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Higher Education Support Act 2003

Authoritative Version
Act No. 149 of 2003 as amended, taking into account amendments up to Education Legislation Amendment (Startup Year and Other Measures) Act 2023
An Act relating to the funding of higher education, and for other purposes
Administered by: Prime Minister and Cabinet; Education; Employment and Workplace Relations
Registered 08 Jul 2023
Start Date 29 Jun 2023

Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia

Higher Education Support Act 2003

No. 149, 2003

Compilation No. 88

Compilation date:                              29 June 2023

Includes amendments up to:            Act No. 36, 2023

Registered:                                         8 July 2023

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 29 June 2023 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Editorial changes

For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law.

Self‑repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

  

  

  


Contents

Chapter 1—Introduction                                                                                       1

Division 1—Preliminary                                                                                              1

1‑1......................... Short title............................................................................ 1

1‑5......................... Commencement.................................................................. 1

1‑10....................... Identifying defined terms.................................................... 2

Division 2—Objects                                                                                                       4

2‑1......................... Objects of this Act.............................................................. 4

Division 3—Overview of this Act                                                                           6

3‑1......................... General............................................................................... 6

3‑5......................... Grants for higher education assistance etc. (Chapter 2)...... 6

3‑10....................... Assistance to students (Chapter 3)...................................... 6

3‑15....................... Repayment of loans (Chapter 4)......................................... 7

3‑20....................... Administration (Chapter 5)................................................. 7

3‑30....................... VET FEE‑HELP Assistance Scheme (Schedule 1A)......... 7

Division 5—Application of Act to Table C providers                                 8

5‑1......................... Application of Act to Table C providers............................. 8

Division 6—Schedule 1A                                                                                           11

6‑1......................... Schedule 1A..................................................................... 11

Chapter 2—Grants for higher education assistance etc.    12

Division 8—Introduction                                                                                          12

8‑1......................... What this Chapter is about................................................ 12

Part 2‑1—Higher education providers                                                                    14

Division 13—Introduction                                                                                        14

13‑1....................... What this Part is about...................................................... 14

13‑5....................... The Higher Education Provider Guidelines...................... 14

Division 16—What is a higher education provider?                                  15

Subdivision 16‑A—General                                                                                   15

16‑1....................... Meaning of higher education provider............................. 15

16‑5....................... When a body becomes or ceases to be a higher education provider         15

Subdivision 16‑B—Which bodies are listed providers?                                 16

16‑10..................... Listed providers................................................................ 16

16‑15..................... Table A providers............................................................. 16

16‑20..................... Table B providers............................................................. 18

16‑22..................... Table C providers............................................................. 18

Subdivision 16‑C—How are bodies approved as higher education providers?             18

16‑25..................... Approval by the Minister.................................................. 18

16‑27..................... Body must be a registered higher education provider....... 20

16‑30..................... The tuition protection requirements................................... 21

16‑40..................... Application....................................................................... 21

16‑45..................... Minister may seek further information.............................. 22

16‑50..................... Minister to decide application........................................... 22

16‑55..................... Approvals are legislative instruments............................... 23

16‑60..................... Conditions of approval..................................................... 23

16‑65..................... Minister to cause higher education provider to be notified of change in condition of approval                24

16‑70..................... Variation of approval if body’s name changes.................. 24

Division 19—What are the quality and accountability requirements?  25

Subdivision 19‑A—General                                                                                   25

19‑1....................... The quality and accountability requirements..................... 25

Subdivision 19‑B—The financial viability requirements                              25

19‑5....................... Basic requirement............................................................. 25

19‑10..................... Financial information must be provided............................ 25

19‑12..................... Minister to have regard to financial information and matters prescribed in Higher Education Guidelines.......................................................................................... 26

Subdivision 19‑C—The quality requirements                                                   26

19‑15..................... Provider must maintain quality......................................... 26

Subdivision 19‑D—The fairness requirements                                                 27

19‑30..................... Basic requirement............................................................. 27

19‑35..................... Benefits and opportunities must be available equally to all students         27

19‑36..................... Misrepresenting assistance under Chapter 3..................... 28

19‑36A.................. Offering certain inducements............................................ 28

19‑36B.................. Engaging in cold‑calling................................................... 29

19‑36C.................. Use of third party contact lists.......................................... 30

19‑36D.................. Other marketing requirements........................................... 30

19‑36E................... Requirements relating to requests for Commonwealth assistance            31

19‑37..................... Requiring membership of certain organisations or payment of certain amounts       31

19‑38..................... Higher education providers’ expenditure of student services and amenities fees     33

19‑42..................... Assessment of students as academically suited................. 35

19‑45..................... Student grievance and review procedures......................... 36

19‑50..................... Higher education providers to appoint review officers..... 37

19‑55..................... Review officers not to review own decisions................... 38

19‑60..................... Procedures relating to personal information...................... 38

Subdivision 19‑E—The compliance requirements                                          38

19‑65..................... Basic requirements............................................................ 38

19‑66..................... Higher education provider charge..................................... 39

19‑66A.................. Tuition protection requirements........................................ 40

19‑67..................... Special requirements for student services, amenities, representation and advocacy in 2012 and later years.......................................................................................... 41

19‑70..................... Provider to provide statement of general information....... 41

19‑71..................... Co‑operation with HESA and TEQSA investigators........ 42

19‑72..................... Providers must keep records............................................. 42

19‑73..................... Providers must publish information.................................. 43

19‑75..................... Notice of events that affect provider’s ability to comply with conditions of Commonwealth assistance  43

19‑77..................... Notice of events affecting accreditation............................. 43

19‑78..................... Notice of events significantly affecting TEQSA registration 44

19‑80..................... Compliance assurance....................................................... 44

19‑82..................... Compliance notices........................................................... 45

Subdivision 19‑F—What are the contribution and fee requirements?       48

19‑85..................... Basic requirement............................................................. 48

19‑87..................... Determining student contribution amounts for all places in units             48

19‑90..................... Determining tuition fees for all students........................... 49

19‑92..................... Determining accelerator program course fees for all students  49

19‑95..................... Schedules of student contribution amounts for places and tuition fees     50

19‑97..................... Schedules of accelerator program course fees................... 52

19‑100................... Limits on fees for courses of study................................... 53

19‑102................... Meaning of fee.................................................................. 53

19‑105................... Meaning of tuition fee....................................................... 54

Subdivision 19‑G—The compact and academic freedom requirements    54

19‑110................... Table A providers and Table B providers must enter into mission based compacts 54

19‑115................... Provider to have policy upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom         55

Division 22—When does a body cease to be a higher education provider?        56

Subdivision 22‑A—General                                                                                   56

22‑1....................... Cessation of approval as a provider.................................. 56

Subdivision 22‑AA—Revocation of approval if registration ceases or winding up order made               56

22‑2....................... Automatic revocation of approval if registration ceases.... 56

22‑3....................... Automatic revocation of approval if winding up order made 57

Subdivision 22‑B—Revocation for cause                                                           58

22‑5....................... Revocation of approval if application for approval as a provider is false or misleading           58

22‑7....................... Revocation of approval if providing education and/or conducting research ceases to be the body’s principal purpose............................................................................. 58

22‑10..................... Revocation of approval if status or accreditation changes. 58

22‑15..................... Revocation of approval as a provider for a breach of conditions or the quality and accountability requirements.......................................................................................... 60

22‑17..................... Revocation of approval as a provider if provider etc. not a fit and proper person    61

Subdivision 22‑C—Process for decisions on revocation under Subdivision 22‑B         62

22‑20..................... Process for revoking approval.......................................... 62

22‑25..................... Determination retaining approval as a provider in respect of existing students        63

22‑30..................... Suspension of approval as a provider............................... 64

22‑32..................... Determination retaining approval as a provider in respect of existing students following suspension of approval............................................................................ 65

Subdivision 22‑D—Revocation of approval on application                          65

22‑40..................... Revocation of approval as a provider on application......... 65

Subdivision 22‑E—Notice of approval or revocation ceasing to have effect under the Legislation Act 2003       66

22‑45..................... Notice of approval ceasing to have effect under the Legislation Act 2003                66

22‑50..................... Notice of revocation ceasing to have effect under the Legislation Act 2003             67

Part 2‑2—Commonwealth Grant Scheme                                                            69

Division 27—Introduction                                                                                        69

27‑1....................... What this Part is about...................................................... 69

27‑5....................... Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines....................... 69

Division 30—Which higher education providers are eligible for a grant?          70

Subdivision 30‑A—Basic rules                                                                              70

30‑1....................... Eligibility for grants.......................................................... 70

Subdivision 30‑B—Allocation of places                                                             71

30‑10..................... Allocation of places.......................................................... 71

30‑12..................... Designated higher education courses................................ 72

30‑15..................... Funding clusters............................................................... 72

30‑20..................... National priorities............................................................. 72

Subdivision 30‑C—Funding agreements                                                            73

30‑25..................... Funding agreements.......................................................... 73

30‑27..................... Specification of maximum basic grant amounts in funding agreements   74

30‑28..................... Funding agreement to be published.................................. 76

Division 33—How are grant amounts worked out?                                  77

Subdivision 33‑A—Basic rule                                                                               77

33‑1....................... How grant amount is worked out..................................... 77

Subdivision 33‑B—Total basic grant amounts                                                 77

33‑5....................... Total basic grant amounts................................................. 77

33‑10..................... Commonwealth contribution amounts and grandfathered Commonwealth contribution amounts            83

33‑30..................... Working out the number of Commonwealth supported places provided  85

33‑35..................... Funding clusters, or parts of funding clusters, in which units are included              87

Subdivision 33‑C—Adjustments                                                                           87

33‑37..................... Adjustments for breach of section 19‑37.......................... 87

Subdivision 33‑D—Special purpose advances                                                  89

33‑40..................... Advances for certain purposes.......................................... 89

Division 36—What are the conditions of receiving a grant?                91

Subdivision 36‑A—General                                                                                   91

36‑1....................... Condition of grant to comply with this Division............... 91

Subdivision 36‑B—Conditions relating to Commonwealth supported students             91

36‑5....................... Meaning of Commonwealth supported student................ 91

36‑10..................... Advice on whether a person is a Commonwealth supported student—general        92

36‑12..................... Advice on whether a person is a Commonwealth supported student—unreasonable study load             96

36‑13..................... Advice on whether a person is a Commonwealth supported student—failure to complete previous units.......................................................................................... 97

36‑15..................... Persons not to be advised they are Commonwealth supported 100

36‑20..................... Providers to repay amounts—special circumstances....... 101

36‑21..................... Special circumstances..................................................... 103

36‑22..................... Application period.......................................................... 103

36‑23..................... Dealing with applications................................................ 104

36‑24A.................. Providers to repay amounts—provider defaults.............. 104

36‑24B.................. Providers to repay amounts—no tax file numbers.......... 105

36‑24BA............... Providers to repay amounts—person’s SLE amount re‑credited in special circumstances       106

36‑24BB................ Providers to repay amounts—provider completes request for assistance 106

36‑24BC................ Providers to repay amounts—person not entitled to assistance                107

36‑24C.................. Secretary may act if provider is unable to....................... 108

Subdivision 36‑C—Conditions relating to enrolment                                   108

36‑25..................... Continued support for Commonwealth supported students 108

36‑30..................... Providers to enrol persons as Commonwealth supported students          109

36‑40..................... Providers to cancel enrolments in certain circumstances. 111

Subdivision 36‑D—Conditions relating to student contribution amounts 112

36‑45..................... Limits on student contribution amounts.......................... 112

Subdivision 36‑E—Conditions relating to tuition fees                                  112

36‑55..................... Tuition fees for non‑Commonwealth supported students 112

Subdivision 36‑F—Other conditions                                                                 113

36‑60..................... Providers to meet the quality and accountability requirements 113

36‑65..................... Providers to comply with funding agreement................. 113

36‑70..................... Providers to comply with the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines                113

Part 2‑2A—Indigenous student assistance grants                                          115

Division 38—Indigenous student assistance grants                                  115

38‑1....................... What this Part is about.................................................... 115

38‑5....................... Indigenous Student Assistance Grants Guidelines......... 115

38‑10..................... Eligibility for grants under this Part................................ 115

38‑15..................... Guidelines may provide for grants.................................. 116

38‑20..................... Approval of grants.......................................................... 117

38‑25..................... Conditions on grants....................................................... 117

38‑30..................... Amounts of grants.......................................................... 117

38‑35..................... Amounts payable under this Part.................................... 118

38‑40..................... Rollover of grant amounts.............................................. 118

38‑45..................... Maximum payments for grants under this Part............... 119

Part 2‑3—Other grants                                                                                                   120

Division 41—Other grants                                                                                     120

41‑1....................... What this Part is about.................................................... 120

41‑5....................... The Other Grants Guidelines.......................................... 120

41‑10..................... Eligibility for grants under this Part................................ 120

41‑15..................... Grants may be paid under programs............................... 123

41‑20..................... Approval of grants.......................................................... 123

41‑25..................... Conditions on grants....................................................... 124

41‑30..................... Amount of a grant........................................................... 124

41‑35..................... Amounts payable under this Part.................................... 124

41‑40..................... Rollover of grant amounts.............................................. 125

41‑45..................... Maximum payments for other grants under this Part...... 126

41‑95..................... Alternative constitutional bases....................................... 128

Division 42—Australia’s Economic Accelerator                                       129

Subdivision 42‑A—Research commercialisation strategy and investment plan            129

42‑1....................... Research commercialisation strategy............................... 129

42‑5....................... Investment plan............................................................... 130

Subdivision 42‑B—Advisory Board                                                                  130

42‑10..................... Australia’s Economic Accelerator Advisory Board........ 130

42‑15..................... Functions of the AEA Advisory Board.......................... 130

42‑20..................... Annual report.................................................................. 131

42‑25..................... Membership of the AEA Advisory Board...................... 131

42‑30..................... Appointment of members of the AEA Advisory Board. 131

42‑35..................... Acting AEA Advisory Board members.......................... 132

42‑40..................... Remuneration and allowances......................................... 133

42‑45..................... Leave of absence............................................................. 134

42‑50..................... Disclosure of interests to the Minister............................ 134

42‑55..................... Disclosure of interests to the AEA Advisory Board....... 134

42‑60..................... Resignation..................................................................... 135

42‑65..................... Termination..................................................................... 135

42‑70..................... Other terms and conditions............................................. 136

Subdivision 42‑C—Priority managers                                                             136

42‑75..................... Priority managers............................................................ 136

Part 2‑4—Commonwealth scholarships                                                               137

Division 46—Commonwealth scholarships                                                   137

46‑1....................... What this Part is about.................................................... 137

46‑5....................... The Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines................ 137

46‑10..................... Classes of Commonwealth scholarships......................... 137

46‑13..................... Eligibility of students to receive directly‑paid standard Commonwealth scholarships              138

46‑15..................... Eligibility of higher education providers to receive grants for certain Commonwealth scholarships        138

46‑20..................... Other matters relating to Commonwealth scholarships... 139

46‑25..................... Condition of grants......................................................... 141

46‑30..................... Amounts payable under this Part.................................... 141

46‑35..................... Rollover of grant amounts.............................................. 141

46‑40..................... Maximum payments for Commonwealth scholarships... 142

Part 2‑5—Reduction and repayment of grants                                               145

Division 51—Introduction                                                                                      145

51‑1....................... What this Part is about.................................................... 145

Division 54—In what circumstances may a grant be reduced or required to be repaid?           146

54‑1....................... Decision as to reduction or repayment of a grant............ 146

54‑5....................... Appropriateness of requiring reduction or repayment of grant 146

Division 57—What is the amount of a reduction or repayment?     148

57‑1....................... Reduction in amount of grants........................................ 148

57‑5....................... Amount of the repayment............................................... 148

Division 60—How are decisions reducing a grant or requiring repayment of a grant made? 149

60‑1....................... Procedure prior to decision............................................. 149

60‑5....................... Notification of decision................................................... 149

60‑10..................... When a decision takes effect........................................... 150

Chapter 3—Assistance to students                                                           151

Division 65—Introduction                                                                                      151

65‑1....................... What this Chapter is about.............................................. 151

Part 3‑1—Student Learning Entitlement                                                            153

Division 70—Introduction                                                                                      153

70‑1....................... What this Part is about.................................................... 153

70‑5....................... The Student Learning Entitlement Guidelines................. 153

Division 73—Student Learning Entitlement and SLE amount           154

73‑1....................... Student Learning Entitlement and SLE amount............... 154

73‑5....................... Ordinary SLE................................................................. 154

73‑10..................... Additional SLE............................................................... 155

73‑15..................... Lifelong SLE.................................................................. 155

73‑20..................... Student Learning Entitlement is not transferable............. 156

73‑25..................... Ceasing to be an eligible person...................................... 156

Division 76—Reduction of a person’s SLE amount                                 157

76‑1....................... Reduction of a person’s SLE amount............................. 157

Division 79—Re‑crediting a person’s SLE amount                                  159

Subdivision 79‑A—Re‑crediting a person’s SLE amount in special circumstances      159

79‑1....................... Re‑crediting a person’s SLE amount if special circumstances apply to the person   159

79‑5....................... Special circumstances..................................................... 160

79‑10..................... Application period.......................................................... 161

79‑15..................... Dealing with applications................................................ 161

Subdivision 79‑B—Re‑crediting a person’s SLE amount if the person’s HELP balance is re‑credited   162

79‑20..................... Re‑crediting a person’s SLE amount if the person’s HELP balance is re‑credited   162

Division 82—Unit of study covered by a person’s Student Learning Entitlement           164

82‑1....................... Unit of study covered by a person’s Student Learning Entitlement—person’s SLE amount not exceeded at enrolment........................................................................ 164

82‑5....................... Unit of study covered by a person’s Student Learning Entitlement—person’s SLE amount exceeded at enrolment........................................................................ 165

Part 3‑2—HECS‑HELP assistance                                                                          168

Division 87—Introduction                                                                                      168

87‑1....................... What this Part is about.................................................... 168

87‑5....................... The HECS‑HELP Guidelines......................................... 168

Division 90—Who is entitled to HECS‑HELP assistance?                   169

90‑1....................... Entitlement to HECS‑HELP assistance........................... 169

90‑5....................... Citizenship or residency requirements............................ 170

Division 93—How are amounts of HECS‑HELP assistance worked out?           172

93‑1....................... The amount of HECS‑HELP assistance for a unit of study 172

93‑5....................... Student contribution amounts......................................... 172

93‑10..................... Maximum student contribution amount for a place......... 173

93‑15..................... Up‑front payments.......................................................... 175

93‑20..................... Amounts of HECS‑HELP assistance, FEE‑HELP assistance and VET FEE‑HELP assistance must not exceed the HELP balance........................................................... 175

Division 96—How are amounts of HECS‑HELP assistance paid?  178

96‑1....................... Payments to higher education providers......................... 178

96‑10..................... Implications for student’s liability to higher education provider for student contribution amount            178

Division 97—Re‑crediting of HELP balances in relation to HECS‑HELP assistance   179

97‑23..................... Purpose........................................................................... 179

97‑25..................... Main case of re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to HECS‑HELP assistance     179

97‑27..................... Re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to HECS‑HELP assistance—no tax file number        180

97‑30..................... Special circumstances..................................................... 180

97‑35..................... Application period.......................................................... 181

97‑40..................... Dealing with applications................................................ 181

97‑42..................... Re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to HECS‑HELP assistance—provider defaults          182

97‑45..................... Re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to HECS‑HELP assistance—provider completes request for assistance........................................................................ 183

97‑50..................... Re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to HECS‑HELP assistance—person not entitled to assistance........................................................................ 183

Part 3‑3—FEE‑HELP assistance                                                                              185

Division 101—Introduction                                                                                   185

101‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 185

101‑5..................... The FEE‑HELP Guidelines............................................ 185

Division 104—Who is entitled to FEE‑HELP assistance?                    186

Subdivision 104‑A—Basic rules                                                                         186

104‑1..................... Entitlement to FEE‑HELP assistance.............................. 186

104‑1AA............... Student has unreasonable study load.............................. 189

104‑1A.................. Failure by a student to complete previous units with provider 190

104‑2..................... Failure by a student to complete previous units accessed through Open Universities Australia               190

104‑3..................... Failure by Open Universities Australia to comply with FEE‑HELP Guidelines etc.                191

104‑4..................... Failure by Open Universities Australia to set tuition fees and census date               192

104‑5..................... Citizenship or residency requirements............................ 194

104‑10................... Course requirements....................................................... 196

104‑12................... Secretary may act if provider is unable to....................... 196

Subdivision 104‑B—Re‑crediting HELP balances in relation to FEE‑HELP assistance             197

104‑25................... Main case of re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to FEE‑HELP assistance        197

104‑27................... Re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to FEE‑HELP assistance—no tax file number           198

104‑30................... Special circumstances..................................................... 199

104‑35................... Application period.......................................................... 200

104‑40................... Dealing with applications................................................ 201

104‑42................... Re‑crediting a person’s FEE‑HELP balance if provider defaults or person elects re‑crediting 201

104‑43................... Re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to FEE‑HELP assistance if not a genuine student      203

104‑44................... Re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to FEE‑HELP assistance if provider completes request for assistance etc................................................................... 203

Subdivision 104‑C—Bridging courses for overseas‑trained professionals 204

104‑45................... Meaning of bridging course for overseas‑trained professionals             204

104‑50................... Assessment statements................................................... 206

104‑55................... Meaning of assessing body............................................ 207

104‑60................... Meaning of listed professional occupations................... 207

104‑65................... Occupation includes part of an occupation...................... 208

