Guidance for prospective providers

When preparing an application for registration as a higher education provider, prospective providers must submit operational plans and projections to allow TEQSA to assess the financial viability and sustainability of the applicant. In preparing these plans and projections, prospective providers should consider the timeframes for registration by TEQSA. In addition, if a provider is considering delivery to overseas students, these projections should also consider the time to be registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), the time to recruit overseas students, and sufficient time for those students to obtain visas and to make travel and accommodation arrangements, prior to the commencement of delivery.

Key steps

1. Initial engagement with TEQSA and preparation of applications

At least 6 months before submitting an application, and after reviewing the relevant guidance materials, prospective providers should contact TEQSA (new.registration.enquiries@TEQSA.gov.au) to advise of an intention to apply for registration. If intending to deliver to overseas students, prospective providers are also encouraged to contact TEQSA’s CRICOS team (cricos@teqsa.gov.au) for guidance.

2. Preliminary assessment of application for initial registration

Once an application is received, TEQSA must complete a preliminary assessment and notify you of the outcome within 30 days. During this assessment, TEQSA will check if you have provided all of the required evidence, including whether the application for registration in a particular provider category is appropriate, and whether an application is required for a course of study to be accredited, as per Section 19(1) of the TEQSA Act. Please note, if an application is not in the approved form, does not include all information, documents and assistance requested by TEQSA, or is not accompanied by the application fee, it will not progress to a substantive assessment.

3. Substantive assessment of application for initial registration

If TEQSA’s preliminary assessment finds that an application is appropriate (valid), the applicant may continue with its application by providing any further information requested by TEQSA and by paying the application fee. Once these have been received, the substantive assessment of an application commences.

TEQSA must make a decision on the application within 9 months of the commencement of the substantive assessment. However, if, for reasons beyond TEQSA’s control, a decision cannot be made within 9 months, a longer period not exceeding a further 9 months may be applied, as per Section 21(2-3) of the TEQSA Act.

4. Notification and publication of decision

Once a decision has been made, TEQSA must advise the applicant within 30 days of that decision and, if TEQSA rejects the application, the reasons for the decision.

5. Preparation of application for CRICOS registration

On average, providers submit their application for CRICOS registration 3 months following notification of their initial registration as a higher education provider. TEQSA encourages providers to consider the requirements of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code) in the development of all policies and procedures if intending to deliver to overseas students.

Further information to assist providers preparing an application for CRICOS registration can be found on TEQSA’s How to apply for CRICOS registration page.

6. Assessment of application for CRICOS registration

Once an application for CRICOS registration is received, TEQSA will assess whether the requirements of the ESOS Act and National Code have been met. If the application is of a high-quality, and the applicant responds promptly to TEQSA’s requests, a decision is usually made within 3 to 6 months. Where the application does not include all of the required evidence, or where there are delays in responding to TEQSA’s requests, the assessment process will take longer.

7. Provider CRICOS code issued by Department of Education

Once CRICOS registration is granted, it can take a further 2 to 4 weeks for a CRICOS code to be issued and the newly registered provider listed on the CRICOS register.

8. Commence recruitment of overseas students

Providers cannot advertise courses to overseas students or begin recruiting overseas students until registered on CRICOS and issued with a CRICOS code by the Department of Education. Generally, providers will need to commence recruitment activities at least 3 months prior to engaging the last students for a study period or 5 months prior to the commencement of delivery, noting the need for offshore intending students to obtain a student visa.

9. Offshore overseas students apply for student visa

Currently, the Department of Home Affairs advises students outside of Australia to apply for their visa at least 8 weeks before their course starts. Further information can be found on the Department of Home Affairs’ Subclass 500 student visa page.

10. Delivery commences

In total, prospective providers should plan for delivery to commence at least 35 months after first engaging with TEQSA, or 29 months after submitting an application for initial registration. Please note that these are indicative timeframes and are largely conditional on a high-quality applications and minimal delays in the preparation and submission of responses to TEQSA’s requests.

Before applying for registration as a higher education provider

How to apply for registration as a higher education provider

Indicative timeframes for registration

How to apply to renew provider registration

How to apply for self-accrediting authority (SAA)

How to apply to change provider category

How to withdraw provider registration

Requirements and responsibilities for registered providers

Applicants should carefully consider whether they meet the following fundamental requirements for registration before applying to become a higher education provider. Applicants should consult with TEQSA before applying to ensure they understand the evidence they will need to submit.

This guidance is intended to be used by applicants to ensure that some of the major shortcomings that commonly arise in applications for registration have been addressed. It is not a summary or restatement of all relevant criteria, standards or matters that we will consider in assessing an application for registration.

