• The Institute of International Studies (TIIS) Pty Ltd

    Overview

    Details

    Provider name
    The Institute of International Studies (TIIS) Pty Ltd
    Provider trading name
    The Institute of International Studies (TIIS)
    Some providers use a trading name to deliver courses to students rather than their legal/business name.
    ABN
    37 605 540 547
    An ABN (Australian Business Number) is a unique number that identifies a business to the government and community. It is used for various tax and business purposes.
    Provider ID
    PRV14085

    Contact

    Head Office Address
    13 -15 Smail Street, Ultimo NSW 2007

    Registration information

    Status
    Registered, ongoing pending renewal
    Category
    Institute of Higher Education
    Registration Period
    4 years

    If any regulatory conditions are applicable to this provider, they can be found in the Courses or Regulatory Decisions sections
    Self Accrediting Authority
    No
    Registered higher education providers may be authorised by TEQSA to self-accredit courses of study.
    CRICOS Registration Code
    03705J
    CRICOS (Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students). Educational institutions can only enrol and deliver education services to students in Australia on a student visa if they are registered on CRICOS.

    This provider is authorised to self-accredit its courses.

    Please visit provider website for information on the courses it offers.

  • Compliance and enforcement policy

    Body

    Documents

    Compliance and enforcement policy  (MS Word, 140 KB)

    Compliance and enforcement policy  (PDF, 250 KB)

    Purpose

    TEQSA regulates all registered providers that offer higher education qualifications in or from Australia. TEQSA’s regulatory functions and powers are set out in the TEQSA’s legislative framework that includes:

    TEQSA also regulates some standalone ELICOS and Foundation providers.

    TEQSA also has powers under the TEQSA Act to take action against other types of regulated entities, including unregistered entities that offer or confer higher education awards when not registered to do so, and entities that advertise or offer contract cheating services.

    These functions and powers enable TEQSA to undertake compliance and enforcement action to protect student interests and the quality, integrity and reputation of Australia's higher education sector.

    This policy sets out:

    • the scope of TEQSA’s compliance function and enforcement powers
    • the principles that guide TEQSA’s compliance and enforcement activities
    • TEQSA’s general approach to identifying and addressing non-compliance, including how TEQSA may use its powers.

    This policy sits within TEQSA’s Compliance Monitoring Framework.

    Scope

    This policy applies to all compliance and enforcement activities undertaken in response to suspected or identified non-compliance.

    Principles

    TEQSA has discretion in how it exercises its range of powers to address non-compliance. TEQSA uses its discretion to prioritise and allocate resources to address the greatest risks.

    Compliance and enforcement activities are prioritised for action based on TEQSA’s compliance priorities as set by the TEQSA Commission, with resources targeted toward specific issues or behaviours that pose the greatest risk of harm to students and the quality, integrity and reputation of the higher education sector.

    TEQSA is guided by 3 basic principles set out in the TEQSA Act when exercising our compliance function or using our enforcement powers:

    1. regulatory necessity
    2. reflecting risk
    3. proportionate regulation.

    TEQSA’s Compliance Monitoring Framework sets out these and other overarching principles that guide TEQSA’s compliance and enforcement activities.

    In determining the most appropriate compliance and enforcement action to take, TEQSA considers:

    • the severity and scale of the potential or actual harm
    • the likelihood of harm occurring or reoccurring
    • the regulated entity’s regulatory history as set in section 15(1a) of the TEQSA Act
    • the ability of the entity to adequately mitigate the specific risks
    • whether the burden associated with a particular response is greater than reasonably necessary
    • the culpability of those offending, such as whether it was accidental or wilful
    • the wider relevance of the event, such as serious public concern and potential impacts on the broader sector.

    Identifying and assessing non-compliance

    TEQSA becomes aware of potential non-compliance through a range of sources including:

    • voluntary disclosure by the regulated entity
    • cyclical assessments for renewal of TEQSA and CRICOS registration or course accreditation
    • sector-wide thematic analyses
    • monitoring of compliance with conditions imposed on TEQSA or CRICOS registration or course accreditation
    • intelligence gained from media monitoring or from other sources, including other government departments
    • the assessment of concerns from students, the community or other providers.

    All information in relation to potential non-compliance is subject to triaging to ensure we  prioritise the concern and determine next steps. As part of this preliminary assessment, TEQSA may make further enquiries to ensure it has enough information to understand and assess the suspected non-compliance.

    Compliance assessments and investigations

    If a concern is assessed as warranting further consideration, TEQSA will commence an assessment of compliance. This is a detailed examination of a regulated entity’s compliance with the TEQSA Act, the ESOS Act or the relevant standards.1

    TEQSA takes care only to commence compliance assessments where there is a reasonable basis to a concern about non-compliance with the Threshold Standards.

    Where an assessment of a possible contravention of the TEQSA Act or ESOS Act may lead to court proceedings, this may take the form of an investigation. An investigation is undertaken in accordance with the Australian Government Investigations Standards for the purpose of gathering admissible evidence to support court proceedings.

    TEQSA will notify a regulated entity that a compliance assessment or investigation has commenced and will describe the nature of the concerns and the scope of the assessment.