104‑70................... Requirements for entry to an occupation......................... 208

Division 107—How are amounts of FEE‑HELP assistance worked out?            210

107‑1..................... The amount of FEE‑HELP assistance for a unit of study 210

107‑5..................... Up‑front payments.......................................................... 210

107‑10................... Amounts of FEE‑HELP assistance, HECS‑HELP assistance and VET FEE‑HELP assistance must not exceed the HELP balance........................................................... 210

Division 110—How are amounts of FEE‑HELP assistance paid?   213

110‑1..................... Payments........................................................................ 213

110‑5..................... Effect of HELP balance being re‑credited....................... 213

110‑10................... Implications for student’s liability to higher education provider for student tuition fee            214

Part 3‑4—OS‑HELP assistance                                                                                 215

Division 115—Introduction                                                                                   215

115‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 215

115‑5..................... The OS‑HELP Guidelines.............................................. 215

Division 118—Who is entitled to OS‑HELP assistance?                       216

118‑1..................... Entitlement to OS‑HELP assistance................................ 216

118‑2..................... Entitlement to supplementary amount for Asian language study              217

118‑5..................... Citizenship or residency requirements............................ 218

118‑7..................... Prior study requirements................................................. 219

118‑10................... Overseas study requirements.......................................... 219

118‑12................... Student identifier requirements....................................... 220

118‑15................... Selection of students for receipt of OS‑HELP assistance and supplementary amounts for Asian language study............................................................................... 220

Division 121—How are amounts of OS‑HELP assistance worked out?               222

121‑1..................... The amount of OS‑HELP assistance for a period........... 222

121‑5..................... Maximum OS‑HELP (overseas study) amount.............. 223

121‑10................... Minimum OS‑HELP (overseas study) amount............... 223

121‑15................... Maximum OS‑HELP (Asian language study) amount... 223

121‑20................... Minimum OS‑HELP (Asian language study) amount.... 224

Division 124—How are amounts of OS‑HELP assistance paid?      225

124‑1..................... Amounts of OS‑HELP assistance are lent to students.... 225

Part 3‑5—SA‑HELP assistance                                                                                 226

Division 125—Introduction                                                                                   226

125‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 226

Division 126—Who is entitled to SA‑HELP assistance?                        227

126‑1..................... Entitlement to SA‑HELP assistance................................ 227

126‑5..................... Citizenship or residency requirements............................ 228

126‑10................... Student identifier requirements....................................... 229

Division 127—How are amounts of SA‑HELP assistance worked out?                231

127‑1..................... The amount of SA‑HELP assistance for a student services and amenities fee         231

Division 128—How are amounts of SA‑HELP assistance paid?       232

128‑1..................... Payments to higher education providers of loans to students 232

128‑5..................... Repayment by higher education provider if student does not have tax file number  232

Part 3‑6—HELP balances                                                                                             233

128‑7..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 233

128‑15................... HELP balances............................................................... 233

128‑20................... HELP loan limit.............................................................. 234

128‑25................... Re‑crediting HELP balance—discharge of HELP debt etc. 235

Part 3‑7—STARTUP‑HELP assistance                                                               236

Division 128A—Introduction                                                                               236

128A‑1.................. What this Part is about.................................................... 236

128A‑5.................. The STARTUP‑HELP Guidelines................................. 236

Division 128B—Who is entitled to STARTUP‑HELP assistance?   237

128B‑1.................. Entitlement to STARTUP‑HELP assistance................... 237

128B‑5.................. No entitlement: multiple courses at same time................. 239

128B‑10................ No entitlement: not a genuine student............................. 240

128B‑15................ No entitlement: unreasonable study load......................... 240

128B‑20................ No entitlement: overseas campus.................................... 241

128B‑25................ Accelerator program course............................................ 241

128B‑30................ Citizenship or residency requirements............................ 243

128B‑35................ Selection of students for receipt of STARTUP‑HELP assistance            244

128B‑40................ Allocation of STARTUP‑HELP assistance.................... 245

Division 128C—How are amounts of STARTUP‑HELP assistance worked out?           247

128C‑1.................. The amount of STARTUP‑HELP assistance for an accelerator program course     247

128C‑5.................. Up‑front payments.......................................................... 247

128C‑10................ Maximum accelerator program course fee...................... 247

Division 128D—How are amounts of STARTUP‑HELP assistance paid?          249

128D‑1.................. Payments to higher education providers......................... 249

128D‑5.................. Repayment by higher education provider if STARTUP‑HELP assistance is reversed             249

128D‑10................ Implications of reversal for person’s liability to higher education provider for accelerator program course fee........................................................................................ 249

Division 128E—Reversal of STARTUP‑HELP assistance                   251

Subdivision 128E‑A—Reversal in special circumstances                            251

128E‑1................... Reversal of STARTUP‑HELP assistance: special circumstances            251

128E‑5................... Special circumstances..................................................... 252

128E‑10................. Application period.......................................................... 252

128E‑15................. Dealing with applications................................................ 253

Subdivision 128E‑B—Reversal in other circumstances                               254

128E‑20................. Reversal of STARTUP‑HELP assistance: no tax file number 254

128E‑25................. Reversal of STARTUP‑HELP assistance: higher education provider completes request for assistance  254

128E‑30................. Reversal of STARTUP‑HELP assistance: no entitlement 254

128E‑35................. Reversal of STARTUP‑HELP assistance: no assessment of whether academically suited      255

128E‑40................. Reversal of STARTUP‑HELP assistance: material non‑compliance        255

Chapter 4—Repayment of loans                                                               256

Division 129—Introduction                                                                                   256

129‑1..................... What this Chapter is about.............................................. 256

Part 4‑1—Indebtedness                                                                                                  257

Division 134—Introduction                                                                                   257

134‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 257

134‑5..................... HELP Debtor Guidelines................................................ 257

Division 137—How do HELP debts arise?                                                   259

137‑1..................... HELP debts.................................................................... 259

137‑5..................... HECS‑HELP debts......................................................... 259

137‑10................... FEE‑HELP debts............................................................ 260

137‑15................... OS‑HELP debts.............................................................. 261

137‑16................... SA‑HELP debts.............................................................. 262

137‑17................... STARTUP‑HELP debts................................................. 263

137‑18................... VET FEE‑HELP debts................................................... 263

137‑19................... Pre‑1 July 2019 VSL debts............................................ 264

137‑20................... HELP debt discharged by death...................................... 265

Division 140—How are accumulated HELP debts worked out?      266

Subdivision 140‑A—Outline of this Division                                                   266

140‑1..................... Outline of this Division.................................................. 266

Subdivision 140‑B—Former accumulated HELP debts                               267

140‑5..................... Working out a former accumulated HELP debt.............. 267

140‑10................... HELP debt indexation factor........................................... 270

140‑20................... Publishing HELP debt indexation factors....................... 272

Subdivision 140‑C—Accumulated HELP debts                                              272

140‑25................... Working out an accumulated HELP debt........................ 272

140‑30................... Rounding of amounts..................................................... 275

140‑35................... Accumulated HELP debt discharges earlier debts........... 275

140‑40................... Accumulated HELP debt discharged by death................ 275

Division 142—Special measures for location‑preferred HELP debtors—teachers        277

142‑1..................... Meaning of location‑preferred HELP debtor (teacher).. 277

142‑5..................... Meaning of course of study in education........................ 278

142‑10................... Reducing indexation of accumulated HELP debts.......... 278

142‑15................... Reducing accumulated HELP debts................................ 279

142‑20................... Refunding amounts......................................................... 281

Division 144—Special measures for location‑preferred HELP debtors—health practitioners                282

144‑1..................... Meaning of location‑preferred HELP debtor (health practitioner)         282

144‑5..................... Reducing indexation of accumulated HELP debts.......... 283

144‑10................... Reducing accumulated HELP debts................................ 285

144‑15................... Refunding amounts......................................................... 287

144‑20................... Reviews of this Division................................................ 287

Part 4‑2—Discharge of indebtedness                                                                     289

Division 148—Introduction                                                                                   289

148‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 289

148‑3..................... The Overseas Debtors Repayment Guidelines................ 289

Division 151—How is indebtedness voluntarily discharged?              290

151‑1..................... Voluntary repayments in respect of debts....................... 290

151‑10................... Application of voluntary repayments.............................. 290

151‑15................... Refunding of payments................................................... 290

Division 154—How is indebtedness compulsorily discharged?          292

Subdivision 154‑A—Liability to repay amounts                                            292

154‑1..................... Liability to repay amounts............................................... 292

154‑5..................... Repayment income.......................................................... 292

154‑10................... Minimum repayment income.......................................... 293

154‑15................... Repayable debt for an income year................................. 293

Subdivision 154‑AA—Liability of overseas debtors to repay amounts   294

154‑16................... Liability of overseas debtors to repay amounts............... 294

154‑17................... Assessed worldwide income.......................................... 294

154‑18................... Notices to be given to the Commissioner........................ 295

Subdivision 154‑B—Amounts payable to the Commonwealth                   296

154‑20................... Amounts payable to the Commonwealth........................ 296

154‑25................... Indexation....................................................................... 299

154‑30................... Publishing indexed amounts........................................... 300

154‑32................... Amounts payable to the Commonwealth by overseas debtors 300

Subdivision 154‑C—Assessments                                                                       301

154‑35................... Commissioner may make assessments........................... 301

154‑40................... Notification of notices of assessment of tax.................... 301

154‑45................... Commissioner may defer making assessments............... 301

154‑50................... Commissioner may amend assessments......................... 302

154‑55................... Higher education providers etc. to provide information to Commissioner               303

Subdivision 154‑D—Application of tax legislation                                       304

154‑60................... Returns, assessments, collection and recovery................ 304

154‑65................... Charges and civil penalties for failing to meet obligations 304

154‑70................... Pay as you go (PAYG) withholding.............................. 305

154‑80................... Pay as you go (PAYG) instalments................................ 305

154‑90................... Failures to comply with section 154‑18.......................... 305

Chapter 5—Administration                                                                            306

Division 159—Introduction                                                                                   306

159‑1..................... What this Chapter is about.............................................. 306

159‑5..................... The Administration Guidelines....................................... 307

Part 5‑1—Payments by the Commonwealth                                                     308

Division 164—Payments by the Commonwealth                                       308

164‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 308

164‑5..................... Time and manner of payments........................................ 308

164‑10................... Advances........................................................................ 308

164‑15................... Overpayments of Commonwealth grants........................ 309

164‑17................... Overpayments of Commonwealth scholarships to students 309

164‑18................... Repayment of Commonwealth scholarships paid to students—breach of condition                310

164‑20................... Rounding of amounts..................................................... 310

Part 5‑1A—Tuition protection                                                                                   311

Division 1—Preliminary                                                                                          311

166‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 311

166‑5..................... Application of this Part................................................... 311

166‑10................... When a higher education provider defaults in relation to a student           313

Division 2—Obligations when a provider defaults in relation to a student         314

166‑15................... Higher education providers must give notice of default to Higher Education Tuition Protection Director........................................................................................ 314

166‑20................... Higher education providers must give notice of default to affected students            315

166‑25................... Obligation on providers in case of default...................... 316

166‑26................... Failure to discharge obligations...................................... 320

166‑26A................ Providers to notify of outcome of discharge of obligations 320

166‑26B................ Student placement service............................................... 321

166‑27................... Obligations of providers to provide information about replacement courses            325

166‑30................... Obligations of replacement providers............................. 326

166‑32................... Obligations of replacement providers regarding enrolment information   327

166‑35................... Notification obligations where there is no replacement course or student elects re‑crediting    328

166‑40................... Other tuition protection information must be provided... 328

166‑45................... Continuing application of Part to certain persons............ 329

Part 5‑1B—Higher Education Tuition Protection Fund, Higher Education Tuition Protection Director and Higher Education Tuition Protection Fund Advisory Board            330

Division 1—Higher Education Tuition Protection Fund                        330

167‑1..................... Name of Fund................................................................. 330

167‑5..................... Credits to the Higher Education Tuition Protection Fund 330

167‑10................... Purposes of the Higher Education Tuition Protection Fund 331

Division 2—Higher Education Tuition Protection Director                333

167‑15................... Higher Education Tuition Protection Director................. 333

167‑20................... Functions of the Higher Education Tuition Protection Director               333

167‑25................... Administrative provisions relating to the Higher Education Tuition Protection Director          335

Division 3—Higher Education Tuition Protection Fund Advisory Board            337

167‑30................... Establishment and membership....................................... 337

167‑35................... Function of the Higher Education Tuition Protection Fund Advisory Board           338

167‑40................... Administrative provisions relating to the Higher Education Tuition Protection Fund Advisory Board    338

Part 5‑2—Administrative requirements on higher education providers  342

Division 169—Administrative requirements on higher education providers      342

169‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 342

169‑5..................... Notices............................................................................ 342

169‑10................... Correction of notices....................................................... 343

169‑15................... Charging student contribution amounts and tuition fees. 344

169‑16................... Charging accelerator program course fees...................... 346

169‑17................... Requirements relating to withdrawal from units of study 346

169‑18................... Requirements relating to withdrawal from accelerator program courses  347

169‑20................... Exempt students.............................................................. 348

169‑25................... Determining census dates and EFTSL values................. 349

169‑27................... Meaning of EFTSL......................................................... 350

169‑28................... Meaning of EFTSL value................................................ 351

169‑30................... Communications with the Commonwealth concerning students etc.        352

169‑35................... 6 week cut off for corrections affecting entitlement to Commonwealth assistance   353

Part 5‑3—Electronic communications                                                                   354

Division 174—Electronic communications                                                    354

174‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 354

174‑5..................... Guidelines may deal with electronic communications..... 354

Part 5‑4—Management of information                                                                356

Division 179—Protection of personal information                                   356

179‑1..................... What this Division is about............................................. 356

179‑5..................... Meaning of personal information................................... 356

179‑10................... Use of personal information........................................... 357

179‑15................... Meanings of officer etc. and official employment............ 358

179‑20................... When information is disclosed in the course of official employment       361

179‑25................... Commissioner may disclose information........................ 363

179‑30................... Oath or affirmation to protect information...................... 363

179‑35................... Unauthorised access to, or modification of, personal information            364

179‑40................... Officer may use information........................................... 365

179‑45................... This Division does not limit disclosure or use of information  365

Division 180—Disclosure or use of Higher Education Support Act information             366

180‑1..................... What this Division is about............................................. 366

180‑5..................... Meaning of Higher Education Support Act information. 366

180‑10................... Disclosure and use by Commonwealth officers.............. 366

180‑15................... Disclosure of information to TEQSA............................. 367

180‑20................... Disclosure of information to the National VET Regulator 367

180‑23................... Disclosure of information to certain agencies................. 367

180‑25................... Disclosure of information to other bodies....................... 368

180‑28................... Disclosure and use of information for the HELP program 370

180‑30................... Use of information to conduct surveys........................... 371

180‑35................... This Division does not limit disclosure or use of information  372

Division 181—Protection, disclosure and use of Australia’s Economic Accelerator program information                                                                                                                    373

181‑1..................... What this Division is about............................................. 373

181‑5..................... Object of this Division.................................................... 373

181‑10................... Meaning of Australia’s Economic Accelerator program information       373

181‑15................... Use of Australia’s Economic Accelerator program information               373

181‑20................... Disclosure of Australia’s Economic Accelerator program information to Minister and staff   375

181‑25................... Disclosure of Australia’s Economic Accelerator program information by Minister 375

Division 182—Other rules about information                                             377

182‑1..................... Minister may seek information from TEQSA and relevant VET regulator              377

Part 5‑5—Tax file numbers                                                                                         378

Division 184—Introduction                                                                                   378

184‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 378

Division 187—What are the tax file number requirements for assistance under Chapter 3?   379

187‑1..................... Meeting the tax file number requirements....................... 379

187‑2..................... Who is an appropriate officer?........................................ 382

187‑5..................... Student to notify tax file number when issued................ 383

Division 190—Who can the Commissioner notify of tax file number matters?                384

190‑1..................... When tax file numbers are issued etc.............................. 384

190‑5..................... When tax file numbers are altered................................... 384

190‑10................... When tax file numbers are incorrectly notified—students with tax file numbers      385

190‑15................... When tax file numbers are incorrectly notified—students without tax file numbers 386

190‑20................... When applications are refused or tax file numbers are cancelled              387

Division 193—Other provisions relating to tax file numbers             388

193‑1..................... Giving information about tax file number requirements.. 388

193‑5..................... No entitlement to HECS‑HELP assistance for students without tax file numbers    392

193‑10................... No entitlement to FEE‑HELP assistance for students without tax file numbers       393

193‑15................... No entitlement to SA‑HELP assistance for students without tax file numbers         394

193‑20................... No entitlement to STARTUP‑HELP assistance for students without tax file numbers            395

Part 5‑6—Indexation                                                                                                        397

Division 198—Indexation                                                                                       397

198‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 397

198‑5..................... The amounts that are to be indexed................................. 397

198‑10................... Indexing amounts........................................................... 398

198‑15................... Meaning of indexation factor.......................................... 398

198‑20................... Meaning of index number............................................... 399

Part 5‑7—Review of decisions                                                                                    400

Division 203—Introduction                                                                                   400

203‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 400

Division 206—Which decisions are subject to review?                          401

206‑1..................... Reviewable decisions etc................................................ 401

206‑5..................... Deadlines for making reviewable decisions.................... 408

206‑10................... Decision maker must give reasons for reviewable decisions 408

Division 209—How are decisions reconsidered?                                       409

209‑1..................... Reviewer of decisions..................................................... 409

209‑5..................... Reviewer may reconsider reviewable decisions.............. 409

209‑10................... Reconsideration of reviewable decisions on request....... 410

Division 212—Which decisions are subject to AAT review?              412

212‑1..................... AAT review of reviewable decisions.............................. 412

Part 5‑8—Regulatory powers                                                                                     413

215‑1..................... What this Part is about.................................................... 413

215‑5..................... Monitoring powers......................................................... 413

215‑10................... Investigation powers....................................................... 414

215‑15................... Civil penalty provisions.................................................. 415

215‑20................... Infringement notices....................................................... 416

215‑25................... Enforceable undertakings................................................ 417

215‑30................... Injunctions...................................................................... 417

215‑35................... Appointment of investigators.......................................... 417

215‑40................... Delegation of regulatory powers..................................... 418

215‑45................... Contravening offence and civil penalty provisions......... 419

215‑50................... Certain references to higher education provider include references to agent             419

215‑55................... Other enforcement action................................................ 419

Chapter 7—Miscellaneous                                                                                420

238‑1A.................. Giving false or misleading information........................... 420

238‑1..................... Delegations by Secretary................................................ 420

238‑5..................... Delegations by Minister.................................................. 421

238‑6..................... Delegations by Higher Education Tuition Protection Director 421

238‑7..................... Review of operation of tuition protection........................ 422

238‑8..................... Extent of Commissioner’s general administration of this Act  423

238‑10................... Guidelines....................................................................... 423

238‑12................... Appropriation................................................................. 425

238‑15................... Regulations..................................................................... 425

Schedule 1A—VET FEE‑HELP Assistance Scheme              426

1............................ What this Schedule is about............................................ 426

Part 1—VET providers                                                                                                  427

Division 1—Introduction                                                                                        427

2............................ What this Part is about.................................................... 427

3............................ The VET Guidelines....................................................... 427

Division 3—What is a VET provider?                                                            428

Subdivision 3‑A—General                                                                                   428

4............................ Meaning of VET provider............................................... 428

5............................ When a body becomes or ceases to be a VET provider.. 428

Subdivision 3‑B—How are bodies approved as VET providers?              428

6............................ Approval by the Minister................................................ 428

7............................ The VET tuition assurance requirements........................ 431

8............................ VET tuition assurance requirements exemption for approvals 431

9............................ Application..................................................................... 432

10.......................... Minister may seek further information............................ 432

11.......................... Minister to decide application......................................... 432

12.......................... Approvals are legislative instruments............................. 434

12A....................... Conditions of approval................................................... 434

12B........................ Minister to cause VET provider to be notified of change in condition of approval  434

12C........................ Variation of approval if body’s name changes................ 435

Division 4—What are the VET quality and accountability requirements?         436

Subdivision 4‑A—General                                                                                   436

13.......................... The VET quality and accountability requirements........... 436

Subdivision 4‑B—The VET financial viability requirements                    436

14.......................... Basic requirement........................................................... 436

15.......................... Financial information must be provided.......................... 436

16.......................... Minister to have regard to financial information............. 437

Subdivision 4‑C—The VET quality requirements                                         438

17.......................... Provider must maintain quality....................................... 438

Subdivision 4‑D—The VET fairness requirements                                       438

18.......................... Equal benefits and opportunity requirements.................. 438

19.......................... Student grievance and review requirements.................... 438

20.......................... Tuition assurance requirements....................................... 439

21.......................... VET providers to appoint review officers....................... 439

22.......................... Review officers not to review own decisions................. 440

23.......................... Procedures relating to personal information.................... 440

Subdivision 4‑E—The VET compliance requirements                                 440

23A....................... Basic requirement........................................................... 440

23B........................ Entry procedure for students........................................... 441

23C........................ Receiving requests for Commonwealth assistance.......... 441

24.......................... VET provider to provide statement of general information 443

25.......................... Notice of events that affect provider’s ability to comply with VET quality and accountability requirements........................................................................................ 443

25A....................... Copy of notice given to National VET Regulator about material changes                444

26.......................... Compliance assurance—provider................................... 444

26A....................... Compliance notices......................................................... 446

Subdivision 4‑F—The VET fee requirements                                                 448

