Australian higher education

The Australian higher education system is made up of around 170 higher education providers.

These are registered by the national regulator, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

Higher education providers are classified into different provider categories:

• Australian universities: each university is set up under its own legislation, accredits its own courses and degrees, does both teaching and research in a range of fields.
• Australian university of Specialisation: a self-accrediting university that does teaching and research in a particular field.
• Overseas universities: a university set up in a foreign jurisdiction that operates a branch in Australia.
• Other higher education providers or HEPs: this includes all HEPs that are not in any of the above categories—a small number accredit their own courses and awards but most are subject to course accreditation by TEQSA.

All registered HEPs are listed on a National Register maintained by TEQSA.

The Provider Category Standards defines the different categories of higher education providers and the requirements expected of them for registration. The standards are currently under review.

Australian universities award the full range of degrees up to Doctorate. Other HEPs offer a variety of degrees that are usually more limited and specialised.

Degrees and other qualifications are recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Further information about AQF qualification levels is available here.

The AQF is currently under review. Further information on the review is available here.