• Gen AI and learning assurance – new resource available

    TEQSA has published a new resource, Enacting assessment reform in a time of artificial intelligence. This resource aims to help institutions address the risks generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) poses to learning assurance, while also supporting students to use these tools responsibly and ethically.

    Developed by a panel of authors, and in collaboration with experts from across the sector, Enacting assessment reform in a time of artificial intelligence builds on the principles and propositions outlined in Assessment reform for the age of artificial intelligence, which TEQSA published in November 2023.

    While Assessment reform for the age of artificial intelligence offered principles and propositions to guide institutions in developing an approach to gen AI and assessment, this new resource delivers examples of how these principles are being put into practice.

    Thank you to the panel of authors who developed this resource on TEQSA’s behalf.

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  • Consultation opens for legislative framework review

    On Wednesday 3 September, the Minister for Education released a consultation paper inviting views about the future regulation of Australian higher education and potential changes to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act).

    Led by the Department of Education, the consultation paper is inviting views from higher education students, staff, providers, and the wider community. Responses to the consultation paper should be submitted to teqsalr@education.gov.au by 5pm on Friday 17 October 2025.

    More information

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  • TEQSA and ASQA release Dual Sector Regulatory Strategy

    TEQSA and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) have jointly released the Dual Sector Regulatory Strategy.  

    The strategy responds directly to the Australian Universities Accord Final Report, which identified the need to reduce duplication and streamline regulation for Australia’s 57 dual sector providers – those delivering both vocational education and training and higher education.  

    TEQSA and ASQA worked collaboratively to develop the strategy, drawing on feedback from sector stakeholders, including submissions to the Accord report.  

    The strategy outlines a 3-year program of work focused on:

    • improving information sharing and collaboration between the agencies
    • optimising the alignment of regulatory processes and evidence requirements where practical
    • supporting providers to strengthen governance and responsiveness to industry needs.

    This joint measure reflects TEQSA and ASQA’s shared commitment to tertiary harmonisation and reducing administrative burden and compliance duplication for providers.  

    More information is available on the Dual Sector Regulatory Strategy page.
     

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  • Dual sector regulatory strategy

    TEQSA and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) have jointly released the Dual sector regulatory strategy (PDF, 4.5 MB).

    The strategy responds directly to the Australian Universities Accord Final Report, which identified the need to reduce duplication and streamline regulation for Australia’s 57 dual sector providers – those delivering both vocational education and training and higher education.

    TEQSA and ASQA worked collaboratively to develop the strategy, drawing on feedback from sector stakeholders, including submissions to the Accord report.

    The strategy outlines a 3-year program of work focused on:

    • improving information sharing and collaboration between the agencies
    • optimising the alignment of regulatory processes and evidence requirements where practical
    • supporting providers to strengthen governance and responsiveness to industry needs.

    This joint measure reflects TEQSA and ASQA’s shared commitment to tertiary harmonisation and reducing administrative burden and compliance duplication for providers.

    Next steps

    Implementation of the strategy is now underway.

    TEQSA and ASQA will commence by reviewing our current methods of information sharing and collaboration and establishing cross-agency working groups in key priority areas.

    This page will be progressively updated as TEQSA and ASQA move forward with delivery.

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  • Freedom of information and disclosure log

    The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) provides access to information held by the Australian Government by:

    • requiring that agencies publish certain information on their websites (in accordance with the Information Publication Scheme)
    • providing for a right of access to documents.

    Right of access under the FOI Act

    The FOI Act gives any person the right to:

    • access copies of documents (except exempt documents) that TEQSA holds
    • ask for information that TEQSA holds about them to be changed or annotated if it is incomplete, out of date, incorrect or misleading
    • seek a review of a decision not to allow access to a document or not to amend their personal record.

    However, we can refuse access to some documents, or parts of documents, that are exempt from release under the FOI Act. Exempt documents may include:

    • documents containing material obtained in confidence
    • Cabinet documents
    • other matters set out in Division 2 of the FOI Act.

    Public interest conditional exemptions may also apply to some documents in accordance with Division 3 of the FOI Act. 

    Making an FOI application

    Requests for access to documents must:

    • be in writing (including email)
    • state that the application is made under the FOI Act
    • provide enough information about the documents sought to enable an officer of TEQSA to identify the documents
    • give details of how notices may be sent to the applicant (for example, a postal or email address).