    Evidence to support a compliance assessment or investigation may be obtained through a number of mechanisms including, but not limited, to:

    • Statutory and non-statutory requests for information. TEQSA may seek information voluntarily or may rely on statutory powers to require the production of information.
    • Provider visits. These are conducted by consent and with advance notice. They serve a range of functions, including engagement, observation, information gathering and inspection.
    • Searches of premises. TEQSA may need to gain access to premises, either with the consent of the occupier or under a warrant. Where access to premises is necessary, TEQSA will primarily seek to enter with consent where necessary. A warrant will only be considered in limited circumstances, for example, where a regulated entity has demonstrated serious, deliberate or ongoing non-compliance. 
    • Monitoring and investigation powers. TEQSA can enter premises either with the consent of the occupier or with a warrant. Whilst on the premises TEQSA, in using its monitoring or investigation powers, and depending whether it enters the premises with the consent of the occupier or a warrant, TEQSA may search the premises or anything on the premises, examine or observe any activities conducted on the premises, inspect and / or make copies of documents on the premises, take photographs of the premises or things on the premises and seize evidential material.

    The TEQSA and ESOS Acts, supported by the enforcement framework provided in the Regulatory Powers Act, detail how statutory powers are to be exercised, including the obligations of authorised officers, and the rights and responsibilities of occupiers.

    Compliance assessments and investigations may:

    • inform an application-based assessment where there is a concurrent or impending assessment
    • result in enforcement action being undertaken, for example, where non-compliance has been established
    • conclude with no further action being taken, for example, where TEQSA is satisfied that a provider is meeting the Standards identified as part of a compliance assessment.

    When TEQSA has completed a compliance assessment or investigation, TEQSA will notify the regulated entity of the outcome of that assessment. TEQSA endeavours to clearly explain its concerns, the actions required or decisions taken, and the reasons for these.

    Responding to non-compliance

    TEQSA will calibrate its treatment of compliance and enforcement matters on an escalation basis, where minor issues are dealt with using less serious administrative resolutions and serious matters or non-compliances are dealt with using more serious enforcement powers.

    Tools available under the TEQSA, ESOS and Regulatory Powers Acts

    TEQSA has a range of compliance and enforcement tools to help achieve compliance, build capability for self-assurance, and address non-compliance.

    Informal resolution

    In some matters, TEQSA may decide not to pursue further action but may instead provide regulatory guidance to promote self-assurance, build capability and prevent broader non-compliance. This may be appropriate in instances of minor and/or technical non-compliance, or where the regulated entity has promptly corrected a possible contravention and implemented measures to prevent recurrence. Guidance may include the provision of information or tools to support regulated entities to gain a better understanding of their obligations, and to encourage rectification and future compliance.

    Warning letter

    TEQSA may issue a warning letter where it reasonably believes a regulated entity has not complied with TEQSA’s legislative framework. A warning letter is not a formal enforcement power under the TEQSA Act. A warning letter places the regulated entity on notice about TEQSA’s concerns and the possibility of future action should the conduct continue or re-emerge. It provides the entity with the opportunity to address compliance issues itself. This may be appropriate where TEQSA has confidence that the entity is willing and able to address the concerns and the risks to students and the quality and reputation of the sector are low.

    Voluntary undertaking

    A voluntary undertaking is an action plan that empowers regulated providers to take greater responsibility for their own regulatory compliance in developing and agreeing upon tailored solutions to address concerns. A voluntary undertaking does not involve the use of formal enforcement power under the TEQSA Act. It involves an agreement developed in partnership between a regulated provider and TEQSA. In a voluntary undertaking, the regulated entity commits to take specific action, or cease specific conduct, to address identified non-compliances within a specified timeframe.

    Conditions

    Under section 32 and section 53 of the TEQSA Act and section 10B and section 83 of the ESOS Act, TEQSA may impose conditions on a regulated entity’s registration or accreditation to mitigate a material risk associated with its operations. A condition can direct a regulated entity to act or not to do a particular act to address non-compliance or to prevent non-compliance.

    Conditions may be imposed:

    • where the nature and circumstances of the non-compliance presents a moderate to significant risk
    • where TEQSA is not confident that a provider is meeting its obligations or managing risks effectively
    • when lower level informal responses have not been successful
    • where targeted action is needed to address the non-compliance.

    Common conditions include requirements to not accept enrolments beyond a set maximum cap and to provide TEQSA with specific information on a determined regular basis.

    Conditions are imposed for specific periods of time. Regulated entities can request TEQSA remove or vary conditions prior to the expiration pursuant to the relevant statutory regime (TEQSA Act or ESOS Act) under which the conditions were imposed.

    Enforceable undertakings

    An enforceable undertaking is a written undertaking made by a regulated entity. An enforceable undertaking is accepted and enforced pursuant to Part 6 of the Regulatory Powers Act. Under an enforceable undertaking, a regulated entity commits to take particular action or refrain from taking particular action to ensure it meets relevant legislative obligations.

    TEQSA may seek enforcement of an enforceable undertaking in a court if an entity has breached or failed to comply with an enforceable undertaking.

    Injunctions

    Pursuant to Part 7 of the Regulatory Powers Act, TEQSA can apply to a court for an injunction restraining a person (including a regulated entity) from engaging in conduct that contravenes a provision of the TEQSA Act. TEQSA can also apply for an injunction requiring a person to do something in relation to compliance with the TEQSA Act.

    Generally, injunctions will only be sought where the conduct, or proposed conduct, that contravenes the TEQSA Act is of a serious and persistent nature, or where urgent action is required such as where there is an immediate or direct risk to students’ welfare. An injunction may also be sought where less serious enforcement measures have been ineffective.