27.......................... Determining tuition fees for all students......................... 448

27A....................... Requirements in the VET Guidelines.............................. 449

28.......................... Schedules of VET tuition fees........................................ 449

Division 5—Revocation of VET provider approvals                              452

29.......................... Revocation of approval................................................... 452

Division 5A—Civil penalty provisions and enforcement                       454

Subdivision 5A‑A—Civil penalty provisions                                                   454

39DA.................... Civil penalty provisions.................................................. 454

39DB..................... Civil penalty—publishing information that suggests VET FEE‑HELP assistance is not a loan etc.         454

39DC..................... Civil penalty—inappropriate inducements...................... 455

39DD.................... Appropriate and inappropriate inducements.................... 456

39DE..................... Civil penalty—failure to provide VET FEE‑HELP notices 457

39DF..................... Civil penalty—failure to comply with student requests... 458

39DG.................... Civil penalty—charging a fee etc. for a student to cancel an enrolment or request for assistance             458

39DH.................... Civil penalty—accepting requests for Commonwealth assistance etc. when student not entitled             459

39DI...................... Civil penalty—failure to advise about requests etc.......... 460

39DJ...................... Civil penalty—failure to apportion fees appropriately..... 461

39DK..................... Civil penalty—failure to publish fees.............................. 462

39DL..................... Civil penalty—failure to report data................................ 462

Subdivision 5A‑B—Infringement notices                                                         463

39EA..................... Infringement notices....................................................... 463

39EB..................... Infringement officers...................................................... 463

39EC..................... Relevant chief executive.................................................. 463

Subdivision 5A‑C—Monitoring and investigation powers                          464

39FA..................... Monitoring powers......................................................... 464

39FB..................... Monitoring powers—persons exercising relevant roles etc. 464

39FC..................... Investigation powers....................................................... 465

39FD..................... Investigation powers—persons exercising relevant roles etc.  465

Subdivision 5A‑D—Other matters                                                                     466

39GA.................... Appointment of investigators.......................................... 466

39GB..................... Functions and powers..................................................... 466

39GC..................... Delegation by relevant chief executive etc....................... 467

39GD.................... Other enforcement action................................................ 467

Part 2—VET FEE‑HELP assistance                                                                     469

Division 6—Introduction                                                                                        469

40.......................... What this Part is about.................................................... 469

41.......................... The VET Guidelines....................................................... 469

Division 7—Who is entitled to VET FEE‑HELP assistance?              470

Subdivision 7‑A—Basic rules                                                                              470

43.......................... Entitlement to VET FEE‑HELP assistance..................... 470

44.......................... Citizenship or residency requirements............................ 473

45.......................... Course requirements....................................................... 474

45A....................... VET unit of study not undertaken as part of VET course of study          475

45B........................ Entry procedure requirements......................................... 475

45C........................ Request for Commonwealth assistance requirements..... 475

45D....................... Notional VET FEE‑HELP accounts............................... 477

45E........................ Effect of VET FEE‑HELP account being in deficit at the end of a calendar year     480

Subdivision 7‑B—Re‑crediting HELP balances in relation to VET FEE‑HELP assistance       481

46.......................... Main case of re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to VET FEE‑HELP assistance               481

46A....................... Re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to VET FEE‑HELP assistance—unacceptable conduct by provider or provider’s agent........................................... 483

46AA.................... Re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to VET FEE‑HELP assistance—inappropriate conduct by provider or provider’s agent........................................... 485

46B........................ Re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to VET FEE‑HELP assistance—VET FEE‑HELP account in deficit at the end of a calendar year................................. 488

47.......................... Re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance—no tax file number 490

48.......................... Special circumstances..................................................... 490

49.......................... Application period.......................................................... 490

50.......................... Dealing with applications................................................ 491

51.......................... Re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance in relation to VET FEE‑HELP assistance if provider ceases to provide course of which unit forms part...................................... 491

51A....................... Implications for the student’s liability to the VET provider for the VET tuition fee 492

Division 8—How are amounts of VET FEE‑HELP assistance worked out?      493

52.......................... The amount of VET FEE‑HELP assistance for a VET unit of study       493

53.......................... Up‑front payments.......................................................... 493

54.......................... Amounts of VET FEE‑HELP assistance, HECS‑HELP assistance and FEE‑HELP assistance must not exceed the HELP balance........................................................... 493

Division 9—How are amounts of VET FEE‑HELP assistance paid? 496

55.......................... Payments........................................................................ 496

56.......................... Effect of HELP balance being re‑credited....................... 497

Part 3—Administration                                                                                                  499

Division 10—Introduction                                                                                      499

57.......................... What this Part is about.................................................... 499

58.......................... The VET Guidelines....................................................... 499

Division 11—Payments by the Commonwealth                                          500

59.......................... What this Division is about............................................. 500

60.......................... Time and manner of payments........................................ 500

61.......................... Advances........................................................................ 500

61A....................... Amounts owed by VET providers may be set off against amounts payable under this Act or the VET Student Loans Act 2016............................................................... 503

62.......................... Rounding of amounts..................................................... 503

Division 12—Administrative requirements on VET providers          504

63.......................... What this Division is about............................................. 504

64.......................... Notices............................................................................ 504

65.......................... Correction of notices....................................................... 505

66.......................... Charging VET tuition fees.............................................. 506

67.......................... Determining census dates............................................... 506

68.......................... Communications with the Commonwealth concerning students etc.        507

Division 13—Electronic communications                                                      509

69.......................... What this Division is about............................................. 509

70.......................... Guidelines may deal with electronic communications..... 509

Division 14—Management of information                                                    511

71.......................... What this Division is about............................................. 511

72.......................... Meaning of VET personal information........................... 511

73.......................... Use of VET personal information................................... 511

74.......................... Meanings of VET officer etc. and official employment.... 513

75.......................... When information is disclosed in the course of official employment       513

76.......................... Commissioner may disclose information........................ 515

77.......................... Oath or affirmation to protect information...................... 516

78.......................... Unauthorised access to, or modification of, VET personal information   516

78A....................... Officer may use information........................................... 517

78B........................ This Division does not limit disclosure or use of information  517

Division 15—Tax file numbers                                                                            518

Subdivision 15‑A—Introduction                                                                         518

79.......................... What this Division is about............................................. 518

Subdivision 15‑B—What are the tax file number requirements for assistance under Part 2?   518

80.......................... Meeting the tax file number requirements....................... 518

81.......................... Who is an appropriate officer?........................................ 519

82.......................... Student to notify tax file number when issued................ 520

Subdivision 15‑C—Who can the Commissioner notify of tax file number matters?    520

83.......................... When tax file numbers are issued etc.............................. 520

84.......................... When tax file numbers are altered................................... 520

85.......................... When tax file numbers are incorrectly notified—students with tax file numbers      521

86.......................... When tax file numbers are incorrectly notified—students without tax file numbers 521

87.......................... When applications are refused or tax file numbers are cancelled              522

Subdivision 15‑D—Other provisions relating to tax file numbers            522

88.......................... Giving information about tax file number requirements.. 522

89.......................... No entitlement to VET FEE‑HELP assistance for students without tax file numbers              524

Division 16—Review of decisions                                                                       526

Subdivision 16‑A—Introduction                                                                         526

90.......................... What this Division is about............................................. 526

Subdivision 16‑B—Which decisions are subject to review?                        526

91.......................... Reviewable VET decisions etc........................................ 526

92.......................... Deadlines for making reviewable VET decisions........... 528

93.......................... Decision maker must give reasons for reviewable VET decisions           528

Subdivision 16‑C—How are decisions reconsidered?                                   529

94.......................... Reviewer of decisions..................................................... 529

95.......................... Reviewer may reconsider reviewable VET decisions..... 529

96.......................... Reconsideration of reviewable VET decisions on request 530

Subdivision 16‑D—Which decisions are subject to AAT review?              531

97.......................... AAT review of reviewable VET decisions..................... 531

Part 4—Miscellaneous                                                                                                     532

97A....................... Compensation for acquisition of property....................... 532

98.......................... Delegations by Secretary................................................ 532

99.......................... VET Guidelines.............................................................. 533

Schedule 1—Dictionary                                                                                       534

1............................ Definitions...................................................................... 534

2............................ Index numbers................................................................ 563

Endnotes                                                                                                                                  565

Endnote 1—About the endnotes                                                                          565

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key                                                                              567

Endnote 3—Legislation history                                                                           568

Endnote 4—Amendment history                                                                         585

Endnote 5—Editorial changes                                                                             627


An Act relating to the funding of higher education, and for other purposes

Chapter 1Introduction

  

Division 1Preliminary

1‑1  Short title

                   This Act may be cited as the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

1‑5  Commencement

             (1)  Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.

 

Commencement information

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Provision(s)

Commencement

Date/Details

1.  Sections 1‑1 and 1‑5 and anything in this Act not elsewhere covered by this table

The day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.

19 December 2003

2.  Sections 1‑10 to 238‑15

The later of:

(a) 1 January 2004; and

(b) the day after the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.

1 January 2004

(paragraph (a) applies)

3.  Schedule 1

The later of:

(a) 1 January 2004; and

(b) the day after the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent.

1 January 2004

(paragraph (a) applies)

Note:          This table relates only to the provisions of this Act as originally passed by the Parliament and assented to. It will not be expanded to deal with provisions inserted in this Act after assent.

             (2)  Column 3 of the table contains additional information that is not part of this Act. Information in this column may be added to or edited in any published version of this Act.

1‑10  Identifying defined terms

             (1)  Many of the terms in this Act are defined in the Dictionary in Schedule 1.

             (2)  Most of the terms that are defined in the Dictionary in Schedule 1 are identified by an asterisk appearing at the start of the term: as in “*accredited course”. The footnote with the asterisk contains a signpost to the Dictionary.

             (3)  An asterisk usually identifies the first occurrence of a term in a section (if not divided into subsections), subsection or definition. Later occurrences of the term in the same provision are not usually asterisked.

             (4)  Terms are not asterisked in headings, notes, examples, explanatory tables, guides, outline provisions or diagrams.

             (5)  If a term is not identified by an asterisk, disregard that fact in deciding whether or not to apply to that term a definition or other interpretation provision.

             (6)  The following basic terms used throughout the Act are not identified with an asterisk:

 

Terms that are not identified

Item

This term:

is defined in:

1

enrol

Schedule 1

2

higher education provider

section 16‑1

3

student

Schedule 1

4

unit of study

Schedule 1

Division 2Objects

2‑1  Objects of this Act

                   The objects of this Act are:

                     (a)  to support a higher education system that:

                              (i)  is characterised by quality, diversity and equity of access; and

                             (ii)  contributes to the development of cultural and intellectual life in Australia; and

                            (iii)  is appropriate to meet Australia’s social and economic needs for a highly educated and skilled population; and

                            (iv)  promotes and protects freedom of speech and academic freedom; and

                     (b)  to support the distinctive purposes of universities, which are:

                              (i)  the education of persons, enabling them to take a leadership role in the intellectual, cultural, economic and social development of their communities; and

                             (ii)  the creation and advancement of knowledge; and

                            (iii)  the application of knowledge and discoveries to the betterment of communities in Australia and internationally; and

                            (iv)  the engagement with industry and the local community to enable graduates to thrive in the workforce;

                            recognising that universities are established under laws of the Commonwealth, the States and the Territories that empower them to achieve their objectives as autonomous institutions through governing bodies that are responsible for both the university’s overall performance and its ongoing independence; and

                     (c)  to strengthen Australia’s knowledge base, and enhance the contribution of Australia’s research capabilities to national economic development, international competitiveness and the attainment of social goals; and

                     (d)  to support students undertaking higher education and certain vocational education and training.

Division 3Overview of this Act

3‑1  General

                   This Act primarily provides for the Commonwealth to give financial support for higher education and certain vocational education and training:

                     (a)  through grants and other payments made largely to higher education providers; and

                     (b)  through financial assistance to students (usually in the form of loans).

3‑5  Grants for higher education assistance etc. (Chapter 2)

             (1)  Chapter 2 sets out who are higher education providers, and provides for the following grants and payments:

                     (a)  grants under the Commonwealth Grant Scheme;

                    (aa)  grants for assisting Indigenous persons;

                     (b)  other grants for particular purposes;

                     (c)  grants for Commonwealth scholarships.

             (2)  Higher education providers will be universities, self‑accrediting entities or non self‑accrediting entities.

             (3)  Chapter 2 also provides for the direct payment to students of certain Commonwealth scholarships.

3‑10  Assistance to students (Chapter 3)

                   Chapter 3 provides for the following assistance to students:

                     (a)  HECS‑HELP assistance for student contribution amounts;

                     (b)  FEE‑HELP assistance for tuition fees;

                     (c)  OS‑HELP assistance for overseas study;

                     (d)  SA‑HELP assistance for meeting student services and amenities fees imposed by higher education providers;

                     (e)  STARTUP‑HELP assistance for accelerator program courses.

Chapter 3 also deals with a person’s Student Learning Entitlement.

3‑15  Repayment of loans (Chapter 4)

                   Chapter 4 sets out how debts are incurred and worked out in relation to loans made under Chapter 3, and provides for their repayment.

3‑20  Administration (Chapter 5)

                   Chapter 5 provides for several administrative matters relating to the operation of this Act.

3‑30  VET FEE‑HELP Assistance Scheme (Schedule 1A)

                   Schedule 1A provides for financial assistance to students undertaking certain accredited vocational education and training (VET) courses.

Division 5Application of Act to Table C providers

5‑1  Application of Act to Table C providers

General application to Table C providers

             (1)  The provisions of this Act not listed in the table in subsection (2) or in subsection (4) apply to a *Table C provider, the *Australian branch of the provider and to students undertaking or proposing to undertake units of study at that branch.

Modified application to Table C providers

             (2)  The provisions of this Act listed in the table apply to a *Table C provider in the way set out in the table.

 

Application of Act to Table C providers

Item

Provision

Application

1

Subdivision 19‑C (quality requirements)

Applies to the *Australian branch of the provider. However, *TEQSA may need to assess the overall performance of the provider as it relates to that branch.

2

Subdivision 19‑D (fairness requirements)

Applies to the *Australian branch of the provider and to students undertaking or proposing to undertake units of study at that branch.

2A

Section 19‑66A (*tuition protection requirements)

Applies to the *Australian branch of the provider and to students undertaking or proposing to undertake units of study at that branch.

3

Subdivision 19‑F (contribution and fee requirements)

Applies to the *Australian branch of the provider and to students undertaking or proposing to undertake units of study at that branch.

4

Part 3‑3 (FEE‑HELP assistance)

Applies to eligible students of the *Australian branch of the provider, but only for units of study in which the students are enrolled at the Australian branch.

5

Part 3‑4 (OS‑HELP assistance)

Applies to eligible students of the *Australian branch of the provider.

5A

Part 3‑5 (SA‑HELP assistance)

Applies to eligible students of the *Australian branch of the provider who are enrolled at the Australian branch in a *course of study or *bridging course for overseas‑trained professionals.

6

Chapter 4 (Repayment of loans)

Applies to the *Australian branch of the provider and to students undertaking, or students who undertook, units of study at that branch.

7

Part 5‑2 (Administrative requirements on higher education providers)

Applies to the *Australian branch of the provider and to students undertaking or proposing to undertake units of study at that branch.

8

Part 5‑3 (Electronic communications)

Applies to the *Australian branch of the provider and to students undertaking or proposing to undertake units of study at that branch.

9

Part 5‑4 (Management of information)

Applies to the *Australian branch of the provider and to students undertaking or proposing to undertake units of study at that branch.

10

Part 5‑5 (Tax file numbers)

Applies to the *Australian branch of the provider and to students undertaking or proposing to undertake units of study at that branch.

11

Part 5‑7 (Review of decisions)

Applies to the *Australian branch of the provider and to students undertaking or proposing to undertake units of study at that branch.

Provisions that do not apply to Table C providers

             (3)  The provisions of this Act listed in subsection (4) do not apply to:

                     (a)  a *Table C provider; or

                     (b)  the *Australian branch of the provider; or

                     (c)  students in their capacity as students of that provider or of that branch.

             (4)  The provisions are as follows:

                     (a)  Part 2‑2 (Commonwealth Grant Scheme);

                    (aa)  Part 2‑2A (Indigenous student assistance grants);

                     (b)  Part 2‑3 (Other grants);

                     (c)  Part 2‑4 (Commonwealth scholarships);

                     (d)  Part 2‑5 (Reduction and repayment of grants);

                     (e)  Part 3‑2 (HECS‑HELP assistance);

                    (ea)  Part 3‑7 (STARTUP‑HELP assistance);

                      (f)  Schedule 1A (VET FEE‑HELP Assistance Scheme).

Division 6Schedule 1A

6‑1  Schedule 1A

                   Schedule 1A has effect.

Chapter 2Grants for higher education assistance etc.

  

Division 8Introduction

8‑1  What this Chapter is about

This Chapter provides for who are higher education providers, and for 4 kinds of grants to be made.

Part 2‑1 sets out who are higher education providers (universities, self‑accrediting entities and non self‑accrediting entities), the quality and accountability requirements for higher education providers and how bodies cease to be higher education providers.

Note:       Except in very limited cases, only higher education providers can get grants under this Chapter.

The 4 kinds of grants available under this Chapter are:

•      grants under Part 2‑2 (Commonwealth Grant Scheme) to certain higher education providers. These grants are paid in relation to Commonwealth supported places. Grants are made subject to conditions; and

•      grants under Part 2‑2A to Table A providers and Table B providers to assist Indigenous persons; and

•      other grants under Part 2‑3 to higher education providers and other bodies corporate for a variety of purposes; and

•      grants for Commonwealth scholarships to certain higher education providers under Part 2‑4.

The amount of a grant may be reduced, or an amount paid may be required to be repaid, if the recipient breaches a quality and accountability requirement or a condition of the grant (see Part 2‑5).

Note:       A body’s approval as a higher education provider may be suspended or revoked for such a breach.

This Chapter also provides for the direct payment to students of certain Commonwealth scholarships under Part 2‑4.

Part 2‑1Higher education providers

Division 13Introduction

13‑1  What this Part is about

A body generally has to be approved as a higher education provider before it can receive grants, or its students can receive assistance, under this Act. Listed providers (universities and certain self‑accrediting entities) have that approval upon commencement of this Act. Table C providers have that approval from the time they are included in Table C. Bodies that do not have that automatic approval, or whose approval has been revoked, have to apply for approval.

Higher education providers are subject to the quality and accountability requirements.

A body’s approval as a higher education provider may be revoked in circumstances such as breach of a quality and accountability requirement.

13‑5  The Higher Education Provider Guidelines

                   Higher education providers and the *quality and accountability requirements are also dealt with in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines. The provisions of this Part indicate when a particular matter is or may be dealt with in these Guidelines.

Note:          The Higher Education Provider Guidelines are made by the Minister under section 238‑10.

Division 16What is a higher education provider?

Subdivision 16‑AGeneral

16‑1  Meaning of higher education provider

             (1)  A higher education provider is a body corporate that is approved under this Division.

             (2)  Despite subsection (1), a body other than a body corporate may be approved under this Division as a higher education provider if the body is covered by an exemption under subsection (3).

             (3)  The Minister may, in writing, exempt a body for the purposes of this section if the body is established by or under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.

             (4)  If the Minister exempts a body under subsection (3), references in this Act, other than in this section, to a body corporate are taken to include the body.

             (5)  An exemption given under this section is not a legislative instrument.

16‑5  When a body becomes or ceases to be a higher education provider

             (1)  A *listed provider is taken to be approved as a higher education provider from the commencement of this Act.

          (1A)  A *Table C provider is taken to be approved as a higher education provider from the commencement of the provision that included the provider in Table C in section 16‑22.

             (2)  A body corporate:

                     (a)  that is not a *listed provider or a *Table C provider; or

                     (b)  that is a listed provider or a Table C provider that has previously ceased to be a higher education provider;

becomes a provider if approved by the Minister under section 16‑25.

             (3)  A higher education provider ceases to be a provider if the provider’s approval is revoked or suspended under Division 22 or the notice of the provider’s approval ceases to have effect under Part 2 of Chapter 3 (parliamentary scrutiny of legislative instruments) of the Legislation Act 2003.

Subdivision 16‑BWhich bodies are listed providers?

16‑10  Listed providers

                   The following are listed providers:

                     (a)  a *Table A provider;

                     (b)  a *Table B provider.

16‑15  Table A providers

             (1)  The following are Table A providers:

 

Table A providers

Providers

Australian National University

Central Queensland University

Charles Darwin University

Charles Sturt University

Curtin University

Deakin University

Edith Cowan University

Federation University Australia

Flinders University

Griffith University

James Cook University

La Trobe University

Macquarie University

Monash University

Murdoch University

Queensland University of Technology

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

Southern Cross University

Swinburne University of Technology

The University of Adelaide

The University of Melbourne

The University of Notre Dame Australia

The University of Queensland

The University of Sydney

The University of Western Australia

University of Canberra

University of Newcastle

University of New England

University of New South Wales

University of South Australia

University of Southern Queensland

University of Tasmania

University of Technology Sydney

University of the Sunshine Coast

University of Wollongong

Victoria University

Western Sydney University

Australian Catholic University Limited

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education

             (2)  However, a body is not a Table A provider if its approval as a higher education provider is revoked or suspended.

16‑20  Table B providers

             (1)  The following are Table B providers:

 

Table B providers

Providers

Avondale University

Bond University Limited

University of Divinity

Torrens University Australia Ltd

             (2)  However, a body is not a Table B provider if its approval as a higher education provider is revoked or suspended.