    Requests that meet the preceding criteria can be sent to:

    • Emailfoi@teqsa.gov.au
    • Post:
      FOI Coordinator
      Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency
      GPO Box 1672
      Melbourne VIC 3001

    Charges

    We do not charge application fees for FOI requests, or to process requests for access to documents containing only personal information about an applicant. However, processing charges may be applied to other requests in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Charges) Regulations 2019.

    After an application is submitted

    All applications are processed in accordance with the requirements of the FOI Act. Once a request has been received we will:

    • acknowledge receipt of the FOI request
    • inform the applicant if they are liable to pay a processing charge (an assessment of the charge will be provided to the applicant)
    • make a decision on access to the documents requested
    • send the applicant a letter explaining our decision and the applicant's review and appeal rights.

    Review of decisions

    An applicant can ask for the following decisions to be reviewed:

    • refusal to provide access, or deferring access, to all or part of a document
    • imposing a charge
    • refusal to change or annotate information about an applicant that the applicant claims is incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading.

    A third party who disagrees with our decision to provide access to documents that contain information about them can also ask for the decision to be reviewed.

    Internal review

    Applicants can request (in writing) that TEQSA reconsider its decision through an internal review. An internal review will be conducted by another TEQSA officer and applicants are advised of a review decision within 30 days of receiving the request.

    Information Commissioner review

    Applicants can request the Australian Information Commissioner to review our original decision or decision on internal review within 60 days of the date of decision (or 30 days after an affected third party is notified).

    The Australian Information Commissioner can affirm or vary the decision, or substitute a new decision. The Information Commissioner may also decide not to conduct a review in certain circumstances.

    More information is available from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

    Complaints

    If an applicant is unhappy with the way TEQSA has managed an FOI request, they can lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

    FOI disclosure log

    TEQSA is required by the Freedom of Information Act 1982 to publish a disclosure log. This log lists information released by TEQSA in response to FOI access requests.

    The disclosure log requirement does not apply to:

    • personal information if publication of that information would be unreasonable
    • information about the business, commercial, financial or professional affairs of any person if publication of that information would be unreasonable
    • other information covered by a determination made by the Australian Information Commissioner if publication of that information would be unreasonable
    • any information if it is not reasonably practicable to publish because of the extent of modifications that would need to be made to delete the information listed in the above dot points.

    The information described in this disclosure log is available on request. In some circumstances, we may charge for the cost of copying or reproducing information or sending it to you. You will be notified if a charge is payable and you are required to pay the charge before the information is provided.

    Date of application Date of release Details of request Released
    July 2025 September 2025

    Copies of all communications, emails, attachments, internal memos, meeting notes, and correspondence between TEQSA and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), or its agents, relating to this case — including but not limited to any contact regarding:

    1. Complaints lodged by or about Taimana Thatcher.
    2. The 2023-2025 investigation and subsequent handling of misconduct, assault, and retaliation.
    3. Advice or communication exchanged in response to disclosures made under the TEQSA Act generally.
    4. Communications that influenced TEQSA’s decision to not investigate the matter.
    • 10 documents (granted access in full)
    • 34 documents (granted access in part)
    May 2025 September 2025 Electronic copies of the AI Action Plans submitted by various Australian universities in response to TEQSA’s 2023 request for information – Addressing the Risk from Artificial Intelligence.
    • 23 documents (granted access in full)
    • 3 documents (granted access in part)
    July 2025 September 2025
    1. Email correspondence between TEQSA and Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA) in the period November 2023 to July 2025, that relates to PIA’s governance, operation, and personnel, excluding any correspondence between TEQSA and Alessia Calabrese.
    2. Documents relating to complaints or other external correspondence received by TEQSA in the period November 2023 to July 2025, that relates to PIA’s governance, operation, and personnel; excluding documents relating to correspondence received from PIA.
    • 5 documents (granted access in full)
    • 6 documents (granted access in part)
    November 2024 December 2024 Access to Style, Brand and Writing Guides currently used by TEQSA 5 documents (granted access in full)
    October 2024 November 2024 The originating application and concise statement filed by the CEO of TEQSA in Chief Executive Officer of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency v Chegg, Inc. (Federal Court case number NSD1427/2024) 2 documents (granted access in full)
    January 2024 June 2024 Request for various documents relating to Texila College 1 document (partial release)
    January 2024
    • May 2024
    • June 2024
    • August 2024
    Request for certain correspondence (excluding any attachments) between TEQSA and registered higher education providers in 2022 and 2023
    • 5 documents (granted access in part)
    • 7 documents (granted access in part)
    • 2 documents (granted access in part)
    18 October 2023 12 April 2024 The complete August 2011 AUQA Audit Report of Holmesglen TAFE including all documents related to any review, audit or related activities including documents received by AUQA from Holmesglen TAFE pertaining to audit submissions and accreditation and re-accreditation applications between 2011-2012

