🚀 The Ultimate TEQSA Career Guide: Salary, Skills & Success Paths

Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)?
We’ve done the heavy lifting and dissected their annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quick-fire overview,
you’ll discover everything you need to know about TEQSA—from its key functions and financials to the skills
and qualifications the agency looks for in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh
graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate your path to a rewarding government
career in Australian public service.

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AT-A-GLANCE:

• Name of Department / Council: Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)

• Location: Headquartered in Melbourne, Victoria (staff located across Australia)

• CEO: Mary Russell (appointed 3 May 2024)

• Total Revenue: AUD $21.497 million (Departmental Appropriation, 2023–24)

• Total Number of Employees: 116 (as at 30 June 2024)

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THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO

Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Policy, or Governance
   – Helps you understand government processes and policy frameworks, which are core to TEQSA’s regulatory functions.

2. Bachelor’s Degree in Law or Legal Studies
   – Useful for interpreting legislation and ensuring compliance with the Higher Education Standards Framework.

3. Bachelor’s or Master’s in Business, Commerce, or Accounting
   – Supports financial oversight, risk assessment, and strategic planning within the agency.

4. Bachelor’s or Master’s in Data Science or Information Systems
   – Contributes to TEQSA’s drive for data- and intelligence-led regulation through analytics and compliance monitoring.

5. Master’s or Doctorate in Education or Higher Education Management
   – Offers deep insight into pedagogical standards and the complexities of quality assurance in tertiary institutions.

Top 5 Certifications Most Suited

1. Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP)
   – Ensures structured planning and execution of TEQSA’s regulatory projects.

2. Risk Management Certifications (e.g., ISO 31000)
   – Vital for identifying and mitigating risks to the quality of Australian higher education.

3. Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA)
   – Improves financial planning, budgeting, and cost-recovery processes.

4. Change Management Certification (e.g., Prosci)
   – Facilitates smooth implementation of new policies and adaptations to an evolving higher education landscape.

5. Business Analytics Certifications
   – Enhances TEQSA’s capacity to analyze large datasets for provider monitoring and compliance activities.

Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited

1. IT and Systems Specialists
   – Manage digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, which are crucial in modern regulatory environments.

2. Policy Officers / Advisors
   – Interpret legislation, draft guidelines, and ensure TEQSA’s alignment with national education policies.

3. Legal Professionals
   – Provide legal advice on compliance, registration, and investigations.

4. Financial Analysts / Accountants
   – Handle appropriations, cost recovery, and oversight of higher education providers’ financials.

5. Communications and Engagement Professionals
   – Build transparency, produce guidance materials, and liaise with diverse sector stakeholders.

Top 5 Skills Most Suited

1. Analytical Thinking
   – TEQSA relies on data analysis to assess risks and ensure compliance with the Higher Education Standards.

2. Regulatory Compliance
   – Interpreting and applying frameworks such as the TEQSA Act and the ESOS Act is critical to TEQSA’s mandate.

3. Stakeholder Engagement
   – Effective collaboration with providers, government, and peak associations upholds TEQSA’s positive reputation.

4. Project & Program Management
   – Helps various accreditation and re-accreditation projects stay on track.

5. Written and Verbal Communication
   – Clear and concise communication is key for drafting reports, policy briefs, and official correspondence.

Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited

1. Government or Public Sector Experience
   – Familiarity with APS processes supports seamless integration into TEQSA’s operations.

2. Higher Education Administration
   – Inside knowledge of university governance or student administration lends valuable context to quality assurance.

3. Regulatory or Compliance Roles
   – Direct experience with risk-based or standards-based frameworks aligns well with TEQSA’s core functions.

4. Data Analysis and Reporting
   – Using data to inform decisions helps TEQSA respond effectively to emerging trends.

5. Legal or Policy Drafting
   – Background in legislative review or policy creation aids TEQSA’s work in shaping and enforcing standards.

