Body

Documents

Guidance note: Changes in a course of study that may lead to accreditation as a new course  (MS Word, 149 KB)

Guidance note: Changes in a course of study that may lead to accreditation as a new course  (PDF, 227 KB)

Providers should note that Guidance Notes are intended to provide guidance only. The definitive instruments for regulatory purposes remain the TEQSA Act, the Higher Education Standards Framework, the National Code and the ESOS Act as amended from time to time.

Purpose of this note

TEQSA expects that courses of study will evolve over time as providers make improvements as part of their quality assurance processes and/or respond to changing circumstances in the educational and workplace environments. Some changes may be relatively minor, some may be more significant (i.e. changes to course title, a notable reduction in course duration, or the introduction of new majors or specialisations), while others may change the course so fundamentally that it amounts to a ‘new’ course. A ‘new’ course will need to be accredited as such, whether internally if the provider has authority to self-accredit the new course, or externally by TEQSA. In the case of accreditation by TEQSA, accreditation as a new course of study may arise as a result of:

• a provider’s own initiative to replace a previously accredited course of study with a new course of study, or
• TEQSA determining that the proposed changes to a course of study will change the course sufficiently to warrant accreditation of the course as a new course of study.

The aim of this note is to indicate some of the major factors that TEQSA may have regard to in reaching a decision on whether accreditation of a course can be renewed under its existing identity or whether it needs to be accredited as a new course of study.

Because of the variety of factors that may affect a determination by TEQSA, providers are advised to discuss proposed significant changes to a course of study with TEQSA. These discussions will help to resolve whether the proposed changes fundamentally change the nature of the course of study and/or likely expectations of it from students and the community, to the extent that TEQSA will require accreditation as a new course.

Factors that may affect TEQSA’s determination

Many factors may influence TEQSA’s decision making in particular circumstances. Some key factors that may lead to a requirement for accreditation as a new course are outlined below. Many of these are somewhat interdependent, e.g. changes to learning outcomes and course design, but for the purposes of this guidance note they are considered separately. The discussion largely follows the matters raised by the requirements of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HES Framework).

Representation of the course of study

From time to time, providers may wish to change the orientation of a course to match new or emerging opportunities, such as innovative employment opportunities or marked changes in technologies. This may cause a provider to structure the course differently and change the title. For example, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) may be recast as a BSc (Environmental Sciences) or BSc (Emerging Technologies). Where the new title of the course is likely to suggest to prospective students that the course may lead to markedly different employment prospects or opportunities for further study, TEQSA may form the view that the course should be accredited as a new course. This could also apply to broadening or narrowing a field of education, e.g. changing a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) to a more specialised course of study, e.g. to MBA (Health Management), or vice versa. TEQSA would also consider whether the new title, if not accredited as a new course, may cause confusion with existing courses or be misleading to the community and potentially affect the reputation of Australian higher education.

Level/type of qualification

Where a change to a course is proposed to lead to a different qualification at the same AQF level, e.g. bachelor (honours) degree to a graduate diploma at Level 8, or to one at a different level, from a bachelor to a masters degree, the course will need to be accredited as a new course. This will also include postgraduate courses, e.g. masters, doctorate, that are proposed to change from coursework (or predominantly coursework) to a research degree (i.e. including at least two-thirds research work). A change to a research degree would also involve meeting the Research and Research Training Standards (Domain 4 of the Threshold Standards) if that has not already occurred.

Where a provider that offers a diploma accredited as a vocational education and training (VET) course proposes to convert this to a higher education course, or to offer a higher education diploma with the same title and content, the higher education diploma will need to be accredited as a new course. Higher education providers should have regard in such cases to the over-riding requirement to deliver teaching and learning that engage with advanced knowledge and inquiry (Threshold Standards Category Criterion B1.1).

Learning outcomes

TEQSA expects the learning outcomes of courses to evolve with time, and such evolution is unlikely to have an impact on re-accreditation of a course. However, from time to time, marked changes may occur in expected learning outcomes, e.g. to provide training for a different (broadened or specialised) scope of professional practice, such as a new major or course solely addressing forensic accounting instead of management accounting. In such cases TEQSA will consider accreditation as a new course in the interests of clarification and avoidance of confusion about what can be expected of graduates. Providers may well also see this as advantageous in proposing a new field of study.

