• International Day of Action for academic integrity

    Wednesday 15 October is International Day of Action for Academic Integrity, organised by the International Center for Academic Integrity. This year’s theme is ‘Everyday integrity: Discovering your superpower’.

    In recognition, TEQSA has developed a one-page document, Strengthen your everyday research practices in the age of gen AI, with practical actions providers can take to strengthen everyday research practices in the age of generative artificial intelligence. 

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    International Day of Action for Academic Integrity
  • Updated application forms for course accreditation

    Updated application forms to accredit or renew accreditation of a higher education course of study are now available in the Provider Portal for registered providers without self-accrediting authority.

    The application forms have been updated to reflect the current processes and revised evidence requirements set out in the following application guides, published on 15 July 2025:

    The temporary transitionary measures put in place to support providers to finalise and submit applications using a Confirmed Evidence Table have now ceased. Effective 1 November 2025, all applications to accredit or renew accreditation of a course should be prepared in accordance with the updated application guides and submitted using the updated application forms.

    If you have any questions about preparing an application, please contact us at providerenquiries@teqsa.gov.au.
     

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  • Blocked illegal cheating websites

    Australia’s anti-cheating laws make it an offence to provide or advertise academic cheating services in higher education.

    TEQSA  is working to disrupt access to these sites to protect students and the integrity of higher education.

    List of blocked illegal cheating websites

    An alphabetical list of blocked illegal cheating websites is available below:

    • 1daixie.com
    • 12hoursessay.com
    • 15writers.com
    • 24houranswers.com
    • 5staressays.com
    • 99papers.com
    • 100due.com
    • 247assignmentcare.com
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    • 360assignments.com
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    • abcassignmenthelp.com
    • acadbox.com
    • academic-assignment.com
    • academicassignments.co.uk
    • academicassignments.com
    • academicavenue.org
    • academicgod.com
    • academic-master.com
    • academicphd.com
    • academicrelief.com
    • academicwriting.com.au
    • academized.com
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  • Websites blocked to protect students and academic integrity

    TEQSA continues to disrupt predatory academic cheating services, by blocking their websites in Australia.

    TEQSA has blocked another 80 commercial academic cheating websites, disrupting the operations of these illegal services which target students.

    This recent action brings the total number of websites blocked, under protocols with major internet service providers (ISPs), to 555. A list of the blocked illegal cheating websites is available at teqsa.gov.au.

    Academic cheating services allow students to pay someone to complete assessments for them. This undermines the student’s learning and the trust in the qualification they receive. Further, using these services leaves the student vulnerable to blackmail and identity theft.

    Blocking illegal academic cheating service websites is part of TEQSA’s multi-pronged approach to protecting the integrity of higher education awards.

    TEQSA has numerous resources available to support higher education students, academics and professional staff. These resources include:

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  • TEQSA and ASQA issue joint sector alert

    TEQSA and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) have issued a joint sector alert over emerging risks around workplace learning in early childhood education and vocational training.

    TEQSA and ASQA take seriously any emerging risks that have the potential to impact our most vulnerable in the community. It is therefore a priority that all higher education and VET providers, and their governing bodies, apply focus to the expectations outlined in this sector alert.

    Providers who may not be adequately managing these risks or not meeting the relevant standards may be subject to a compliance assessment and/or regulatory action.

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    Sector alert
  • Gen AI – recently published

    This page contains TEQSA resources published in the last 12 months, to support institutions, staff and students in considering the potential impacts and benefits gen AI tools pose for teaching, learning, assessment and research.

    Strengthen your everyday research practices in the age of gen AI
    Enacting assessment reform in a time of artificial intelligence
    Education to industry: How gen AI is shaping tomorrow
    Gen AI strategies
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  • Gen AI – TEQSA resources

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

    Publications
    Videos
    Webinars

    TEQSA and Deakin University AI webinar series

    Advice for students
    Last updated:
  • Student academic misconduct – student responsibilities

    Responsibilities checklist

    • Active participation: Attend all scheduled meetings, hearings and consultations.
    • Maintain honesty: Provide truthful and accurate information throughout the investigation.
    • Timely responses: Adhere to deadlines for submitting documents, attending meetings and providing requested information.
    • Seek clarification: Request guidance and ask questions when uncertain about procedures or responsibilities.

