The Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HES Framework 2021) replaced the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 (HES Framework 2015) on 1 July 2021. Information regarding the HES Framework 2021 (including a contextual overview and breakdown of each Domain) is available from our Higher Education Standards Framework 2021 section.

Supporting materials for online applications

• Provider registration – quick process guide (PDF, 600KB)

Application guides

• Application guide for initial registration as a new higher education provider *updated 12 March 2020
• Application guide for renewal of registration *updated 6 August 2024
• Application guide for self-accrediting authority *updated 19 September 2022
• Application guide for course accreditation (registered providers)
• Application guide for renewal of course accreditation
• Application guide for renewal of course accreditation in teach out

Guides/templates

• Naming conventions for evidence – guide

We appreciate the constructive feedback received to date on the revised application guides. While the beta consultation period for the application guides above has now closed, comments are still welcome. 

Please direct any feedback to standards@teqsa.gov.au. 

Good practice notes

• Addressing contract cheating to safeguard academic integrity
• Making higher education admissions transparent for prospective students

Guidance notes

View TEQSA's guidance notes relating to the HES Framework on our guidance notes page.

Online forms

Online application forms (for applications under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011) are available through the Provider Portal.

Prospective higher education providers applying for initial registration

• Registration in HEP Category
• Initial Course Accreditation

Registered higher education providers

• Course Accreditation existing provider
• Renewal of Course Accreditation
• Renewal of Registration
• Self-Accrediting Authority

These new forms are supported by a range of application guides (see above for examples).

Other guides

• Application for variation or revocation of a condition – application guide and form

Confidentiality

• TEQSA's approach to confidential information

Core Plus model for regulatory assessments

• Policy on Core Plus model for regulatory assessments

eLearning

• eLearning and compliance with the Threshold Standards

ELICOS

• ELICOS direct entry – guide
• TEQSA and the regulation of ELICOS (FAQs)

English waivers

• English waivers - definition

Risk assessment

• How TEQSA rates risk indicators
• Risk ratings: Examples of relevant context and provider controls that TEQSA considers

Fit and proper person declarations

• TEQSA and ESOS fit and proper person requirements declaration form [MS Word, 137 KB] [PDF, 228 KB]

Please note that this fit and proper person declaration can be used for both the TEQSA and ESOS Acts.

• View our Guide to determining the fitness and propriety of a person

Supporting materials for CRICOS applications

For further information or assistance, please refer to TEQSA’s CRICOS and ELICOS page, or contact the CRICOS team at cricos@teqsa.gov.au.

TEQSA's public disclosure policy

This document outlines our approach to public statements about regulatory actions and issues. 

• TEQSA's public disclosure policy

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)

Professor Krause, former Vice-Chancellor and President of Avondale University, commenced as TEQSA’s Chief Commissioner on 7 April 2025.   Professor Krause brings extensive higher education leadership and knowledge to TEQSA, with more than 30 years’ experience in public universities and independent institutions. The current chair of the Higher Education Standards Panel (until 7 April 2025), her leadership has focused on systemic institutional turnaround strategies through enhancing the quality of university learning, teaching and student experiences, particularly among diverse student cohorts. An Honorary Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Centre for the Study of Higher Education, 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.   Most recently, as Vice-Chancellor of Avondale University, Kerri-Lee 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. 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.   Her previous sector leadership includes four years as elected Chair of the Universities Australia Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) group and non-Executive Director on numerous boards. She led the national admissions transparency of higher education strategic priority on behalf of the Higher Education Standards Panel from 2017 to 2025. 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)

Before her appointment as a TEQSA Commissioner in 2021, Adrienne was the Director of the Office of Vice-Chancellor at the University of South Australia. Prior to this, Adrienne was the Director Quality, Tertiary Education, Science and Research in the South Australian Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology.   Adrienne has provided strategic leadership, policy advice and investment direction to support tertiary education, science and research in South Australia. She was also responsible for the regulation of both higher education and vocational education and training (VET) in South Australia and 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 has been a member of the South Australian Skills Commission since 2013 and has held several roles within the Commission, including Deputy Chair of the Commission (2013–14, 2019–20) and Chair of the Commission’s Traineeship and Apprenticeship subcommittee (2013 – present). Adrienne was also a member of the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (2019–22).   Adrienne has over 30 years’ experience in tertiary education and has been a member of various state and federal committees and working parties associated with tertiary education. She holds an honours degree in science and a master’s degree in education policy and administration.    Adrienne served as Acting Chief Commissioner from 11 May 2024 to 6 April 2025.