    Shortened registration or accreditation period

    TEQSA may shorten the registration or accreditation of a regulated entity where the provider has failed to meet the Threshold Standards or breached a condition imposed on its registration or course accreditation.

    Cancellation of registration

    TEQSA can cancel a provider’s registration if a provider has failed to meet Threshold Standards or breached a condition of its registration. Cancellation of a registered provider’s registration is a serious action and will only be exercised in the most serious cases.

    TEQSA is required to give the regulated entity and relevant Ministers written notice of, and a reasonable opportunity to respond to, the reasons for proposing cancellation.

    Civil and criminal sanctions

    Civil and criminal sanctions are one of the most serious enforcement actions TEQSA might undertake and may be considered in cases involving deliberate and/or repeated non-compliance. 

    TEQSA can apply for orders imposing pecuniary penalties under Part 4 of the Regulatory Powers Act where a regulated entity has contravened a civil penalty provision of the TEQSA Act. The TEQSA and ESOS Acts also have several offence provisions (including offences covering the same conduct as most civil penalty provisions in the TEQSA Act).

    Infringement notice

    TEQSA may issue an infringement notice under Part 5 of the Regulatory Powers Act where TEQSA believes on reasonable grounds that a person has contravened a civil penalty provision of the TEQSA Act or certain provisions of the ESOS Act (see s 132 of the ESOS Act). 

    Tools available under the ESOS Act only

    Suspension of registration under the ESOS Act

    TEQSA may suspend the registration of a CRICOS provider for a broad range of reasons specified under section 83 of the ESOS Act, including non-compliance with the ESOS Act and National Code.

    Suspension of registration will only be exercised where there is evidence of non-compliance and urgent action is required to address or prevent the non-compliance.

    Publication of compliance and enforcement decisions

    TEQSA publishes compliance and enforcement decisions made under the TEQSA Act related to regulated entities on the National Register. TEQSA may also publish some decisions, such as the decision to enter a Voluntary Undertaking, on the TEQSA website. Further information about TEQSA’s approach to public reporting, including information about the content and timing of publication of reports is available on TEQSA’s website.

    Internal and external review

    Some decisions made by TEQSA are reviewable. TEQSA’s procedures for internal and external review are on the TEQSA website. When communicating a compliance decision, TEQSA will outline the availability of internal or external review rights.

    Complaints about TEQSA’s compliance and enforcement actions

    Complaints about TEQSA’s actions can be made in writing via TEQSA’s complaints handling process. Information about how to make a complaint is available on the TEQSA website.

    Contact

    Any enquiries about this policy can be directed to: compliance@teqsa.gov.au.

    Notes

    1. Note that s59 of the TEQSA Act specifically refers to reviews or examinations of compliance with the Threshold Standards. 
    Stakeholder
    Publication type

    Related links

  • Our leadership and organisation

    TEQSA Commission

    Our Commissioners are appointed by the Commonwealth Minister for Education based on their expertise in higher education quality assurance and regulatory practice. Commissioners are responsible for making regulatory decisions, setting strategic directions, monitoring risk in the sector and deciding on matters relating to the development of our quality assurance and regulatory functions. The Commissioners are TEQSA's accountable authority.

    TEQSA's Commissioners also inform the higher education sector about our work and the responsibilities of higher education providers under the Australian Government’s regulatory system. Our Commissioners are:

    Professor Kerri-Lee Krause (Chief Commissioner)

    Photo of Kerri-Lee Krause

    Professor Krause PhD GAICD PFHEA commenced as TEQSA’s Chief Commissioner on 7 April 2025. 
     

    She is an experienced Board Chair and brings extensive higher education leadership and knowledge to TEQSA, with more than 30 years’ experience in public universities and independent institutions. Formerly Chair of the Higher Education Standards Panel advising the Minister for Education, Professor Krause combines regulatory and governance expertise with a deep commitment to quality, integrity and transparency. Her university executive leadership has focused on leading systemic organisational reform through enhancing the quality of university learning, teaching and student experiences, particularly among diverse student cohorts. Professor Krause’s most recent book, Learner-centred leadership in higher education, is a practical guide on strategic higher education leadership practices with learners at the heart. 
     

    Prior to joining TEQSA, she was Vice-Chancellor of Avondale University, where she successfully led Avondale’s transition from University College to University, applying lessons learned over many years of leading sector-level quality enhancement and university-wide organisational renewal and strategic improvement. She also held the role of Honorary Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for the Study of Higher Education. 
     

    Other executive leadership roles have included Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at Western Sydney University and La Trobe University and Provost at Victoria University where she led the introduction of the block model curriculum initiative and workforce renewal spanning the higher education and TAFE sectors. As Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Melbourne, she led the Student Life executive portfolio, partnering with students, heads of student residential halls and colleagues across the university to enhance the quality of student engagement, safety and wellbeing. 
     

    Professor Krause is internationally recognised for her contributions to higher education policy research and practice, including research on the evolving nature of higher education curricula, learners, academic work and implications for leadership, quality, standards and university governance.

    Adrienne Nieuwenhuis (Commissioner)

    Photo of Adrienne Nieuwenhuis (Commissioner)

    Prior to her appointment to TEQSA, Adrienne held senior positions at the University of South Australia, most recently as the Director of the Office of Vice Chancellor, and in state government as the Director Quality, Tertiary Education, Science and Research in the South Australian Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology. While in this role, Adrienne worked closely with the Australian Government in the establishment of the national regulatory systems for both higher education and VET.
     

