Getting Registered with TEQSA in Australia: The Role of Governance and Leadership

Introduction

Strong leadership and effective governance lie at the heart of every successful higher education institution. When it comes to TEQSA registration and governance in Australia, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) places significant emphasis on how institutions govern themselves and lead their operations. Governance isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a foundational pillar that supports compliance, accountability, quality assurance, and long-term sustainability.

In this blog, we explore how governance and leadership directly influence TEQSA registration outcomes and what institutions must do to meet the regulator’s expectations.

Why Governance Matters for TEQSA Registration

TEQSA doesn’t only review policies and programs; it closely examines how institutions make decisions, manage risk, and uphold academic integrity. Through TEQSA registration and governance in Australia, the regulator ensures that every institution has the leadership capacity to deliver high-quality education in a consistent, ethical, and strategic manner.

Good governance:

• Provides oversight and direction

• Ensures clear decision-making and accountability

• Manages risk and promotes academic integrity

• Protects student interests and supports institutional quality

• Drives continuous improvement and innovation

Without a strong governance framework, even well-designed programs can falter. That’s why TEQSA carefully assesses how institutions lead—not just what they deliver.

Core Governance Requirements for TEQSA Registration

To succeed in TEQSA registration and governance in Australia, institutions must demonstrate how their leadership structures comply with the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021. Several specific standards relate directly to governance and leadership.

1. Standard 6.1: Corporate Governance

Institutions must establish a governing body that holds ultimate responsibility for the institution’s operations. TEQSA expects this body to:

• Set the strategic direction

• Oversee financial sustainability and risk

• Monitor institutional performance

• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance

The governing body must include independent members with higher education experience to ensure objectivity and sector insight.

2. Standard 6.2: Corporate Monitoring and Accountability

Leaders must monitor key performance areas—such as academic quality, financial health, and student outcomes—and take action where issues arise. Institutions must maintain records and show how they use data to improve operations.

3. Standard 6.3: Academic Governance

Academic oversight cannot be an afterthought. Institutions must establish an academic governing body—such as an Academic Board or Senate—that:

• Oversees curriculum quality and learning outcomes

• Ensures academic integrity

• Monitors assessment and moderation processes

• Reviews student progression and achievement

TEQSA reviews how this academic body operates, who serves on it, and what actions it takes based on data and feedback.

Leadership Responsibilities in Higher Education Compliance

Leadership doesn’t stop at the governance level. TEQSA also expects executive and senior leaders to actively shape the institution’s culture, strategy, and quality.

To meet expectations for TEQSA registration and governance in Australia, your leadership team must:

• Understand TEQSA’s standards and risk framework

• Communicate institutional goals clearly to staff and stakeholders

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making

• Respond proactively to student feedback, performance data, and emerging risks

• Lead policy development and compliance planning

Institutions that build capable, transparent, and accountable leadership teams send a strong signal to TEQSA and to their community.

What TEQSA Looks for in Governance Documentation

When applying for registration, institutions must present a suite of governance-related documents that clearly show how decisions are made and quality is maintained.

Your documentation should include:

• A governance charter that outlines roles and responsibilities

• Organisational charts showing reporting structures

• Meeting minutes from governing bodies

• Risk management policies and registers

• Terms of reference for boards and subcommittees

• Evidence of external academic input and moderation

Importantly, TEQSA doesn’t just want structure—it looks for evidence of effectiveness. Show how your governance bodies act on issues, make informed decisions, and adapt to change.

Common Governance Gaps That Risk TEQSA Approval

Many institutions struggle with governance during the registration process. The most common pitfalls include:

• Appointing a board with no higher education experience

• Failing to separate governance from management

• Over-relying on internal staff without independent oversight

• Not documenting decisions or actions

• Ignoring feedback from academic boards or quality committees

To avoid these risks, build your governance framework early—and test it thoroughly.

Strengthening Your Governance Before Registration

If you want to improve your governance before applying for TEQSA registration, focus on these key actions:

1. Recruit Qualified Independent Board Members

Bring in individuals with experience in higher education, governance, law, finance, or public policy. Independent members strengthen objectivity and decision-making.

2. Define and Document Roles Clearly

Clarify the difference between governance (oversight) and management (day-to-day operations). Make sure everyone understands their responsibilities.

3. Embed Academic Oversight into Decision-Making

Establish academic committees that review learning quality, course design, and assessment processes. Ensure they report directly to the board.

4. Conduct Internal Governance Reviews

Use mock reviews or external consultants to assess your governance structures, meeting processes, and documentation practices.

5. Foster a Culture of Leadership Accountability

Encourage transparency, collaboration, and shared responsibility across your leadership team. Regular training and strategic planning sessions can help.

Governance and the Future of Higher Education in Australia

The future of higher education demands more agile, responsive, and inclusive leadership. As technology evolves and student expectations shift, governance must do more than enforce compliance—it must lead innovation.

Trends that will shape TEQSA registration and governance in Australia include:

• Increased scrutiny of board capability and independence

• Real-time monitoring of institutional risk and student performance

• Greater emphasis on academic freedom and ethical leadership

• More diverse and representative governance structures

• Enhanced integration of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles

To thrive, institutions must position governance not as a formality—but as a strategic driver of excellence.

Conclusion: Strong Governance Builds TEQSA-Ready Institutions

In summary, TEQSA registration and governance in Australia are deeply interconnected. Institutions that build robust governance frameworks, develop capable leadership teams, and promote a culture of accountability gain a significant advantage—not only in the registration process but in long-term institutional success.

By embedding governance into every layer of your operations, you protect your students, support your staff, and deliver education with integrity and impact.