The Australian Government’s COVID-19 pandemic higher education relief package included TEQSA application fee waivers. As a result, during late 2021 and into 2022, TEQSA received an unprecedented number of applications for registration and applications for course accreditation and renewals. This is likely to lead to extended application processing times into 2023.
TEQSA has noted an increase in the number of applications that include evidence that is incomplete or contains errors. TEQSA will inform a provider if an application submitted to TEQSA is not valid (in terms of not meeting the requirements set out in the relevant legislation) and inform the provider if a new application needs to be made. The timelines for application processing do not commence, and fees will not be incurred by the provider, until a valid application is made.
Registered higher education providers can apply to withdraw their registration under section 43 of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 (TEQSA Act).
TEQSA will only grant an application to withdraw registration if we can be satisfied that it is appropriate. If an application is rejected, we will provide detail on the reasons for our decision.
Providers wishing to withdraw registration should contact their case manager for information on specific evidence requirements. At a minimum, core evidence requirements are likely to include:
- A signed letter from provider stating the intention to withdraw registration and the date of effect.
- Information on arrangements in place for the storage of student and staff records.
- Arrangements for replacement of student certification documentation and statement of attainment documentation and processes to authenticate and verify replacement documentation.
- A summary of the planned strategies to effectively manage withdrawal of registration as a higher education provider (if applicable), including:
- transitioning out of all higher education operations
- termination of any contractual arrangements with third parties, agents and/or partners in relation to higher education courses of study
- removing all references to registration as a higher education provider and, as applicable, CRICOS registration, from all marketing materials
- updating PRISMS to ensure that all student records (current and pending) have been updated to reflect agreed arrangements
- communicating transition arrangements to all affected stakeholders, including prospective and currently enrolled students as well as staff. Ensure that the strategies cover communication of withdrawal of courses of study from CRICOS to education agents.