint with the relevant Commonwealth entity before taking action in the Federal Circuit Court.

    Procurement covered under the Act:

    • goods and/or services at or above $80,000 (GST inc)
    • construction services at or above $7.5 million (GST inc) not covered by an exemption.

    If you believe the agency has breached Commonwealth Procurement Rules, you can make a complaint by email to procurement@teqsa.gov.au.

    When we receive your complaint we:

    • acknowledge we’ve received it
    • assess whether it meets the criteria under the Act
    • if appropriate, suspend the procurement unless a public interest certificate is issued
    • investigate and work with you to resolve the issue within 10 days
    • let you know if it will take longer.

    At the end of the process, you will receive a report on the outcome of the investigation.

    You can also apply to the court for an injunction or compensation under the Act. Please note that you need to submit a complaint with us first and show how the breach affected your interests.

    Topic-specific information

    TEQSA legal services expenditure

    TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2023–24

    • External Legal Services expenditure: $386,417
    • Internal Legal Services expenditure: $835,039
    • Total (External + Internal) expenditure: $1,221,456

    TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2022–23

    • External Legal Services expenditure: $371,831
    • Internal Legal Services expenditure: $707,021
    • Total (External + Internal) expenditure: $1,078,852

    TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2021–22:

    • External Legal Services expenditure: $453,105
    • Internal Legal Services expenditure: $695,127
    • Total (External + Internal) expenditure: $1,148,232

    TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2020–21:

    • External Legal Services expenditure: $392,738
    • Internal Legal Services expenditure: $733,271
    • Total (External + Internal) expenditure: $1,126,009

    TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2019–20:

    • External Legal Services expenditure: $194,149
    • Internal Legal Services expenditure: $695,426
    • Total (External + Internal) expenditure: $889,575

    TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2018–19:

    • External Legal Services expenditure: $337,359
    • Internal Legal Services expenditure: $657,430
    • Total (External + Internal) expenditure: $994,789

    TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2017–18:

    • External Legal Services expenditure: $420,135
    • Internal Legal Services expenditure: $618,686
    • Total (External + Internal) expenditure: $1,038,821

    TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2016–17:

    • External Legal Services expenditure: $259,118
    • Internal Legal Services expenditure: $503,358
    • Total (External + Internal) expenditure: $762,476

    TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2015–16:

    • External Legal Services expenditure: $114,082
    • Internal Legal Services expenditure: $558,490
    • Total (External + Internal) expenditure: $672,572

    TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2014–15:

    • External Legal Services expenditure: $130,010
    • Internal Legal Services expenditure: $417,772
    • Total (External + Internal) expenditure: $547,782

    TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2013–14:

    • External Legal Services expenditure: $59,997
    • Internal Legal Services expenditure: $463,004
    • Total (External + Internal) expenditure: $523,001

    TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2012–13:

    • External Legal Services expenditure: $79,613
    • Internal Legal Services expenditure: $472,972
    • Total (External + Internal) expenditure: $552,585

     TEQSA legal services expenditure for 2011–12:

    • External legal services expenditure: $48,552
    • Internal legal services expenditure*: $263,529
    • Total Legal Services expenditure: $312,081

    * Internal expenditure includes direct and indirect costs related to TEQSA’s internal legal services.

    Executive Remuneration Reporting

    Executive Remuneration Reporting is now published in our annual report.

    2017-18 Executive Remuneration Reporting

    The following tables outline the remuneration of substantive TEQSA executives employed during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 financial years.

    Table A (2017-18)

    Remuneration paid to executives during the reporting period 2017-18

    Total Remuneration Executives No. Average Reportable Salary Average Contributed Superannuation Average Allowances Average Bonus Paid Average Total Remuneration
        $ $ $ $ $
    $200,000 and less 8 133,403  19,820 - - 153,223
    $250,001 to $275,000 1 238,718 22,678 - - 261,396
    $400,001 to $425,000 1 424,741 - - - 424,741
    Total number of executives 10          

    Published on 31 July 2018

    Table B (2017-18)

    Remuneration paid to other highly paid staff in reporting period 2017-18

    TEQSA did not have other highly paid staff with reportable remuneration of $200,001 or more in the reporting period 2017-18.

    Table A (2016-17)

    Remuneration paid to executives during the reporting period 2016-17

    Total Remuneration Executives No. Average Reportable Salary Average Contributed Superannuation Average Allowances Average Bonus Paid Average Total Remuneration
        $ $ $ $ $
    $200,000 and less 6 144,609 21,389 - - 165,998
    $200,001 to $225,000 1 173,108 32,649 - - 205,757
    $225,001 to $250,000 1 208,839 19,840 - - 228,679
    $375,001 to $400,000 1 380,299 9,962 - - 390,261
    Total number of executives 9          

    Table B (2016-17)

    Remuneration paid to other highly paid staff in reporting period 2016-17

    TEQSA did not have other highly paid staff with reportable remuneration of $200,001 or more in the reporting period 2016-17.