    Adrienne was an inaugural member of the Higher Education Standards Panel (2011–14) and the National Skills Standards Council (2011–13). She was reappointed to the Higher Education Standards Panel for a further three-year term in 2018. 
     

    Adrienne also has extensive experience across the tertiary education sector, including membership of the South Australian Skills Commission (2013–2025) and member of the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (2019–2022). In 2022 she was appointed to the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Advisory Council and in 2024 was appointed to the Commonwealth’s Initial Teacher Education Quality Assurance Oversight Board. 
     

    Adrienne has over 30 years’ experience in tertiary education, regulation, and public administration, management and governance. She has been a member of various state and federal committees and working parties associated with both VET and higher education and public policy. 
     

    In recognition of her contributions to tertiary education Adrienne was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 South Australian Training Awards. 
     

    Adrienne holds an honours degree in science and a master’s degree in tertiary education policy and administration.

    Emeritus Professor Elizabeth More AM, FAICD (Commissioner)

    Photo of Elizabeth More (Commissioner)

    Professor More was appointed to the TEQSA Commission in February 2025.
     

    Prior to her appointment to the TEQSA Commission, Professor More held a number of senior academic and leadership roles in higher education. Most recently, Elizabeth has been Chair of the Academic Board of the SP Jain School of Global Management, Board Chair of Nexus Education, and on the Council and Academic Board of Kings Own Institute. Previously, she was the Chief Academic Advisor/Director of Research at Study Group and a member of its senior leadership team. She has also served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Macquarie and Canberra universities and Director of the Macquarie University Graduate School of Management (MGSM), Managing Director of MGSM Pty Ltd; Chair of the Academic Senate at Macquarie University; Foundation Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business at the Australian Catholic University; Professor of Management and MBA and Research Director at MGSM; and Academic Director of Macquarie University’s city campus. She was also the Dean of the Faculty of Business, Management and Wellness, incorporating the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) School of Business and the Australasian College of Health and Wellness.
     

    A past president of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management, and of the Australian Communication Association, Elizabeth also has extensive experience in governance, and consulting to both private and public sector organisations. Before becoming a university academic, she worked as a classical ballet dancer in theatre and television, and in the advertising industry.
     

    In addition to being a member of the 2019 Australian Qualifications Framework review panel, Professor More has been on the editorial boards of the Journal of Global Responsibility, Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, Australian Journal of Communication, Journal of Communication Management, Journal of International Communication, Knowledge and Process Management, and the Journal of Corporation Transformation.
     

    Professor More’s academic achievements were acknowledged in the Queen’s Birthday 2005 Honours List, when she received the award of Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to education, particularly in the fields of communication, management and organisational change. Her most recent research presentations and publications have been focused on change management in the non-profit sector, highlighting the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Her latest publication with co-editors Associate Professor David Rosenbaum and Mark Orr, Journeys through the Disability and Mental Health Nonprofit Sector – The Theory and Practice of Leadership, will be published in April 2025 by Springer UK. Her academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) (UNSW), Graduate Diploma in Management (Central Queensland University), Masters of Commercial Law (Deakin University), and a PhD (UNSW).
     

    Her recent work in the nonprofit sector has been as Chair of Flourish Australia, a Director of the Symphony for Life Foundation, and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ NFP Chairs’ Forum.

    Stephen Somogyi (Commissioner)

    Photo of Stephen Somogyi (Commissioner)

    Steve Somogyi was appointed a TEQSA Commissioner in November 2021. He has extensive global experience in the financial services, health care, higher education and prudential regulation sectors and has chaired boards and audit and risk committees.
     

    Steve served as the Chief Operating Officer at RMIT University for 10 years from July 2006 until July 2016. He then became a Strategic Adviser to Monash University, Victoria University, the University of Melbourne, the University of Adelaide, Siemens, Queensland Investment Corporation and Energy Trade.
     

    He has chaired complex projects including the Queen Street Precinct project to improve student experience for Victoria University. He also helped create the Net Zero Program for Monash to achieve energy savings and zero net carbon emissions by 2030 and developed a strategic approach to the Higher Education and Health Care sectors for the Siemens Smart Cities Business Unit.
     

    He was a member of the Expert Review Group for the Australian Council for Educational Research.
     

    Steve has held a range of senior roles in government and industry at the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, Trowbridge Consulting, Mayne Nickless, Bonlac Foods, IOOF and the CPI Group. He worked at National Mutual for 27 years and ended his career there as Chief Finance Executive and Chief Actuary.
     

    His work on boards includes serving as a Commission Member of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, former Chair of Guild Group, Director of UniSuper including Chair of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, former Chair of Higher Ed Services, Chair of Course-Loop and former Director of Study Loans.
     

    Earning a Master of Science in High Energy Physics from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Science in Management (Sloan Fellow) from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Steve is a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia, of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and of the Financial Services Institute of Australia.

    Chief Executive Officer

    Dr Mary Russell, CEO

    Photo of Mary Russell (CEO)

    Dr Mary Russell is CEO at TEQSA. She was appointed to the role in May 2024, having led TEQSA as acting CEO since June 2023.
     

    Mary joined TEQSA as the Executive Director of Regulatory Operations in 2022. In this role she led the regulatory teams which manage higher education provider registration, course accreditation, compliance and regulatory risk assessments.
     

    Before joining TEQSA, Mary was Assistant Ombudsman for Dispute Resolution at the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. She held executive roles at the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for six years, including as State Manager for Victoria, National Manager of Notifications and National Manager of Regulatory Risk Strategy. While at AHPRA, she led the development and implementation of a risk-based approach to managing concerns about the performance and conduct of health practitioners.
     