    Handling an academic misconduct case might feel overwhelming, but your only responsibilities are staying engaged, honest and proactive during the process.

    Remember to…

    Show up for any meetings or consultations that are scheduled

    These are important because they give you a chance to explain yourself, share your side of the story and show your commitment to sorting things out. Your input matters and being actively involved shows you care about resolving the issue in a fair way.

    Be truthful

    If you made a mistake, own up to it. Institutions value honesty and respect your ability to be upfront about what happened. Trying to cover up or mislead won’t help, in fact, it can make things worse. Being honest helps the process move forward smoothly and shows that you’re taking responsibility for your actions.

    Respond to emails or requests on time

    Deadlines are there to keep everything on track, so make sure you submit documents, attend meetings or provide information when asked. It’s a simple way to show you’re cooperating and helps avoid any unnecessary delays. Missing deadlines can lead to decisions being made without your input, which may affect the outcome and potentially the severity of the penalty that’s applied. If you are finding it hard to stick to your deadlines, contact your institution for support.

    Ask questions or seek guidance

    The procedures might seem complex at first, but there are people and resources available to help you out. Whether it’s academic advisors, student support staff or online guides, there’s no shame in reaching out for clarity. Understanding what’s happening and expectations can make a huge difference in how you approach the situation.

    Alert icon

    Remember

    This isn’t just about resolving the issue, it’s about looking after your future. Academic misconduct cases can be stressful, but staying engaged, honest and proactive shows your dedication to your studies and your personal growth.

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  • Student academic misconduct – responding to the allegation

    Responding to the academic misconduct allegation is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to resolving issues in a fair and transparent way. By engaging openly, sharing accurate evidence and communicating honestly, you can help guide the process toward a positive outcome. This approach not only shows integrity but can sometimes lead to reduced penalties. Take this chance to be proactive, make use of the resources available and approach the situation with sincerity and a willingness to learn.

    Once you’ve made the decision to respond to an academic misconduct allegation, it’s essential to include evidence that supports your case. Thoughtfully gathered and clearly presented evidence can strengthen your response and highlight your commitment to resolving the matter transparently.

    Evidence

    When addressing an academic misconduct allegation, it’s important to carefully gather and present evidence that supports your case. Here are some types of evidence you might consider sharing:

    • Original drafts: Early versions of assignments or projects that demonstrate the evolution of your work.
    • Notes: Documentation of lecture notes that show your engagement and understanding of the course material.
    • Time-stamped files: Files saved at different stages of your work, proving the timeline of your progress. Make sure you don’t reopen the file and resave it, as that will affect the document metadata.
    • Travel documents: For cases involving travel, provide itineraries or tickets issued at the time of booking.
    • Medical records: Doctor's certificates or hospital records to justify any health-related issues that may have impacted your work.
    • Library records: Borrowing history or access logs that show your research activities.
    • Technical logs: Logs from your internet browser, software or platforms used during your assessment creation, showing your activity, sources consulted or version history.
    • Proof of originality: Plagiarism reports from Turnitin will often be provided to you. Note that in artificial intelligence cases, most institutions will not accept online ‘AI detectors’ that are not from Turnitin due to their lack of accuracy.

    Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary evidence and have a clear understanding of your response, the next step is to articulate your case comprehensively. Writing everything down in a structured manner will ensure your points are effectively presented. Here’s a template you can use to get you started.

    Meetings

    Sometimes, as part of the academic misconduct process, a meeting may be offered to give you the opportunity to explain your side of the story, provide relevant evidence and address any misunderstandings. This meeting is an important chance to engage constructively and ensure that your perspective is heard. After the meeting a decision will be made regarding your outcome.

    Support person

    If you attend a meeting, hearing or interview to discuss your allegation, having a support person by your side during an academic misconduct issue may help ease the stress and make the whole process feel a bit less overwhelming. This person can be someone you trust—like a family member, a close friend, a mentor, or even an advisor from your institution or student guild.

    Your support person is not there to speak for you or take over the meeting, they are there to support you emotionally and help you recall the details of the meeting if needed. As this is not a legal process, many institutions will request your support person is not a lawyer, however you may pursue this option later in the process if you need to go to an Ombudsman for example.

    When choosing your support person, it’s important to select someone who understands the challenging situation you’re in. You’ll want someone non-judgmental and reliable. Ideally, they should also be familiar with academic life and the challenges students face. It’s often easier when they can relate to what you’re going through. Confidentiality is key, so make sure they’re the type of person who can handle sensitive information responsibly.