16‑22  Table C providers

             (1)  The following are Table C providers:

 

Table C providers

Providers

Carnegie Mellon University, a non‑profit organisation established under Pennsylvania law

             (2)  However, a body is not a Table C provider if its approval as a higher education provider is revoked or suspended.

Note:          A Table C provider is not entitled to receive a grant under this Chapter: see section 5‑1.

Subdivision 16‑CHow are bodies approved as higher education providers?

16‑25  Approval by the Minister

             (1)  The Minister, in writing, may approve a body corporate as a higher education provider if:

                     (a)  the body:

                              (i)  is established under the law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; and

                             (ii)  carries on business in Australia; and

                            (iii)  has its central management and control in Australia; and

                    (aa)  subject to subsection (2), the body’s principal purpose is, or is taken to be, either or both of the following:

                              (i)  to provide education;

                             (ii)  to conduct research; and

                     (b)  the body is:

                              (i)  an *Australian university; or

                             (ii)  a *self‑accrediting entity; or

                            (iii)  a *non self‑accrediting entity; and

                     (c)  the Minister is satisfied that the body will meet the *tuition protection requirements (if applicable); and

                   (da)  the body offers at least one *course of study that leads to a *higher education award; and

                   (db)  the course of study is an *accredited course in relation to the body; and

                     (e)  the body applies for approval as provided for in section 16‑40; and

                      (f)  the Minister is satisfied that the body is willing and able to meet the *quality and accountability requirements; and

                    (fa)  the body complies with any requirements set out in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines; and

                    (fb)  the Minister is satisfied that the body has sufficient experience in the provision of higher education; and

                     (g)  the Minister is satisfied that:

                              (i)  the body; and

                             (ii)  each person who makes, or participates in making, decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the body’s affairs;

                            is a fit and proper person.

             (2)  For the purpose of paragraph (1)(aa), the Minister may determine that a body’s principal purpose is taken to be either or both of the following:

                     (a)  to provide education;

                     (b)  to conduct research;

if the Minister is satisfied that any of the body’s purposes do not conflict with the body’s purpose of providing education and/or conducting research.

          (2A)  For the purposes of paragraph (1)(fb), the Minister may have regard to the following:

                     (a)  whether the body has been a *registered higher education provider for 3 or more years;

                     (b)  the history of the body, and each person who makes or participates in making decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the body’s affairs, in delivering higher education;

                     (c)  the scope of courses and level of qualifications the body, and each person who makes or participates in making decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the body’s affairs, has experience in providing.

             (3)  The Minister must, in deciding whether he or she is satisfied that a person is a fit and proper person, take into account the matters specified in an instrument under subsection (4). The Minister may take into account any other matters he or she considers relevant.

             (4)  The Minister must, by legislative instrument, specify matters for the purposes of subsection (3).

16‑27  Body must be a registered higher education provider

                   Despite section 16‑25, the Minister must not approve a body corporate as a higher education provider unless the body is a *registered higher education provider.

16‑30  The tuition protection requirements

                   The tuition protection requirements are:

                     (a)  the requirements set out in Part 5‑1A (including in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines made for the purposes of that Part); and

                     (b)  the requirements set out in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines for the purposes of this paragraph.

16‑40  Application

             (1)  A body corporate that is a *registered higher education provider may apply, in writing, to the Minister for approval as a higher education provider under this Act.

          (1A)  However, if:

                     (a)  the body corporate made an application (the earlier application) under subsection (1); and

                     (b)  the Minister decided not to approve the earlier application;

the body corporate cannot make another application under that subsection within 6 months after the day on which notice of the decision on the earlier application was given to the body corporate.

             (2)  The application:

                     (a)  must be in the form approved by the Minister; and

                     (b)  must be accompanied by such information as the Minister requests; and

                     (c)  must be accompanied by the fee (if any) prescribed by, or worked out in accordance with the method prescribed by, the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

Note:          The guidelines may prescribe different fees, or methods, for applications made by different kinds of applicant: see subsection 33(3A) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

             (3)  A fee prescribed, or worked out in accordance with a method prescribed, for the purposes of subsection (2) must not be such as to amount to taxation.

16‑45  Minister may seek further information

             (1)  For the purposes of determining an application, the Minister may, by notice in writing, require an applicant to provide such further information as the Minister directs within the period specified in the notice.

             (2)  If an applicant does not comply with a requirement under subsection (1), the application is taken to have been withdrawn.

             (3)  A notice under this section must include a statement about the effect of subsection (2).

16‑50  Minister to decide application

             (1)  The Minister must:

                     (a)  decide an application for approval as a higher education provider; and

                     (b)  cause the applicant to be notified in writing whether or not the applicant is approved as a higher education provider.

             (2)  For the purposes of paragraph 16‑25(1)(f), the Minister may be satisfied that a body corporate is willing and able to meet the *quality and accountability requirements if the body gives the Minister such written undertakings as the Minister requires.

             (3)  The Minister’s decision must be made:

                     (a)  within 90 days after receiving the application; or

                     (b)  if further information is requested under section 16‑45—within 60 days after the end of the period within which the information was required to be provided under that section;

whichever is the later.

          (3A)  However, contravention of subsection (3) does not affect the Minister’s power to decide the application or the Minister’s obligation to comply with subsection (1).

             (4)  If the Minister decides that an applicant is approved as a higher education provider, the notice must also contain such information as is specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines as information that must be provided to an applicant upon approval as a higher education provider.

16‑55  Approvals are legislative instruments

             (1)  A notice of approval under paragraph 16‑50(1)(b) is a legislative instrument.

             (2)  A decision of the Minister to approve a body corporate as a higher education provider takes effect when the notice of approval commences under the Legislation Act 2003.

Note:          Section 12 of the Legislation Act 2003 provides for when a legislative instrument commences.

16‑60  Conditions of approval

             (1)  The Minister may impose conditions on a body corporate’s approval as a higher education provider. Such conditions need not be imposed at the time notice of approval is given to the provider.

             (2)  The Minister may vary a condition imposed under subsection (1).

             (3)  The conditions may include the following:

                     (a)  that a specified limit on the total number of students entitled to *FEE‑HELP assistance applies to the provider for a specified period;

                     (b)  that a specified limit on the total amount of FEE‑HELP assistance payable to the provider applies to the provider for a specified period;

                     (c)  that FEE‑HELP assistance is payable only in relation to specified units of study offered by the higher education provider;

                     (d)  that FEE‑HELP assistance is not payable in relation to specified units of study offered by the higher education provider;

                     (e)  that units of study provided in a specified manner or by a specified mode of delivery by the higher education provider are units in relation to which FEE‑HELP assistance is unavailable.

             (4)  Subsection (3) does not limit the conditions the Minister may impose on the approval.

16‑65  Minister to cause higher education provider to be notified of change in condition of approval

                   The Minister must, within 30 days of his or her decision to impose or vary a condition on a higher education provider, cause the provider to be notified, in writing, of:

                     (a)  the decision; and

                     (b)  the reasons for the decision; and

                     (c)  the period for which the condition is imposed.

16‑70  Variation of approval if body’s name changes

             (1)  If a body corporate is approved as a higher education provider under section 16‑25 and the body’s name changes, the Minister may vary the approval to include the new name.

             (2)  The Minister must notify the body in writing of the variation.

             (3)  A notice of variation under subsection (2) is a legislative instrument.

             (4)  The variation takes effect when the notice of variation commences under the Legislation Act 2003.

Note:          Section 12 of the Legislation Act 2003 provides for when a legislative instrument commences.

Division 19What are the quality and accountability requirements?

Subdivision 19‑AGeneral

19‑1  The quality and accountability requirements

                   The quality and accountability requirements are:

                     (a)  the *financial viability requirements (see Subdivision 19‑B); and

                     (b)  the *quality requirements (see Subdivision 19‑C); and

                     (c)  the *fairness requirements (see Subdivision 19‑D); and

                     (d)  the *compliance requirements (see Subdivision 19‑E); and

                     (e)  the *contribution and fee requirements (see Subdivision 19‑F); and

                      (f)  the *compact and academic freedom requirements (see Subdivision 19‑G).

Subdivision 19‑BThe financial viability requirements

19‑5  Basic requirement

                   A higher education provider:

                     (a)  must be financially viable; and

                     (b)  must be likely to remain financially viable.

19‑10  Financial information must be provided

             (1)  A higher education provider must give to the Minister a financial statement for each *annual financial reporting period for the provider in which:

                     (a)  the provider receives assistance under this Chapter; or

                     (b)  a student of the provider receives assistance under Chapter 3.

             (2)  The statement:

                     (a)  must be in the form approved by the Minister; and

                   (ab)  must comply with any requirements prescribed by the Higher Education Provider Guidelines; and

                     (b)  must be provided together with a report on the statement by an independent *qualified auditor; and

                     (c)  must be provided within 6 months after the end of the *annual financial reporting period for which the statement was given.

          (2A)  Without limiting subsection 33(3A) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, requirements made for the purposes of paragraph (2)(ab) of this section may make different provision in relation to different kinds of providers, circumstances or any other matter.

             (3)  An annual financial reporting period, for a higher education provider, is the period of 12 months:

                     (a)  to which the provider’s accounts relate; and

                     (b)  that is notified in writing to the Minister as the provider’s annual financial reporting period.

19‑12  Minister to have regard to financial information and matters prescribed in Higher Education Guidelines

                   In determining whether a higher education provider is financially viable, and likely to remain so, the Minister must have regard to:

                     (a)  any financial statement provided by the provider under section 19‑10; and

                     (b)  the matters (if any) prescribed by the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

Subdivision 19‑CThe quality requirements

19‑15  Provider must maintain quality

                   A higher education provider must operate, and continue to operate, at a level of quality:

                     (a)  that meets the Threshold Standards (within the meaning of the *TEQSA Act); and

                     (b)  that meets the requirements imposed by or under the TEQSA Act on, or in relation to, the provider.

Subdivision 19‑DThe fairness requirements

19‑30  Basic requirement

                   A higher education provider must treat fairly:

                     (a)  all of its students; and

                     (b)  all of the persons seeking to enrol with the provider.

19‑35  Benefits and opportunities must be available equally to all students

             (1)  A higher education provider that receives assistance under this Chapter in respect of a student, or a class of students, must ensure that the benefits of, and the opportunities created by, the assistance are made equally available to all such students, or students in such class, in respect of whom that assistance is payable.

             (2)  A higher education provider that receives:

                     (a)  any grant or allocation under this Chapter; or

         (b)  any payment under section 124‑1 on account of amounts of *OS‑HELP assistance;

must have open, fair and transparent procedures that, in the provider’s reasonable view, are based on merit for making decisions about the selection of students who are to benefit from the grant, allocation or payment.

             (3)  Subsection (2) does not prevent a higher education provider taking into account, in making such decisions about the selection of students, educational disadvantages that a particular student has experienced.

             (4)  A higher education provider that receives any payment under section 110‑1 on account of amounts of *FEE‑HELP assistance for a unit of study must have open, fair and transparent procedures that, in the provider’s reasonable view, are based on merit for making decisions about:

                     (a)  the selection, from among the persons who seek to enrol with the provider in that unit of study, of persons to enrol; and

                     (b)  the treatment of students undertaking that unit of study.

             (5)  A higher education provider that receives any payment under section 128D‑1 on account of amounts of *STARTUP‑HELP assistance for an *accelerator program course must have open, fair and transparent procedures that, in the provider’s reasonable view, are based on merit for making decisions about:

                     (a)  the selection, from among the persons who seek to enrol with the provider in that accelerator program course, of persons to enrol; and

                     (b)  the selection of students for receipt of STARTUP‑HELP assistance in relation to that accelerator program course; and

                     (c)  the treatment of students undertaking that accelerator program course.

             (6)  Subsections (4) and (5) do not prevent a higher education provider taking into account, in making decisions mentioned in those subsections, educational disadvantages that a particular student has experienced.

19‑36  Misrepresenting assistance under Chapter 3

                   A higher education provider must not represent, whether by publishing or otherwise, that assistance payable under Chapter 3:

                     (a)  is not a loan; or

                     (b)  does not have to be repaid.

Civil penalty:          240 penalty units.

19‑36A  Offering certain inducements

             (1)  A higher education provider must not offer or provide a benefit, or cause a benefit to be offered or provided, if the benefit would be reasonably likely to induce a person to make a *request for Commonwealth assistance in relation to enrolling in a unit of study with the provider.

Civil penalty:          120 penalty units.

             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a benefit specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

             (3)  A higher education provider must not offer or provide a benefit, or cause a benefit to be offered or provided, if the benefit would be reasonably likely to induce a person to make a *request for Commonwealth assistance in relation to enrolling in an *accelerator program course with the provider.

Civil penalty:          120 penalty units.

             (4)  Subsection (3) does not apply in relation to a benefit specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

19‑36B  Engaging in cold‑calling

             (1)  This section applies if a higher education provider cold‑calls another person to market, advertise or promote a unit of study or a *course of study, or an *accelerator program course.

             (2)  The higher education provider must not mention the possible availability of assistance payable under Chapter 3 for students undertaking the unit of study or *course of study, or *accelerator program course.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

             (3)  For the purposes of this section, cold‑calling includes making unsolicited contact with a person:

                     (a)  in person; or

                     (b)  by telephone, email or other form of electronic communication.

             (4)  The Higher Education Provider Guidelines may set out conduct that is taken to be cold‑calling for the purposes of this section.

19‑36C  Use of third party contact lists

             (1)  This section applies if a higher education provider:

                     (a)  receives a person’s contact details from another person; and

                     (b)  contacts the student:

                              (i)  to market, advertise or promote a unit of study or a *course of study, or enrol the student in a unit of study or course of study; or

                             (ii)  to market, advertise or promote an *accelerator program course, or enrol the student in an accelerator program course.

             (2)  The higher education provider must not mention the possible availability of assistance payable under Chapter 3 for students undertaking the unit of study or *course of study, or *accelerator program course.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

             (3)  Subsection (2) does not apply in circumstances specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

19‑36D  Other marketing requirements

             (1)  The Higher Education Provider Guidelines may set out requirements in relation to the marketing of courses in circumstances where assistance may be payable by the Commonwealth under Chapter 3.

             (2)  A higher education provider contravenes this subsection if the provider:

                     (a)  is subject to a requirement under subsection (1); and

                     (b)  fails to comply with the requirement.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

19‑36E  Requirements relating to requests for Commonwealth assistance

                   A higher education provider must not complete any part of a *request for Commonwealth assistance that a student is required to complete.

Civil penalty:          120 penalty units.

19‑37  Requiring membership of certain organisations or payment of certain amounts

             (1)  A higher education provider must not:

                     (a)  require a person to be or to become a member of an organisation of students, or of students and other persons; or

                     (b)  require a person enrolled with, or seeking to enrol with, the provider to pay to the provider or any other entity an amount in respect of an organisation of students, or of students and other persons;

unless the person has chosen to be or to become a member of the organisation.

             (2)  A higher education provider must not require a person enrolled with, or seeking to enrol with, the provider to pay to the provider or any other entity an amount for the provision to students of an amenity, facility or service that is not of an academic nature, unless the person has chosen to use the amenity, facility or service.

             (3)  Subsection (2) does not apply to an amount that the higher education provider requires the person to pay if the amount is for goods or services that:

                     (a)  are essential for the course of study, or *accelerator program course, in which the person is enrolled or seeking to enrol; and

                     (b)  the person has the choice of acquiring from, but does not acquire from, a supplier other than the higher education provider; and

                     (c)  either:

                              (i)  are goods that become the property of the person that are not intended to be consumed during the course of study or accelerator program course; or

                             (ii)  consist of food, transport or accommodation associated with provision of field trips in connection with the course of study or accelerator program course.

             (4)  Subsection (2) does not apply to a *student services and amenities fee that the higher education provider requires the person to pay.

             (5)  A student services and amenities fee is an amount:

                     (a)  that a higher education provider requires a person enrolled, or seeking to enrol, with the provider to pay for a period starting on or after 1 January 2012 to support the provision to students of amenities and services not of an academic nature, regardless of whether the person chooses to use any of those amenities and services; and

                     (b)  that is determined by the provider in accordance with the Administration Guidelines; and

                     (c)  that is not more than the amount worked out for that period for the person in accordance with those guidelines; and

                     (d)  that is payable on a day determined in accordance with those guidelines; and

                     (e)  that is such that the total of all amounts that are covered by paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) for the same provider and person is not more than $263, for amounts for periods falling wholly or partly within a calendar year starting on or after 1 January 2012.

Note 1:       The Administration Guidelines are made by the Minister under section 238‑10.

Note 2:       The amount of $263 mentioned in paragraph (5)(e) is indexed under Part 5‑6.

Note 3:       Paragraph 19‑102(3)(b) prevents a student services and amenities fee from being a fee as defined in section 19‑102.

             (6)  If a higher education provider determines a *student services and amenities fee, the provider:

                     (a)  must publish, in accordance with the Administration Guidelines:

                              (i)  enough information to enable a person liable to pay the fee to work out the amount of the fee; and

                             (ii)  notice of the day on which the fee is payable; and

                     (b)  must, on request by a person who is or may become liable to pay the fee, inform the person of the amount of the fee and the day on which it is or would be payable.

19‑38  Higher education providers’ expenditure of student services and amenities fees

             (1)  A higher education provider must not spend an amount paid to the provider as a *student services and amenities fee to support:

                     (a)  a political party; or

                     (b)  the election of a person as a member of:

                              (i)  the legislature of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or

                             (ii)  a local government body.

             (2)  If a higher education provider pays a person or organisation an amount paid to the provider as a *student services and amenities fee, the provider must make the payment on the condition that none of the payment is to be spent by the person or organisation to support:

                     (a)  a political party; or

                     (b)  the election of a person as a member of:

                              (i)  the legislature of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or

                             (ii)  a local government body.

             (3)  A higher education provider must not spend, for a purpose other than that specified in subsection (4), an amount paid to the provider as a *student services and amenities fee.

             (4)  Subsection (3) does not prohibit expenditure for a purpose that relates to the provision of any of the following services:

                     (a)  providing food or drink to students on a campus of the higher education provider;

                     (b)  supporting a sporting or other recreational activity by students;

                     (c)  supporting the administration of a club most of whose members are students;

                     (d)  caring for children of students;

                     (e)  providing legal services to students;

                      (f)  promoting the health or welfare of students;

                     (g)  helping students secure accommodation;

                     (h)  helping students obtain employment or advice on careers;

                      (i)  helping students with their financial affairs;

                      (j)  helping students obtain insurance against personal accidents;

                     (k)  supporting debating by students;

                      (l)  providing libraries and reading rooms (other than those provided for academic purposes) for students;

                    (m)  supporting an artistic activity by students;

                     (n)  supporting the production and dissemination to students of media whose content is provided by students;

                     (o)  helping students develop skills for study, by means other than undertaking *courses of study or *accelerator program courses in which they are enrolled;

                     (p)  advising on matters arising under the higher education provider’s rules (however described);

                     (q)  advocating students’ interests in matters arising under the higher education provider’s rules (however described);

                      (r)  giving students information to help them in their orientation;

                      (s)  helping meet the specific needs of *overseas students relating to their welfare, accommodation and employment.

Note:          Examples of expenditure for a purpose that relates to the provision of a service specified in subsection (4) include:

(a)    expenditure by the higher education provider in directly providing the service; and

(b)    expenditure by the higher education provider in getting someone else to provide the service or subsidising the provision of the service by someone else; and

(c)    expenditure by the higher education provider on infrastructure for the provision of the service.

             (5)  Without limiting who is a child of a person for the purposes of paragraph (4)(d), someone is the child of a person if he or she is a child of the person within the meaning of the Family Law Act 1975.

             (6)  To avoid doubt, subsections (1), (2) and (3) apply to an advance made to a higher education provider on account of *SA‑HELP assistance in the same way as they apply to an amount paid to the provider as a *student services and amenities fee.

Note:          An amount of SA‑HELP assistance paid to a provider is an amount paid to the provider as a student services and amenities fee because, under section 128‑1, the SA‑HELP assistance is paid to discharge the student’s liability to pay the fee.

             (7)  Subsection (6) does not limit subsection 164‑10(2).

Note:          Subsection 164‑10(2) applies to an advance on account of an amount the conditions that would apply to payment of the amount.

19‑42  Assessment of students as academically suited

             (1)  Before enrolling a student in a unit of study, a higher education provider must assess the student as academically suited to undertake the unit concerned.

Civil penalty:          120 penalty units.

          (1A)  Before enrolling a person in an *accelerator program course, a higher education provider must assess the person as academically suited to undertake that accelerator program course.

Civil penalty:          120 penalty units.

             (2)  The assessment for the purposes of subsection (1) or (1A) must be done in accordance with any requirements specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

19‑45  Student grievance and review procedures

Must have grievance and review procedures

             (1)  A higher education provider must have:

                     (a)  a grievance procedure for dealing with complaints by the provider’s students, and persons who seek to enrol in *courses of study or *accelerator program courses with the provider, relating to non‑academic matters; and

                     (b)  a grievance procedure for dealing with complaints by the provider’s students relating to academic matters; and

                     (c)  a review procedure for dealing with review of decisions made by the provider:

                              (i)  under subsection 36‑12(2), paragraph 36‑13(2)(b) or subsection 36‑20(1); or

                             (ii)  relating to assistance under Chapter 3.

Note:          Part 5‑7 also deals with reconsideration and review of decisions.

