Australia’s TEQSA: Balancing Regulation and Growth in Australian Higher Education

Australia’s TEQSA,, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, stands as the watchdog of Australia’s higher education sector, tasked with maintaining quality, protecting student interests, and ensuring international credibility. However, TEQSA’s role is not without contention, particularly for private higher education providers who feel the system leans too heavily toward established universities.

This article offers a balanced perspective on TEQSA: its achievements, challenges, and the need for reform. While its regulatory framework ensures quality education, there’s room for improvement to foster growth, innovation, and collaboration across all corners of the sector, including private providers.

TEQSA

The Good: Australia’s TEQSA’s Role in Maintaining Standards

1. TEQSA’s Quality Assurance for Students

TEQSA’s rigorous framework guarantees students receive education from institutions that meet the Higher Education Standards Framework. This ensures graduates possess the skills and knowledge expected of their qualifications. For international students, this is especially important in maintaining Australia’s reputation as a top-tier education destination.

2. Safeguarding Australia’s Global Reputation

TEQSA’s strict standards have bolstered Australia’s position as a leader in higher education. By monitoring compliance and addressing risks proactively, TEQSA ensures institutions maintain their global appeal.

3. Supporting Innovation (to an Extent)

While the criticism of over-regulation persists, TEQSA has supported innovation through initiatives like streamlining applications for new courses and allowing online delivery models to flourish during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more about TEQSA’s mission and impact here.

The Bad: Challenges Faced by Private Providers

1. The Perception of Australia’s TEQSA Favouritism Toward Universities

TEQSA is often seen to be heavy handed with the private sector. Many private providers feel that TEQSA’s policies disproportionately favor established universities. These institutions often benefit from longstanding reputations and greater resources, making compliance less burdensome compared to smaller, newer providers.

Private providers argue that TEQSA’s stringent registration and renewal processes create unnecessary barriers, stifling competition and innovation. If Australia’s higher education landscape is to diversify, TEQSA must adopt a more inclusive approach.

2. Australia’s TEQSA’s Over-Regulation Stifles Growth

The compliance burden imposed by TEQSA is particularly challenging for private and emerging institutions. Many providers struggle with the cost and complexity of meeting the extensive documentation and operational requirements. This can deter innovation and discourage new entrants from seeking registration.

For example, some private providers report waiting over a year for decisions on applications, a delay that can cost time, money, and credibility in the market.

Learn about the challenges of compliance faced by small providers here.

3. Limited Consultation with Private Providers

The Agency could improve its processes by engaging more closely with private providers during policy development and review. A collaborative approach would ensure that regulations reflect the realities faced by smaller institutions without compromising quality.

Opportunities for Australia’s TEQSA to Improve

1. Adopt a Growth-Oriented Approach

TEQSA is not only meant to be a sledge hammer. While regulation is vital, the regulator must also focus on fostering growth across the sector. The agency should prioritize pathways for new providers to enter the market without undue barriers. By creating clear and achievable standards, TEQSA can encourage innovation and diversity within the higher education landscape.

For instance, allowing provisional or conditional registrations for innovative education models could help new entrants establish themselves while maintaining accountability.

Explore global approaches to higher education regulation.

2. Enhance Transparency and Efficiency

TEQSA should streamline its processes and improve communication around timelines for applications and renewals. Transparency about the reasons for delays or rejections would also benefit providers, allowing them to address issues more effectively.

Read more about effective higher education governance models.

3. Strengthen Partnerships With Private Providers

Building a consultative relationship with private providers would allow TEQSA to balance regulatory oversight with practical support. Regular forums, feedback sessions, and collaborative initiatives could help bridge the gap between regulators and providers, fostering mutual understanding.

A Case for Reform: Balancing Regulation With Growth

Private higher education providers are essential to a thriving sector. They often bring innovation, specialised offerings, and the ability to cater to diverse student populations. However, their growth is constrained by TEQSA’s heavy regulatory framework.

Reform is essential to ensure the sector grows while maintaining quality. A key area for reform is the introduction of a more tiered regulatory system, where smaller or newer providers have proportionate compliance obligations compared to established universities.

For example, Australia’s TEQSA  could implement a risk-based assessment framework, focusing more resources on institutions with higher risks of non-compliance and granting greater autonomy to providers with proven track records.

Discover risk-based approaches to regulation in higher education.

Striking a Balance: The Future of Australia’s TEQSA

Australia’s TEQSA has been instrumental in maintaining Australia’s reputation as a provider of world-class education. However, its future success lies in its ability to adapt and evolve. By fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and prioritizing growth, TEQSA can continue to serve as a guardian of quality while empowering the sector to thrive.

The agency has already taken some steps in this direction, such as introducing streamlined processes for low-risk providers. However, more needs to be done to ensure that private providers feel supported, not hindered.

Read about TEQSA’s recent initiatives.

Conclusion

TEQSA plays a vital role in ensuring the quality of Australian higher education, but it must evolve to better serve all providers, not just established universities. By adopting a consultative approach, streamlining processes, and encouraging growth, the Agency can strike the right balance between regulation and innovation.

The path forward requires collaboration, openness, and a shared vision for a diverse and thriving higher education sector.

If you’re a private higher education provider navigating TEQSA’s regulatory framework, consider reaching out for expert advice to make the process smoother and more transparent.

Find resources and support for TEQSA compliance.
Learn how private providers can succeed in a regulated environment.
Explore innovation in higher education.
Understand the global trends in education regulation.
Contact TEQSA for more information.

With reform and collaboration, TEQSA can become a true partner in shaping the future of Australian higher education—a future that is inclusive, innovative, and growth-oriented.