Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021

Made: 24 April 2021 | Effective: 1 July 2021
The Threshold Standards set the minimum requirements a provider must meet and maintain to be registered as a higher education provider in Australia.

What are the Threshold Standards?

The Higher Education Standards Framework (HES Framework) is a legislative instrument made under the TEQSA Act 2011. Set by the Minister for Education on advice from expert panels, these are the minimum standards that underpin and provide assurance of quality and integrity in Australian higher education.

The Seven Domains

The HES Framework is structured around the student lifecycle and organised into seven domains:

Domain 1: Student Participation and Attainment

Admission
Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning
Orientation and Progression
Learning Outcomes and Assessment

Domain 2: Learning Environment

Facilities and Infrastructure
Diversity and Equity
Wellbeing and Safety

Domain 3: Teaching

Course Design
Staffing
Learning Resources
Educational Innovation

Domain 4: Research and Research Training

Research
Research Training

Domain 5: Institutional Quality Assurance

Course Approval and Accreditation
Monitoring, Review and Improvement

Domain 6: Governance and Accountability

Corporate Governance
Academic Governance
Management and Resources
Representation, Information and Information Management

Domain 7: Representation and Information

Marketing and Recruitment
Information for Students

Part A vs Part B

Part A: Contains the seven domains outlined above - Standards that apply to all higher education providers

Part B: Provider Category Standards - defines four provider categories and requirements for each

Four Provider Categories (Part B)

1. Australian University

Full self-accrediting authority, research capacity, 5+ years history

2. Overseas University

Offering overseas higher ed qualifications

3. Australian University College

At least 70% self-accrediting authority, 5+ years history, strong outcomes

4. Higher Education Provider

Non-university providers, courses accredited by TEQSA

History of the Standards

2011: Initial Standards published
2015: First comprehensive revision
2017: 2015 Standards took effect
2018-2019: Provider Category Standards Review (Coaldrake Review)
2021: Current Standards made (April) and took effect (July)
December 2021: Amendments including Academic Freedom definition