TEQSA's approach to sector engagement

As Australia’s national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education, engagement provides TEQSA with opportunities to understand issues impacting the sector, and to consult on regulatory initiatives and changes. 

The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011 requires TEQSA to consult with providers about changes to our regulatory approach and other relevant sector-wide issues such as the proposed imposition of conditions.

We are committed to open consultation and we actively engage with providers and the broader sector to:

  • gain understanding from peak bodies, providers and students about challenges facing the sector. This is to inform our regulatory function and development of resources
  • guide regulatory expectations, and provide good practice resources to assist with navigating sector-wide risk
  • provide information for students and the public through targeted publications and strategic external communications
  • consult and seek feedback on proposed changes that may meaningfully inform or impact sector regulation.

TEQSA’s engagement practices include:

  • guidance notes. TEQSA publishes guidance notes for the sector that focus on specific sections of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021, also drawing attention to other interrelated sections, and highlighting potential compliance issues. We invite the sector to provide feedback during the development of each note
  • support materials. TEQSA publishes good practice notes and toolkits to inform and support providers to achieve best practice on sector-wide issues, such as sexual assault and sexual harassment, commercial academic (contract) cheating, admissions transparency and transnational education
  • annual meetings. TEQSA meets annually with all peak bodies, student groups and key international quality assurance agencies
  • consultative events. TEQSA’s schedule of webinars and events around Australia for stakeholders aims to provide timely information on current challenges facing the sector and changes to regulatory practice. Stakeholders can and do engage directly with TEQSA Commissioners and senior staff at these events
  • invitations to speak. TEQSA welcomes the opportunity to speak at higher education, government and other regulatory or quality assurance events. Please make speaking requests via this form
  • annual conference. TEQSA holds a conference in November each year, which attracts strong representation from providers, professional bodies, international organisations and students. The conference also provides another opportunity for stakeholders to engage with TEQSA staff.

Other engagement mechanisms include:

  • social media. Digital communication is an important engagement and communication tool. Twitter, LinkedIn and the TEQSA website inform and engage, providing ways for stakeholders to share and comment
  • annual provider survey and annual peak body research. TEQSA conducts a comprehensive annual survey of providers, and publishes the results on our website. Survey questions are reviewed annually to ensure currency.

Sector engagement

In 2024, TEQSA’s sector engagement will focus on:

  • consulting on a revised regulatory model
  • reviewing and expanding our student engagement activities
  • the annual conference
  • meetings with peak bodies and international quality assurance agencies.