             (2)  Except where the provider is a *Table A provider, the grievance procedures referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) must comply with the requirements of the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

             (3)  The review procedure referred to in paragraph (1)(c) must comply with the requirements of the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

Guidelines may provide for matters relating to reviews

             (4)  The Higher Education Provider Guidelines may provide for matters relating to reviews of decisions made by higher education providers:

                     (a)  under subsection 36‑12(2), paragraph 36‑13(2)(b) or subsection 36‑20(1); or

                     (b)  relating to assistance under Chapter 3;

including procedures that are to be followed by *review officers when reviewing those decisions.

Provider to comply with procedures

             (5)  The provider must comply with its grievance and review procedures.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

Provider to provide information about procedures

             (6)  The provider must publish, and make publicly available, up to date information setting out the procedures.

Provider to provide information about other complaint mechanisms

             (7)  The provider must publish information about any other complaint mechanisms available to complain about the provider’s decisions.

19‑50  Higher education providers to appoint review officers

             (1)  A higher education provider must appoint a *review officer to undertake reviews of decisions made by the provider:

                     (a)  under subsection 36‑12(2), paragraph 36‑13(2)(b) or subsection 36‑20(1); or

                     (b)  relating to assistance under Chapter 3.

Note:          The Secretary may delegate to a review officer of a higher education provider the power to reconsider decisions of the provider under Division 209: see subsection 238‑1(2).

             (2)  A review officer of a higher education provider is a person, or a person included in a class of persons, whom:

                     (a)  the chief executive officer of the provider; or

                     (b)  a delegate of the chief executive officer of the provider;

has appointed to be a review officer of the provider for the purposes of reviewing decisions made by the provider:

                     (c)  under subsection 36‑12(2), paragraph 36‑13(2)(b) or subsection 36‑20(1); or

                     (d)  relating to assistance under Chapter 3.

19‑55  Review officers not to review own decisions

                   A higher education provider must ensure that a *review officer of the provider:

                     (a)  does not review a decision that the review officer was involved in making; and

                     (b)  in reviewing a decision of the provider, occupies a position that is senior to that occupied by any person involved in making the original decision.

19‑60  Procedures relating to personal information

             (1)  A higher education provider must comply with the Australian Privacy Principles in respect of *personal information obtained for the purposes of subsection 36‑12(2), paragraph 36‑13(2)(b), subsection 36‑20(1) or Chapter 3 or 4.

             (2)  A higher education provider must have a procedure under which a student enrolled with the provider may apply to the provider for, and receive, a copy of *personal information that the provider holds in relation to that student.

             (3)  The provider must comply with:

                     (a)  the requirements of the Higher Education Provider Guidelines relating to *personal information in relation to students; and

                     (b)  the procedure referred to in subsection (2).

Subdivision 19‑EThe compliance requirements

19‑65  Basic requirements

             (1)  A higher education provider must comply with:

                     (a)  this Act and the regulations; and

                     (b)  the Guidelines made under section 238‑10 that apply to the provider; and

                     (c)  a condition imposed on the provider’s approval as a higher education provider.

             (2)  A higher education provider must provide information to the Minister in relation to the affairs of the provider in accordance with the requirements of this Act.

             (3)  A higher education provider’s administrative arrangements must support the provision of assistance under this Act.

19‑66  Higher education provider charge

             (1)  A higher education provider must pay the following when it is due and payable by the provider:

                     (a)  *higher education provider charge;

                     (b)  any penalty for late payment of higher education provider charge.

Note:          Higher education provider charge is imposed by the Higher Education Support (Charges) Act 2019.

             (2)  The Higher Education Provider Guidelines may make provision for, or in relation to, all or any of the following matters:

                     (a)  the issue of notices setting out the amount of *higher education provider charge payable by a provider;

                     (b)  when higher education provider charge is due and payable;

                     (c)  the issue of notices extending the time for payment of higher education provider charge;

                     (d)  penalties for late payment of higher education provider charge;

                     (e)  to whom higher education provider charge and any penalties for late payment are payable;

                      (f)  the refund, remission or waiver of higher education provider charge or penalties for late payment;

                     (g)  the review of decisions made under the Higher Education Provider Guidelines in relation to the collection or recovery of higher education provider charge;

                     (h)  any other matters relating to the collection or recovery of higher education provider charge.

19‑66A  Tuition protection requirements

             (1)  A higher education provider to whom Part 5‑1A applies must comply with the *tuition protection requirements.

Note:          See section 166‑5 for the providers to whom Part 5‑1A applies.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

             (2)  A higher education provider to whom Part 5‑1A applies must pay the following when it is due and payable by the provider:

                     (a)  *HELP tuition protection levy;

                     (b)  any penalty for late payment of HELP tuition protection levy.

Note:          HELP tuition protection levy is imposed by the Higher Education Support (HELP Tuition Protection Levy) Act 2020.

             (3)  The Higher Education Provider Guidelines may make provision for, or in relation to, all or any of the following matters:

                     (a)  the issue of notices setting out the amount of *HELP tuition protection levy payable by a provider;

                     (b)  when HELP tuition protection levy is due and payable;

                     (c)  the issue of notices extending the time for payment of HELP tuition protection levy;

                     (d)  penalties for late payment of HELP tuition protection levy;

                     (e)  to whom HELP tuition protection levy and any penalties for late payment are payable;

                      (f)  the refund, remission or waiver of HELP tuition protection levy or penalties for late payment;

                     (g)  the review of decisions made under the Higher Education Provider Guidelines in relation to the collection or recovery of HELP tuition protection levy;

                     (h)  any other matters relating to the collection or recovery of HELP tuition protection levy.

19‑67  Special requirements for student services, amenities, representation and advocacy in 2012 and later years

             (1)  A higher education provider that receives a grant under Part 2‑2 in respect of the year 2012 or a later year must comply in respect of the year with the requirements of the Student Services, Amenities, Representation and Advocacy Guidelines as those guidelines were in force on the 30 June just before the year.

Note:          The Student Services, Amenities, Representation and Advocacy Guidelines are made by the Minister under section 238‑10.

             (2)  The Student Services, Amenities, Representation and Advocacy Guidelines may provide for:

                     (a)  requirements for providing students with information about services that are not of an academic nature and that support students; and

                     (b)  requirements for providing students with access to such services; and

                     (c)  requirements relating to the representation and advocacy of the interests of students.

             (3)  However, the Student Services, Amenities, Representation and Advocacy Guidelines cannot require a provider to fund an organisation of students, or of students and other persons.

             (4)  Subsection 19‑65(1) does not apply in relation to the Student Services, Amenities, Representation and Advocacy Guidelines.

19‑70  Provider to provide statement of general information

             (1)  A higher education provider must give to the Minister such statistical and other information that the Minister by notice in writing requires from the provider in respect of:

                     (a)  the provision of higher education by the provider; and

                     (b)  compliance by the provider with the requirements of this Act.

             (2)  The information must be provided:

                     (a)  in a form (if any) approved by the Minister for the information; and

                     (b)  in accordance with such other requirements as the Minister makes.

             (3)  A notice under this section must not require the giving of information that a higher education provider is required to give to the Minister under section 19‑95.

             (4)  A higher education provider contravenes this subsection if the provider:

                     (a)  is subject to a requirement under this section; and

                     (b)  does not comply with the requirement.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

19‑71  Co‑operation with HESA and TEQSA investigators

             (1)  A higher education provider must co‑operate with *HESA investigators and *TEQSA investigators who are performing functions or exercising powers under this Act.

             (2)  A higher education provider must not obstruct or hinder a *HESA investigator or a *TEQSA investigator who is performing functions or exercising powers under this Act.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

19‑72  Providers must keep records

             (1)  A higher education provider must keep records of a kind, in the manner and for the period specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

             (2)  A higher education provider contravenes this subsection if the provider:

                     (a)  is subject to a requirement under this section; and

                     (b)  does not comply with the requirement.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

19‑73  Providers must publish information

             (1)  A higher education provider must publish information of the kind, in the manner and within the period specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

             (2)  A higher education provider contravenes this subsection if the provider:

                     (a)  is subject to a requirement under this section; and

                     (b)  does not comply with the requirement.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

19‑75  Notice of events that affect provider’s ability to comply with conditions of Commonwealth assistance

                   A higher education provider must by writing inform the Minister of any event affecting:

                     (a)  the provider; or

                     (b)  a *related body corporate of the provider;

that may significantly affect the provider’s capacity to meet the conditions of grants under this Chapter or the *quality and accountability requirements.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

19‑77  Notice of events affecting accreditation

                   A higher education provider must by writing inform the Minister of any event affecting:

                     (a)  the provider; or

                     (b)  a *related body corporate of the provider;

that relates to:

                     (c)  the provider’s authority conferred by or under the *TEQSA Act to self‑accredit one or more *courses of study; or

                     (d)  TEQSA’s accreditation of a course of study that is an *accredited course in relation to the provider.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

19‑78  Notice of events significantly affecting TEQSA registration

             (1)  A higher education provider must by writing inform the Minister of any event significantly affecting:

                     (a)  the provider; or

                     (b)  a *related body corporate of the provider;

that relates to the provider’s registration as a *registered higher education provider.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

             (2)  If a higher education provider informs the Minister of an event under section 19‑77, the provider need not inform the Minister of the event under this section.

19‑80  Compliance assurance

             (1)  The Minister may require a higher education provider to be audited as to compliance with any one or more of the following requirements:

                     (a)  the *financial viability requirements;

                     (b)  the *fairness requirements;

                     (c)  the *compliance requirements;

                     (d)  the *contribution and fee requirements.

             (2)  The audit must be conducted:

                     (a)  by a body determined in writing by the Minister; and

                     (b)  at such time or times, and in such manner, as the Minister requires.

          (2A)  To avoid doubt, if the Minister makes a determination under subsection (2) in relation to *TEQSA, the determination is not a direction for the purposes of subsection 136(2) of the *TEQSA Act.

             (3)  The provider must:

                     (a)  fully co‑operate with the auditing body in the course of its audit; and

                     (b)  pay to the auditing body any charges payable for such an audit.

          (3A)  A higher education provider contravenes this subsection if the provider:

                     (a)  is being audited under this section; and

                     (b)  does not co‑operate with the auditing body in the course of its audit.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

             (4)  A determination made under paragraph (2)(a) is not a legislative instrument.

19‑82  Compliance notices

Grounds for giving a compliance notice

             (1)  The Minister may give a higher education provider a written notice (a compliance notice) in accordance with this section if the Minister is satisfied that the provider has not complied with, or is aware of information that suggests that the provider may not comply with, one or more of the following:

                     (a)  this Act or the regulations;

                     (b)  the Guidelines made under section 238‑10 that apply to the provider;

                     (c)  a condition imposed on the provider’s approval as a higher education provider.

Content of compliance notice

             (2)  The compliance notice must:

                     (a)  set out the name of the provider to which the notice is given; and

                     (b)  set out brief details of the non‑compliance or possible non‑compliance; and

                     (c)  specify action that the provider must take, or refrain from taking, in order to address the non‑compliance or possible non‑compliance; and

                     (d)  specify a reasonable period within which the provider must take, or refrain from taking, the specified action; and

                     (e)  if the Minister considers it appropriate—specify a reasonable period within which the provider must provide the Minister with evidence that the provider has taken, or refrained from taking, the specified action; and

                      (f)  in any case—state that a failure to comply with the notice is a breach of a *quality and accountability requirement which may lead to the provider’s approval as a higher education provider being suspended or revoked; and

                     (g)  in any case—set out any other matters specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines for the purposes of this paragraph.

Matters that Minister must consider in giving compliance notice

             (3)  In deciding whether to give the compliance notice, the Minister must consider all of the following matters:

                     (a)  whether the non‑compliance or possible non‑compliance is of a minor or major nature;

                     (b)  the period for which the provider has been approved as a higher education provider;

                     (c)  the provider’s history of compliance with:

                              (i)  this Act and the regulations; and

                             (ii)  the Guidelines made under section 238‑10 that apply to the provider; and

                            (iii)  any conditions imposed on the provider’s approval as a higher education provider;

                     (d)  the impact of the higher education provider’s non‑compliance or possible non‑compliance, and of the proposed compliance notice, on:

                              (i)  the provider’s students; and

                             (ii)  the provision of higher education generally;

                     (e)  the public interest;

                      (f)  any other matter specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines for the purposes of this paragraph.

Higher Education provider to comply with compliance notice

             (4)  A higher education provider must comply with a compliance notice given to the provider under this section.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

Variation and revocation of compliance notice

             (5)  The Minister may, by written notice given to the higher education provider, vary or revoke a compliance notice if, at the time of the variation or revocation, the Minister considers that taking such action is in the public interest.

Note:          A variation could, for example, specify different action to be taken by the provider or a different period for complying with the notice.

             (6)  In deciding whether to vary or revoke the compliance notice, the Minister must consider any submissions that are received from the higher education provider before the end of the period mentioned in paragraph (2)(d).

Compliance notice not required before suspending or revoking approval

             (7)  To avoid doubt, the Minister need not give a compliance notice under this section before suspending or revoking the provider’s approval as a higher education provider in accordance with Division 22.

Subdivision 19‑FWhat are the contribution and fee requirements?

19‑85  Basic requirement

                   A higher education provider must charge, in accordance with the requirements of this Act:

                     (a)  *student contribution amounts and *tuition fees for each unit of study in which it enrols students; and

                     (b)  an *accelerator program course fee for each *accelerator program course in which it enrols students.

19‑87  Determining student contribution amounts for all places in units

             (1)  This section applies to a unit of study:

                     (a)  that a higher education provider provides or proposes to provide during a period ascertained in accordance with the Higher Education Provider Guidelines; and

                     (b)  in relation to which the provider may advise a person that he or she is a *Commonwealth supported student.

             (2)  The provider must determine, for places in the unit, one or more *student contribution amounts that are to apply to students who may enrol in the unit during the period.

          (2A)  In determining more than one *student contribution amount under subsection (2), the provider may have regard to any matters the provider considers appropriate, other than matters specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines as matters to which a provider must not have regard.

             (3)  The provider must not vary a *student contribution amount unless the provider:

                     (a)  does so:

                              (i)  before the date ascertained in accordance with the Higher Education Provider Guidelines; and

                             (ii)  in circumstances specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines; or

                     (b)  does so with the written approval of the Minister.

19‑90  Determining tuition fees for all students

             (1)  This section applies to a unit of study that a higher education provider provides or proposes to provide during a period ascertained in accordance with the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

             (2)  The provider must determine, for the unit, one or more *fees that are to apply to students who may enrol in the unit during the period.

             (3)  In determining more than one *fee under subsection (2), the provider may have regard to any matters the provider considers appropriate, other than matters specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines as matters to which a provider must not have regard.

             (4)  The provider must not vary a *fee unless the provider:

                     (a)  does so:

                              (i)  before the date ascertained in accordance with the Higher Education Provider Guidelines; and

                             (ii)  in circumstances specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines; or

                     (b)  does so with the written approval of the Minister.

19‑92  Determining accelerator program course fees for all students

             (1)  This section applies to an *accelerator program course that a higher education provider provides or proposes to provide during a period ascertained in accordance with the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

             (2)  The provider must determine one *accelerator program course fee that is to apply to students who may enrol in the course during the period.

             (3)  A person’s accelerator program course fee for an *accelerator program course is the fee determined for the course under subsection (2).

19‑95  Schedules of student contribution amounts for places and tuition fees

             (1)  A higher education provider must give the Minister a schedule of the *student contribution amounts for places, and *tuition fees, determined under sections 19‑87 and 19‑90 for all the units of study it provides or proposes to provide during a period ascertained in accordance with the Higher Education Provider Guidelines. It must give the schedule:

                     (a)  in a form approved by the Minister; and

                     (b)  in accordance with the requirements that the Minister determines in writing.

             (2)  The provider must:

                     (a)  ensure that the schedule provides sufficient information to enable a person to work out, for each unit of study the provider provides or is to provide:

                              (i)  the person’s *student contribution amount; and

                             (ii)  if the provider determined more than one student contribution amount for places in a unit under section 19‑87—which of those student contribution amounts applies to the person; and

                    (aa)  ensure that the schedule provides sufficient information to enable a person to work out, for each unit of study the provider provides or is to provide:

                              (i)  the person’s *tuition fee; and

                             (ii)  if the provider determined more than one tuition fee for a unit under section 19‑90—which of those tuition fees applies to the person; and

                     (b)  publish the schedule for a particular period by the date ascertained in accordance with the Higher Education Provider Guidelines; and

                     (c)  ensure that the schedule is available to all students enrolled, and persons seeking to enrol, with the provider on request and without charge.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

Replacement schedules

             (3)  If:

                     (a)  the provider has given the Minister a schedule (the previous schedule) under:

                              (i)  subsection (1); or

                             (ii)  this subsection; and

                     (b)  the provider:

                              (i)  varies a *student contribution amount in the previous schedule; or

                             (ii)  varies a *tuition fee in the previous schedule;

the provider must:

                     (c)  by written notice given to the Minister:

                              (i)  withdraw the previous schedule; and

                             (ii)  inform the Minister of the variation; and

                     (d)  give the Minister a replacement schedule incorporating the variation.

Note 1:       The provider must comply with subsection 19‑87(3) when varying a student contribution amount.

Note 2:       The provider must comply with subsection 19‑90(4) when varying a tuition fee.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

             (4)  Subsections (1) and (2) apply to the replacement schedule in a corresponding way to the way in which they apply to the previous schedule.

19‑97  Schedules of accelerator program course fees

             (1)  This section applies if a higher education provider is required by section 19‑92 to determine an *accelerator program course fee for an *accelerator program course the provider provides or proposes to provide during a period ascertained in accordance with the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

             (2)  The provider must give the Minister a schedule of the *accelerator program course fees determined under section 19‑92 for all the *accelerator program courses it provides or proposes to provide during the period. It must give the schedule:

                     (a)  in a form approved in writing by the Minister (if any); and

                     (b)  in accordance with the requirements that the Minister determines in writing (if any).

             (3)  The provider must:

                     (a)  ensure that the schedule provides sufficient information to enable a person to work out, for each *accelerator program course the provider provides or is to provide during the period, the person’s *accelerator program course fee; and

                     (b)  publish the schedule for a particular period by the date ascertained in accordance with the Higher Education Provider Guidelines; and

                     (c)  ensure that the schedule is available to all students enrolled, and persons seeking to enrol, with the provider on request and without charge.

Civil penalty:          60 penalty units.

19‑100  Limits on fees for courses of study

                   A higher education provider must not charge a person a *fee for a *course of study that exceeds the sum of the person’s *tuition fees for all of the units of study undertaken with the provider by the person as part of the course.

19‑102  Meaning of fee

             (1)  A fee includes any tuition, examination or other fee payable to a higher education provider by a person enrolled with, or applying for enrolment with, the provider.

             (2)  A fee may also include any fee payable to the provider in respect of the granting of a *higher education award.

             (3)  A fee does not include a fee that is:

                     (a)  payable in respect of an organisation of students, or of students and other persons; or

                     (b)  payable in respect of the provision to students of amenities or services that are not of an academic nature; or

                     (c)  payable in respect of residential accommodation; or

                     (d)  imposed in accordance with the Higher Education Provider Guidelines for the imposition of fees in respect of *overseas students; or

                     (e)  payable in respect of studies (other than an *enabling course) that are not permitted to be undertaken for the purpose of obtaining a *higher education award; or

                      (f)  determined, in accordance with the Higher Education Provider Guidelines, to be a fee of a kind that is incidental to studies that may be undertaken with a higher education provider; or

                     (g)  a *student contribution amount payable in respect of a student.

             (4)  The definition of fee in this section does not apply for the purposes of section 104‑50.

19‑105  Meaning of tuition fee

                   A person’s tuition fee for a unit of study is:

                     (a)  if only one fee has been determined for the unit under subsection 19‑90(2)—that fee; or

                     (b)  if more than one fee has been determined for the unit under that subsection—the fee determined under that subsection that applies to the person.

Subdivision 19‑GThe compact and academic freedom requirements

19‑110  Table A providers and Table B providers must enter into mission based compacts

             (1)  A higher education provider that is a *Table A provider or a *Table B provider must, in respect of each year for which a grant is paid to the provider under this Act, enter into a mission based compact with the Commonwealth for a period that includes that year.

             (2)  The Minister may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, enter into a mission based compact with a *Table A provider or a *Table B provider.

             (3)  The mission based compact must include:

                     (a)  a statement of the provider’s mission; and

                     (b)  a statement of the provider’s strategies for teaching and learning; and

                     (c)  a statement of the provider’s strategies for:

                              (i)  undertaking research; and

                             (ii)  research training; and

                            (iii)  innovation; and

                     (d)  a statement of the provider’s strategies for engaging with industry; and

                     (e)  a statement of the provider’s strategies for improving equality of opportunity in higher education.

Note:          A mission based compact may include other matters.

             (4)  The *Secretary must cause a copy of each mission based compact to be published on the Department’s website within 28 days after the making of the compact.

19‑115  Provider to have policy upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom

                   A higher education provider that is a *Table A provider or a *Table B provider must have a policy that upholds freedom of speech and academic freedom.

Division 22When does a body cease to be a higher education provider?

Subdivision 22‑AGeneral

22‑1  Cessation of approval as a provider

             (1)  A body ceases to be approved as a higher education provider:

                     (a)  if a decision to revoke the approval is in effect under Subdivision 22‑AA, 22‑B or 22‑D; or

                     (b)  while the approval is suspended under section 22‑30; or

                     (c)  if the notice of the provider’s approval ceases to have effect under Part 2 of Chapter 3 (parliamentary scrutiny of legislative instruments) of the Legislation Act 2003.