Course duration/volume of learning

A marked change in the duration of a course of study or the volume of learning may lead to a need for accreditation as a new course. This may occur particularly if:

• there has been a marked reduction in the volume of learning without other corresponding changes to other factors, and/or
• a marked and unsubstantiated departure from the broad guidance of the AQF is proposed.

A marked change in volume of learning would be expected to be accompanied by various other changes, such as changes to the:

• level or qualification type
• scope of the expected learning outcomes
• prerequisites or other aspects of academic preparedness
• course design, or
• delivery methods.

If these types of accompanying changes have not occurred, TEQSA would be concerned about the credibility of the proposed changes to the volume of learning. Where accompanying changes are being proposed to support a change in volume of learning, TEQSA will form a view on whether, in aggregate, they change the fundamental nature of the course to the extent that it amounts to a ‘new’ course.  

Entry requirements

Changes to entry requirements may cause TEQSA to see the changes as a new course. This would occur where the changed entry requirements are likely to change the consequent type and level of learning experiences that flow from the change, e.g. a change from undergraduate entry to graduate entry, or new and substantial requirements for prerequisite professional or workplace experience that is expected to be advanced in the course of study. Changes in entry requirements that may require additional support, e.g. admitting an educationally disadvantaged cohort, but do not otherwise change the fundamental nature of the course or its outcomes, are less likely to require accreditation as a new course. 

Course design/delivery

Providers are expected to change the design and delivery of courses over time as part of their internal monitoring and quality assurance. TEQSA will consider such changes as part of re-accreditation of a course of study. Provided that the changes do not markedly change the expected outcomes of the course for students or the community, TEQSA is unlikely to require accreditation as a new course of study. For example, progression to more emphasis on online learning is likely to be seen as part of a natural evolution in a provider’s educational management, provided the changes are accompanied by corresponding relevant changes to the provider’s monitoring and quality assurance. Adopting a solely online mode of delivery would be a material change, but not necessarily change the course to such an extent that it would require accreditation as a new course.

However, where the design and delivery of a course is changed fundamentally and such changes to its design and delivery are claimed to engender markedly different graduate capabilities and/or a capacity to meet new community expectations, TEQSA may form the view that accreditation as a new course of study is warranted. For example, if a provider introduced an unprecedented predominance of ‘best practice’ work-integrated learning, TEQSA may form the view that the interests of all parties may be better served by accreditation as a new course.  

Research and research training

As mentioned above, offering a research degree(s) requires a provider to meet the standards of the Threshold Standards for both research and research training. Changes to a course of study that are intended to convert it to a research degree will require accreditation as a new course of study.

Institutional quality assurance

If a provider proposes changes to a course of study that would require capabilities that have not been demonstrated previously, TEQSA will need to consider accreditation as a new course. For example, a provider may wish to incorporate new fields of education into a course for which it has not previously demonstrated a capacity for sufficient academic leadership, staff expertise, learning resources or dedicated expertise in institutional quality assurance (e.g. in the academic board or equivalent) in that field to meet the requirements of the Threshold Standards prima facie. As discussed above, this would apply to new research degrees but it would apply in any area where the provider is proposing significant involvement in new fields of education or markedly different modes of delivery, e.g. adding significant STEM content to a humanities program.

Delivery partners

The Threshold Standards set out specific requirements in relation to delivery with other parties. A proposal for a new delivery partner would require consideration by TEQSA at least as a material change, and, depending on the nature of the delivery arrangement and its likely impact on the design of course of study, may lead to accreditation as a new course. So too may a change of delivery partner, however TEQSA would take into account the provider’s previous record of managing and quality assuring delivery partners.

International students

Providers may propose changes to a previously accredited course to meet the needs of one or more cohorts of international students (whether onshore or offshore). TEQSA will have regard to the matters discussed elsewhere in this guidance note in considering whether the course amounts to a ‘new’ course and warrants accreditation as such. TEQSA will also have regard to any potential impact on the reputation of Australian higher education. 

Resources and references

Material changes and other notifications

TEQSA welcomes the diversity of educational delivery across the sector and acknowledges that its Guidance Notes may not encompass all of the circumstances seen in the sector. TEQSA also recognises that the requirements of the Threshold Standards can be met in different ways according to the circumstances of the provider. Provided the requirements of the Threshold Standards are met, TEQSA will not prescribe how they are met. If in doubt, please consult your TEQSA assessment manager. 
 

