Review into Higher Education Provider Category Standards

Australia’s Higher Education Provider Category Standards will be reviewed to ensure the sector has the capacity to meet the evolving needs of students, employers and the wider community. 

Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake AO will lead the review and examine the different types of higher education providers in Australia, including universities and non-university providers. 

All higher education providers must meet conditions around research, community engagement and quality assurance. The review will examine whether the standards should evolve to improve the flexibility and transparency of the sector. 

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the standards were a regulatory tool and set expectations about what was required from providers. 

“It’s important the provider categories can accommodate changing practices in higher education and encourage choice of educational offerings to students, while continuing to provide the quality education the Australian community expects,” Mr Tehan said. 

“I congratulate Professor Coaldrake on his appointment to lead the review. His standing in the higher education sector and engagement in its delivery will be invaluable.” 

Professor Coaldrake is the former Vice-Chancellor of Queensland University of Technology, and previous Chair of both Universities Australia and the Australian Technology Network of Universities. 

“I’m delighted to lead this important conversation with the higher education sector and its many stakeholders. I am looking forward to hearing ideas on how we can make the provider categories more flexible, transparent and fit for the future,” Professor Coaldrake said. 

A discussion paper will be released later this year, followed by community and stakeholder consultations. The final review report is expected to be submitted to Government in the second half of 2019.