Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021

The Higher Education Standards Framework (the Framework) is established by section 58 of the TEQSA Act.

The Framework comprises:

the Threshold Standards made under paragraph 58(1)(a) of the TEQSA Act, and

any other standards made under paragraph 58(1)(b) of the TEQSA Act.

This instrument sets out the Threshold Standards against which the quality of education can be assessed for the purposes of paragraph 58(1)(a) of the TEQSA Act.

The Threshold Standards under paragraph 58(1)(a) of the TEQSA Act are set out in Schedule 1.

Institute of Higher Education

University College

Australian University, and

Overseas University.

Despite the amendments made by Schedule 1 of the Higher Education Standards Framework Amendment (Threshold Standards) Instrument 2026, a provision of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 that is amended by Schedule 1 continues to apply, until 1 January 2027, as if the amendments made by Schedule 1 had not been made.

Despite the amendments made by Schedule 2 of the Higher Education Standards Framework Amendment (Threshold Standards) Instrument 2026, a provision of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 that is amended by Schedule 2 continues to apply, until the relevant dates specified in subsection 8(2), as if the amendments made by Schedule 2 had not been made, but taking into account any amendments made by Schedule 1.

The amendments made by the Higher Education Standards Framework Amendment (Threshold Standards) Instrument 2026 in Schedule 1 of that instrument apply to all registered higher education providers from 1 January 2027.

The amendments in Schedule 2 of the Higher Education Standards Framework Amendment (Threshold Standards) Instrument 2026 apply to:

registered higher education providers specified in subsection 16‑15(1) of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (referred to as Table A providers) that are also registered in the ‘Australian University’ category in Part B of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 from 1 January 2027; and

all other registered higher education providers from 1 July 2027.

The amendments in Schedule 3 of the Higher Education Standards Framework Amendment (Threshold Standards) Instrument 2026 apply to all registered higher education providers from the date that instrument commences.