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Process for Considering Applications

A Higher Education Advisory Committee (HEAC) is appointed by the Minister for Education and Training to examine the application.  The HEAC consists of members with a breadth of knowledge and expertise relevant to the fields of study being considered, a depth of experience in the design and delivery of higher education courses, and of sufficient academic standing to have a high degree of credibility in the academic and general communities.

The HEAC reports to the Minister on whether the course and the way of delivering it is appropriate to the type of award that is to be conferred and the provider has the resources and financial capacity to deliver the course.

To do this, the HEAC will consider the submission documentation supplied by the applicant and may need to visit the proposed delivery site to confirm documentary evidence.  During this site visit, the HEAC will meet with the institution's representatives, interview key academic and administrative staff and students, inspect the facilities necessary for the course, and seek any further information relevant to the assessment.

Upon completion of the assessment process, the HEAC prepares a report which contains an overview of its findings, comments and recommendations.  The applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the report and on receipt of that response the report is submitted to the Minister for consideration.

The Minister shall make a decision to either approve or not approve the accreditation of the course and the authorisation of the provider to deliver the course.