    66 documents, full release

    130 documents, partial release

    January 2024 February 2024 Documents relating to the Royal Commission on the Robo-debt Scheme and/or the government’s response to this Royal Commission 3 documents (2 documents granted access in full, 1 document granted access in part)
    January 2024 February 2024 Final report of the Cost Recovery Implementation Statement Review (CRIS) undertaken in 2023 and a copy of all submissions and briefing notes in relation to the CRIS review 74 documents (44 documents granted access in full, 30 documents granted access in part)
    October 2023

    January 2024
     

    February 2024
     

    1. Email correspondence between TEQSA and Polytechnic Institute Australia (PIA) in the period February 2019 to October 2023, that relates to PIA’s governance, operation, and personnel; excluding any correspondence between TEQSA and Alessia Calabrese.
    2. Documents relating to complaints or other external correspondence received by TEQSA in the period February 2019 to October 2023, that relates to PIA’s governance, operation, and personnel; excluding documents relating to correspondence received from PIA.

    9 documents (7 full release, 2 partial release)
     

    103 documents (97 full release, 6 partial release)

    July 2023 November 2023 Documents relating to TEQSA’s 2021 and 2023 Sydney College of Divinity provider category change decision making 8 documents (5 documents granted access in full, 3 documents granted access in part)
    August 2023 September 2023 All information provided to TEQSA by the Analytics Institute of Australia, or any of its directors, officers or employees, since 27 September 2022 which names or is about Stephen Parker 2 documents, full release
    January 2023 April 2023
    1. Communication between TEQSA and UWA pertaining [to] “the request and justification for the 'Extension of Registration'”.
    2. Communication between TEQSA and UWA’s School of Design regarding registration, audit and raised concerns.
    3. TEQSA’s “current audit program”, including timeframes and scope, pertaining UWA’s School of Design programs
    5 documents, full release
    September 2022 November 2022 Documents received by TEQSA from the NSW Department of Education relating to JMC's registration as a higher education provider, howsoever described, between 1 July 2011 to 23 October 2015 1 document, full release
    February 2022 July 2022
    1. Any document emanating from Mpika Holdings Pty Ltd (Mpika) that makes express reference to the address identified in the National Register of Higher Education Providers as Mpika’s head office address (the Premises), limited to any letter sent by Mpika to TEQSA, any application or form submitted by Mpika and any financial records where the Premises is listed as Mpika’s address.
    2. Any information provided to TEQSA by Mpika in support of its application relating to its claim that the Premises is Mpika’s ‘place of operation’ or ‘head office address’, including (but not limited) to any license or sublease documents relating to the Premises.
    3. Any documents or information held by TEQSA regarding Mpika’s occupation of the Premises and its operations at the Premises, including but not limited to any images or records that show any Mpika’s fixtures or chattels present at the Premises, notes taken from any in person or virtual inspections of the Premises, or records of conversations which refer to the Premises.
    2 documents, full release
    April 2022 June 2022

    TEQSA’s policies, procedures, manuals and guidelines in effect between 3 February 2022 and 13 April 2022 regarding:

