Comply with Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021
TEQSA-registered higher education providers must meet 7 domains of the HESF.
Who must comply
Every higher education provider registered by TEQSA, in any provider category, including dual-sector providers and providers with self-accrediting authority. An entity that offers a regulated higher education award without registration commits an offence under the TEQSA Act.
What triggers it
Registration as a higher education provider, or offering or delivering a course leading to a regulated higher education award; for notifications, any event that is a material change, including a change in ownership or effective control.
When due
Continuously while registered. A material change must be notified no later than 14 days after the provider would reasonably be expected to have become aware of it, and renewal of registration must be applied for at least 180 days before the registration period lapses.
Evidence required
Evidence mapped to each HESF domain: academic governance and quality assurance records, course accreditation and review records, student outcome and feedback data, research training policies, information management records; the self-assurance report for renewal; material change notifications sent to TEQSA.
Max penalty
The TEQSA Act creates offences and civil penalty provisions, including offering a regulated award without registration (s 105), using the word 'university' without the right category (s 108), and delivering an unaccredited course (s 112). Breaching a condition of registration or course accreditation can contravene a civil penalty provision (ss 113-114), and TEQSA can impose conditions on registration or accreditation
Who must comply with this? The applicability test by industry, business structure and size.
Summary
The Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 took effect on 1 July 2021 and is the benchmark TEQSA applies to every registered higher education provider. Part A sets seven domains: student participation and attainment; learning environment; teaching; research and research training; institutional quality assurance; governance and accountability; and representation, information and information management. Part B sets the criteria for each provider category. The standards were amended on 1 December 2021 to define academic freedom, and again on 14 July 2026 to add requirements on racism and governance. TEQSA registers a provider for a set period of up to 7 years and expects renewal applications to include a self-assurance report showing how the provider identifies, manages and mitigates institutional risk in its day-to-day operations.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Industries
Topics
Related
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021?
- Every higher education provider registered by TEQSA, in any provider category, including dual-sector providers and providers with self-accrediting authority. An entity that offers a regulated higher education award without registration commits an offence under the TEQSA Act.
- What triggers Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021?
- Registration as a higher education provider, or offering or delivering a course leading to a regulated higher education award; for notifications, any event that is a material change, including a change in ownership or effective control.
- When is Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 due?
- Continuously while registered. A material change must be notified no later than 14 days after the provider would reasonably be expected to have become aware of it, and renewal of registration must be applied for at least 180 days before the registration period lapses.
- What is the maximum penalty for Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021?
- The TEQSA Act creates offences and civil penalty provisions, including offering a regulated award without registration (s 105), using the word 'university' without the right category (s 108), and delivering an unaccredited course (s 112). Breaching a condition of registration or course accreditation can contravene a civil penalty provision (ss 113-114), and TEQSA can impose conditions on registration or accreditation
- What evidence is required for Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021?
- Evidence mapped to each HESF domain: academic governance and quality assurance records, course accreditation and review records, student outcome and feedback data, research training policies, information management records; the self-assurance report for renewal; material change notifications sent to TEQSA.
Source: https://www.teqsa.gov.au/how-we-regulate/higher-education-standards-framework-2021. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.