Students are central to TEQSA’s work to assure the quality of Australian higher education. When the quality of higher education is strong, students benefit. When quality falters, students are the first to feel the impact.
As such, students have a pivotal role in helping to identify emerging and enduring sector risks. Their lived experiences provide valuable and diverse insight that continues to inform TEQSA’s work.
Background
In recent years, the higher education sector has faced complex challenges and opportunities. TEQSA recognises our role has evolved and we are therefore rebalancing our regulatory approach. As part of this, TEQSA’s Student Advisory Panel seeks to support us in identifying and managing risks to assure quality across the sector.
TEQSA is expanding the student voices we engage, beyond elected student representatives with the creation of a Student Advisory Panel. Australia’s higher education sector is diverse and complex, and the Student Advisory Panel seeks to reflect this.
Establishment
TEQSA established our first Student Advisory Panel in July 2026.
An expression of interest (EOI) process, facilitated by external agency Elliot Gray, attracted more than 500 applications from across Australia.
Panel members have been appointed for a one-year term and will be invited to express interest in extending their term for a second year at the conclusion of the first year. The panel will meet 4 times a year (both online and in person) and will be paid an honorarium for their time.
More updates on the Student Advisory Panel will be released in due course.