• Provider Registration – Quick Process Guide (PDF, 600KB)

Before applying for registration as a higher education provider, applicants should ensure that they are able to demonstrate that:

1. They are an entity listed under the definition of regulated entity in Section 5 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act).
2. They have a clearly articulated higher education purpose that includes a commitment to freedom of speech and academic freedom – Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HES Framework 2021), Standard B1.1.1.
3. They have a formally constituted and accountable governing body, which includes independent members that exercise competent governance oversight of all of its proposed higher education operations in or from Australia – HES Framework 2021, Part A, Standard 6.1.1.
4. Members of its governing body are fit and proper persons – HES Framework 2021, Part A, Standard 6.1.2.
5. Members of its governing body meet the Australian residency requirements (if any) of the instrument under which the applicant is established or incorporated, or otherwise there are at least two members of the governing body who are residents of Australia – HES Framework 2021, Part A, Standard 6.1.2.
6. Their proposed staffing for each course of study is sufficient to meet the educational, academic support and administrative needs of students undertaking the course. This includes oversight by academic leaders with sufficient experience to develop a higher education learning environment – HES Framework 2021, Part A, Standard 3.2.1.
7. They can operate effectively and sustainably and in compliance with all relevant legislative requirements and their constitution or equivalent – HES Framework 2021, Part A, Standard 6.2.1.
8. Their application for registration is in the approved form, accompanied by any information, documents and assistance requested (including a concurrent application for accreditation of at least one higher education course and all other information specified in the relevant application guide) as well as the relevant fee – Section 18(3) of the TEQSA Act.

To apply for registration as an Australian higher education provider, applicants must be:

• a constitutional corporation 
• a corporation established by (or under) a law of the Commonwealth or Territory
• a person who conducts activities in a Territory.

Under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011, all applications for registration must be accompanied by an application for accreditation of at least one course of study.

Applications must be on the approved online application form (available from the Provider portal), include all information requested, and be accompanied by the applicable fee and payment/invoice form. See more information on our fees page.

If the application for renewal registration is successful, we will determine the time period of registration. Under the TEQSA Act, this period can’t exceed seven years.

After reviewing the relevant guidance materials, and at least six months before submitting an application, prospective providers should contact new.registration.enquiries@TEQSA.gov.au to advise us of an intention to apply for registration.

Before applying to become a higher education provider

There are minimum requirements that all applicants must meet prior to applying for registration as a higher education provider.

For more information on these requirements, visit our Before applying to become a higher education provider page.

• Provider Registration – Quick Process Guide (PDF, 600KB)

Application guides and the Higher Education Standards Framework

TEQSA evaluates applications to register higher education providers against the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HES Framework).

Visit our Contextual overview of the HES Framework 2021 page for information regarding its context and an introduction to the Standards. More detailed overviews of each of the HES Framework’s Domains can be accessed from our Higher Education Standards Framework 2021 page.

We have produced a number of application guides to assist prospective higher education providers which can be accessed from our Application guides and support page.

Annual financial statements

Conditions of registration/accreditation

Notify a material change

Offences and penalties under the TEQSA Act

Student wellbeing

Provider Information Request

Tuition protection information

Scope and intent of the Domain

This Domain (Sections 6.1-6.3) of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HES Framework) encompasses:

• specification of an accountable governing body with some elaboration of its key governance roles
• specific corporate accountabilities to be demonstrated by the provider, which the governing body also assures itself are met
• requirements for academic governance oversight of a provider’s higher education activities.

This Domain represents a collection, at a corporate level, of the provider’s accountabilities, both as a responsible corporate entity and as a provider of quality higher education, including responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the other six Domains of the HES Framework. Some of these accountabilities reside solely with the governing body, although most rely on delegations of authority from the governing body to various parts/officers of the provider. 

Because of its overarching nature, the extent to which a provider demonstrates its capacity to meet the Standards of this Domain (along with Domains 5 and 7) as part of its ordinary business will be a significant factor in building TEQSA’s confidence about the provider’s capacity to meet and continue to meet the requirements of the HES Framework overall.

Our commentary

6.1 Corporate Governance

This Section requires a provider's governing body to be formally established by a legal instrument (e.g. by a specific Act or under the Corporations Act or State Act unless the provider is an individual operating from a Territory). The Standards do not prescribe the model of governance (e.g. Board/CEO or Board/Executive Director) but at least two members of the body must be independent and, consequently, could not be executive directors (the concept of an independent director is elaborated on in the Guidance Note for Corporate Governance).

The Standards require the governing body to exercise governance functions and to hold the organisation accountable, which TEQSA would expect to see reflected in the entity’s instrument of establishment, constitution, a board charter or the like and/or delegated authorities put in place by the governing body. Standard 6.1.3 specifies a number of key governance roles for the governing body. Provided these are carried out as contemplated by the Standard, we would not seek to specify how these roles are undertaken. Notable among these roles is the conduct of periodic independent reviews of the effectiveness of the governing body and the academic governance processes the provider has implemented. For an established provider, we will require reports of these reviews and evidence of improvements arising, or planned to arise, from them. In addition, we will also need to be satisfied that arrangements to meet contingencies including cessation as a provider are available and likely to be effective.