Version #	Date	Key changes
1.0	6 March 2017	Made available as beta version for consultation.
2.0	19 February 2026	Minor revision to update information about material changes.

Body

Documents

Guidance note: Delivery with other parties  (MS Word, 150 KB)

Guidance note: Delivery with other parties  (PDF, 222 KB)

Providers should note that Guidance Notes are intended to provide guidance only. The definitive instruments for regulatory purposes remain the TEQSA Act, the Higher Education Standards Framework, the National Code and the ESOS Act as amended from time to time. 

What does delivery with others parties encompass?

The Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 places obligations on registered higher education providers about arrangements for ‘delivery with other parties’. The primary obligations are found in Section 5.4 of the Threshold Standards.

‘Delivery with other parties’ encompasses arrangements between a provider and another entity (in Australia or overseas), for the delivery of a course of study (a course) or parts of it, that leads to the award of a regulated higher education qualification (higher education qualification).

The scope of these arrangements is typically contained in legal contractual relationships between the parties, which set out the responsibilities of each party and their functions. This may include the processes and systems the other party may implement to ensure it complies with the providers policies and systems. 

Common examples of delivery with other parties include:

• work-integrated learning (see TEQSA’s guidance note for more details)
• in-country language programs
• onshore and offshore arrangements with other providers to deliver higher education
• short-term programs allowing students to complete units of a course with another provider, either domestically or overseas (study tours and exchanges)
• students completing part of their course at one provider, and the remainder at another (twinning arrangements)
• an umbrella entity that is overseeing 2 or more providers covering an aspect of delivery for the overseen providers.

In having arrangements to deliver a course with other parties, the Threshold Standards require providers to remain responsible and accountable in all aspects of course delivery and support. These aspects include corporate monitoring and ensuring student wellbeing and safety.

In the event where a provider is unable to assure itself of a third party's compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks, or is in breach of agreed contractual agreements and benchmarks, a provider will need to take action to protect the interests of students. This may involve ending the relationship with the other party.

Where a provider delivers a course with an overseas party, TEQSA may apply greater focus in ensuring compliance is effectively implemented by the higher education provider. This is because these arrangements can create heightened risk of non-compliance in areas such as student support services, staffing, student safety and wellbeing, identifying students at risk and freedom of speech. TEQSA also expects providers to ensure students to have equivalent opportunities for progression and success, regardless of delivery arrangements or background.

This guidance note does not focus on work integrated learning (WIL), although elements of this will be dealt with in passing. For more detailed information on WIL, please see its associated guidance note. 

What TEQSA will look for

TEQSA considers the Threshold Standards in the context of delivery with other parties, among which most notably are: 

Part A: Standards for higher education providers	Key considerations
1.3.6 Orientation and progression	all students have equivalent access to transition into and progression through, their course of study.
1.5 Qualifications and certification	certification documentation acknowledges the contribution of the third party where appropriate.
3.2 Staffing	staff, including those at the other party, have appropriate training, level of qualifications and knowledge of contemporary developments in a field or discipline to meet expected student learning outcomes teaching staff, including those at the other party, who do not fully meet the standard for teaching or supervision (i.e. experienced practitioners) are overseen by staff who meet standard 3.2.3 staff, including those at the other party, are accessible to students seeking individual assistance with their studies.
3.3 Learning resources and educational support	learning materials are accessible for students if specified or recommended for a course of study students are able to access learning resources regardless of their mode of study, learning needs or whether the education is delivered with other parties.
5.1.2-3 Course approval and accreditation	processes for academic governance are applied consistently to all courses resources required to deliver courses are available.
5.2 Wellbeing and safety	students are provided with the following in support of their wellbeing and safety: a safe environment to participate in higher education a grievance and complaints process that is supplied consistently, fairly and without reprisal support services tailored to the needs of their cohort.
5.2.4 Academic and research integrity	academic and research integrity and accountability are maintained in delivery arrangements with other parties.
5.3 Monitoring, review and improvement	monitoring and review of student trend data, specifically considers and compares outcomes across cohorts and third-party activities.
5.4 Delivery with other parties	delivery with other parties is quality assured by the provider, including assuring quality of supervision and student experiences in delivering a course with another party, the provider remains accountable for the course of study and its ongoing compliance with the Threshold Standards.
6.2a, h-i Corporate monitoring and accountability	the corporate governing body can assure itself that it is operating effectively and sustainably. This includes assuring itself that the provider: is operating consistently with the legislation under which the provider is established, recognised, or incorporated (which may impose limits on whether a provider can deliver courses in a foreign jurisdiction, even if through another party) has appropriate tuition safeguards plans for business continuity in the event a course cannot be fully delivered is awarding qualifications legitimately.
7.1 Representation	information supplied by the provider or other parties about the provider’s educational offerings, experiences and charges are accurate and not misleading.
7.2 Information for prospective and current students	for prospective and current students information should should be accessible and accurate about: arrangements with other parties, including when and where courses will be delivered under these arrangements educational offerings, experiences, and relevant policies including those applying to courses delivered with other parties.
7.3.3 Information management	information systems and records are maintained, and kept secure and confidential.