             (2)  If a body ceases to be approved as a higher education provider, the Minister must ensure that *TEQSA is notified, in writing, of the cessation.

Subdivision 22‑AARevocation of approval if registration ceases or winding up order made

22‑2  Automatic revocation of approval if registration ceases

             (1)  The Minister must revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if:

                     (a)  the body is no longer a *registered higher education provider; and

                     (b)  in a case where *TEQSA has made either of the following decisions under the *TEQSA Act, the decision has not been set aside or quashed, and is no longer *subject to review:

                              (i)  a decision under section 36 of that Act to refuse an application to renew the body’s registration under Part 3 of that Act;

                             (ii)  a decision under section 101 of that Act to cancel the body’s registration under Part 3 of that Act.

             (2)  The Minister must notify the body in writing of the revocation. The notice must specify that the revocation takes effect on the day that the notice is registered in the *Federal Register of Legislation.

             (3)  A notice of revocation under subsection (2) is a legislative instrument, but section 42 (disallowance) of the Legislation Act 2003 does not apply to the notice.

             (4)  A decision of the Minister to revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider takes effect on the day that the notice of revocation under subsection (2) is registered in the *Federal Register of Legislation.

22‑3  Automatic revocation of approval if winding up order made

             (1)  The Minister must revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if:

                     (a)  an order is made by a court, or by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission under Part 5.4C of the Corporations Act 2001, for the winding up of the body; and

                     (b)  the order has not been set aside or quashed, and is no longer *subject to review.

             (2)  The Minister must notify the body in writing of the revocation. The notice must specify that the revocation takes effect on the day that the notice is registered in the *Federal Register of Legislation.

             (3)  A notice of revocation under subsection (2) is a legislative instrument, but section 42 (disallowance) of the Legislation Act 2003 does not apply to the notice.

             (4)  A decision of the Minister to revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider takes effect on the day that the notice of revocation under subsection (2) is registered in the *Federal Register of Legislation.

Subdivision 22‑BRevocation for cause

22‑5  Revocation of approval if application for approval as a provider is false or misleading

                   The Minister may revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if the Minister:

                     (a)  is satisfied that the body’s application under section 16‑40 for approval as a higher education provider contained material that was false or misleading; and

                     (b)  complies with the requirements of section 22‑20.

22‑7  Revocation of approval if providing education and/or conducting research ceases to be the body’s principal purpose

             (1)  The Minister may revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if:

                     (a)  the body’s principal purpose is no longer, or is no longer taken to be, either or both of the following:

                              (i)  to provide education;

                             (ii)  to conduct research; and

                     (c)  the Minister complies with the requirements of section 22‑20.

             (2)  The Minister may also revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if:

                     (a)  the Minister is satisfied that any of the body’s purposes conflict with the body’s principal purpose of providing education and/or conducting research; and

                     (b)  the Minister complies with the requirements of section 22‑20.

22‑10  Revocation of approval if status or accreditation changes

Bodies that cease to be Australian universities

             (1)  The Minister may revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if:

                     (a)  the body was an *Australian university at the last time the body became a higher education provider; and

                     (b)  since that time, the body has ceased to be an Australian university; and

                     (c)  the Minister complies with the requirements of section 22‑20.

Bodies that cease to be self‑accrediting entities

             (2)  The Minister may revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if:

                     (a)  the body was a *self‑accrediting entity at the last time the body became a higher education provider; and

                     (b)  since that time, the body has ceased to be a self‑accrediting entity; and

                     (c)  the Minister complies with the requirements of section 22‑20.

Self‑accrediting entities that cease to have authority to accredit courses

          (2A)  The Minister may revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if:

                     (a)  the body was a *self‑accrediting entity at the last time the body became a higher education provider; and

                     (b)  the body is no longer authorised by or under the *TEQSA Act to self‑accredit a *course of study that the body was authorised to self‑accredit at that time; and

                     (c)  the Minister complies with the requirements of section 22‑20.

Bodies that cease to be non self‑accrediting entities

             (3)  The Minister may revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if:

                     (a)  the body was a *non self‑accrediting entity at the last time the body became a higher education provider; and

                     (b)  since that time, the body has ceased to be a non self‑accrediting entity; and

                     (c)  the Minister complies with the requirements of section 22‑20.

Bodies offering courses that cease to be accredited courses

             (4)  The Minister may revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if:

                     (a)  the body was a *self‑accrediting entity or a *non self‑accrediting entity at the last time the body became a higher education provider; and

                     (b)  a *course of study offered by the body that was an *accredited course ceases to be an accredited course; and

                     (c)  the Minister complies with the requirements of section 22‑20.

Bodies that no longer meet certain approval criteria

             (5)  The Minister may revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if:

                     (a)  the body no longer meets a requirement set out in:

                              (i)  paragraph 16‑25(1)(a); or

                             (ii)  paragraph 16‑25(1)(da); and

                     (b)  the Minister complies with the requirements of section 22‑20.

22‑15  Revocation of approval as a provider for a breach of conditions or the quality and accountability requirements

             (1)  The Minister may revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if the Minister:

                     (a)  is satisfied that the body has:

                              (i)  breached a condition of a grant made to the body under Part 2‑2, 2‑2A, 2‑3 or 2‑4; or

                             (ii)  breached a *quality and accountability requirement; or

                            (iii)  breached a condition imposed on the body’s approval; and

                     (b)  is satisfied that it is appropriate to take that action (see subsection (2)); and

                     (c)  complies with the requirements of section 22‑20.

Note:          Section 16‑60 allows conditions to be imposed on the body’s approval.

             (2)  Without limiting the matters that the Minister may consider in deciding whether it is appropriate under this section to revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider, the Minister may consider any or all of the following matters:

                     (a)  whether the breach in question is of a minor or major nature;

                     (b)  whether the breach has occurred before and, if so, how often;

                     (c)  the impact that the breach may have on the body’s students;

                     (d)  the impact of the breach on the higher education provided by the body;

                     (e)  the impact of the breach on Australia’s reputation as a provider of high quality higher education;

                      (f)  any other matter set out in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

22‑17  Revocation of approval as a provider if provider etc. not a fit and proper person

             (1)  The Minister may revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider if the Minister:

                     (a)  is satisfied that:

                              (i)  the body; or

                             (ii)  at least one person who makes, or participates in making, decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the body’s affairs;

                            is not a fit and proper person; and

                     (b)  complies with the requirements of section 22‑20.

             (2)  The Minister must, in deciding whether he or she is satisfied that a person is not a fit and proper person, take into account the matters specified in an instrument under subsection 16‑25(4). The Minister may take into account any other matters he or she considers relevant.

Subdivision 22‑CProcess for decisions on revocation under Subdivision 22‑B

22‑20  Process for revoking approval

             (1)  Before revoking a body’s approval as a higher education provider under Subdivision 22‑B, the Minister must give the body notice in writing:

                     (a)  stating that the Minister is considering revoking the body’s approval; and

                     (b)  stating the reasons why the Minister is considering revoking the body’s approval; and

                     (c)  inviting the body to make written submissions to the Minister within 28 days concerning why the approval should not be revoked.

             (2)  In deciding whether or not to revoke a body’s approval under Subdivision 22‑B, the Minister must consider any submissions received from the body within the 28 day period.

             (3)  The Minister must notify the body in writing of his or her decision whether to revoke the body’s approval under Subdivision 22‑B. The notice:

                     (a)  must be in writing; and

                     (b)  must be given within the period of 28 days following the period in which submissions may have been given to the Minister under subsection (1); and

                     (c)  if the Minister decides to revoke the body’s approval—must specify that the revocation takes effect on the day that the notice is registered in the *Federal Register of Legislation.

          (3A)  A notice of revocation under subsection (3) is a legislative instrument.

             (4)  If no notice is given within the period provided for in subsection (3), the Minister is taken to have decided not to revoke the approval.

             (5)  A decision of the Minister to revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider takes effect on the day that the notice of revocation under subsection (3) is registered in the *Federal Register of Legislation.

             (6)  If the notice of revocation under subsection (3) ceases to have effect under Part 2 of Chapter 3 (parliamentary scrutiny of legislative instruments) of the Legislation Act 2003, then the decision to revoke the approval ceases to have effect at the same time.

22‑25  Determination retaining approval as a provider in respect of existing students

             (1)  The Minister may determine, in writing, that a revocation of a body’s approval as a higher education provider under Subdivision 22‑B is of no effect for the purposes of:

                     (a)  grants to the body under this Chapter; and

                     (b)  assistance payable to the body’s students under Chapter 3;

to the extent that the grants or assistance relate to students of the body who have not completed the *courses of study in which they were enrolled with the body on the day referred to in subsection 22‑20(5).

             (2)  The determination may be included in the notice of revocation under subsection 22‑20(3).

             (3)  The body is taken, for the purposes of this Act, to continue to be a higher education provider, but only to the extent referred to in subsection (1).

             (4)  Subsection (3) does not prevent the Minister subsequently revoking the body’s approval as a higher education provider under this Division.

22‑30  Suspension of approval as a provider

             (1)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that, with effect from a specified day, a body’s approval as a higher education provider is suspended pending the making of a decision under Subdivision 22‑B as to whether to revoke the body’s approval as a provider.

             (2)  A copy of the determination must be given to the body concerned.

          (2A)  Before the Minister makes a determination under subsection (1) in respect of a body, the Minister must give the body notice in writing:

                     (a)  stating that the Minister is considering suspending the body’s approval; and

                     (b)  stating the reasons why the Minister is considering suspending the body’s approval; and

                     (c)  inviting the body to respond to the Minister, in writing, within 14 days of the date of the notice.

          (2B)  In deciding whether or not to make a determination under subsection (1), the Minister must consider any response received from the body within the 14 day period.

             (3)  If the Minister makes a determination under subsection (1) in respect of a body, the Minister must give to the body a notice under section 22‑20 within a reasonable period of time after giving a copy of the determination to the body.

             (4)  A determination under this section:

                     (a)  takes effect accordingly on the day specified in the determination; and

                     (b)  ceases to have effect if the Minister decides not to revoke the body’s approval as a higher education provider.

22‑32  Determination retaining approval as a provider in respect of existing students following suspension of approval

             (1)  The Minister may determine, in writing, that a suspension of a body’s approval as a higher education provider under section 22‑30 is of no effect for the purposes of:

                     (a)  grants to the body under this Chapter; and

                     (b)  assistance payable to the body’s students under Chapter 3;

to the extent that the grants or assistance relate to students of the body who have not completed the *courses of study in which they were enrolled with the body on the day specified for the purposes of paragraph 22‑30(4)(a).

             (2)  A copy of the determination must be given to the body concerned.

             (3)  The body is taken, for the purposes of this Act, to continue to be a higher education provider, but only to the extent referred to in subsection (1).

             (4)  Subsection (3) does not prevent the Minister subsequently revoking the body’s approval as a higher education provider under this Division.

             (5)  A determination made under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.

Subdivision 22‑DRevocation of approval on application

22‑40  Revocation of approval as a provider on application

             (1)  The Minister may revoke the approval of a body as a higher education provider if the body requests the Minister in writing to revoke the approval.

             (2)  The request must be given to the Minister at least 30 days before the day on which the revocation is requested to have effect.

             (3)  The Minister must cause the body to be notified of the revocation. The notice must:

                     (a)  be in writing; and

                     (b)  be given to the body at least 14 days before the day on which the revocation is to take effect.

          (3A)  A notice of revocation under subsection (3) is a legislative instrument.

             (4)  The revocation has effect on the day requested unless another day is specified in the notice under subsection (3).

Subdivision 22‑ENotice of approval or revocation ceasing to have effect under the Legislation Act 2003

22‑45  Notice of approval ceasing to have effect under the Legislation Act 2003

             (1)  This section applies if:

                     (a)  a decision of the Minister to approve a body corporate as a higher education provider has taken effect; and

                     (b)  the body ceases to be approved as a higher education provider because the notice of the approval ceases to have effect under Part 2 of Chapter 3 (parliamentary scrutiny of legislative instruments) of the Legislation Act 2003.

             (2)  The fact that the body ceases to be approved as a higher education provider does not:

                     (a)  affect:

                              (i)  the operation of this Act, or any instrument made under this Act, in relation to the body before the cessation; or

                             (ii)  anything duly done or suffered in relation to the body before the cessation; or

                     (b)  affect any right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired, accrued or incurred before the cessation; or

                     (c)  affect any penalty, forfeiture or punishment incurred in respect of the body having been a higher education provider; or

                     (d)  affect any investigation, legal proceeding or remedy in respect of any such right, privilege, obligation, liability, penalty, forfeiture or punishment.

Any such investigation, legal proceeding or remedy may be instituted, continued or enforced, and any such penalty, forfeiture or punishment may be imposed, as if the body had not ceased to be approved as a higher education provider.

22‑50  Notice of revocation ceasing to have effect under the Legislation Act 2003

             (1)  This section applies if:

                     (a)  a decision of the Minister to revoke a body’s approval as a higher education provider has taken effect; and

                     (b)  the decision to revoke the approval ceases to have effect because the notice of revocation ceases to have effect under Part 2 of Chapter 3 (parliamentary scrutiny of legislative instruments) of the Legislation Act 2003.

             (2)  The fact that the decision to revoke the approval ceases to have effect does not:

                     (a)  affect:

                              (i)  the operation of this Act, or any instrument made under this Act, in relation to the body before the cessation; or

                             (ii)  anything duly done or suffered in relation to the body before the cessation; or

                     (b)  affect any right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired, accrued or incurred before the cessation; or

                     (c)  affect any penalty, forfeiture or punishment incurred in respect of the body before the cessation; or

                     (d)  affect any investigation, legal proceeding or remedy in respect of any such right, privilege, obligation, liability, penalty, forfeiture or punishment.

Any such investigation, legal proceeding or remedy may be instituted, continued or enforced, and any such penalty, forfeiture or punishment may be imposed, as if the decision to revoke the approval had not ceased to have effect.

Part 2‑2Commonwealth Grant Scheme

Division 27Introduction

27‑1  What this Part is about

Grants are payable under this Part to higher education providers that meet certain requirements. These grants are paid in relation to Commonwealth supported places.

Grants are subject to several conditions relating to the provision of Commonwealth supported places and other matters.

Amounts of grants may be reduced, or some or all of a grant may be repayable if a condition is breached (see Part 2‑5).

Note:          This Part does not apply to Table C providers: see section 5‑1.

27‑5  Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines

                   The grants payable under this Part are also dealt with in the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines. The provisions of this Part indicate when a particular matter is or may be dealt with in these Guidelines.

Note:          The Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines are made by the Minister under section 238‑10.

Division 30Which higher education providers are eligible for a grant?

Subdivision 30‑ABasic rules

30‑1  Eligibility for grants

             (1)  A grant under this Part is payable, as a benefit to students, to a higher education provider, in respect of the year 2005 or a later year, if:

                     (a)  the provider:

                              (i)  is a *Table A provider; and

                             (ii)  has entered into a funding agreement with the Commonwealth under section 30‑25 in respect of a period that includes that year; or

                     (b)  all of the following apply:

                              (i)  the provider is a higher education provider specified in the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines as a higher education provider that can be paid grants under this Part;

                             (ii)  the Minister has made an allocation under section 30‑10 to the provider for that year;

                            (iii)  the provider has entered into a funding agreement with the Commonwealth under section 30‑25 in respect of a period that includes that year.

             (2)  However, a grant is payable to a higher education provider that is not a *Table A provider only if the grant relates only to *national priorities.

Subdivision 30‑BAllocation of places

30‑10  Allocation of places

             (1)  The Minister may allocate a specified number of Commonwealth supported places for a year to:

                     (a)  a *Table A provider in relation to *designated higher education courses; and

                     (b)  a higher education provider referred to in subparagraph 30‑1(1)(b)(i).

Note:          The Minister does not allocate places to Table A providers in relation to higher education courses or demand driven higher education courses.

             (2)  The allocation must specify the distribution of those places between the *funding clusters.

          (2A)  If the provider has indicated to the Minister its preferred distribution of those places, the Minister must have regard to that preferred distribution in deciding the distribution of those places.

             (4)  If the provider is not a *Table A provider, the allocation must specify:

                     (a)  that it is only in respect of *national priorities; and

                     (b)  the number of places for each national priority for which the provider is allocated places; and

                     (c)  the number of places (if any) for each *funding cluster that are in respect of *non‑grandfathered students; and

                     (d)  the number of places (if any) for each funding cluster (other than the *first funding cluster and the *second funding cluster) that are in respect of *grandfathered students; and

                     (e)  the number of places (if any) for each *grandfathered funding cluster part that are in respect of grandfathered students.

             (5)  If the allocation made under subsection (1) is made in writing, the allocation is not a legislative instrument.

30‑12  Designated higher education courses

             (1)  Each of the following is a designated higher education course in relation to a *Table A provider:

                     (a)  a *course of study in medicine;

                     (b)  a *course of study of a kind determined under subsection (2).

             (2)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine a kind of *course of study for the purposes of paragraph (1)(b).

30‑15  Funding clusters

                   The funding clusters are:

 

Funding clusters

Item

Funding clusters

1

Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture

2

Education, Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work

3

Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science

4

Agriculture, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pathology

30‑20  National priorities

                   A national priority is a particular outcome:

                     (a)  that relates to the provision of higher education; and

                     (b)  that is an outcome specified in the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines as a national priority.

Note:          The following are examples of national priorities:

(a)    increasing the number of persons undertaking particular courses of study;

(b)    increasing the number of particular kinds of persons undertaking courses of study;

(c)    increasing the number of persons in particular regions undertaking courses of study.

Subdivision 30‑CFunding agreements

30‑25  Funding agreements

             (1)  The Minister may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, enter into a funding agreement with a higher education provider relating to grants under this Part in respect of each year in a period of 3 years (the grant years).

          (1A)  In negotiating the agreement the Minister must have regard to all of the types of matters that the provider has indicated to the Minister it wishes to be specified in the agreement.

             (2)  The agreement may specify conditions to which the grants are subject, that are additional to the conditions that apply under Division 36.

Note:          It is a condition of the grants that the provider comply with the agreement: see section 36‑65.

          (2A)  However, the agreement must not specify as a condition to which the grants are subject a matter in respect of which the Minister could have made a determination under subsection 36‑15(2) (or could have made such a determination but for subsection 36‑15(3)).

Note:          The Minister has the power under subsection 36‑15(2) to determine that students are not to be enrolled as Commonwealth supported students in particular courses. The determination is disallowable (see subsection 36‑15(3)).

          (2B)  Where the agreement specifies conditions to which the grants are subject, that are additional to the conditions that apply under Division 36, those conditions must not relate to industrial relations matters.

             (3)  Without limiting subsection (2), the agreement may specify:

                    (aa)  the *number of Commonwealth supported places allocated to the provider for a *funding cluster, or a *grandfathered funding cluster part, for the grant year; and

                     (a)  in relation to one or more of the following:

                              (i)  places in *undergraduate courses of study;

                             (ii)  places in non‑research *postgraduate courses of study;

                            (iii)  places in courses of study in medical programs;

                            (iv)  places in courses of study in *enabling courses;

                            the minimum *number of Commonwealth supported places that the provider must provide in the grant year or grant years, or the maximum number of Commonwealth supported places that the provider may provide in the grant year or grant years, or both; and

                     (c)  the maximum number of Commonwealth supported places provided by the provider which can have a medical student loading in the grant years; and

                     (e)  the maximum amount of transition fund loading that will be payable to the provider, under the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines, in the grant years; and

                     (g)  adjustments that will apply to the amount of a grant payable to the provider under this Part if the provider breaches a condition of the grant.

30‑27  Specification of maximum basic grant amounts in funding agreements

Maximum basic grant amounts for Table A providers

             (1)  Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (5), a funding agreement for a higher education provider that is a *Table A provider:

                     (a)  must specify an amount as the maximum basic grant amount payable to the provider for a *grant year for *higher education courses; and

                     (b)  may specify an amount as the maximum basic grant amount payable to the provider for a *grant year for each of the following:

                              (i)  *designated higher education courses;

                             (ii)  *demand driven higher education courses.

Table A providers—maximum basic grant amount for higher education courses

             (2)  If a funding agreement for a *Table A provider is in respect of 2021, 2022 and 2023, the maximum basic grant amount for the provider for each of those years for *higher education courses must not be less than the amount specified in the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines for the purposes of this subsection for the provider for each of those years for those courses.

             (3)  If a funding agreement for a *Table A provider is in respect of other later years, the maximum basic grant amount for the provider for each of those years for *higher education courses must not be less than:

                     (a)  for 2024—the amount specified in the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines for the purposes of this paragraph for the provider for that year for those courses; and

                     (b)  for any other later year—the maximum basic grant amount specified in the provider’s funding agreement for the preceding year for those courses.

             (4)  Without limiting subsection (2) and paragraph (3)(a), the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines may:

                     (a)  specify different amounts for different years for the purposes of that subsection; and

                     (b)  specify different amounts for different *Table A providers for the purposes of that subsection or paragraph.

Table A providers—maximum basic grant amount for designated higher education courses

             (5)  The maximum basic grant amount for a *Table A provider for a *grant year for *designated higher education courses must not be less than the amount worked out for the year for those courses using the method statement set out in paragraph 33‑5(3)(b) with the following modifications:

                     (a)  read a reference in step 1 of that statement to places provided by the provider in a *funding cluster as a reference to places allocated under section 30‑10 to the provider in that funding cluster;

                     (b)  disregard paragraph (a) of that step.