    1. the use of private telephones by employees or agents of TEQSA in the investigation of a notice, complaint, objection or report made by the public; and
    2. the creation or maintenance of file notes and other records of telephone conversations on official TEQSA matters.
    10 documents, full release
    December 2021 January 2022 TEQSA’s complaints management procedure 1 document, full release
    May 2018 December 2021 Engineers Australia report of accreditation visit 1 document, partial access granted
    September 2021 October 2021 Wells Advisory analysis of the COVID-19 impact on the higher education sector, as listed on AusTender with CN3793014 2 documents, access granted in full
    September 2020 December 2020 Charles Sturt University (CSU) report on the implementation of recommendations arising from a 2018 external review of academic governance, and correspondence between TEQSA and CSU relating to implementation since the report was submitted to TEQSA 2 documents, access granted in full
    May 2020 July 2020 TEQSA Expert Register including names, position, professional memberships, professional accreditation and date added to the register 1 document, partially released
    March 2020 July 2020 Documents relating to National Institute of Organisation Dynamics Australia Ltd’s application for course accreditation 209 documents (192 documents granted access in full, 5 documents granted access in part, 12 documents refused access)
    September 2019 November 2019 Documents relevant to the enactment of admissions policies and procedures at The University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Music 3 documents, full release
    April 2019 August 2019 CDU CRICOS registration for the Bachelor of Business Course 5 documents, full release
    May 2019  May 2019  Document relating to CSU Review of Academic Governance 1 document, full release
    April 2019 June 2019 CDU CRICOS registration for the Bachelor of Business course 2 documents, full release
    January 2019 April 2019
    1. Documents relating to University of South Australia third party delivery arrangements
    2. Australian University sexual harassment complaint statistics
    8 documents, partially released
    January 2019 March 2019 Documents relating to Confucius Institutes and potential Chinese Government influence on universities 3 documents, full release
    January 2019 February 2019 Documents relating to University engagement with, and reliance on, China/Asia 2 documents, full release
    August 2018 November 2018 TEQSA's International Activity Profiles for Australian universities 41 documents, partially released
    June 2018 August 2018 Reports about how providers try to minimise student misconduct after the MyMaster case 23 documents, full release
    5 documents, partially released
    April 2018 May 2018 A document which lists the names of the currently registered experts referred to on the TEQSA website 1 document, full release
    April 2018 May 2018 A document which lists the names of the currently registered experts referred to on the TEQSA website 1 document, full release
    February 2017 November 2017 Swinburne University of Technology AUQA audits – documents relating to Industry Based Learning 25 documents, full release
    January 2017 March 2017 Documents relating to RMIT Vietnam site visit in 2016 5 documents, partially released
    January 2016 September 2016

    The number of Higher Education Providers that have applied to TEQSA for registration and become active or deemed unsuccessful in the last 12 months (including the number of for-profit and not-for-profit status providers)

    For each unnamed provider (identified as a for-profit or not-for-profit status provider), the number of courses initially applied for

    1 document, full release
    August 2015 August 2015

    Any full reports TEQSA made in relation to the renewal of accreditation of the following six courses from MIT:

    • Diploma of Information Technology
    • Diploma of Business
    • Bachelor of Business
    • Bachelor of Networking
    • Graduate Diploma of Networking
    • Master of Networking

    All documents (including emails to and from previous TEQSA staff and Commissioners) about RMIT which relate to my August 2013 complaint and subsequent follow up emails in January/February 2014 and August 2014

    All documents to or from members of the Parliament of Australia which relate to my August 2013 complaint and my subsequent follow up emails in January/February 2014 and August 2014

    2 documents, full release

    4 documents, partially released

    More information

    For more information, contact us at foi@teqsa.gov.au or call 1300 739 585.

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  • Consultation

    We have developed key aspects of our regulatory approach in consultation with higher education stakeholders. We recognise that consultation influences the quality of our relations with the higher education sector and can be an important way of collecting evidence which allows us to meet the objects of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act).

    Current consultations

    There are no current consultations at TEQSA.

    Previous consultations

    Fees and charges consultation

    (Closed 26 September 2025)

    TEQSA is proposing an updated version of the Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) with adjustments to our fees and charges to take effect on 1 January 2026.

    Guidance notes consultation

    (Closed 22 August 2025)

    TEQSA is working to improve the efficiency of our regulatory operations and support greater self-assurance within the higher education sector by continuing to enhance our suite of guidance notes.

    To support this project, TEQSA opened consultation on the following 3 draft documents:

    • Course approval and accreditation
    • Orientation and progression
    • Qualifications and certification.

    Guidance notes consultation

    (Closed 18 July 2025)

    TEQSA is working to improve the efficiency of our regulatory operations and support greater self-assurance within the higher education sector by continuing to enhance our suite of guidance notes.

    To support this project, TEQSA opened consultation on the following 3 draft documents:

    • Information for prospective and current students
    • Information management
    • Representation.

