The standards, tracked.
The Regulatory desk follows the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 and the processes built on it: TEQSA registration and course accreditation activity, changes to the instrument and to related regimes, and what each change means in practice. Facts carry their standard number; commentary is labelled as ours.
One framework, two parts
The Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 is a legislative instrument made under section 58(1) of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act 2011. Part A sets the Standards for Higher Education across seven domains; Part B sets the Criteria for Higher Education Providers, including the four provider categories and the rules for self-accrediting authority. The current compilation (No. 1) is dated 9 December 2021.
| Domain | Title | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Domain 1 | Student Participation and Attainment | Admission, credit and recognition of prior learning, orientation and progression, learning outcomes and assessment, qualifications and certification. |
| Domain 2 | Learning Environment | Facilities and infrastructure, diversity and equity, wellbeing and safety, student grievances and complaints. |
| Domain 3 | Teaching | Course design, staffing, learning resources and educational support. |
| Domain 4 | Research and Research Training | Research policy frameworks and the institutional framework for research training and supervision. |
| Domain 5 | Institutional Quality Assurance | Course approval and accreditation, academic and research integrity, monitoring, review and improvement, delivery with other parties. |
| Domain 6 | Governance and Accountability | Corporate governance, corporate monitoring and accountability, academic governance. |
| Domain 7 | Representation, Information and Information Management | Accurate representation, information for prospective and current students, information management. |
Evergreen guides to the Threshold Standards.
Written once, kept accurate: each explainer is grounded in the instrument and cites the standards it describes.
The Higher Education Standards Framework, explained
What the Threshold Standards are, where they come from, and why every registered provider is measured against them.
Read the explainer Explainer EvergreenThe seven domains of Part A: a guided tour
From admission to information management - what each domain of the Threshold Standards actually requires.
Read the explainer Explainer EvergreenProvider categories and self-accreditation: Part B explained
Institute of Higher Education, University College, Australian University, Overseas University - and how self-accrediting authority works.
Read the explainer Explainer EvergreenHow a higher education course is approved, accredited and reviewed
The course lifecycle under the Threshold Standards: internal approval, accreditation, and comprehensive review.
Read the explainer Explainer EvergreenWhat the Threshold Standards promise students
Admission, credit, support, wellbeing, grievances and accurate information - the student-facing spine of the framework.
Read the explainer Explainer EvergreenESOS, CRICOS, ELICOS and TCSI: the regimes beside the HESF
The related instruments that regulate international delivery and data reporting - and why they are not part of the Threshold Standards.
Read the explainer