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TEQSA is Australia’s national independent regulator of higher education. All higher education providers (universities, university colleges and institutes of higher education) have to register with TEQSA to operate as a place of learning. Without a registration, a provider can’t call themselves a university (for example), offer accredited courses to students or award them a degree.
As a regulator, TEQSA operates under a framework of legislation and standards that all providers must meet. There are a few, but the main one for providers is the Higher Education Standards Framework 2021, more commonly known as the Threshold Standards. It’s like a checklist of everything a provider needs to do to run a university, a college or an institute of higher education to make it a good place to study.
TEQSA's main job is to make sure students are protected and that their degree is valued as being supported for academic integrity and quality. Another important job they do is to watch for, and identify, any risks can impact students and the integrity and reputation of Australian higher education.
They enforce the rules: TEQSA makes sure all providers meet standards (like a checklist) – things like fair assessments and good student support.
They check providers are doing a good job: TEQSA checks to make sure providers are meeting those standards. This is called assuring the quality of higher education.
They can say 'no' or step in: If a provider isn't doing things properly (that is, not meeting the Threshold Standards), TEQSA can stop them from offering courses or make them fix problems.
Students are at the heart of TEQSA’s work. The perspectives and lived experiences of students are so important to help TEQSA understand what risks are emerging across your campus and, more widely, Australia.
That’s why TEQSA is establishing a Student Advisory Panel, of 8-10 students with diverse backgrounds, diverse experiences and from a range of higher education institutions across the country. Everyone is encouraged to apply – the only requirement is that you are currently enrolled as a student at an Australian higher education provider. Students of all backgrounds and experiences will have valuable lived experiences to share.
What’s in it for you? This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable advocacy experience at a national level and meet like-minded people, while working collaboratively to uplift the quality of higher education in Australia.
If you're interested in what happens 'on the ground' at your campus, and campuses across Australia, and making the quality of higher education better for everyone, express your interest in joining TEQSA's Student Advisory Panel.
Submitting an expression of interest is easy, free and all online. Visit elliottgray.com.au/TEQSA for more details.