    Your support person’s role is straightforward. They can:

    • come with you to meetings or interviews related to your case
    • listen carefully and maybe take notes if needed
    • help you feel more relaxed and focused
    • help you prepare for these meetings by giving you a chance to talk through potential questions and answers ahead of time, as well as debriefing afterward.

    It’s all about building your confidence and making you feel ready to face the situation.

    One thing to keep in mind is that your support person’s role has limits. They’re not there to argue your case or speak for you, they’re more like your anchor in a stressful time. Think of them as a steady presence who’s there to help you stay grounded. Having someone in your corner like this can make a difference as you work through the process and come out stronger on the other side.

    How to select a good support person for an academic misconduct interview

    • Trustworthiness: Choose someone you trust, who will handle your situation with confidentiality and discretion.
    • Understanding: The support person should be empathetic to your circumstances and the pressures of academic life.
    • Non-judgmental: Avoid choosing someone who might just judge you and instead opt for a ‘critical friend’ who can offer honest perspective and support.
    • Emotional support: The individual should be capable of providing reassurance and helping you stay calm and focused during the process.
    • Communication skills: A good support person can aid in preparing you for meetings by discussing potential questions and responses.
    • Boundaries: Ensure they understand their role is supportive rather than active participation in the meeting.

    FAQs for support persons in academic misconduct meetings

    1. Can a support person speak on your behalf during the meeting?

    No, a support person is not permitted to speak on your behalf. Their role is to provide emotional support and guidance, but they should not actively participate in the discussion unless explicitly allowed by the meeting's guidelines.

    2. Can a support person take notes during the meeting?

    Yes, a support person can take notes to help you recall details and discussions later. This can be beneficial for keeping track of important points and ensuring you understand the proceedings.

    3. Is a support person allowed to provide their opinion or input during the meeting?

    No, a support person should not provide their own opinions or input unless specifically asked by the meeting officials. Their primary function is to support you, not to influence the meeting's outcome.

    4. Can a support person help you to prepare your responses before the meeting?

    Yes, a support person can help you prepare for the meeting by discussing potential questions and appropriate responses. They can also review evidence and discuss strategies for addressing the allegations.

    5. Can a support person contact institution officials on your behalf?

    No, a support person should not contact institution officials or interfere with the process on your behalf. All communications should come directly from you to maintain the integrity of the process and ensure clear, direct dialogue.

    Meeting etiquette tips for students

    Attending a meeting, especially one related to academic misconduct, can feel a little daunting, but with the right approach, you can make a positive impression and effectively communicate your perspective. Here are some friendly and practical tips to help you prepare:

    • Be punctual: Arrive on time to show respect for the process and the people involved. Being late might unintentionally signal a lack of seriousness about the matter.
    • Dress smartly: While formal attire isn’t necessary, choose neat, clean and presentable clothing to convey that you take the meeting seriously – even if your meeting is being held online.
    • Stay calm: It’s normal to feel nervous but try to remain calm and composed throughout the meeting. This will help you express yourself clearly and confidently.
    • Listen actively: Pay close attention to what is being said. This demonstrates respect and ensures you understand the points being raised.
    • Answer thoughtfully: Take a moment to think before responding to questions. Providing clear and accurate answers helps present your case effectively.
    • Be honest: Always stick to the truth. Honesty is crucial in building trust and ensuring the best possible outcome.
    • Show respect: Treat everyone involved politely and professionally. A respectful attitude creates a positive environment for constructive dialogue.
    • Ask questions: If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. This shows engagement and helps avoid misunderstandings.
    • Stay focused: Keep your comments relevant to the matter at hand. If you have other concerns about your studies or the course, you can address them separately later.

    Meetings like these are designed to ensure fairness and give everyone the chance to share their perspective. Approach it as an opportunity to learn and grow, and remember that preparation and a positive attitude can make all the difference.

    Important

    If your meeting is online, find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted — but don’t worry if that’s not easy; just do the best you can with what you have. Check that your internet is working well, your microphone and speakers are clear, and the light is coming from behind your camera so you can be seen properly. It’s a good idea to test everything with a friend beforehand, just to be sure.

    These simple steps can help you feel more confident and come across professionally.

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