The Higher Education Provider Category Standards (PCS) are part of the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2015 legislative instrument. They define different categories of higher education providers, and requirements expected of them, for registration by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
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The 2017-18 Commonwealth Budget Higher Education Reform Package included a measure to undertake a review of the PCS to ensure they support the Australian Government's goals for a diverse high quality higher education sector that meets the needs of students, employers, the sector and the wider community.
On 17 October 2018, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Education, announced the appointment of Emeritus Professor Peter Coaldrake AO to lead the PCS Review.
The Higher Education Standards Panel (HESP) has provided steering oversight.
On 15 October 2019, the Minister for Education released Professor Coaldrake’s final report for the PCS Review.
The Australian Government released its response to the Review of the Higher Education Provider Category Standards on 10 December 2019.
Submissions
On 5 December 2018, a discussion paper was released by Professor Coaldrake inviting public submissions by 8 March 2019.
A total 66 public submissions were received.
Consultations
Targeted consultations with key stakeholders were held across Australia from 28 February to 3 April 2019.
The consultations involved a broad range of stakeholders, many of whom were identified through public submissions, and included student representatives, education and training providers, peak bodies, government departments, regulators and education policy experts.