Maximum basic grant amount for non‑Table A providers

             (6)  Subject to subsection (7), a funding agreement for a higher education provider (other than a *Table A provider) may specify an amount as the maximum basic grant amount payable to the provider for a *grant year.

             (7)  The maximum basic grant amount for a higher education provider (other than a *Table A provider) for a *grant year must not be less than the amount worked out for the year using the method statement set out in paragraph 33‑5(7)(b) with the following modifications:

                     (a)  read a reference in steps 1, 2 and 3 of that statement to places provided by the provider in a *funding cluster or a *grandfathered funding cluster part as a reference to places allocated under section 30‑10 to the provider in that funding cluster or grandfathered funding cluster part;

                     (b)  disregard paragraph (a) of each of those steps.

30‑28  Funding agreement to be published

                   The *Secretary must cause a copy of each funding agreement to be published on the Department’s website within 28 days after the making of the agreement.

Division 33How are grant amounts worked out?

Subdivision 33‑ABasic rule

33‑1  How grant amount is worked out

             (1)  The amount of a grant payable to a higher education provider under this Part for a year is worked out by:

                     (a)  working out the *total basic grant amount for the provider for that year under Subdivision 33‑B; and

                     (b)  adding:

                             (ii)  the amount of any medical student loading worked out under the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines for the provider for that year; and

                            (iv)  the amount of any transition fund loading worked out under the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines for the provider for that year; and

                             (v)  the amount of any performance funding grant amount worked out under the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines for the provider for that year.

             (2)  Advances may be paid to a higher education provider under Subdivision 33‑D.

Note:          Part 5‑1 deals with how payments can be made.

Subdivision 33‑BTotal basic grant amounts

33‑5  Total basic grant amounts

Total basic grant amount for Table A providers

             (1)  The total basic grant amount for a *Table A provider for a year is the sum of the following amounts:

                     (a)  the amount for *higher education courses (see subsection (2));

                     (b)  the amount for *designated higher education courses (see subsections (3) and (4));

                     (c)  the amount for *demand driven higher education courses (see subsections (5) and (6)).

Table A providers—amount for higher education courses

             (2)  For the purposes of paragraph (1)(a), the amount for *higher education courses is the lesser of:

                     (a)  the *maximum basic grant amount for the year for those courses that is specified in the *Table A provider’s funding agreement; and

                     (b)  the amount worked out for the year using the following method statement.

Method statement

Step 1.   For each *funding cluster in which the provider has provided places in those courses in respect of *non‑grandfathered students, multiply:

               (a)     the *number of Commonwealth supported places provided by the provider in those courses in that funding cluster in respect of those students; by

              (b)     the *Commonwealth contribution amount for a place in that funding cluster.

Step 2.   For each *funding cluster (other than the *first funding cluster and the *second funding cluster) in which the provider has provided places in those courses in respect of *grandfathered students, multiply:

               (a)     the *number of Commonwealth supported places provided by the provider in those courses in that funding cluster in respect of those students; by

              (b)     the *Commonwealth contribution amount for a place in that funding cluster.

Step 3.   For each *grandfathered funding cluster part in which the provider has provided places in those courses in respect of *grandfathered students, multiply:

               (a)     the *number of Commonwealth supported places provided by the provider in those courses in that grandfathered funding cluster part in respect of those students; by

              (b)     the *grandfathered Commonwealth contribution amount for a place in that grandfathered funding cluster part.

Step 4.   Add together all of the amounts worked out under steps 1, 2 and 3.

Table A providers—amount for designated higher education courses

             (3)  For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b) and subject to subsection (4), the amount for *designated higher education courses is the lesser of:

                     (a)  the *maximum basic grant amount for the year for those courses that is specified in the *Table A provider’s funding agreement; and

                     (b)  the amount worked out for the year using the following method statement.

Method statement

Step 1.   For each *funding cluster in which the provider has provided places in those courses, multiply the *Commonwealth contribution amount for a place in that funding cluster by the lesser of the following:

               (a)     the number that is the sum of the *number of Commonwealth supported places provided by the provider in those courses in that funding cluster in respect of *non‑grandfathered students and in respect of *grandfathered students;

              (b)     the number of Commonwealth supported places allocated to the provider for that funding cluster.

Step 2.   Add together all of the amounts worked out under step 1.

             (4)  If a *maximum basic grant amount for the year for the *designated higher education courses is not specified in the *Table A provider’s funding agreement, the amount for those courses is the amount worked out for the year using the method statement set out in paragraph (3)(b).

Table A providers—amount for demand driven higher education courses

             (5)  For the purposes of paragraph (1)(c) and subject to subsection (6), the amount for *demand driven higher education courses is the lesser of:

                     (a)  the *maximum basic grant amount for the year for those courses that is specified in the *Table A provider’s funding agreement; and

                     (b)  the amount worked out for the year using the following method statement.

Method statement

Step 1.   For each *funding cluster in which the provider has provided places in those courses in respect of *non‑grandfathered students, multiply:

               (a)     the *number of Commonwealth supported places provided by the provider in those courses in that funding cluster in respect of those students; by

              (b)     the *Commonwealth contribution amount for a place in that funding cluster.

Step 2.   For each *funding cluster (other than the *first funding cluster and the *second funding cluster) in which the provider has provided places in those courses in respect of *grandfathered students, multiply:

               (a)     the *number of Commonwealth supported places provided by the provider in those courses in that funding cluster in respect of those students; by

              (b)     the *Commonwealth contribution amount for a place in that funding cluster.

Step 3.   For each *grandfathered funding cluster part in which the provider has provided places in those courses in respect of *grandfathered students, multiply:

               (a)     the *number of Commonwealth supported places provided by the provider in those courses in that grandfathered funding cluster part in respect of those students; by

              (b)     the *grandfathered Commonwealth contribution amount for a place in that grandfathered funding cluster part.

Step 4.   Add together all of the amounts worked out under steps 1, 2 and 3.

             (6)  If a *maximum basic grant amount for the year for the *demand driven higher education courses is not specified in the *Table A provider’s funding agreement, the amount for those courses is the amount worked out for the year using the method statement set out in paragraph (5)(b).

Total basic grant amount for non‑Table A providers

             (7)  Subject to subsection (8), the total basic grant amount for a higher education provider (other than a *Table A provider) for a year is the lesser of:

                     (a)  the *maximum basic grant amount for the year that is specified in the provider’s funding agreement; and

                     (b)  the amount worked out for the year using the following method statement.

Method statement

Step 1.   For each *funding cluster in which the provider has provided places in respect of *non‑grandfathered students, multiply the *Commonwealth contribution amount for a place in that funding cluster by the lesser of the following:

               (a)     the *number of Commonwealth supported places provided by the provider in that funding cluster in respect of those students;

              (b)     the number of Commonwealth supported places allocated to the provider for that funding cluster in respect of those students.

Step 2.   For each *funding cluster (other than the *first funding cluster and the *second funding cluster) in which the provider has provided places in respect of *grandfathered students, multiply the *Commonwealth contribution amount for a place in that funding cluster by the lesser of the following:

               (a)     the *number of Commonwealth supported places provided by the provider in that funding cluster in respect of those students;

              (b)     the number of Commonwealth supported places allocated to the provider for that funding cluster in respect of those students.

Step 3.   For each *grandfathered funding cluster part in which the provider has provided places in respect of *grandfathered students, multiply the *grandfathered Commonwealth contribution amount for a place in that grandfathered funding cluster part by the lesser of the following:

               (a)     the *number of Commonwealth supported places provided by the provider in that part in respect of those students;

              (b)     the number of Commonwealth supported places allocated to the provider for that part in respect of those students.

Step 4.   Add together all of the amounts worked out under steps 1, 2 and 3.

             (8)  If a *maximum basic grant amount for the year is not specified in the funding agreement of the higher education provider referred to in subsection (7), the total basic grant amount for the provider is the amount worked out for the year using the method statement set out in paragraph (7)(b).

33‑10  Commonwealth contribution amounts and grandfathered Commonwealth contribution amounts

             (1)  The Commonwealth contribution amount for a place in a *funding cluster is the amount specified in the following table in relation to a place in the funding cluster.

 

Commonwealth contribution amounts

Item

For a place in this funding cluster:

The amount is:

1

Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture

$1,100

2

Education, Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work

$13,250

3

Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science

$16,250

4

Agriculture, Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Pathology

$27,000

Note:          Commonwealth contribution amounts are indexed under Part 5‑6.

             (2)  The grandfathered Commonwealth contribution amount for a place in a *grandfathered funding cluster part is the amount specified in the following table in relation to a place in the grandfathered funding cluster part.

 

Grandfathered Commonwealth contribution amounts

Item

For a place in this grandfathered funding cluster part:

The amount is:

1

Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics or Commerce

$2,237

2

Communications

$13,547

3

The Social Studies or Behavioural Science subpart of the Society and Culture part of the first funding cluster

$11,015

4

Any other subpart of the Society and Culture part of the first funding cluster

$6,226

5

Education, Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment or Computing

$13,250

6

Visual and Performing Arts

$13,547

7

Professional Pathway Psychology or Professional Pathway Social Work

$11,015

Note:          Grandfathered Commonwealth contribution amounts are indexed under Part 5‑6.

33‑30  Working out the number of Commonwealth supported places provided

             (1)  The number of Commonwealth supported places that a higher education provider has provided in respect of *non‑grandfathered students during a particular year is a number equal to the number worked out as follows:

Method statement

Step 1.   For each unit of study (other than any unit that is an *ineligible work experience unit for a *non‑grandfathered student) that the provider provided that had its *census date during the year, multiply:

               (a)     the *EFTSL value of the unit; by

              (b)     the number of non‑grandfathered students enrolled with the provider in that unit as *Commonwealth supported students.

Step 2.   Add together all of the amounts worked out under step 1.

          (1A)  The number of Commonwealth supported places that a higher education provider has provided in respect of *grandfathered students during a particular year is a number equal to the number worked out as follows:

Method statement

Step 1.   For each unit of study (other than any unit that is an *ineligible work experience unit for a *grandfathered student) that the provider provided that had its *census date during the year, multiply:

               (a)     the *EFTSL value of the unit; by

              (b)     the number of grandfathered students enrolled with the provider in that unit as *Commonwealth supported students.

Step 2.   Add together all of the amounts worked out under step 1.

             (2)  For the purposes of this section, if:

                     (a)  a unit of study provided by the provider forms part of more than one *course of study; and

                     (b)  the provider determines under subsection 169‑28(2) an *EFTSL value of the unit for each such course;

the unit is taken to be a different unit of study in respect of each such course.

             (3)  To work out the *number of Commonwealth supported places that a higher education provider has provided as mentioned in an item of column 1 of the following table, apply the method statement in subsection (1) or (1A) (as the case requires) to the units of study mentioned in column 2 of that item.

 

Working out the number of Commonwealth supported places provided

Item

Column 1

To work out the number of Commonwealth supported places provided in …

Column 2

apply the method statement in subsection (1) or (1A) (as the case requires) to …

1

a *funding cluster or a *grandfathered funding cluster part

units provided by the provider in the funding cluster or the grandfathered funding cluster part.

2

*higher education courses in a *funding cluster or a *grandfathered funding cluster part

units provided by the provider in the funding cluster, or the grandfathered funding cluster part, in those courses.

3

*designated higher education courses in a *funding cluster

units provided by the provider in the funding cluster in those courses.

4

*demand driven higher education courses in a *funding cluster or a *grandfathered funding cluster part

units provided by the provider in the funding cluster, or the grandfathered funding cluster part, in those courses.

33‑35  Funding clusters, or parts of funding clusters, in which units are included

                   The Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines may specify:

                     (a)  how to determine, for the purposes of this Act, the *funding cluster, or the part of a funding cluster, in which units of study are included; or

                     (b)  the particular funding cluster, or the particular part of a particular funding cluster, in which a particular unit is included for the purposes of this Act.

Subdivision 33‑CAdjustments

33‑37  Adjustments for breach of section 19‑37

             (1)  A higher education provider’s *total basic grant amount for a year is reduced by an adjustment in respect of the year if, on one or more occasions during the year, the provider breaches a condition imposed under section 19‑37.

             (2)  The adjustment under subsection (1) is an amount worked out using the formula:

                   Start formula Reduction amount times Total places provided end formula

where:

reduction amount is $100.

Note:          The reduction amount is indexed under Part 5‑6.

total places provided is the sum of the following:

                     (a)  the *number of Commonwealth supported places that the higher education provider has provided in respect of *non‑grandfathered students for the year;

                     (b)  the number of Commonwealth supported places that the higher education provider has provided in respect of *grandfathered students for the year.

             (3)  This section does not apply in relation to a breach of a condition imposed under section 19‑37 by a higher education provider if:

                     (a)  the breach consists of requiring a person to pay money to the provider or another entity; and

                     (b)  as a result of the requirement, the person paid money to the provider or other entity; and

                     (c)  the Minister has given a written notice to the provider under subsection (4); and

                     (d)  the provider or other entity repays the money to the person within 28 days after the Minister gave the notice to the provider.

             (4)  If the Minister becomes aware that:

                     (a)  a higher education provider has breached a condition imposed under section 19‑37; and

                     (b)  the breach consists of requiring a person to pay money to the provider or another entity;

the Minister must give to the provider a written notice:

                     (c)  requiring repayment, within 28 days after the notice is given, of any money paid to the provider or any other entity as a result of the requirement; and

                     (d)  stating that failure to repay any such money within that period will result in a reduction under this section of the provider’s *total basic grant amount for the year in question.

The notice may relate to more than one breach.

             (5)  A failure by the Minister to give a notice under subsection (4) in relation to a breach of a condition imposed under section 19‑37 does not prevent this section from applying in relation to the breach.

             (6)  This section does not apply more than once in relation to a higher education provider’s *total basic grant amount for a year.

Subdivision 33‑DSpecial purpose advances

33‑40  Advances for certain purposes

             (1)  The Minister may, if an amount has been specified under subsection (3A), determine that an advance is payable to a higher education provider, in respect of a year, in relation to expenditure of the provider for such purposes as the Minister determines.

             (2)  The Minister may pay an advance to the provider under subsection (1) on such conditions (if any) as the Minister determines.

             (3)  The total of the advances in respect of a year must not exceed the amount specified by the Minister under subsection (3A).

          (3A)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, specify an amount for the purposes of subsection (3).

             (4)  If the Minister determines an advance for the provider in respect of a year, the amounts of grant payable to the provider under section 33‑1 in respect of:

                     (a)  the year next following that year; or

                     (b)  the 2 years next following that year; or

                     (c)  the 3 years next following that year;

are reduced by amounts that equal in total the amount of the advance.

             (5)  Determinations under subsections (1) and (2), and reductions under subsection (4), must be made in accordance with Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines.

Division 36What are the conditions of receiving a grant?

Subdivision 36‑AGeneral

36‑1  Condition of grant to comply with this Division

             (1)  A higher education provider receives a grant under this Part on condition that the provider complies with this Division.

             (2)  Without limiting subsection (1), the following provisions of this Division do not of their own force require the provider to do any act or thing.

Subdivision 36‑BConditions relating to Commonwealth supported students

36‑5  Meaning of Commonwealth supported student

             (1)  A person is a Commonwealth supported student, in relation to a unit of study, if:

                     (a)  the higher education provider with which he or she is enrolled in that unit has advised the person in writing that he or she is a Commonwealth supported student:

                              (i)  in relation to the unit; or

                             (ii)  if the person is undertaking a *course of study with the provider of which the unit forms a part—in relation to that course of study; and

                     (b)  at the end of the *census date for the unit, the higher education provider would not have been prohibited under this Subdivision from so advising the person.

             (3)  However, the person is not a Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit if he or she notifies an *appropriate officer of the provider that he or she does not wish to be a Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit.

             (4)  A notice under subsection (3):

                     (a)  must be in writing; and

                     (b)  must be given on or before the *census date for the unit.

             (5)  In addition, the person is not a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit of study if the *Secretary determines that the person is not a genuine student in relation to the unit.

             (6)  In determining whether a person is a genuine student for the purposes of subsection (5), the *Secretary must have regard to the matters (if any) specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

             (7)  If a determination under subsection (5) is made in writing, the determination is not a legislative instrument.

36‑10  Advice on whether a person is a Commonwealth supported student—general

When a provider must not advise that a person is Commonwealth supported

             (1)  A higher education provider must not advise a person that he or she is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to a unit of study unless:

                     (a)  the provider has entered into a funding agreement under section 30‑25 for the year in which the person is undertaking the unit; and

                     (b)  the unit contributes to the requirements of a *course of study in which the person is enrolled with that provider or another higher education provider; and

                   (ba)  the person has been assessed by the higher education provider, in accordance with section 19‑42, as academically suited to undertake the unit; and

                     (c)  the person meets the citizenship or residency requirements for the purposes of this paragraph (see subsections (2) and (2A)); and

                     (d)  if the course of study is a course of study other than an *enabling course—the unit is *covered by the person’s Student Learning Entitlement; and

                     (e)  the person:

                              (i)  enrolled in the unit on or before the *census date for the unit; and

                             (ii)  at the end of the census date, remained so enrolled; and

                      (f)  if:

                              (i)  the census date for the unit is on or after 1 January 2021 and before 1 January 2023 and the person commenced the course of study on or after 1 January 2021; or

                             (ii)  the census date for the unit is on or after 1 January 2023;

                            the person meets the *student identifier requirements for the purposes of this paragraph (see subsection (2C)).

When a person meets the citizenship or residency requirements

             (2)  A person meets the citizenship or residency requirements for the purposes of paragraph (1)(c) if the person is:

                     (a)  an Australian citizen; or

                     (b)  a citizen of New Zealand who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit; or

                     (c)  a *permanent visa holder who will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit.

          (2A)  In determining, for the purposes of subparagraph (2)(b) or (c), whether a person will be resident within Australia for the duration of the unit of study, disregard any period of residence outside Australia if:

                     (a)  it cannot reasonably be regarded as indicating an intention to reside outside Australia for the duration of the unit; or

                     (b)  it is required for the purpose of completing a requirement of that unit.

          (2B)  Despite subsections (2) and (2A), a person does not meet the citizenship or residency requirements under subsection (2), if the higher education provider reasonably expects that he or she will not undertake in Australia any units of study contributing to the *course of study of which the unit forms a part.

When a person meets the student identifier requirements

          (2C)  A person meets the *student identifier requirements for the purposes of paragraph (1)(f) if:

                     (a)  the person has a student identifier immediately before the census date; and

                     (b)  before the census date, the person notifies the person’s student identifier to:

                              (i)  an *appropriate officer of the higher education provider; and

                             (ii)  the *Secretary.

          (2D)  A notification under paragraph (2C)(b) may be included in a *request for Commonwealth assistance that the person has given to the higher education provider in relation to:

                     (a)  the unit of study for which the assistance is sought; or

                     (b)  the *course of study of which the unit forms a part; or

                     (c)  any other unit of study forming part of that course.

Persons who do not wish to be Commonwealth supported

             (3)  A higher education provider must not advise a person that he or she is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to a unit of study if the person has notified an *appropriate officer of the provider that he or she does not wish to be a Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit.

             (4)  A notice under subsection (3):

                     (a)  must be in writing; and

                     (b)  must be given on or before the *census date for the unit.

Additional requirement for non‑Table A providers

             (5)  A higher education provider that is not a *Table A provider must not advise a person that he or she is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to a unit of study unless:

                     (a)  the unit in which the person is enrolled is within a *national priority; and

                     (b)  the provider has received a grant under this Part for that national priority for the year in which the person is undertaking the unit; and

                     (c)  if the national priority is a *course of study that has been specified in the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines to be a national priority—the unit is contributing to the requirements of that course.

Additional requirement relating to work experience in industry

             (6)  A higher education provider must not advise a person that he or she is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to a unit of study that wholly consists of *work experience in industry unless:

                     (a)  the unit forms part of a *course of study; and

                     (b)  the person is enrolled, or has previously been enrolled, in another unit of study in that course:

                              (i)  that does not, or did not, wholly consist of work experience in industry; and

                             (ii)  in relation to which the person is, or was, a Commonwealth supported student.

Units of study at full fee summer or winter schools

             (7)  A higher education provider must not advise a person that he or she is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to a unit of study if:

                     (a)  the person undertakes the unit wholly during a summer school period (the current summer school period) or a winter school period (the current winter school period); and

                     (b)  the provider has determined that this subsection applies to the unit.

             (8)  A higher education provider may determine that subsection (7) applies to a unit of study only if each person who could undertake the unit during the current summer school period or current winter school period could undertake, or could have undertaken, the unit during a period other than a summer school period or winter school period as part of a *course of study undertaken by the person with the higher education provider.

             (9)  The higher education provider must make the determination:

                     (a)  before the start of the current summer school period, if the determination relates to a unit undertaken during a summer school period; or

                     (b)  before the start of the current winter school period, if the determination relates to a unit undertaken during a winter school period.

           (10)  In this section:

summer school period means a period that starts on or after 1 November in a year and ends after 1 January, but before 1 March, in the following year.

winter school period means a period that starts on or after 1 June in a year and ends on or before 31 August in that year.

36‑12  Advice on whether a person is a Commonwealth supported student—unreasonable study load

             (1)  A higher education provider must not advise a person that the person is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to a unit of study (the new unit) if the sum of the following amounts is more than 2:

                     (a)  the *EFTSL value of the new unit;

                     (b)  the sum of the EFTSL values of each other unit of study:

                              (i)  that has a *census date during the 12 month period ending on the census date for the new unit; and

                             (ii)  for which the person is entitled to *HECS‑HELP assistance or *FEE‑HELP assistance, or would be so entitled but for the previous operation of this section, or section 104‑1AA, in relation to the other unit of study.

