A new agreement between the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) signals a renewed commitment to cooperate on issues that protect student interests and the reputation of Australia's independent higher education sector.
TEQSA is Australia's independent national qua lity assurance and regulatory agency for higher education.
and ITECA is the peak body representing independent providers in the higher education, vocational education, training and skills sectors. Of the 1.5 million students in higher education, nearly 10 % are with independent higher education providers.
"Independent providers are a valued component of the higher education sector and have a track -record of delivering great outcomes for students. This new memorandum of understanding with ITECA strengthens our positive engagement with independent providers and allows TEQSA to work to identify emerging trends in the sector and respond as appropriate," said Anthony McClaran, TEQSA Chief Executive Officer.
TEQSA and ITECA have enjoyed a long -standing collaborat ive relationship which is underpinned by a shared interest in supporting independent higher education providers' commitment to quality.
"The open engagement that we have with TEQSA, underpinned by this agreement, ensures that our members' views are fully c onsidered as the regulator undertakes its compliance activity. As challenges arise in the sector, TEQSA and ITECA can collaborate on the best way to support independent higher education providers," said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