 

The TEQSA Act

TEQSA also considers obligations arising from the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act). The most relevant sections about delivery with other parties are:

• section 26 which applies to providers offering or conferring a higher education award for courses completed in part or wholly with other parties. Where it applies, this section requires a provider to ensure the other party or parties, in delivering the course, are compliant with the Threshold Standards.
• section 29 which requires a provider to notify TEQSA of any material changes which may significantly affect the provider’s ability to comply with the Threshold Standards. An agreement to deliver a course with other parties presents specific risks to compliance. Once a provider has entered an agreement with another party to deliver a course, we expect the provider to notify TEQSA of the agreement and their management/mitigation of the risks posed by it. Information about reporting material changes is outlined on TEQSA’s website: Material changes and other notifications.
• section 44G which imposes notification requirements on providers with authorisation to provide Australian courses offshore. Providers with this authorisation are required to notify TEQSA if certain events or changes in circumstances occur, or are likely to occur, including when an offshore provided Australian course of study first begins to be provided wholly or party by another entity. Information about notifications for authorised providers is outlined on TEQSA’s website: Notifications required of providers with authorisation to provide Australian courses offshore.

Obligations applying to providers educating overseas students in Australia

For providers educating students from overseas, the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (the National Code) Part B and the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (the ESOS Act) apply.

The National Code applies to providers and their agents/partners in delivering education services. From the National Code, relevant clauses for delivery of education with other parties that TEQSA considers in its work include:

• 1.1-1.3 – provider and its education agents may supply information relevant to a provider’s courses (including information about other parties the provider delivers courses with). This information should not be false or misleading.
• 2.1.6 – requires the provider, prior to accepting an overseas student, to inform the student of the details of any arrangements with other parties who will provide the course or part of the course.
• 4 – providers must ensure education agents are clear on their responsibilities and act in accordance with them.
• 5 – providers must ensure it and any other party delivering education can meet the legislative and other regulatory requirements relating to child welfare and protection.
• 6 – providers must ensure it and other parties delivering the education provide appropriate assistance and information to support overseas students’ adjustment to study and life in Australia.
• 11.1.4 and 11.2.5 – in registering a course, a provider must seek approval from TEQSA for arrangements with other parties. Providers must also demonstrate other parties they engage to deliver a course has adequate staff, resources, and facilities.

Identified issues

TEQSA has identified a range of issues which are indicative of deficiencies in a provider’s delivery with other parties. These include, but are not limited to:

• a lack of clear standards for the contracting, retention, and support for delivery and assessment staff, including standards for equivalency and scholarly activity, which can result in breaches of the regulatory framework
• confusion between the provider and other party about who holds critical responsibilities in delivering the course, as well as inconsistent or conflicting educational and academic goals, resulting in the poor course management
• a lack of training provided to staff and students on institutional policies, resulting in compromised academic quality and inconsistencies across student cohorts, campus and faculties
• misunderstandings or disagreements, between the provider and other party about procedures and responsibilities. This can lead to significant impacts on the experience students and wellbeing of staff, especially if a provider chooses to end its relationship with the other party
• unclear expectations and/or a lack of student performance monitoring by the provider, resulting in failure to deliver as expected or agreed outcomes. This can include high attrition rates, poor progression outcomes, high numbers of reported grievances
• inconsistent reports from the other party about its performance and compliance. This makes it difficult for the provider to assure itself of the other party’s ongoing compliance with relevant frameworks and to ensure the welfare of students
• the other party making changes to a provider’s course without approval and appropriate oversight. This may result in the course being of poorer quality and becoming non-compliant with frameworks such as the AQF
• the other party lacks the necessary resources or skills to provide support services for students including to:
  • overcome cultural, linguistic, or technological barriers to student participation, and
  • ensure student wellbeing and safety
• inadequate information is made available to students about which party is responsible for responding to their concerns, making it difficult to resolve them
• providers are not cognisant of the facility and infrastructure requirements of their student cohorts when outsourcing to third parties such as prayer rooms. 