    Interim regulatory guidance

    (Closed 27 March 2025)

    TEQSA is seeking feedback on new regulatory guidance that has been developed to support safety and wellbeing in higher education.

    TEQSA is consulting on 2 documents:

    Fees and charges consultation

    (Closed 28 October 2024)

    In accordance with the Australian Government Charging Policy, TEQSA annually reviews the operation of our Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS).

    Following an internal review of the 2023 version of the CRIS, TEQSA has developed a consultation paper for the sector.

    This paper outlines several proposed adjustments to ensure our fees and charges (to take effect from 1 January 2025) accurately reflect the cost of our regulatory activities.

    Revised service charter

    (Closed 20 May 2024)

    TEQSA commenced a service charter review in early 2023. The first phase of consultation was a stakeholder survey about our service charter in August 2023.

    We’ve now developed a revised service charter informed by the survey results.

    This was the second phase of consultation and sought further feedback from stakeholders.

    Draft stakeholder engagement strategy

    (Closed 20 May 2024)

    To support the development of a draft stakeholder engagement strategy.

    Fit and proper person requirements

    (Closed 20 May 2024)

    Consultation for a proposal to amend the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Fit and Proper Person Determination 2018 (Determination).

    Guidance notes on diversity and equity, student grievances and complaints, and wellbeing and safety

    (Closed 15 March 2024)

    In 2023, TEQSA consulted stakeholders on the following guidance notes:

    • Diversity and equity
    • Student grievances and complaints
    • Wellbeing and safety.

    These notes focus on 3 sections of the Threshold Standards that are unified in their intent to protect and provide support to students. TEQSA sought further stakeholder feedback that identified:

    • what additional information can be included in the guidance note to make it useful and up to date
    • any points or areas that require clarity
    • suggestions to assist providers in delivering effective self-assurance.

    Guidance notes on Staffing, Corporate Governance, and Corporate Monitoring and Accountability

    (Closed 9 February 2024)

    To support TEQSA’s ongoing work to improve the efficiency of our regulatory operations and support greater self-assurance within the higher education sector, we are continuing to enhance TEQSA’s suite of guidance notes for higher education providers.

    • Corporate governance
    • Corporate monitoring and accountability
    • Staffing

    Guidance notes on course design, learning outcomes and assessment and learning resources and educational support

    (Closed 20 November 2023)

    To support TEQSA’s ongoing work to improve the efficiency of our regulatory operations and support greater self-assurance within the higher education sector, we are continuing to enhance TEQSA’s suite of guidance notes for registered higher education providers.

    • Course design
    • Learning outcomes and assessment
    • Learning resources and educational support

    Assessment reform for the age of artificial intelligence

    (Closed 20 October 2023)

    TEQSA invited feedback on the proposals outlined in the Assessment reform for the age of artificial intelligence discussion paper, including the principles and propositions.

    At the end of the consultation period, TEQSA and the lead authors of this document will consider all feedback received before publishing the final guidelines in late November 2023.

    If you have any questions about this consultation, or the guiding principles, please email us at integrityunit@teqsa.gov.au.

    Fees and charges consultation

    (Closed 25 September 2023)

    In accordance with the Australian Government Charging Policy, TEQSA annually reviews the operation of our Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS).

    Following an internal review of the 2022 version of the CRIS, TEQSA developed a consultation paper for the sector. This paper outlined several proposed adjustments to ensure our fees and charges for 2024 accurately reflect the cost of our regulatory activities and the changes we’ve made to streamline processes since the 2022 version of the CRIS was developed.

    See: How we consult on fees and charges for more information

    Service charter review survey

    (Survey closed 25 September 2023)

    Insights from the survey will help us to develop a draft service charter, which we will release for further comment at a later date. Following this consultation, TEQSA will consider stakeholder feedback before adopting our revised service charter.

    See: Service charter review for more information.

    Guidance notes on facilities and infrastructure, academic monitoring and academic and research integrity

    (Closed 10 August 2023)

    To support TEQSA’s ongoing work to improve the efficiency of our regulatory operations and support greater self-assurance within the higher education sector, we are continuing to enhance TEQSA’s suite of guidance notes for registered higher education providers.

    Consultation for sexual harm good practice note

    (Closed 13 July 2023)

    Since the release of the Good Practice Note: Preventing and responding to sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Australian higher education sector (the 2020 good practice note), TEQSA acknowledges there has been significant work across the sector to embed strategies to prevent and respond to sexual assault and sexual harassment, however, the issue remains a key risk.

