Australia has a strong quality assurance framework which protects the quality of Australian higher education.
The National Protocols for Higher Education Approval Processes set out common principles underpinning higher education accreditation and approval in Australia. These are endorsed by Commonwealth, State and mainland Territory Ministers. The National Protocols have been translated into the Provider Standards. The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) will regulate against the Provider Standards from 30 January 2012. There is legislative protection for the titles “university” and “degree” in State and Territory legislation and under the Commonwealth Corporations Act 2001.
Fake Degrees
There are instances of testamurs and academic transcripts being offered for sale generally via the internet without any study involved. They could be transcripts for accredited Australian or overseas universities. They may include a clear disclaimer indicating the qualifications are fake/ to be used for novelty purposes.
Universities are responsible for verifying qualifications offered in their name and protecting the use of their testamurs and academic transcripts, and take this responsibility seriously.
The Australian Government and universities refer cases involving the fraudulent sale or use of fake degrees to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission or to the police as appropriate.
Bogus Providers
“Degree mills” – providers offering degrees after no or little formal study often via the internet, are a growing phenomenon. They may use an Australian or overseas address or require money to be sent to an Australian or overseas post box.
Where there is a traceable link with Australia, the Commonwealth, State and Territory authorities can and do take action. Australian authorities also cooperate with authorities in other countries to pursue such providers.
Universities and employers are very conscious of the need to check the authenticity of qualifications.
Unauthorised Higher Education Providers
There are cases of institutions with Australian names or associated with Australia in some way delivering higher education awards and courses overseas that are not recognised through listing on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Prior to 30 January 2012 all universities and other institutions approved to offer higher education awards will continue to be listed on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) register. The AQF register will also continue to include information on the courses each institution is accredited to deliver.
From 30 January 2012 the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) will maintain a list of approved higher education providers on a provider register. TEQSA’s provider register will also include information on whether higher education institutions are self-accrediting or non self-accrediting and the courses which each provider is accredited to deliver.
Email Enquiry Service
If you have concerns regarding an unauthorised higher education provider, contact the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
TEQSA
GPO Box 1672
Melbourve VIC 3001
Email: enquiries@teqsa.gov.au
You may wish to notify the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations if you have any queries about:
- an Australian institution; or
- an institution representing itself as being from Australia.
Quality Unit
Higher Education
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
LC: C50MA9
GPO Box 9880
Canberra ACT 2601
Email: highered@deewr.gov.au