    Mary has served as chair and member of regulatory boards, concurrently with roles as a health practitioner and a tertiary educator. She has extensive experience of university teaching, curriculum development and delivery, and has completed her PhD in Health Sciences.

    Executive Leadership Team

    The Commission is supported by an Executive Leadership Team (ELT) comprising the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director of Regulatory Operations and senior managers. ELT is responsible for the management of our regulatory business, corporate processes and people.

    Organisation structure

    TEQSA organisation chart

    Audit and Risk Committee

    We have established an Audit and Risk Committee in compliance with the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and PGPA Rule.

    Higher Education Standards Panel

    The Higher Education Standards Panel (HESP) is an expert statutory advisory body, established under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act), with responsibility related to the standards for delivery of higher education in Australia.

    HESP is independent of TEQSA.

    Last updated:

  • Cost recovery for regulatory activity - frequently asked questions

    The following information aims to answer common questions from providers about TEQSA’s implementation of cost recovery for regulatory activities.

    “You”, “I”, “my” and "your" means you as a registered higher education provider.

    “Us”, “we” and “our” means us as the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

    What is cost recovery?

    Cost recovery involves the Australian Government charging the non-government sector some or all of the efficient costs of a specific government activity.

    The characteristics of a government activity will determine the type of cost recovery charge used.

    Further information about the Australian Government’s cost recovery guidelines is located on the Department of Finance website.

    What are TEQSA’s fees and charges?

    An updated version of TEQSA’s Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS), detailing the fees and charges that will apply from 1 January 2026, is now available.

    TEQSA recovers its costs via:

    1. A registered higher education provider charge (RHEP charge)
    As a condition of registration, each registered higher education provider is required to pay the registered higher education provider charge (RHEP charge). The RHEP charge is the sum of a base component, that all providers pay, and a compliance component that providers pay to cover the cost of certain compliance activities (if any) undertaken in relation to them in the preceding calendar year.

    2. Application fees
    Set fees are payable by providers for each application they make to TEQSA, such as applications for registration, re-registration, accreditation and re-accreditation.

    What does TEQSA do with the money it receives from cost recovery?

    TEQSA is not the recipient of the recovered costs. All fees and charges are directed to the Commonwealth’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.

    Cost recovery changes in 2026

    What will providers be required to pay in 2026?

    When TEQSA’s increased cost recovery model was adopted, it allowed for a 3-year phase-in period. In the first year (2023), providers paid 20% of the Registered Higher Education Provider (RHEP) charge. In 2024, providers paid 50% of the RHEP charge. From 2025 onwards, providers will be invoiced for the full RHEP charge.

    What does the RHEP charge cover?

    The RHEP charge reflects the costs of TEQSA’s regulatory and quality assurance activities that are not recoverable from application-based fees. This includes a component for activities that are not specific to individual institutions, including guidance and education, sector communications and national and international engagement. It also includes a compliance component for activities undertaken specific to an institution including for compliance assessments, conditions imposed under the TEQSA or ESOS Acts, compliance undertakings and investigations.

    Changes have been made to the RHEP charge for 2026. These changes reflect an increase in TEQSA’s total regulatory costs attributable to TEQSA’s new provider case management system and increases to TEQSA’s employee expenditure and increases in operational expenditure.

    Why does TEQSA use 2024 EFTSL data to calculate the 2026 RHEP charge?

    TEQSA uses the most current data EFTSL data available to us, which is supplied by the Department of Education.

    When will TEQSA’s updated 2026 fees and charges schedule take effect?

    The 2026 fees and charges schedule will take effect from 1 January 2026. TEQSA has published an updated Cost Recovery Implementation Statement following consultation with the sector. TEQSA has not increased any application-based fees or compliance charges. The changes relates to the RHEP charge, as detailed in the CRIS.

    Will there be any change to the discounts offered to small providers?

    TEQSA is not proposing any changes to the existing application fee discounts of up to 70% for small providers.

    Registered higher education provider (RHEP) charge

    What is the RHEP charge and how often do I have to pay it?

    The annual RHEP charge is payable by all registered providers as a condition of their registration.

    TEQSA will send providers an invoice relating to the RHEP charge annually. Please refer to the Registered Higher Education Provider (RHEP) charge page for more information.

    Will my RHEP charge be more than last year?

    There are several factors that may result in your Registered Higher Education Provider (RHEP) charge being higher in 2026 than 2025 even if your institution’s equivalent full-time student load has decreased.

    These factors include:

    Updates to calculation of the base component

    • All providers will incur an increase in the RHEP charge compared to 2025. From 1 January 2026, TEQSA has increased the proportion of the base component of the RHEP charge. The total RHEP charge has been divided equally across all providers, with the component that is based on EFTSL being divided proportionately. This change ensures that TEQSA’s regulatory costs are fairly recovered to reflect costs associated with TEQSA’s new case management system and increases to TEQSA’s operational expenditure.

    Base component of the RHEP charge

    What is the timeline for the phase-in of the base component of the RHEP charge?

    The phased introduction of the base component of the RHEP charge for all providers began on 1 January 2023.

    Under the phase-in approach, the base component of the charge will be 50% of the full amount from 1 January 2024 and then 100% from 1 January 2025.

    Why can’t TEQSA roll compliance costs into the base component of the RHEP charge?