    Guidance notes on diversity and equity, student grievances and complaints, and wellbeing and safety

    (Closed 13 July 2023)

    To support TEQSA’s ongoing work to improve the efficiency of our regulatory operations and support greater self-assurance within the higher education sector, we are continuing to enhance TEQSA’s suite of guidance notes for registered higher education providers.

    • Diversity and Equity
    • Student Grievances and Complaints
    • Wellbeing and Safety

    Guidance notes on academic governance, recognition of prior learning, and delivery with other parties

    (Closed 7 March 2023)

    To support TEQSA’s ongoing work to improve the efficiency of our regulatory operations and support greater self-assurance within the higher education sector, we are continuing to enhance TEQSA’s suite of guidance notes for registered higher education providers.

    Consultation for proposed amendments to Register Guidelines 

    (Closed 16 December 2022)

    TEQSA has commenced a consultation process for proposed amendments to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (Register) Guidelines 2017 (Register Guidelines).

    The reason for the proposed amendments is to promote transparency regarding TEQSA's regulatory decisions and actions and remove any doubt about which trading names the Register must include in respect of registered providers' higher education operations.

    Summary of feedback

    TEQSA received two submissions during the consultation period. 

    Both submissions supported the inclusion of the additional information proposed in the consultation paper. One submission opposed the removal of previous trading names and the other supported it (while noting that this information may be useful to future students).

    Guidance Note: Research requirements for Australian universities

    (Closed 7 September 2022)

    To support TEQSA’s ongoing work to improve the efficiency of our regulatory operations and support greater self-assurance within the higher education sector, we are enhancing TEQSA’s suite of guidance notes for registered higher education providers.

    This work will reinforce the role of guidance notes to provide guidance that focuses on a specific section of the Higher Education Standards Framework (2021) while drawing attention to connections with other sections and highlighting potential compliance issues.

    Following sector feedback during consultation last year, this project will ultimately reduce the number of guidance notes from 32 to 28 to ensure each guidance note aligns with a section of the Standards framework. Sector feedback has also informed the development of a new, simpler template for guidance notes.

    The draft guidance note outlines what TEQSA will look for when considering university research in relation to requirements outlined in the TEQSA Act and Higher Education Standards Framework (2021).

    Summary of external consultation

    Revised Guidance Note: Research and Research Training

    (Closed 6 July 2022)

    To support TEQSA’s ongoing work to improve the efficiency of our regulatory operations and support greater self-assurance within the higher education sector, we are enhancing TEQSA’s suite of guidance notes for registered higher education providers.

    This work will reinforce the role of guidance notes to provide guidance that focuses on a specific section of the Higher Education Standards Framework (2021) while drawing attention to connections with other sections and highlighting potential compliance issues.

    Following sector feedback during consultation last year, this project will ultimately reduce the number of guidance notes from 32 to 28 to ensure each guidance note aligns with a section of the Standards framework. Sector feedback has also informed the development of a new, simpler template for guidance notes.

    The Guidance Note outlines, with regard to the Higher Education Standards Framework, what TEQSA will look for and common issues associated with Research and Research Training.

    Register and information guidelines

    (Closed 26 November 2021)

    The Register Guidelines is a legislative instrument that sets out the information that TEQSA must enter on the National Register in respect of each registered higher education provider.

    The Information Guidelines is a legislative instrument that sets out the Commonwealth authorities and the State or Territory authorities to which TEQSA may disclose higher education information under sections 189 and 194 of the TEQSA Act.

    Revised compliance guides

    (Closed 10 November 2021)

    On 1 July 2021 the new Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HESF) came into effect. 

    TEQSA is reviewing the current suite of guidance notes to ensure they reflect the requirements of the new HESF. 

    As part of this review, TEQSA developed a new template to streamline our guidance materials.

    TEQSA fees and charges consultation

    (Closed 3 June 2021)

    On 30 April 2021, TEQSA released the TEQSA Fees and Charges Consultation Paper for feedback from the sector. The consultation paper outlined the details of TEQSA’s proposed approach for transitioning to the new cost recovery arrangements.

