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.
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.
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.