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THE KEY FACTS

• Name of Department: Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)

• Name of CEO: Mary Russell

• Location: Australia-wide reach, headquartered in Melbourne

• Year Founded: Established in 2011 under the TEQSA Act

Main Mission and Purpose

TEQSA’s core mission is to protect students’ interests and uphold the international reputation of Australian higher education through high-quality regulation and quality assurance. For example, TEQSA regularly evaluates providers’ courses against the Higher Education Standards Framework, ensuring that students get reputable qualifications and robust educational offerings .

Main Duties

TEQSA’s duties include registering and re-registering providers, accrediting and re-accrediting courses, and conducting compliance assessments. For instance, TEQSA ensures any university or higher education provider launching a new program meets all academic and governance requirements before student enrolments commence .

Key Projects, Strategic Priorities, Future Plans & Initiatives

• Combatting Academic Cheating & AI Risks: TEQSA has blocked 119 illegal contract-cheating websites since 2023 and actively monitors the impacts of generative AI on student assessments .

• Enhancing Student Wellbeing: Focused on critical policies and initiatives to address gender-based violence, mental health, and on-campus safety.

• Streamlined Regulation: Committed to continuously improving processes for applications, aiming to reduce administrative burden on providers.

Did you know?

At its most recent annual conference, TEQSA welcomed nearly 1,000 attendees, including academics, students, and sector stakeholders, spotlighting innovative approaches to quality assurance and risk management in Australian higher education .

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THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE

• Total Number of Employees: 116 (as at 30 June 2024)

• Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:

  • Office Holders (Commissioners): 4

  • Senior Executive Service (SES): 1

  • Executive Level (EL) Staff: 38

  • APS Staff: 73

• Salary Bands:
  TEQSA follows the Australian Public Service classification structure, with salaries typically ranging from the high $60k range at APS 4 through to around $150k+ at the EL2/SES level.

• Average Salary in the Department:
  While it depends on classification, a mid-range APS or EL role might earn between $80k and $120k per year.

• Total Revenue: AUD $21.497 million (Departmental Appropriation, 2023–24)

• Average Revenue per Employee:
  $21.497 million ÷ 116 ≈ $185k per employee.

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GETTING A JOB AT TEQSA

Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?

Certificate / Diploma Level:

• Business Administration – Useful for administrative and project-support roles.

• Project Management – Equips staff for smaller-scale projects and routine operational tasks.

• Information Technology – Helps support TEQSA’s digital infrastructure and data needs.

Bachelor / Master Level:

• Public Policy or Public Administration – Directly ties into TEQSA’s government/regulatory framework.

• Law – Critical for drafting and interpreting legislation, as well as shaping regulatory policy.

• Data Analytics or Computer Science – Supports intelligence-led regulation, compliance monitoring, and sophisticated risk assessment.

PhDs:

• Higher Education Governance or Policy – Deep research skills and expertise in academic structures add immense value to policy formation.

• Educational Psychology or Pedagogy – Provides insights into teaching standards and assessment quality.

Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?

• Legal Professionals (e.g., Solicitors, Barristers)

• IT Specialists (e.g., Cybersecurity Analysts, System Administrators)

• Policy Advisors

• Accountants / Auditors

• Project / Program Managers

Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?

• Government or Public Administration

• Regulatory or Compliance Roles

• Higher Education Administration

• Financial or Risk Analysis

• Legal / Legislative Drafting

Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?

• Soft Skills:

  • Collaboration, problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, interpersonal communication

• Technical Skills:

  • Regulatory compliance, data analytics, legal drafting, project management

• General Skills:

  • Written communication, strategic thinking, attention to detail, adaptability

Which Hobbies and Interests Align with the Work of This Department?

• Interest in Education or Lifelong Learning – Demonstrates a genuine passion for improving standards in higher education.

• Technology and Innovation – Contributes to TEQSA’s data and intelligence-led regulatory practices.

• Community Engagement or Volunteering – Reflects social responsibility and collaboration—both are key aspects of public sector service.

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Want more information on TEQSA?

Contact the department:

• Address: Level 11, 452 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

• Telephone: 1300 739 585

• Email: enquiries@teqsa.gov.au

• Website: teqsa.gov.au

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.