    Draft legislative instrument

    (Closed 28 April 2021)

    In February 2021, the Australian Parliament passed the Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Provider Category Standards and Other Measures) Bill 2020. The Bill gives effect to the Australian Government’s decision to implement all 10 recommendations arising from the Provider Category Standards review conducted in 2019. 

    Among other things, the Bill amends the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act) to allow TEQSA to make a determination of the matters which it must have regard to when assessing the quality of the research undertaken by a provider which is registered, or applies to be registered, in the Australian University category. By approval from the Minister, this determination becomes a legislative instrument.

    TEQSA proposes to make a determination which sets out a number of matters which are relevant to an assessment of research quality. The list is non-exhaustive and does not specify benchmarks or thresholds for quality; it is a determination of considerations in an assessment of research quality.

    Discussion paper: Making and assessing claims of scholarship and scholarly activity 

    (Closed 14 December 2020)

    TEQSA sought to review whether its current approach to assessing claims of scholarship and scholarly activity (as described in the Guidance Note on Scholarship) is adequate, or if the approach needs to be reconceptualised. The purpose of this discussion paper was to set out, for consideration by the sector and other stakeholders, draft principles that were proposed to guide providers in making claims related to scholarship, and to inform TEQSA’s assessments of such claims.

    Information Guidelines

    (Closed 27 March 2020)

    TEQSA sought feedback on the Commonwealth, State and Territory bodies that we proposed to include in an update to our Information Guidelines. 

    The Information Guidelines is a legislative instrument that sets out the Commonwealth authorities and the State or Territory authorities to which TEQSA may disclose higher education information under sections 189 and 194 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011.

    Fit and proper person considerations

    (Closed 1 December 2017)

    As a consequence of the passing of the Education Legislative Amendment (Provider Integrity and Other Measures) Act 2017, TEQSA is able to specify matters that the agency may have regard to in deciding whether a person is a fit and proper person for the purposes of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011.

    Sector consultation on proposed changes to the publication of TEQSA’s decisions

    (Closed 14 March 2017)

    TEQSA sought feedback, via a consultation paper, on the proposed changes to the publication of regulatory decisions.

    The consultation focused on proposed changes to the frequency and way we published decisions.

    Questions about whether we should publish more information, including rejections, involve an important balance between the interests of higher education providers, students and other stakeholders.

    The developments in our practices and in the approaches of other agencies meant that it was timely to revisit these issues. 

    We proposed that a simplified set of principles be adopted, informed by approaches of other Australian Government agencies, to guide our future approach.

    As part of the consultation process, we will carefully consider all feedback before we make any changes to our approach. We are committed to ensuring that all stakeholders have an opportunity to provide us with their views.

    Summary of consultation

    Principles of consultation

    Our approach to consultation is guided by the regulatory principles of: reflecting risk, proportionality and necessity. Our consultations are also guided by the principles outlined in TEQSA’s approach to consultation.

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  • How we regulate

  • TEQSA Commissioner recognised for outstanding leadership

    TEQSA warmly congratulates our Commissioner Adrienne Nieuwenhuis on receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 South Australian Training Awards.  

    Ms Nieuwenhuis was honoured for her long-standing contribution to education and training nationally at a gala presentation by The Hon Andrew Giles MP, Federal Minister for Skills and Training.

    Dedicated to strengthening quality and equity across VET and higher education, Ms Nieuwenhuis has held key national leadership roles, including Acting Chief Commissioner of TEQSA and member of the South Australian Skills Commission.

    She joined TEQSA as a Commissioner in 2021, and prior to that was the Director of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at the University of South Australia and the Director of Quality, Tertiary Education, Science and Research in the South Australian Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology.  

    Ms Nieuwenhuis was an inaugural member of the Higher Education Standards Panel (2011–14) and the National Skills Standards Council (2011–13). From 2013 to 2025, she was also a member of the South Australian Skills Commission and chair of its Traineeship and Apprenticeship Sub-Committee.

    With over 30 years’ experience in tertiary education, Ms Nieuwenhuis has been a member of various state and federal committees and working parties associated with tertiary education.  

    The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented in recognition of an individual’s outstanding leadership and contribution to the South Australian VET and skills sector.  

    Their leadership and contributions are linked to an innovation, new knowledge, or ways to improve professional practice deemed to be above and beyond the everyday, with a long-lasting impact within the sector.

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    Adrienne Nieuwenhuis