Provider questions – Undergraduate Certificate course accreditations
TEQSA has been responding to provider queries regarding the renewal of Undergraduate Certificate course accreditations.
Background
The Undergraduate Certificate was added to the AQF Second Edition January 2013 as a qualification to upskill workers displaced by COVID-19. Addendum 4 provides:
- The Undergraduate Certificate specifications are available for use from May 2020 until 30 June 2025.
- Issuing organisations must not issue an Undergraduate Certificate qualification after 30 June 2025, unless the qualification type is extended by Education and Skills Ministers from the Australian, State and Territory Governments.
- Issuing organisations that are compliant with the Australian Qualifications Framework Second Edition January 2013 are deemed compliant with this addendum and are able to use the Undergraduate Certificate specification from May 2020 to 30 June 2025, unless the qualification type is extended by Education and Skills Ministers.
Action providers should take
While TEQSA expects providers will continue to monitor all their accredited courses, at least on an annual basis, no action on renewal of accreditation is required at this stage for Undergraduate Certificates that have 30 June 2025 expiry dates.
This is because TEQSA is unable to renew an Undergraduate Certificate accreditation unless Education and Skills Ministers from the Australian, State and Territory Governments extend these qualifications.
If the Education and Skills Ministers decide to extend the qualifications, TEQSA will determine a shorter period for the submission of renewal applications, pursuant to s55(1)(b) of the TEQSA Act. Should this occur, we will be in touch with providers about the process for renewal of accreditation.
TEQSA expects providers to inform students who are enrolled, or planning to enrol, in an Undergraduate Certificate of the limited nature of this qualification. If the Undergraduate Certificate qualification is not extended, students will need to complete their studies and have their awards conferred by 30 June 2025.
Please note that these limitations and advice only applies to Undergraduate Certificates. Graduate Certificates should be renewed per the usual process and within statutory timelines.
Action TEQSA is taking
We’re continuing to engage with the Commonwealth Department of Education about this matter and will provide updates to the sector once a decision has been made by Education and Skills Ministers from the Australian, State and Territory Governments.
In addition to sharing this information with providers, TEQSA has also updated the Frequently Asked Questions on our website.