Provider Category Standards reform implementation

The Higher Education Legislation Amendment (Provider Category Standards and Other Measures) Act 2021 gave effect to the Australian Government’s decision to implement all 10 recommendations arising from the 2019 review of Provider Category Standards.

The updated Threshold Standards, which incorporate the revised provider categories came into effect from 1 July 2021.

Between March and July 2021 TEQSA worked to implement the reforms, undertaking a comprehensive and thorough approach to ensuring the revised standards were fairly and consistently applied.

The transition was completed on 1 July 2021, and the National Register has been updated to reflect the revised categories for each provider.

Quality of Research Determination 2021

This legislative instrument complements new research quality criteria included in the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 for the ‘Australian University’ category. It provides clarity around the research quality indicators that TEQSA will have regard to in relation to an entity or provider seeking registration or re-registration as an Australian University.

• Further details

Frequently asked questions

When was the decision to update providers’ categories made?

The new standards took effect on 1 July 2021. TEQSA made a decision on this date to register providers in one of the four categories available under the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021. Following the decision, providers were notified and the National Register updated to reflect the revised category for each provider.

The notification followed previous communication from TEQSA to providers.

See:

• Chief Commissioner’s letter to all registered providers (12 March 2021)
• Chief Commissioner’s letter to registered providers without self-accrediting authority (8 June 2021)

Are TEQSA’s provider category decisions reviewable?

Yes, provider category decisions are reviewable. A provider can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for merits review. Merits review means that the ART considers the available evidence and determines whether TEQSA’s decision is the correct and preferable decision. For more information, visit the ART’s website.