Related resources

• Guidance Note: Work-integrated Learning
• Guidance Note: Corporate Governance [under development]
• Guidance Note: Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning
• Guidance Note: Monitoring, Review, and Improvement [under review]
• Guidance Note: Facilities and Infrastructure [under development]
• Transnational Education Toolkit
• Guidance Note: Student wellbeing and safety [under development]

Version #	Date	Key changes
1.0	April 2015
2.0	19 August 2016	Updated for the HESF 2015 and made available as beta version for consultation.
2.1	11 October 2017	Addition to ‘What will TEQSA look for?” text box.
2.2	8 October 2019	Updated to include consultation feedback.
3.0	7 July 2023	Major revision.
4.0	19 February 2026	Minor revision to include updated information about material changes and new information about notification requirements for providers with authorisation to provide Australian courses offshore.

 

 

Body

 

Documents

Complete privacy policy  (PDF, 263 KB)

1. Introduction

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is Australia’s independent national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education.

Our purpose is to protect student interests and the reputation of Australia’s higher education sector through a proportionate, risk-reflective approach to quality assurance that supports diversity, innovation and excellence.

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act) which established us as an agency, calls for us to:

• register regulated entities as higher education providers and accredit their courses of study
• conduct compliance and quality assessments
• conduct re-accreditation assessments of courses developed by providers without self-accrediting authority
• provide advice and make recommendations to the Commonwealth Minister responsible for Education on matters relating to the quality and regulation of higher education providers
• cooperate with similar agencies in other countries
• collect, analyse, interpret and disseminate information relating to quality assurance practice and quality improvement in higher education
• to investigate and take action against individuals or organisations offering or advertising commercial academic cheating services to students at Australian higher education providers.

More information is available on the TEQSA website.

1.1. Who should read this privacy policy?

You should read this privacy policy if you are:

• a student
• a higher education provider
• a professional accreditation body
• a contractor, consultant, or supplier of goods or services to us
• a person whose information may be given to us by a third party, including other Australian Government agencies
• a current or past employee
• a person seeking employment with us, or
• any other individual whose personal information we may collect, hold, use and disclose from time to time.

1.2. Purpose of this privacy policy

The purpose of this privacy policy is to:

• describe the types of personal information that we collect, hold, use and disclose
• outline our personal information handling practices
• explain our authority to collect your personal information, why it may be held by us, how it is used and how it is protected
• notify whether we are likely to disclose personal information to overseas recipients and, if possible, to whom
• provide information on how you can access your personal information, correct it if necessary and complain if you believe it has been wrongly collected or inappropriately handled.

This privacy policy has been developed to follow the ‘layered policy’ format, which means that it offers layers of greater or lesser detail so people can read as much as they wish and find what they need fast.

For a snapshot of our personal information handling practices, please go to the Condensed Privacy Policy. This offers an easy-to-understand summary of:

• how we collect, use, disclose and store your personal information
• how you can contact us if you want to access or correct personal information we hold about you or complain if you believe it has been wrongly collected or inappropriately handled.

Full details of these practices are contained in this document.

1.3. Privacy Act 1988

TEQSA, including its employees, contractors and agents, is subject to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act) and to the requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) contained in Schedule 1 of the Privacy Act.

The APPs regulate how federal public sector agencies and certain private sector organisations can collect, hold, use and disclose personal information and how you can access and correct that information.

The APPs only apply to information about living individuals, not information about corporate entities such as businesses, firms or trusts. Detailed information and guidance about the APPs can be found on the Office of Australian Information Commissioner website.

1.4. Information covered under this privacy policy

This privacy policy has been developed in accordance with Australian Privacy Principle 1 and embodies our commitment to protecting the personal information we collect, hold, use and disclose.

This privacy policy is not intended to cover our handling of commercially sensitive information or other information that is not defined in the Privacy Act as personal information.

‘Personal information’ means any information (or an opinion) about an identified individual or an individual who is reasonably identifiable, whether true or not and whether recorded in a material form or not.¹

‘Sensitive information’ is a subset of personal information and includes information about your health, genetics, biometrics or disability, racial or ethnic origin, religious, political or philosophical beliefs, professional association or trade union memberships, sexuality or criminal record.² Additional requirements apply to the collection and handling of sensitive information.

