Marketing and TEQSA Compliance

Introduction

In the competitive world of student recruitment, Marketing Compliance for TEQSA in Higher Education is more important than ever. While marketing is essential for building brand visibility and attracting prospective students, it must also meet strict regulatory standards set by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Misleading, inaccurate, or non-compliant marketing materials can lead to serious consequences—including fines, sanctions, or loss of registration.

In this blog, we explore what TEQSA expects from providers when it comes to marketing, how to remain compliant, and best practices to ensure your promotional efforts support—not hinder—your institutional credibility.

Why Marketing Compliance Matters in Higher Education

To begin with, TEQSA’s regulatory framework is designed to protect students and uphold the integrity of Australia’s higher education system. This includes ensuring that all marketing and promotional activities are:

• Accurate and not misleading
• Consistent with approved course information
• Transparent about fees, outcomes, and accreditation
• Reflective of the institution’s actual capabilities and offerings

Therefore, Marketing Compliance for TEQSA in Higher Education is not just about legal obligation—it’s about trust, transparency, and protecting the student experience.

TEQSA’s Requirements for Marketing and Advertising

Under the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards), providers must demonstrate that all public information—including marketing content—is truthful, consistent, and evidence-based. TEQSA’s expectations cover:

✔ Accuracy of Information

All promotional materials must clearly and accurately reflect:

• Course structure and learning outcomes
• Entry requirements and pathways
• Fees and refund policies
• Mode and location of delivery
• Professional recognition or registration (if applicable)

Institutions that overstate claims or fail to update information risk breaching Marketing Compliance for TEQSA in Higher Education.

✔ Consistency Across Channels

Whether it’s a printed brochure, website landing page, social media ad, or third-party agent listing, all information must be:

• Consistent with the TEQSA-registered course details
• Authenticated and updated regularly
• Reviewed for alignment with institutional policy

Mixed messages can mislead students and lead to compliance issues.

✔ Fair Representation of Outcomes

Providers must not guarantee employment or misrepresent graduate outcomes. TEQSA expects that any claims regarding:

• Graduate employment rates
• Salary expectations
• Internship or work placement guarantees

…are backed by data and presented with appropriate disclaimers.

Risks of Non-Compliance in Higher Education Marketing

Failing to meet Marketing Compliance for TEQSA in Higher Education can result in serious consequences. These include:

• TEQSA investigations and audits
• Reputational damage among students, partners, and regulators
• Loss of CRICOS registration for international student providers
• Fines and legal liability under consumer law

Moreover, even unintentional errors—such as outdated web content or agent misrepresentation—can lead to scrutiny. Therefore, ongoing oversight is essential.

Best Practices for Ensuring TEQSA-Compliant Marketing

Fortunately, there are several steps institutions can take to embed Marketing Compliance for TEQSA in Higher Education into their daily operations. These include:

✔ Establish a Marketing Compliance Policy

Create a clear policy that outlines:

• Who is responsible for marketing content
• Approval workflows for all public-facing materials
• Guidelines on language, tone, and accuracy
• Review and audit procedures

This policy should be integrated into both marketing and compliance teams.

✔ Conduct Regular Content Audits

Set up a system to routinely review and update:

• Course brochures and program pages
• Social media ads and email campaigns
• Information published by education agents
• Search engine listings and third-party websites

Use a checklist aligned with TEQSA’s standards to ensure consistency.

✔ Train Staff and Agents

Marketing teams, admissions staff, and third-party agents should be trained on:

• TEQSA compliance expectations
• Accurate communication of course details
• Avoiding misleading claims or guarantees
• Processes for escalating concerns or errors

Clear training ensures that everyone involved understands the importance of compliance.

✔ Keep Accurate Documentation

Always maintain records of:

• Course information updates
• Claims and the data backing them
• Internal and external marketing approvals
• Agent agreements and communication logs

This documentation will be vital if TEQSA ever requests evidence of compliance.

✔ Work Closely With Compliance and Governance Teams

Marketing should not operate in a silo. Instead, build strong collaboration between:

• Academic units (to ensure course accuracy)
• Legal and compliance officers
• Quality assurance and governance leaders

Together, these teams can align marketing with both regulatory and institutional goals.

The Future of Marketing Compliance in Higher Education

Looking ahead, Marketing Compliance for TEQSA in Higher Education will become even more critical. With increased digital delivery, global competition, and evolving student expectations, providers will need to:

• Monitor AI-generated or automated content for accuracy
• Manage compliance across multi-channel and international campaigns
• Strengthen brand trust through transparent messaging
• Respond to regulatory changes and consumer protections in real time

Institutions that proactively address these challenges will be best positioned to maintain compliance while building a powerful, ethical brand presence.

Conclusion: Compliance and Creativity Must Go Hand in Hand

In conclusion, Marketing Compliance for TEQSA in Higher Education is not about limiting creativity—it’s about ensuring that promotional efforts are honest, student-focused, and aligned with Australia’s high standards for education providers. By embedding compliance into every stage of the marketing process, institutions can protect their reputation, serve their students responsibly, and continue to grow with integrity.

As marketing teams embrace innovation, they must also ensure that every claim, every promise, and every message reflects the truth—and the value—of what their institution actually delivers.