    The base component recovers TEQSA’s costs in relation to activities that cannot be attributed to a single provider such as costs relating to risk and compliance activity that applies across the sector.

    The costs recovered via the compliance component of the RHEP charge arise from concerns about an individual provider. The relevant provider will be required to pay the charges associated with compliance activities undertaken by TEQSA. A principal consideration here is that individual providers subject to investigations and compliance assessments, rather than all providers, should bear the costs of these specific activities.

    Are providers charged for 'investigations' prompted by false allegations?

    TEQSA will only commence an investigation or compliance assessment where our preliminary assessment has confirmed there is a reasonable basis for a substantive concern. Investigations (which are rare) and compliance assessments will not be commenced without a proper basis.

    As cost recovery is based on activity undertaken, the cost is payable even when the outcome of the assessment is not to take regulatory action.

    Will providers be charged a fixed rate regardless of the duration, nature or level of intensity of reporting required by that condition?

    Providers pay a fixed rate charge in relation to any conditions that applied to the provider’s registration, or the accreditation of a course of study, in the previous calendar year. The rate recovered in relation to conditions monitoring will not differ based on the duration, nature or level of intensity of those conditions or when those conditions were imposed.

    Is there a separate charge for the annual compliance program if a provider is selected to be part of it?

    No. The RHEP charge includes a base component that all providers have to pay. The base component recovers TEQSA’s costs in relation to activities that cannot be attributed to a single provider (such as costs relating to risk and compliance activity that applies across the sector).

    A provider’s RHEP charge will only include additional amounts, as part of the compliance component of the charge, for a compliance assessment or investigation where TEQSA’s preliminary assessment of an allegation or complaint has confirmed there is a reasonable basis for a substantive concern. Investigations (which are rare) and compliance assessments will not be commenced without a proper basis.

    Is there an expected length of time for a compliance assessment or investigation to be completed?

    TEQSA will only commence an investigation or compliance assessment where our preliminary assessment has confirmed there is a reasonable basis for a substantive concern. Investigations (which are rare) and compliance assessments will not be commenced without a proper basis.

    It is not possible to provide an accurate estimate on the amount of time it will take to complete a compliance assessment. However, TEQSA charges a set fee per compliance assessment that does not vary based on the amount of time the assessment takes.

    While an investigation is charged based on time spent, TEQSA conducts investigations rarely so it is not possible to provide an estimate of how long an investigation is likely to take. Further, the answer to this question will always depend upon the particular investigation.

    Application fees

    Providers pay a set fee for each application they make to TEQSA, such as applications for registration, re-registration, accreditation and re-accreditation.

    Are there discounts for smaller providers on the fees for applications?

    Discounts of up to 70% apply to the fees associated with course accreditation and re-accreditation for providers with less than 5,000 EFTSL (equivalent full time student load).

    Are providers that are currently self-accrediting required to pay just the registration renewal fee or fees for both registration renewal and self-accreditation?

    No. If a provider is already self-accrediting or is not seeking self-accrediting authority, it will only need to pay the registration renewal fee. If a provider is applying for registration renewal and is seeking self-accrediting authority, it will need to pay a fee for both the registration renewal and self-accreditation.

    What is the definition of a ‘nested set’ of courses for the purposes of cost recovery?

    For the purposes of cost recovery, a nested set of courses means a set of courses consisting of:

    • one primary course of study and
    • one or more related courses of study.

    A ‘related course’ is a course of study:

    • entirely made up of units taken from the primary course study, and
    • offered by the same registered higher education provider.

    General information

    Do providers have to pay for answers to simple requests to TEQSA?

    We do not charge for answers to simple requests and inquiries. Activities we do charge for are outlined in the Application fees page of our website.

    Will there be consultation about any changes to fees and charges?

    TEQSA will always consult with the sector on any proposed changes to its fees and charges.

    The Australian Government Cost Recovery Policy requires TEQSA to develop and implement an ongoing engagement strategy in consultation with stakeholders.

    Following consultation with the sector, TEQSA has published the updated version of the CRIS to take effect from 1 January 2026.

    Who should I speak with if I have questions about changes to TEQSA’s fees and charges?

    If the information you are seeking is not currently addressed on our website, please email your enquiry to providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au and we will respond promptly.

    Can providers speak to a TEQSA representative about cost recovery in relation to their specific circumstances?

    In the first instance, please refer to our website for comprehensive resources and answers to frequently asked questions.

    If the information you are seeking is not currently addressed on our website, please email your enquiry to providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au and we will respond promptly.

    My question is not covered here, what can I do?

    TEQSA will update the FAQs on our website as required. If the answer to your question is not covered here, please send an email to providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au and we will respond promptly.

    Last updated:

    Related links

  • Key contacts at TEQSA (for providers)

    TEQSA’s Enquiries Management team (providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au) is the primary contact for registered higher education providers with TEQSA-related enquiries. However, TEQSA also has specialist contact teams across the agency that are best placed to assist you in a timely and efficient manner when you have a specific enquiry. Please use the following list of key contacts to help direct your enquiry to the most appropriate TEQSA team contacts.