2. Our personal information handling practices

2.1. Collection of personal information

Personal information may be collected directly by us, or by people or organisations acting on our behalf (e.g. contracted service providers). It may be collected directly from you, or on your behalf from a representative you have authorised.

We may also obtain personal information collected by other Australian Government departments or agencies, higher education providers, other third parties, or from publicly available sources. This will only occur where you consent, where it is unreasonable or impractical to collect the information only from you, or where we are required or authorised to do so by law.

We will only collect information for a lawful purpose that is reasonably necessary or directly related to one or more of our functions and activities, or where otherwise required or authorised by law.

2.2. Types of personal information collected by us

We collect and hold a broad range of personal information in records relating to:

• performance of our legislated regulatory and quality assurance functions
• employment and personnel matters for our employees, labour hire workers, contractors and consultants
• management of contracts and consultancy arrangements
• communication and engagement with the sector
• requests made to us under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act) or the Privacy Act
• the provision of legal advice by internal and external lawyers.

This personal information may include but is not limited to:

• your name, address, signature and contact details (e.g. phone, email and fax)
• photographs, video recordings and audio recordings of you
• information about your personal circumstances (e.g. marital status, age, occupation, accommodation, social media accounts and relevant information about your partner or children)
• information about your financial affairs (e.g. payment details, bank account details and information about business and financial interests)
• information about your identity (e.g. date of birth, country of birth, passport details, visa details, driver licence)
• information about your employment (e.g. position title, position responsibilities, term of appointment, work history, referee comments, remuneration)
• information about your background (e.g. educational qualifications and history, honorifics, the languages you speak and your English proficiency)
• information about your studies and training (e.g. campus of study, scholarships, academic records or testamurs)
• government or other identifiers (e.g. AGS Number, tax file number, Unique Student Identifier, student identification number or internet protocol address).

2.3. Collection of sensitive information

In carrying out our functions and activities we may collect personal information that is sensitive information (see section 1.4 of this privacy policy). The APPs impose additional obligations on us when collecting, using or disclosing sensitive information. We may only collect sensitive information from you:

• where you provide your consent and the information is reasonably necessary for, or directly related to, TEQSA’s functions or activities; or
• where required or authorised by law.³

We may collect sensitive information for the purposes of human resource management and responding to inquiries by courts, tribunals and other external review bodies.

This sensitive information may include but is not limited to:

• information about your health (e.g. physical and mental health, disabilities, gender, dietary requirements or accessibility needs)
• information about your racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs or affiliations, sexual orientation or practices, or criminal record
• information about your political opinions or membership of any political association(s)
• information about your membership of any professional or trade association(s) or union(s).

2.4. Collection of unsolicited information

Sometimes personal information is not sought by us but is delivered or sent to us by either the individual or a third party without us having requested it. This information is considered ‘unsolicited’.

Where unsolicited information is received by us, we will, within a reasonable period, determine whether that information is directly related to one or more of our functions or activities. If this cannot be determined, we may, as soon as practicable and in accordance with the Archives Act 1983 (Archives Act) and the Privacy Act, destroy or de-identify the information. If this can be determined we will notify you of the purpose of collection and our intended uses and disclosures according to the requirements of the APPs, unless it is impracticable or unreasonable for us to do so.

2.5. Remaining anonymous or using a pseudonym

You may wish not to identify yourself or to use a different name (pseudonym) when interacting with us.

In some cases, you will be able to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym, however, there will be occasions where it will be impractical for you to remain anonymous or use a pseudonym and, where appropriate, we will advise you accordingly. For example, if you do not identify yourself TEQSA may be unable to investigate and resolve a complaint you have or complete an assessment or investigation related to compliance with its procedures or policies.

There may also be situations where TEQSA is required or authorised by law to deal only with an identified individual, in which case it may be necessary for you to identify yourself.  For example, it would be difficult for TEQSA to give you access to your personal information under the Privacy Act or other legislation such as the FOI Act if you did not provide enough identification to satisfy TEQSA that the relevant personal information was related to you.