Emeritus Professor Elizabeth More AM, MAICD (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)

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

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

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.

• View the Audit and Risk Committee Charter

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.

• Learn more about HESP (external website)
   

To deliver a higher education course of study, registered higher education providers without self-accrediting authority must apply to have the course accredited by TEQSA.

If TEQSA approves an application to accredit a course of study, we will determine the accreditation period up to a maximum of seven years.

Applications must be submitted using the approved online form through the Provider Portal, include all information requested, and be accompanied by the applicable fee. See more information on our fees page.

Applications will only be considered received by TEQSA once the approved application form, requested evidence and preliminary assessment fee payment have been received.

Application guide for course accreditation

It is essential that providers read the application guide for course accreditation 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 (course accreditation for existing providers)

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

Guidance on what TEQSA recommends applicants consider in preparing the report is available on our website.

• Key considerations for providers preparing a self-assurance report (course accreditation for existing providers)

External reviews

TEQSA strongly encourages providers to seek review of a proposed course of study by a suitably qualified independent external reviewer. External reviews can be an effective way for providers to validate course design, ensuring that course content and learning outcomes are consistent with the level and field of education, and to identify and implement improvements.

The engagement of an independent external reviewer should be viewed primarily as an opportunity to contribute to self-assurance practices and efforts at continuous improvement, rather than a method to meet TEQSA or other requirements. 

Where providers have sought an independent external review of a proposed course of study, copies of the reviewer’s reports and evidence of the provider’s response should be submitted with the application.

• Access the sector update: Engaging an independent expert to undertake a review

Further information

For more information or assistance with preparing a course accreditation application, please contact the Courses team at assessments@teqsa.gov.au.

NOTE: The above guidance applies to courses of study that lead to a higher education qualification recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Providers seeking to add a ELICOS or Foundation Program to CRICOS should refer to our CRICOS page.

Registered higher education providers without self-accrediting authority must apply to TEQSA to renew the accreditation of a higher education course of study. This application must be submitted at least 180 days before accreditation is due to expire, unless TEQSA has agreed to a shorter time frame. Providers hoping for a shorter time frame must contact us as soon as possible.

If TEQSA approves an application to renew the accreditation of a course of study, we will determine the accreditation period up to a maximum of seven years.

Applications must be submitted using the approved online application form through the Provider Portal, include all information requested, and be accompanied by the applicable fee. See more information on our fees page.

Applications will only be considered received by TEQSA once both the approved application form and fee payment have been received

Please note there is a separate application form available in the provider portal for providers seeking renewal of an Undergraduate Certificate course.

Once an application has been submitted, the course accreditation continues until TEQSA has made a decision on the application.

Application guide for renewal of accreditation

It is essential that providers read the application guide for renewal of accreditation 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 accreditation)

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

Guidance on what TEQSA recommends providers consider in preparing the report is available on our website.

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

External reviews

TEQSA strongly encourages providers to consider engaging a suitably qualified independent external reviewer in support of course review and improvement processes. Independent external reviews can be an effective way for providers to check the effectiveness of their quality assurance processes and ensure that accredited courses remain current and aligned with developments in the field of education.

The engagement of an independent external reviewer should be viewed primarily as an opportunity to contribute to self-assurance practices and continuous improvement of the course and related institutional policies, rather than a method to meet TEQSA or other requirements.

Where providers have sought an independent external review of the course of study, copies of the reviewer’s reports and evidence of the provider’s response should be submitted with the application.

• Access the sector update: Engaging an independent expert to undertake a review

Multiple applications

Providers are encouraged to apply for renewal of course accreditation at the same time as renewal of registration, and where applicable, other regulatory processes such as CRICOS re-registration. The ability to submit concurrent applications depends 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 more information or assistance with preparing an application to renew course accreditation, please contact the Courses team at assessments@teqsa.gov.au.

NOTE: the above guidance applies to the renewal of accreditation of courses of study that lead to a higher education qualification recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). Providers seeking to renew an existing ELICOS course or Foundation Program should refer to our CRICOS page.
 

What are teach out arrangements?

Teach out occurs where a decision is taken to phase out a course of study that still has students enrolled. The course continues to be accredited but no new students can be enrolled, and arrangements are in place to ensure that all existing students can either complete the course of study, or transition to a mutually agreed course at no disadvantage.

The Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HES Framework) requires providers to have effective teach out or course transition plans in place as teach out can be initiated by either TEQSA or the provider. Providers cannot offer an unaccredited course of study.