    Nature of enquiry Example enquiries Key Contact
    New application for initial registration Preparing an application for initial registration Email new.registration.enquiries@teqsa.gov.au
    In progress assessments for initial registration and accreditation for prospective providers Enquiring about a submitted application Contact the TEQSA staff member assigned to the assessment. If you are unsure who this is, contact new.registration.enquiries@teqsa.gov.au
    In progress assessments for course accreditation or reaccreditation for existing providers

    Enquiring about a submitted application for:

    • new course accreditation for existing providers
    • renewal of course accreditation.
    		 Contact the TEQSA staff member assigned to the assessment. If you are unsure who this is, contact assessments@teqsa.gov.au
    CRICOS matters
    • Enquiring about CRICOS or ESOS Act requirements
    • Preparing an application for CRICOS registration or renewal of registration
    • Submitting a CRICOS-related application e.g. to add a course
    • Enquiring about a submitted CRICOS-related notification or application.
    		 Email CRICOS@teqsa.gov.au
    ELICOS and Foundation Program matters
    • ELICOS or Foundation Program provider enquiries
    • Applying to add an ELICOS or Foundation Program to CRICOS
    • Applying for an exemption to enrol students under the age of 17 in Foundation Programs.
    		 Email CRICOS@teqsa.gov.au
    Provider registration matters
    Renewal of registration
    Withdraw provider registration
    • Preparing an application for renewal of registration
    • Submitting an application for renewal of registration
    • Enquiries about renewal of registration applications in progress
    • Requesting an extension to registration period
    • Submitting an application to withdraw registration
    • Enquiries about withdrawing registration
    		 Email: reregistration.enquiries@teqsa.gov.au
    Self-Accrediting Authority or Provider Category Change
    Self-accrediting authority (SAA) 
    Change provider category 
    • Preparing an application for self-accrediting authority or provider category change
    • Submitting an application for self-accrediting authority or provider category change
    • Enquiries about applications in progress
    		 Email: reregistration.enquiries@teqsa.gov.au
    Application fees Enquiring about refunds for application fees. Please contact your assessment manager. If you do not have an assessment manager, please email the Enquiries Management team. Email providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au
    Material changes Submitting a material change notification. Email materialchanges@teqsa.gov.au
    Risk Assessment Framework Enquiring about the risk assessment process. Email providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au
    Provider Information Request (PIR) Enquiring about the PIR. Email collections@teqsa.gov.au
    Sexual assault and sexual harassment guidance Guidance about prevention and response to sexual assault and sexual harassment matters. Email enquiries@teqsa.gov.au 
    Compliance matters 

    Enquiring about a compliance matter that TEQSA has notified you about, for instance:

    • a compliance assessment
    • an investigation.
    		 Contact the TEQSA staff member assigned to the compliance matter. If you are unsure who this is, contact the TEQSA Enquiries Management team (providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au).
    Complaints about TEQSA Complaints about TEQSA’s practices, services or approach. Email review@teqsa.gov.au

    Preparing an application for:

      
    • Applying for new course accreditation for existing providers
    • Applying for renewal of course accreditation
    • Enquiries about:
      • withdrawing a course/ teach out
      • requesting an extension to accreditation period.
    		 Email: assessments@teqsa.gov.au
    Conditions

    Enquiries about:

    • conditions imposed on registration or course accreditation
    		 Email: conditionsundertakings@teqsa.gov.au
    Any other matters, enquiries or guidance Help with the Provider Portal, for example, changing and updating logins. Contact TEQSA’s Enquiries Management team at providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au

     

    Last updated:

  • How we consult on fees and charges

    2025 consultation

    Following an internal review of the 2024 version of the CRIS, we released a consultation paper to the sector in September 2025.

    This paper outlined several proposed adjustments to ensure our fees and charges for 2026 fairly reflect the cost of our regulatory activities.

    All feedback received during the consultation was considered in the preparation of an updated version of the CRIS.

    2024 consultation

    Following an internal review of the 2023 version of the CRIS, we released a consultation paper to the sector in October 2024.

    This paper outlined several proposed adjustments to ensure our fees and charges for 2025 fairly reflect the cost of our regulatory activities.

    All feedback received during the consultation was considered in the preparation of an updated version of the CRIS.

    Submissions received

    The above is a list of the submissions that TEQSA was provided with permission to publish. TEQSA received 10 submissions in total.

    2023 consultation

    Following an internal review of the 2022 version of the CRIS, we released a consultation paper to the sector in August 2023.

    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. 

    As part of this consultation, we held a virtual briefing for registered higher education providers on Thursday 31 August.

    All feedback received during the consultation was considered in the preparation of an updated version of the CRIS.

    Submissions received

    The above is a list of the submissions that TEQSA was provided with permission to publish. TEQSA received 17 submissions in total.

    Contact us

    If you have any questions about the proposed changes, or this consultation, please email providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au. 

    Information about current fees and charges

    Information about our current fees and charges and the updated version of the CRIS are available on this website.

    See: Fees and charges

    Past consultation

    2021

    TEQSA engaged in extensive consultation with the sector about a proposed model for our regulatory fees and charges in 2021.

    Valuable feedback from the sector was used to refine the CRIS for implementation from 1 January 2023.

    Last updated:

    Related links

  • Annual information collection

    Why TEQSA collects data

    TEQSA collects data on all higher education providers to help inform our risk-based approach to regulation. We use this information to minimise the reporting burden on providers associated with regulatory processes, such as a renewal of registration.

    Data collection sources

    We collect data on higher education providers’ operations from a variety of sources, including:

    HELP IT System (HITS)

    All providers are required to report their financial data on an annual basis to the Department of Education. With the exception of universities, all providers report data through the Department’s HELP IT System (HITS). For all HITS related enquiries, please email FEE-HELP@education.gov.au. 

