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Higher Education

The State Government has overall responsibility for the quality of higher education in Western Australia within a national quality framework.  Universities in Western Australia are established under State legislation.  While they have a considerable degree of autonomy, they are accountable to the State government and the public for their operations. 

Under the Higher Education Act 2004, the Minister for Education is the approval authority for the establishment or recognition of new universities, the operation of overseas higher education institutions, the offering of higher education courses by institutions other than universities, and the operation of interstate universities through an agent in Western Australia.  These approval processes ensure that Western Australia's higher education system maintains the high standard that is recognised nationally and internationally.

General information.
Information on approval processes in general, including legislation, fees, the national context and who to contact.

Becoming a university.
An outline of how an entity becomes authorised to operate as a university in Western Australia.

Overseas higher education institutions.
An outline of how an overseas higher education provider is approved to offer courses in Western Australia and a list of approved overseas higher education providers.

Non-university institutions.
An outline of how a domestic non-university institution should seek to have its courses accredited and be authorised to deliver those courses in Western Australia.  Included here is a list of registered providers and the accredited courses they deliver (pdf 147k).

Operation of an interstate university through an agent.
An outline of how an interstate university can be approved to operate under an agency arrangement in Western Australia.

Bogus qualifications.
Some information and advice on bogus qualifications and higher education institutions.

Student complaints.
Information and advice on pursuing complaints or grievances against universities and non-university institutions in Western Australia.

Delivery of courses to overseas students
Information and advice on gaining approval to deliver accredited courses to overseas students.