2.6. Information collected by our contractors

Under the Privacy Act, we are required to take contractual measures to ensure that contracted service providers (including subcontractors) comply with the same privacy requirements applicable to us. When TEQSA enters into agreements with contracted service providers, it imposes contractual obligations on providers to ensure they comply with relevant privacy obligations when collecting, using, disclosing and holding personal information relating to TEQSA’s activities.

2.7. Storage and data security

2.7.1. Storage

We store personal information in a range of paper-based and electronic records. Some electronic records may be stored in the cloud, including in cloud-based systems provided or utilised by our contractors and third-party providers.

Storage of personal information (and the disposal of information when it is no longer required) is managed in accordance with the Australian Government’s records management regime, including but not limited to the Archives Act, records authorities, general disposal authorities and other whole-of-government policies or standards issued by the National Archives of Australia.

2.7.2. Data security

We take all reasonable steps to protect the personal information held in our possession against loss, unauthorised access, use, modification, disclosure or misuse.

Access to your personal information held by us is restricted to authorised persons who are TEQSA employees or contractors, on a need-to-know basis.

Electronic and paper records containing personal information are protected in accordance with Australian Government security policies, including the Australian Government’s Protective Security Policy Framework and the Australian Signals Directorate’s Information Security Manual.

2.8. Data quality

We take all reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information we collect is accurate, up-to-date, complete, relevant and not misleading.

These steps include responding to requests to correct personal information when it is reasonable and appropriate to do so. For further information on correcting personal information see section 3 of this privacy policy.

Audits and quality inspections may be conducted from time to time to ensure the accuracy and integrity of information, and any systemic data quality issues are identified and resolved promptly.

2.9 Purposes for which information is collected, held, used and disclosed

We collect, hold, use and disclose personal information for a variety of different purposes including to:

• perform our legislated regulatory and quality assurance functions
• perform our management, employment and personnel functions and responsibilities in relation to our staff and contractors
• manage contracts and consultancy arrangements
• administer requests received by us under the FOI Act or the Privacy Act
• manage correspondence and engagement with stakeholders, members of the higher education sector and the public
• obtain legal advice from internal and external lawyers.

Our legislated functions under the TEQSA Act include, but are not limited to:

• assessing applications of higher education providers for registration, renewal of registration, course accreditation, and renewal of course accreditation
• conducting assessments of compliance
• notifying and generally communicating with prospective and registered higher education providers in relation to TEQSA’s regulatory functions
• collecting and retaining student records following a provider ceasing to operate (and to allow students and providers to request access).

Our legislated functions under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) include, but are not limited to:

• assessing applications for Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) registration and renewal of CRICOS registration
• assessing applications to make changes to CRICOS registration, including making changes or adding courses, locations, student capacity and third-party arrangements
• monitoring compliance with all requirements under the ESOS Act and related legislation, and acting where there is non-compliance or risks of non-compliance.

We use and disclose personal information for the primary purposes for which it is collected.

We will only use your personal information for secondary purposes where we are able to do so in accordance with the Privacy Act. This may include where you have consented to this secondary purpose, or where the secondary purpose is related (or if sensitive information, directly related) to the primary purpose and you would reasonably expect us to use or disclose the information for the secondary purpose, where it is required or authorised by law or where a permitted general situation exists such as to prevent a serious threat to safety.

Likely secondary purposes for which we may use or disclose your personal information include but are not limited to quality assurance, auditing and reporting.

2.10. Our online services

When you use TEQSA’s online services, our servers automatically record information that your browser sends whenever you visit a website. These server logs may include information such as your server address, your top-level domain name, the date and time of the visit to the site, the pages accessed and documents viewed, the previous sites visited, and the browser type, browser language, and one or more cookies that may uniquely identify your browser. The information does not contain anything that identifies individuals.

2.11. Disclosure of personal information overseas

It is unlikely the records we hold that contain personal information will be disclosed to any overseas recipients. However, where TEQSA does so, we will ensure that appropriate steps are taken to comply with Australian Privacy Principle 8.⁴

2.12. Unauthorised access, use or disclosure of personal information

We will take seriously and deal promptly with any unauthorised access, use or disclosure of personal information.

The Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme in Part IIIC of the Privacy Act, which commenced on 22 February 2018, generally requires agencies and organisations to notify individuals whose personal information is involved in a data breach that is likely to result in serious harm to those individuals. These entities are also required to notify the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner. We comply with the NDB scheme when dealing with these types of data breaches.