    Key requirements/definitions

    The 'reportable salary' column is prepared on a cash basis using reportable salary as defined as the sum of:

    1. gross payments (including bonuses)
    2. reportable fringe benefits (net amount)
    3. reportable employer superannuation

    as reported in an individual's payment summary.

    The 'contributed superannuation' column is prepared on a cash basis using contributed superannuation as defined as follows:

    • for individuals that are in a defined contribution scheme (e.g. PSSap), "contributed superannuation" should include the defined contribution amounts. This amount is typically located on the individual's payslips
    • for individuals that are in a defined benefit scheme (e.g. PSS and CSS), "contributed superannuation" should include the Notional Employer Contribution Rate (NECR) amount, Employer Productivity Superannuation Contribution (also known as the Productivity Component) and any Additional Lump Sum Contribution paid during the financial reporting period.

    This information is reported under Executive Remuneration Reporting Guidelines set out by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

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  • Privacy

    TEQSA is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information. Our online privacy statement explains how we handle personal information and is an overview of our Complete Australian Privacy Principles (APP) Privacy Policy and Privacy Management Plan.

    Consistent with the guidelines from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), we use a layered approach to presenting our privacy policy.

    Our complete Privacy Policy, which incorporates our Privacy Management Plan, can be accessed below.

    Types of information collected by TEQSA

    We collect and hold personal information for three main purposes:

    • to perform our regulatory and quality assurance functions
    • to manage our operations an Australian Public Service agency
    • to comply with legislation/laws.

    The type of information we collect and hold includes:

    • for our regulatory and quality assurance functions, information relating to provider case management, regulatory complaints, enquiries and information obtained as part of our annual Provider Information Request
    • for our management as an Australian Public Service agency, personnel records, financial management records, consultancy services records and legal services records
    • to comply with legislation or other laws, records of requests for access under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

    Details of these types of information are set out in our Complete APP Privacy Policy and Privacy Management Plan.

    Collection of information

    Information about our regulatory functions is usually collected from:

    • regulated entities
    • publicly available sources
    • other agencies or organisations with functions relevant to higher education or the regulation of higher education.

    These include the Department of Education and Training and other organisations specified in our Information Guidelines.

    Other information is usually collected directly from the individual unless:

    • the individual has consented to the collection, or
    • it is unreasonable or impracticable to do so, for example where TEQSA obtains an individual’s contact details from an entity listed on our Register of experts.

    We only collect personal information which is reasonably necessary for, or directly related to, our functions or activities under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act) or the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act).

    Our use and disclosure of personal information

    We only use personal information for the purposes for which we collected it – purposes which are directly related to one of our functions or activities.

    For information obtained for the purposes of our regulatory and quality assurance functions, we may disclose the information to:

    • Commonwealth, state or territory agencies with responsibility for the regulation of education (including the Department of Immigration and the Australian Skills Quality Authority), for the purposes of informing assessment of applications
    • credit rating agencies, for the purpose of checking credit history information of applicants or related entities
    • experts contracted (by TEQSA) for the purpose of providing advice to inform assessment of applications.

    TEQSA has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Productivity Commission to perform information technology services, financial processing and human resources management services.

    We do not give personal information to other government agencies, private sector organisations or anyone else unless one of the following applies:

    • the individual has consented
    • the individual would reasonably expect, or has been told, that information of that kind is usually passed to those individuals, organisations or agencies
    • it is otherwise required or authorised by law
    • it will prevent or lessen a serious and imminent threat to somebody's life or health, or
    • it is reasonably necessary for the enforcement of the criminal law or of a law imposing a pecuniary penalty, or for the protection of public revenue.

    It is unlikely the records we hold that contain personal information will be disclosed to any overseas recipients.

    Data security

    We take all reasonable steps to protect the personal information we hold against loss, unauthorised access, use, modification or disclosure, and against other misuse.

    When the personal information that we collect is no longer required, it is deleted/destroyed in a secure manner and in accordance with the Archives Act 1983, TEQSA’s Records Authority and the Privacy Act 1988.

    Your information

    You can access and ask for corrections to the personal information we hold about you. For more information, view our Complete APP Privacy Policy and Privacy Management Plan – ‘access and correction’.

    Our obligations

    We are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles in the Privacy Act 1988. 

    For more information see our Complete APP Privacy Policy and Privacy Management Plan.

    Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) Register

    TEQSA is required under the Australian Privacy Principles Code to maintain a register of the PIAs it conducts and publish the register, or a version of the register, on its website. This register is posted below and is reviewed and updated twice yearly. This register was last reviewed and updated on 25 February 2025.

    Date Document Title
    14 November 2019 Documents obtained from the University of New South Wales regarding Australian and overseas providers
    30 March 2022 COVID-19 vaccination mandate
    13 May 2024 Student records management solution
    19 December 2024 Records management project (digital uplift)

    How to contact us 

    For further information, or to make a complaint about our handling of personal information, contact:

    Privacy Contact Officer
    Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency
    GPO Box 1672
    Melbourne VIC 3001
    Email: foi@teqsa.gov.au

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