Reference point

• Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Fit and Proper Person Determination 2018. 

6.2 Corporate Monitoring and Accountability

This Section of the Standards specifies a series of critical accountabilities that the provider must be able to demonstrate, and that the governing body, as part of its governance role, must be able to satisfy itself are being met. The governing body should set in place delegated authorities required for effective governance, and TEQSA will review these (including their effectiveness). The governing body must also be able to demonstrate that it has assured itself that these accountabilities are being met as part of its ordinary business, for example, as recorded in its business agendas, confirmed minutes and actions arising such as compliance monitoring, risk management and monitoring of delegated authorities.

Management of risks must include risks to quality. We will expect the provider to be able to demonstrate how the governing body remains abreast of any occurrences of academic misconduct, serious complaints, critical incidents and actual or potential lapses in relation to the HES Framework (see Paragraphs j and k of Standard 6.2.1) through its reporting framework. The evidence required to demonstrate financial viability and the financial capability to meet the Standards and sustain the quality of higher education is detailed in the Application guide for new providers.

Reference points

• ASX Corporate Governance Council (July 2014, or as amended), Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations (3rd Edition). 
• Universities Australia (July 2011), Voluntary Code of Best Practice for the Governance of Australian Universities.

6.3 Academic Governance

This Domain represents the highest level of academic governance oversight mechanisms established by the provider. Neither the Standards nor TEQSA prescribe the structures that may be employed (such as an Academic Board or Senate). However, the outcomes that are to be achieved are specified by the Standards and we will expect a provider to demonstrate that its chosen mechanisms for academic governance achieve these outcomes. A provider’s academic governance systems represent a critical oversight link between the provider’s detailed internal quality assurance arrangements (see Domain 5), the accountability of the governing body for the quality of the higher education it offers and for meeting the requirements of the HES Framework (see Domain 6).

We will expect to see evidence of high level academic oversight (e.g. policy development and review, performance analyses, review findings and actions arising) as contemplated by Standards 6.3.1-6.3.3 as part of the provider’s normal business, including reports and analyses presented to the governing body. A provider’s capacity to maintain effective academic oversight of its higher education activities will be critical to our confidence in the provider and their ability to meet the rest of the Standards.

Relevant guidance notes

The following guidance notes can be accessed at our Guidance notes page, or from the links below:

• Academic governance
• Academic and research integrity
• Academic quality assurance
• Corporate governance
• Delivery with other parties
• Financial assessment
• Financial standing

TEQSA registers providers to deliver higher education for a specific period, up to a maximum of 7 years. Each registered provider is required to apply to renew its registration at least 180 days before its current registration period lapses. Your registration period is published on the National Register under the ‘Registration’ tab.

Applications must be on the approved online application form (available from the Provider Portal), include all information requested, and be accompanied by the applicable fee and payment/invoice form. See more information on our fees page.

Once an application has been submitted, your registration continues until TEQSA has made a decision on the application. There are no additional restrictions on a provider’s registration while an application is under assessment.

The time it takes for TEQSA to assess an application to renew registration depends on the quality of the submission, any concurrent assessments being undertaken by TEQSA, and the time it takes for providers to respond to requests by TEQSA. As part of the assessment, TEQSA may request evidence to address gaps in the application, or to substantiate claims made in the submission.

Key stages

• Stage 1: Prepare your application
• Stage 2: Submit your application
• Stage 3: Application is assessed by TEQSA
• Stage 4: Findings and recommendations
• Stage 5: Application is decided by the TEQSA Commission
• Stage 6: Decision is published on the National Register

Application guide for renewal of registration

TEQSA encourages all applicants to read the application guide for renewal of registration before submitting an application. The application guide explains the application process, sets out the required evidence that will need to be submitted with each application, and provides guidance in preparing the application.

• Access the application guide

Key considerations for providers preparing a self-assurance report (renewal of registration)

All providers are required to prepare and submit a self-assurance report as part of an application for renewal of registration. This report should demonstrate the effectiveness of a provider’s self-assurance processes as an integral part of their day-to-day operations in identifying, managing, and mitigating institutional risks.

In preparing the report, providers should consider the key sector-wide issues that pose significant institutional risk. Guidance on what TEQSA expects providers to consider is available on TEQSA’s website.

• Key considerations for providers preparing a self-assurance report (renewal of registration)

Multiple applications

Providers are encouraged to apply for renewal of registration at the same time as renewal of CRICOS registration, course reaccreditation, and where applicable, other regulatory processes such as application for self-accrediting authority or an application to change provider category. The ability to submit concurrent applications will depend on a range of factors, including accreditation and registration periods. Providers are strongly encouraged to contact us to discuss the best way of packaging applications prior to submission.

Further information

For further information when preparing your application for renewal of registration, please contact TEQSA’s re-registration team at reregistration.enquiries@teqsa.gov.au.