    See the Department’s HELP Resources for Providers page for more information about HITS, including a user guide.

    For universities, audited financial statements and an Annual Financial Return completed in the spreadsheet provided by the Department of Education, should be submitted to the Department of Education at ppfinance@education.gov.au. 

    Tertiary Collection of Student Information (TCSI)

    All providers are required to report their student and staff data on an annual basis through TCSI. TCSI is operated by the Department of Education.

    See the TCSI website for information about TCSI, including TCSI FAQs and a range of support materials and information webinars.

    Quality Indications for Learning and Teaching (QILT)

    Data updated annually from QILT’s Student Experience Survey (SES) and Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS).

    See the QILT website for more information.

    For the 2025 data year, TEQSA will directly collect the data about the Graduate Outcomes Survey results from providers who do not use QILT.

    Provider Information Request (PIR)

    Providers who are not approved FEE-HELP providers report staff and student annually to TEQSA through TCSI. This is called the Provider Information Request (PIR).

    The PIR is an information request under Section 28 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act).

    Provider responsibilities

    Providers should ensure their data is provided within required timeframes, is accurate and has been verified.
     

    A condition of registration is that registered providers must give TEQSA an annual financial statement in the approved form, within 6 months after the end of the annual reporting period (Section 27 of TEQSA Act).
     

    Failure to submit financial information within required timeframes is a breach of a condition of registration for which TEQSA may apply sanctions such as shortening the period of registration, cancelling registration (Section 98 of the TEQSA Act).
     

    Providers should also ensure their contact details with TEQSA remain up to date.

    Schedule

    The deadline for submission dates for each data file is as follows:

    Data file Provider type Deadline for submission
    Finance ALL providers with a financial year ending 31 December 2025, i.e. 2025 data) Submit by 30 June 2026
    ALL providers with a financial year ending 30 June 2025, i.e. 2025 data) Submit by 31 December 2025
    ALL providers with a financial year ending 30 June 2026, i.e. 2026 data) Submit by 31 December 2026
    Students FEE-HELP providers (HESA) Verify the submitted data by 17 April 2026
    Non-FEE-HELP providers (PIR providers) Submit and verify data by 28 August 2026
    Staff FEE-HELP providers (HESA) Submit and verify data by 26 June 2026
    Non-FEE-HELP providers (PIR providers) Submit and verify data by 26 June 2026

     

    Help and support

    Scope and structure documents, element specifications and a range of support materials, including introductory training and frequently asked questions, are available on the TCSI website.

    We encourage you to review the reporting requirement from TCSI website to ensure that submitted data is consistent with the required specifications. Please also read through the Data Verification website for comprehensive information and instructions that will assist you complete the student and staff verification process.

    The TCSI Data Collections Team are the primary point of contact for the submission of data. Email: TCSIsupport@education.gov.au.

    TEQSA’s Enquiries Management Team is also available to respond to administrative enquiries throughout the submission period. Email: providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au.

    If your institution has only recently registered as a higher education provider, we understand you may not be in a position to supply all of the required information. If this is case, please contact TEQSA’s Risk Team at providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au.

    Last updated:

  • Sector update: Respect @ Work

    This sector update provides information and resources for higher education providers in implementing recommendations from the Respect @ Work report.

    The Respect @ Work report provides recommendations about the prevention and response to sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace.

    For further information from TEQSA about prevention or response to sexual assault or harassment in higher education, you may contact enquiries@teqsa.gov.au.

    Respect @ Work report

    In January 2020, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) released its Respect @ Work: National inquiry into sexual harassment in Australian workplaces report. This report included 55 recommendations, 2 specifically referencing the Australian higher education sector (the sector).

    Sexual harassment prevention by universities and other tertiary education institutions
     

    Recommendation 11  

    Building on work already underway in response to the recommendations in Change the Course, all tertiary and higher education providers deliver evidence-based information and training on sexual harassment for staff and students that addresses the drivers of gender-based violence and includes content on workplace rights.
     

    Recommendation 12

    Recognising that some smaller tertiary and higher education providers lack the necessary resources and expertise to deliver the information and training identified in Recommendation 11, the Australian Government should support those providers to do so, for example through the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency and the Australian Skills Quality Authority.

    These recommendations seek to make Australian higher education a safe place to study and work. In support of that goal, TEQSA has recommitted to supporting the sector in delivering these recommendations.

    TEQSA’s support of the sector

    Since August 2017, TEQSA has worked alongside the sector to improve and assure providers’ capacity to prevent and respond to sexual assault and sexual harassment. TEQSA’s focus has been on students’ safety and wellbeing.

    The Respect @ Work Inquiry and its resulting recommendations focus on sexual harassment in the workplace, which includes staff in higher education work settings. Consequently, TEQSA’s focus in this area has broadened to include sexual harassment of staff.  

    Drivers and remedies are similar for the sexual assault and sexual harassment and the Respect @ Work issues and TEQSA will continue to support the sector to combat both.

    TEQSA resources

    External resources

    Last updated:

  • Cost recovery implementation statement

    Body

    This Cost Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) provides information on how TEQSA implements cost recovery for quality assurance and regulation of higher education.

    The PDF version of the document is available above. An HTML version will be made available upon request.

    If you’re a provider and your question hasn’t been answered in the frequently asked questions, please email us at providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au with your specific query about CRIS.

    Subtitle
    Cost recovery for quality assurance and regulation of higher education
    Stakeholder
    Publication type

    Related links

    Documents

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