TEQSA also has regard to relevant guidance material issued by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, including the ‘Data breach preparation and response - a guide for organisations and agencies to help them prepare for and respond to a data breach in line with their obligations under the Privacy Act’, when responding to any incidents involving the unauthorised access of, use or disclosure of personal information.

3. Accessing and correcting your personal information

3.1. How to seek access to and correction of personal information

You have a right under the Privacy Act to access personal information we hold about you.

You also have a right under the Privacy Act to request corrections of any personal information that we hold about you if you think the information is inaccurate, out-of-date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading.

To access or seek correction of personal information we hold about you, please contact us using the contact details set out at section 6.1 of this privacy policy.

3.2. Our access and correction process

If you request access to, or correction of, your personal information, we must respond to you within 30 calendar days.

While the Privacy Act requires that we give you access to, or correct, your personal information on request, it does set out circumstances in which we may refuse you access or decline to correct your personal information.

If we refuse to give you access or decline to correct your personal information we will provide you with a written notice which, among other things, gives our reasons for refusing your request.

It is also possible to access and correct documents held by us under the FOI Act. Further information about how to make an FOI application is available on the Freedom of Information page of our website. You can also contact our FOI team at foi@teqsa.gov.au.

3.3. If you are unsatisfied with our response

If you are unsatisfied with our response, you may make a complaint, either directly to us (see section 5 below), or you may wish to contact:

• the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner at enquiries@oaic.gov.au or phone 1300 363 992
• the Commonwealth Ombudsman by lodging a Complaint Form online or phone 1300 362 072.

4. Privacy impact assessments

4.1. What is a privacy impact assessment

A privacy impact assessment (PIA) is a systematic assessment of a project that identifies the impact that the project might have on the privacy of individuals, and sets out recommendations for managing, minimising or eliminating that impact.

4.2. When we conduct privacy impact assessments

The Privacy (Australian Government Agencies — Governance) APP Code 2017 (Privacy Code) requires us to undertake a PIA in certain instances and to maintain a register of those PIAs from 1 July 2018. In accordance with the Privacy Code, we publish a version of our PIA register on our website.

5. Privacy complaints

5.1. How to make a privacy complaint

If you think we may have breached your privacy you may contact us to make a complaint using the contact details set out at section 6.1 of this privacy policy. In order to ensure that we fully understand the nature of your complaint and the outcome you are seeking, we prefer that you make your complaint in writing.

Please be aware that it may be difficult to investigate or respond to your complaint if you provide insufficient detail. You may submit an anonymous complaint, however if you do it may not be possible for us to provide a response to you.

5.2 Our privacy complaint handling process

We are committed to quick and fair resolution of complaints and will ensure your complaint is taken seriously and investigated appropriately. You will not be victimised or suffer negative treatment if you make a complaint.

For further information about our complaint handling process please read our Complaints about TEQSA policy.

5.3. If you are unsatisfied with our response

If you are not satisfied with the way we have handled your complaint in the first instance, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner to refer your complaint for further investigation. Please note that the Information Commissioner may not investigate if you have not first brought your complaint to our attention. 

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Phone: 1300 363 992
Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au
Post: GPO Box 5288, Sydney NSW 2001

6. Contact us

6.1. General enquiries, complaints, requests for access or correction

If you wish to:

• query how your personal information is collected, held, used or disclosed by us
• ask us questions about this privacy policy
• request access to or seek correction of your personal information
• make a privacy complaint

please contact us:

By mail:
Privacy Contact Officer
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency
GPO Box 1672
Melbourne VIC 3001

By email:
foi@teqsa.gov.au

By phone:
1300 739 585

6.2. Availability of this privacy policy

If you wish to access this privacy policy in an alternative format (e.g. hard copy) please contact us using the contact details set out at section 6.1 above. This privacy policy will be made available free of charge.

7. Privacy policy updates

This privacy policy will be reviewed at least annually and updated as required.

Date policy last updated: December 2025

Notes

1. See section 6 of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (Privacy Act) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APP) Guidelines issued by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
2. As above.
3. Australian Privacy Principle 3.4 provides for specific circumstances in which the collection of sensitive personal information is authorised.
4. For further information on cross-border disclosure of personal information, see Chapter 8 of the APP Guidelines issued by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

Document control information

Document Name: Privacy Policy
Document owner: General Counsel
Version: 4
Approval date: 11 December 2025
Next review date: 11 December 2026
Approver: Accountable Authority