Primary legislation
TEQSA Act 2011
Establishes the national regulatory framework for higher education, including provider registration and regulatory powers.
Official source ↗Legislation & standards
Know the framework.
Understand its application.
Primary legislation, standards, policy and guidance have different roles. Start with the source, then assess what applies to your institution.
Legislative instrument
Higher Education Standards Framework 2021
The Threshold Standards cover student participation, learning, teaching, research, quality assurance, governance and information. TEQSA records amendments on 14 July 2026 relating to racism and governance.
Official source ↗Primary legislation
Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000
The ESOS framework regulates education delivered to overseas students studying in Australia on student visas, including registration, student protection and compliance.
Official source ↗Legislative instrument
National Code of Practice 2018
Applies to registered overseas student providers. Review the current amended version alongside ESOS legislation, rather than relying on the original 2018 text.
Official source ↗National qualifications policy
Australian Qualifications Framework
Defines qualification types and levels. It supports course design and alignment and does not itself grant provider registration or course accreditation.
Official source ↗Funding framework
Higher Education Support Act 2003 and FEE-HELP
Higher education provider approval for Commonwealth assistance is a separate process from TEQSA registration. Eligibility, tuition protection and ongoing obligations must be assessed.
Official source ↗Reporting guidance
Tertiary Collection of Student Information
Providers report student data through TCSI. Reporting arrangements, timeframes and correction responsibilities should be checked against current requirements.
Official source ↗Legislative framework
National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence
The Code commences on 1 January 2026 for Table A and B providers and 1 January 2027 for other providers. Provider circumstances and transitional provisions require specific review.
Official source ↗Regulatory update
Education agents and commissions: 2026 changes
Changes took effect on 1 April 2026 concerning education agent commissions for onshore student transfers. Providers should review agent arrangements, PRISMS reporting and record keeping against the detailed rules.
Official source ↗Independent complaints body
National Student Ombudsman
The Ombudsman provides an external avenue for eligible higher education student complaints. Providers should ensure internal procedures explain relevant external review options.
Official source ↗Legislative instrument
Disability Standards for Education 2005
Supports participation in education on the same basis for students with disability, including consultation and reasonable adjustments.
Official source ↗Privacy framework
Privacy Act and Australian Privacy Principles
Assess the privacy laws applicable to your institution, its personal information handling and its service providers. Commonwealth and state arrangements can differ.
Official source ↗Research integrity framework
Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
A principles-based framework for responsible research. Map its application alongside institutional policies, ethics requirements and funding conditions.
Official source ↗Good practice guidance
TEQSA generative AI knowledge hub
Supports institutional responses to generative AI and assessment. Guidance should be distinguished from binding legislative requirements.
Official source ↗Application guidance
Before applying for provider registration
Prospective providers need credible institutional, governance and educational foundations. Review TEQSA guidance before planning an application.
Official source ↗Application guidance
Renewing provider registration
Check the current application process and your provider-specific expiry date when developing a renewal schedule.
Official source ↗Application guidance
Course accreditation
Course accreditation obligations depend on a provider’s self-accrediting authority. Professional accreditation may also apply separately.
Official source ↗Regulatory guidance
Provider responsibilities and material changes
Review notification and approval obligations when changing ownership, operations, delivery or other material aspects of the institution.
Official source ↗Legislative standards
ELICOS standards
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students have dedicated requirements. Regulatory responsibility depends on the provider and its delivery context.
Official source ↗Guidance note
Transnational higher education into Australia
Cross-border arrangements need a jurisdiction-specific assessment of registration, academic accountability and student protection obligations.
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