TEQSA initiated teach out

A course may enter teach out when TEQSA decides:

• not to renew accreditation of a course while students are currently enrolled
• not to accredit a course that is intended to replace an existing accredited course that a provider has not sought to reaccredit
• to cancel the accreditation of a course while students are currently enrolled.

In these scenarios, TEQSA will follow a risk-based approach and consider the interests of the enrolled students in determining the date on which the course accreditation will end.

Provider initiated teach out

Providers may initiate teach out when:

• they do not intend to continue delivering a course of study, however, there will be students enrolled past the current accreditation expiry date that will either complete or transition out during a teach out period. In this scenario, the provider must apply to TEQSA to renew the course of study, noting that it is being taught out.
• they do not intend to renew the accreditation of a course of study, and there will be no students enrolled at the current accreditation expiry date as they will have completed or transitioned out. In this scenario, the provider must submit a material change notification to advise of the decision to let the course expire.

Planned teach out arrangements may include transitioning students into a new course that is intended to replace the existing accredited course (subject to a decision by TEQSA to accredit the new course).

Accreditation for courses in teach out mode

A course that is due to expire, but is still in teach out mode, is required to be accredited until all students have either completed or transitioned out.

Registered higher education providers without self-accrediting authority must apply to TEQSA to seek renewal of accreditation for the course being taught out.

Because of the special circumstances that apply to courses in teach out, we have introduced a separate accreditation renewal process and a reduced fee. Providers may apply using this process where the period of accreditation to facilitate course teach out does not exceed two years.

Where a longer period of accreditation is required, providers may apply to renew accreditation of the course using the standard renewal of accreditation process.

Applications must be submitted at least 180 days before accreditation is due to expire, unless TEQSA has agreed to a shorter time frame. Providers hoping for a shorter time frame must contact us as soon as possible.

Application guide for renewal of accreditation in teach out

It is essential that providers read the application guide for renewal of accreditation in teach out 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 in preparing a self-assurance report (renewal of accreditation in teach out)

All providers are required to prepare and submit a self-assurance report as part of a renewal of accreditation in teach out application. This report should demonstrate the effectiveness of a provider’s self-assurance processes in monitoring, managing and mitigating risks to the course during teach out.

Guidance on what TEQSA recommends providers consider in preparing the report is available on our website.

• Key considerations for providers preparing a self-assurance report (renewal of accreditation in teach out)

Maintenance of standards

Courses delivered in teach out mode are still required to meet the requirements of the HES Framework. The teach out re-accreditation process requires providers to demonstrate how they have assured themselves that course resourcing, course outcomes and overall service and support to students will not be adversely impacted by the decision to teach out the course.

Expiring a course

If a course is in teach out, but no students will be enrolled beyond the current accreditation expiry date, an application will not be required to renew the course in teach out and the accreditation of the course will expire at that time.

In this case, providers will be required to submit a material change notification to materialchanges@teqsa.gov.au to advise TEQSA of the decision to let the course expire. Material change notifications should be accompanied by the following:

• a teach out plan
• evidence that enrolments have ceased for the course and the course listing on the provider’s website has been updated or removed to reflect this
• evidence that students enrolled in the course were notified of the decision to cease offering the course and there was no adverse impact to those students
• confirmed meeting minutes of the academic governing body demonstrating approval to discontinue the course after due consideration of all matters, including the rationale and impact and risks to students
• confirmation that the course can be expired from the National Register.

Further information about material change notifications can be found on the TEQSA website.

Notification requirements

Providers should also submit a notification to TEQSA via materialchanges@teqsa.gov.au:

• if the teach out process has not proceeded as planned and there is an adverse impact on students. In this scenario TEQSA will expect to see evidence of the actions being taken by the provider to mitigate any risks to students
• to confirm that all students have either successfully graduated from the course or transitioned to a comparable course, and that the course can be expired from the National Register.

National Register

Where a provider has advised TEQSA that they do not intend to renew the accreditation of a course of study, or the renewal of accreditation has been approved in teach out mode, the National Register entry for the course will include a comment stating ‘Course accredited to [Effective To Date] to facilitate teach out. No further enrolment of students will be permitted.’

Any accreditation of a course in teach out mode may be subject to a condition regarding the enrolment of new students.

Further information

For more information or assistance with preparing an application to renew course accreditation in teach out, please contact the Courses team at assessments@teqsa.gov.au.
 

This page contains resources to support institutions, staff and students in considering the potential impacts and benefits generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) tools pose for teaching, learning and assessment.