The Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 (HESF) is the cornerstone of quality assurance in Australian higher education. Administered by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), the HESF outlines the minimum requirements that all higher education providers must meet to ensure the quality and integrity of their programs.
TEQSA governance and management
Structure of the HESF:
The HESF is organized into seven domains, each focusing on a critical aspect of higher education provision:
- Student Participation and Attainment: This domain addresses the criteria for student admissions, progression, and the awarding of qualifications. It ensures that students are adequately prepared and supported throughout their educational journey.
- Learning Environment: This domain focuses on the physical, digital, and social environments that support student learning, emphasizing safety, inclusivity, and accessibility.
- Teaching: This domain covers the design, approval, delivery, and assessment of courses, ensuring that teaching practices are effective and that learning outcomes are achieved.
- Research and Research Training: This domain pertains to the standards for research activities and the training of research students, promoting a culture of inquiry and innovation.
- Institutional Quality Assurance: This domain ensures that providers have robust internal processes for monitoring and improving the quality of their education and research activities.
- Governance and Accountability: This domain outlines the expectations for institutional governance structures, leadership, and accountability mechanisms.
- Representation, Information, and Information Management: This domain focuses on the accuracy and integrity of information provided by institutions, including marketing materials and student records.
Key Features of the HESF:
- Standards-Based Regulation: The HESF provides a consistent framework for assessing and regulating higher education providers, ensuring that all institutions meet the same quality benchmarks.
- Continuous Improvement: The framework encourages providers to engage in ongoing self-assessment and enhancement of their educational offerings.
- Flexibility: While setting minimum standards, the HESF allows for diversity and innovation in teaching and research approaches.
Implementation and Compliance:
TEQSA utilizes the HESF to evaluate higher education providers during registration and accreditation processes. Providers are expected to demonstrate compliance with each domain relevant to their operations. Non-compliance can lead to regulatory actions, including conditions on registration or, in severe cases, deregistration.
For detailed information on each domain and the specific standards, refer to the full text of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021.
Understanding and adhering to the HESF is essential for all higher education providers in Australia to maintain the quality and integrity of their programs and to ensure positive outcomes for students and stakeholders.