             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply if the higher education provider determines that undertaking the new unit will not impose an unreasonable study load on the person, having regard to:

                     (a)  whether the person has the demonstrated capacity and capability to successfully complete units of study that have a total EFTSL value of more than 2; and

                     (b)  the matters (if any) specified by the Higher Education Provider Guidelines for the purposes of this paragraph.

             (3)  A decision of a higher education provider under subsection (2) must be in accordance with the requirements (if any) specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.

             (4)  If a determination under subsection (2) is made in writing, the determination is not a legislative instrument.

36‑13  Advice on whether a person is a Commonwealth supported student—failure to complete previous units

             (1)  A higher education provider must not advise a person that the person is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to a unit of study if:

                     (a)  in a case where the unit of study is part of a *course of study leading to a *higher education award that is a bachelor degree or higher qualification:

                              (i)  the student has already undertaken 8 or more other units of study with that provider as part of that course of study; and

                             (ii)  the student did not successfully complete at least 50% of those other units; or

                     (b)  in any other case:

                              (i)  the student has already undertaken 4 or more other units of study with that provider as part of a course of study; and

                             (ii)  the student did not successfully complete at least 50% of those other units.

             (2)  In determining, for the purposes of subparagraphs (1)(a)(ii) and (b)(ii), the number of units the student did not successfully complete, disregard any units:

                     (a)  not completed by the student; and

                     (b)  in respect of which the provider is satisfied that special circumstances apply in relation to the student (see subsection (3)).

             (3)  For the purposes of paragraph (2)(b), special circumstances apply in relation to the student in respect of a unit of study if, and only if, the higher education provider is satisfied that circumstances apply in relation to the student that:

                     (a)  are beyond the student’s control; and

                     (b)  do not make their full impact on the student until on or after the *census date for the unit of study; and

                     (c)  make it impracticable for the student to complete the requirements for the unit during the period during which the student undertook, or was to undertake, the unit.

             (4)  The Administration Guidelines may specify circumstances in which a higher education provider will be satisfied of a matter referred to in paragraph (3)(a) or (b).

             (5)  A higher education provider will be satisfied of the matter referred to in paragraph (3)(c) in relation to a unit of study if the provider is satisfied that any of the following circumstances apply in relation to a student:

                     (a)  the student’s medical condition changed or worsened to such an extent that the student was unable to complete the requirements for the unit;

                     (b)  a member of the student’s family died and it is unreasonable to expect the student to have completed the requirements for the unit;

                     (c)  a member of the student’s family had a serious medical condition and it is unreasonable to expect the student to have completed the requirements for the unit;

                     (d)  financial difficulties experienced by the student, or a member of the student’s family, are such that it is unreasonable to expect the student to have completed the requirements for the unit;

                     (e)  the student’s employment status or arrangements changed such that the student was unable to complete the requirements for the unit;

                      (f)  changes made in relation to the unit by the provider, or another higher education provider, disadvantaged the student;

                     (g)  it is unreasonable to expect the student to have completed the requirements for the unit because of a natural disaster, or other emergency, that occurred in Australia;

                     (h)  any other circumstances that the provider considers relevant;

                      (i)  any other circumstances specified in the Administration Guidelines for the purposes of this paragraph.

             (6)  Without limiting paragraph (5)(i), the Administration Guidelines may specify circumstances relating to a matter mentioned in subsection (5).

             (7)  If the Administration Guidelines specify circumstances for the purposes of subsection (4) or paragraph (5)(i), a decision of a higher education provider under this section must be in accordance with those guidelines.

             (8)  If a higher education provider is unable to act for the purposes of this section (other than subsection (1)), the *Secretary may act as if one or more references in this section (other than subsection (1)) to a higher education provider were a reference to the Secretary.

36‑15  Persons not to be advised they are Commonwealth supported

          (1A)  A higher education provider must not advise a person that the person is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to a unit of study if:

                     (a)  the unit contributes to the requirements of a *course of study; and

                     (b)  the course of study is, or is to be, undertaken by the person primarily at an overseas campus.

             (1)  A higher education provider must not advise a person enrolled in a unit of study with the provider that the person is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit if:

                     (a)  the enrolment is in an *employer reserved place; or

                     (b)  the unit forms part of a *bridging course for overseas‑trained professionals; or

                     (c)  the unit forms part of a course to which a determination under subsection (2) applies.

             (2)  The Minister may, by legislative instrument, determine that:

                     (a)  a specified *course of study is not one in respect of which students, or students of a specified kind, may be enrolled in units of study as *Commonwealth supported students; or

                     (b)  a *course of study of a specified type is not one in respect of which students, or students of a specified kind, may be enrolled in units of study as *Commonwealth supported students.

             (3)  In deciding whether to make a determination under subsection (2), the Minister must have regard to the effect of the determination on students undertaking the course, or a course of that type.

             (4)  A determination of the Minister under subsection (2) must not be made later than 6 months before the day that students are able next to commence the specified course, or a course of that type, with the provider.

             (5)  A higher education provider must not advise a person that the person is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to a unit of study if:

                     (a)  the provider has completed any part of a *request for Commonwealth assistance that the person is required to complete; and

                     (b)  the request relates to the person enrolling in the unit of study or, where the unit forms part of a *course of study undertaken with the provider, the course of study.

36‑20  Providers to repay amounts—special circumstances

             (1)  A higher education provider must, on the *Secretary’s behalf, determine that this section applies to a person if:

                     (a)  the person has been enrolled as a *Commonwealth supported student with the provider in a unit of study; and

                     (b)  the unit would, if completed, form part of a *course of study undertaken with that provider or another higher education provider; and

                     (c)  the person has not completed the requirements for the unit during the period during which the person undertook, or was to undertake, the unit; and

                     (d)  the provider is satisfied that special circumstances apply to the person (see section 36‑21); and

                     (e)  the person applies in writing to that provider for either or both:

                              (i)  the repayment of any amounts that the person paid in relation to his or her *student contribution amount for the unit; or

                             (ii)  the remission of the person’s *HECS‑HELP debt in relation to the unit; and

                      (f)  either:

                              (i)  the application is made before the end of the application period under section 36‑22; or

                             (ii)  the provider waives the requirement that the application be made before the end of that period, on the ground that it would not be, or was not, possible for the application to be made before the end of that period.

Note 1:       A HECS‑HELP debt of a person to whom this section applies is remitted under subsection 137‑5(4).

Note 2:       A decision that this section does not apply to a person is reviewable under Part 5‑7.

             (2)  If the provider determines that this section applies to a person, the provider must:

                     (a)  pay to the person an amount equal to the payment, or the sum of the payments, that the person made in relation to his or her *student contribution amount for the unit; and

                     (b)  pay to the Commonwealth an amount equal to any *HECS‑HELP assistance to which the person was entitled for the unit.

             (3)  Subsection (2) does not apply to the provider if:

                     (a)  the person enrolled in the unit as a *replacement unit; or

                     (b)  it is determined that section 36‑24A applies to the person; or

                     (c)  section 36‑24BA applies in relation to the provider in relation to the unit.

             (4)  The Higher Education Provider Guidelines may, in setting out the *tuition protection requirements, specify, in relation to circumstances to which paragraph (3)(a) applies:

                     (a)  the amount (if any) that is to be paid to the person; and

                     (b)  the amount (if any) that is to be paid to the Commonwealth; and

                     (c)  the person (if any) who is to pay the amounts.

             (5)  If a determination made under subsection (1) is made in writing, the determination is not a legislative instrument.

36‑21  Special circumstances

             (1)  For the purposes of paragraph 36‑20(1)(d), special circumstances apply to the person if and only if the higher education provider is satisfied that circumstances apply to the person that:

                     (a)  are beyond the person’s control; and

                     (b)  do not make their full impact on the person until on or after the *census date for the unit of study; and

                     (c)  make it impracticable for the person to complete the requirements for the unit during the period during which the person undertook, or was to undertake, the unit.

             (2)  The Administration Guidelines may specify circumstances in which a higher education provider will be satisfied of a matter referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b) or (c). A decision of a higher education provider under this section must be in accordance with any such guidelines.

Note:          Guidelines made for the purposes of this subsection also have effect for the purposes of subsections 97‑30(2) and 104‑30(2) (re‑crediting a person’s HELP balance).

36‑22  Application period

             (1)  For the purposes of subparagraph 36‑20(1)(f)(i), if:

                     (a)  the person has withdrawn his or her enrolment in the unit of study; and

                     (b)  the higher education provider gives notice to the person that the withdrawal has taken effect;

the application period for the application is the period of 12 months after the day specified in the notice as the day the withdrawal takes effect.

             (2)  If subsection (1) does not apply, the application period for the application is the period of 12 months after the end of the period during which the person undertook, or was to undertake, the unit.

36‑23  Dealing with applications

             (1)  If:

                     (a)  the application under paragraph 36‑20(1)(e) is made before the end of the application period under section 36‑22; or

                     (b)  the higher education provider waives the requirement that the application be made before the end of that period, on the ground that it would not be, or was not, possible for the application to be made before the end of that period;

the provider must, as soon as practicable, consider the matter to which the application relates and notify the applicant of the decision on the application.

             (2)  The notice must include a statement of the reasons for the decision.

36‑24A  Providers to repay amounts—provider defaults

             (1)  A higher education provider must, on the *Secretary’s behalf, determine that this section applies to a person if:

                     (a)  the person has been enrolled as a *Commonwealth supported student with the provider in a unit of study; and

                     (b)  the unit would, if completed, form part of a *course of study undertaken with the provider; and

                     (c)  the person has not completed the requirements for the unit during the period during which the person undertook, or was to undertake, the unit because the provider *defaulted in relation to the person; and

                     (d)  Part 5‑1A applied to the provider at the time the provider defaulted in relation to the person; and

                     (e)  any of the following apply:

                              (i)  the provider identifies, under paragraph 166‑25(4)(b) that there is no suitable *replacement unit or *replacement course for the person;

                             (ii)  the person elects, under subparagraph 166‑25(7)(a)(iii), to have an amount equal to the amounts of *HECS‑HELP assistance that the person received for the unit re‑credited to the student’s *HELP balance;

                            (iii)  the *Higher Education Tuition Protection Director decides, under paragraph 166‑26B(2)(b) that the Director is not satisfied that there is a suitable replacement course for the person;

                            (iv)  the person elects, under subparagraph 166‑26B(4)(a)(iii), to have an amount equal to the amounts of HECS‑HELP assistance that the person received for the unit re‑credited to the student’s HELP balance.

Note:          A HECS‑HELP debt of a person to whom this section applies is remitted under subsection 137‑5(4).

             (2)  The provider must pay to the Commonwealth an amount equal to any *HECS‑HELP assistance to which the person was entitled for the unit.

             (3)  If a determination made under subsection (1) is made in writing, the determination is not a legislative instrument.

36‑24B  Providers to repay amounts—no tax file numbers

             (1)  This section applies to a person if a higher education provider cancels the person’s enrolment in a unit of study under subsection 193‑5(1).

Note:          A HECS‑HELP debt of a person to whom this section applies is remitted under subsection 137‑5(4).

             (2)  The provider must:

                     (a)  pay to the person an amount equal to the payment, or the sum of the payments, that the person made in relation to his or her *student contribution amount for the unit; and

                     (b)  pay to the Commonwealth an amount equal to the amount (if any) that was paid to the provider for the unit under section 96‑1.

36‑24BA  Providers to repay amounts—person’s SLE amount re‑credited in special circumstances

             (1)  This section applies if:

                     (a)  a person has been enrolled as a *Commonwealth supported student with a higher education provider in a unit of study; and

                     (b)  the person’s *SLE amount has been re‑credited under section 79‑1 with an amount equal to the *EFTSL value of the unit.

             (2)  The provider must:

                     (a)  pay to the person an amount equal to the payment, or the sum of the payments, that the person made in relation to the person’s *student contribution amount for the unit; and

                     (b)  pay to the Commonwealth an amount equal to any *HECS‑HELP assistance to which the person was entitled for the unit.

36‑24BB  Providers to repay amounts—provider completes request for assistance

             (1)  This section applies to a person if the person’s *HELP balance is re‑credited with an amount relating to *HECS‑HELP assistance for a unit of study under section 97‑45.

Note:          The person’s HECS‑HELP debt relating to the unit is taken to be remitted if the person’s HELP balance is re‑credited in relation to the unit under section 97‑45: see section 137‑5.

             (2)  The higher education provider must:

                     (a)  pay to the person an amount equal to the payment, or the sum of the payments, that the person made in relation to the person’s *student contribution amount for the unit; and

                     (b)  pay to the Commonwealth an amount equal to the amount (if any) that was paid to the provider for the unit under section 96‑1.

             (3)  Subsection (2) does not apply to the provider if:

                     (a)  the person enrolled in the unit as a *replacement unit; or

                     (b)  it is determined that section 36‑24A applies to the person in relation to the unit.

             (4)  The Higher Education Provider Guidelines may, in setting out the *tuition protection requirements, specify, in relation to circumstances to which paragraph (3)(a) applies:

                     (a)  the amount (if any) that is to be paid to the person; and

                     (b)  the amount (if any) that is to be paid to the Commonwealth; and

                     (c)  the person (if any) who is to pay the amounts.

36‑24BC  Providers to repay amounts—person not entitled to assistance

             (1)  This section applies to a person if the person’s *HELP balance is re‑credited with an amount relating to *HECS‑HELP assistance for a unit of study under section 97‑50.

Note:          The person’s HECS‑HELP debt relating to the unit is taken to be remitted if the person’s HELP balance is re‑credited in relation to the unit under section 97‑50: see section 137‑5.

             (2)  The higher education provider must:

                     (a)  pay to the person an amount equal to the payment, or the sum of the payments, that the person made in relation to the person’s *student contribution amount for the unit; and

                     (b)  pay to the Commonwealth an amount equal to the amount (if any) that was paid to the provider for the unit under section 96‑1.

             (3)  Subsection (2) does not apply to the provider if:

                     (a)  the person enrolled in the unit as a *replacement unit; or

                     (b)  it is determined that section 36‑24A applies to the person in relation to the unit.

             (4)  The Higher Education Provider Guidelines may, in setting out the *tuition protection requirements, specify, in relation to circumstances to which paragraph (3)(a) applies:

                     (a)  the amount (if any) that is to be paid to the person; and

                     (b)  the amount (if any) that is to be paid to the Commonwealth; and

                     (c)  the person (if any) who is to pay the amounts.

36‑24C  Secretary may act if provider is unable to

                   If a higher education provider is unable to act for one or more of the purposes of subsection 36‑12(2) or 36‑20(1), section 36‑21, 36‑22 or 36‑23 or subsection 36‑24A(1), the *Secretary may act as if one or more of the references in those provisions to the provider were a reference to the Secretary.

Subdivision 36‑CConditions relating to enrolment

36‑25  Continued support for Commonwealth supported students

             (1)  A higher education provider must advise a person who is enrolled in a unit of study with the provider, as part of a *course of study being undertaken with the provider, that he or she is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit if:

                     (a)  the person is or has been a Commonwealth supported student in relation to one or more other units of study, undertaken with the provider, as part of the course; and

                     (b)  the provider is not prohibited, under Subdivision 36‑B, from so advising the person.

             (2)  A *Table A provider (the host provider) must advise a person who is enrolled in a unit of study with the provider, as part of a *course of study being undertaken with another Table A provider (the home provider), that he or she is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit if:

                     (a)  the person is or has been a Commonwealth supported student in relation to one or more other units of study in the course undertaken with the home provider; and

                     (b)  the person must undertake the unit, because it is required to complete the course; and

                     (c)  the host provider is not prohibited, under Subdivision 36‑B, from so advising the person.

             (3)  If a higher education provider has, under subparagraph 36‑5(1)(a)(ii), advised a person that he or she is a Commonwealth supported student in relation to a *course of study with the provider, then the higher education provider is taken to have advised the person that he or she is a Commonwealth supported student in relation to each unit of study undertaken with the provider, as part of that course.

36‑30  Providers to enrol persons as Commonwealth supported students

Table A providers

             (1)  If:

                     (a)  a person is to be enrolled with a *Table A provider in a unit of study; and

                    (aa)  the unit to be undertaken with the provider forms part of an *undergraduate course of study; and

                     (b)  the provider is not prohibited, under Subdivision 36‑B, from advising the person that he or she is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit;

the provider must enrol the person in the unit as a Commonwealth supported student.

             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of a person’s enrolment with a *Table A provider in a unit of study that forms part of an *undergraduate course of study if:

                     (a)  the person commences the undergraduate course of study with the provider before 1 January 2009; or

                     (b)  both:

                              (i)  the person transfers to the undergraduate course of study with the provider on or after 1 January 2009 from another undergraduate course of study in which the person was enrolled with the provider before 1 January 2009; and

                             (ii)  the person had not completed that other undergraduate course of study; or

                     (c)  all of the following apply:

                              (i)  the person was offered, and accepted, a place (other than a Commonwealth supported place) in the undergraduate course of study with the provider before 1 January 2009;

                             (ii)  the undergraduate course of study was to commence before 1 January 2009;

                            (iii)  with the provider’s approval, the person commences the course of study after that time; or

                     (d)  at the time the person commences the undergraduate course of study with the provider, the person is an *overseas student.

Other higher education providers

             (3)  If a person is to be enrolled, with a higher education provider that is not a *Table A provider, in a unit of study, the provider must enrol the person in the unit as a *Commonwealth supported student if:

                     (a)  completion of the unit is in furtherance of a *national priority; and

                     (b)  places have been allocated to the provider under section 30‑10 in respect of that national priority for the year in which the person is enrolled in the unit; and

                     (c)  the provider is not prohibited, under Subdivision 36‑B, from advising the person that the person is a Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit.

             (4)  Subsection (3) does not apply, and is taken never to have applied, in relation to that enrolment if:

                     (a)  in respect of the year in which the person is enrolled in the unit, the provider has already filled, or fills, all of the *number of Commonwealth supported places in respect of that *national priority; or

                     (b)  the person notifies an *appropriate officer of the provider that he or she does not wish to be a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit.

Notices under paragraph (4)(b)

             (5)  A notice under paragraph (4)(b):

                     (a)  must be in writing; and

                     (b)  must be given on or before the *census date for the unit.

36‑40  Providers to cancel enrolments in certain circumstances

             (1)  A higher education provider must cancel a person’s enrolment in a unit of study with the provider if the person:

                     (a)  is enrolled as a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit; and

                     (b)  has not, on or before the *census date for the unit:

                              (i)  completed, and signed, a *request for Commonwealth assistance in relation to the unit or, where the unit forms part of a *course of study undertaken with the provider, in relation to the course of study; and

                             (ii)  given it to an *appropriate officer of the provider.

             (2)  A higher education provider must cancel a person’s enrolment in a unit of study with the provider if the person:

                     (a)  is enrolled as a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit; and

                     (b)  is not entitled to *HECS‑HELP assistance for the unit; and

                     (c)  has not, on or before the *census date for the unit, paid to the provider the whole of the person’s *student contribution amount for the unit.

However, this subsection does not apply if the person’s student contribution amount for the unit is a nil amount.

             (3)  A request for Commonwealth assistance, in relation to a person enrolling in a unit of study with a higher education provider (where access to the unit was not provided by *Open Universities Australia), means a document:

                     (a)  in which the person requests the Commonwealth to provide assistance under this Act in relation to the unit or, where the unit forms part of a *course of study undertaken with the provider, in relation to the course of study; and

                     (b)  that is in the form approved by the Minister.

Subdivision 36‑DConditions relating to student contribution amounts

36‑45  Limits on student contribution amounts

                   If a person is enrolled with a higher education provider in a unit of study as a *Commonwealth supported student, the provider must not charge, as the person’s *student contribution amount for the unit, an amount that exceeds the amount worked out as follows:

                   Start formula *Maximum student contribution amount for a place times The *EFTSL value of the unit end formula

Subdivision 36‑EConditions relating to tuition fees

36‑55  Tuition fees for non‑Commonwealth supported students

Tuition fees for units of study

             (1)  A higher education provider must not determine, as a person’s *tuition fee for a unit of study, an amount that is less than the highest *student contribution amount that the provider would charge any person who is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit.

             (2)  Subsection (1) does not apply if the person is enrolled in an *employer reserved place. However, the provider must not charge, as the person’s *tuition fees for the unit, amounts that are such that the sum of:

                     (a)  the tuition fees; and

                     (b)  the *employer contribution amount for the unit;

is less than the *student contribution amount referred to in subsection (1).

             (3)  If a person:

                     (a)  is enrolled in study with a higher education provider on a *non‑award basis; and

                     (b)  could have enrolled in that study as a unit of study if the enrolment were not on a non‑award basis;

the provider must not charge, as the person’s *fees for the study, amounts that in total are less than the highest amount that the provider would charge any person:

                     (c)  who may enrol in the study as a unit of study; and

                     (d)  who is a *Commonwealth supported student in relation to the unit.

Subdivision 36‑FOther conditions

36‑60  Providers to meet the quality and accountability requirements

                   A higher education provider must meet the *quality and accountability requirements.

36‑65  Providers to comply with funding agreement

                   A higher education provider must comply with any funding agreement the provider enters into under section 30‑25.

36‑70  Providers to comply with the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines

             (1)  The Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines may specify conditions that higher education providers must comply with for the purposes of this Division.

             (2)  A higher education provider must comply with all such conditions in respect of any year for which the provider receives a grant under this Part.

             (3)  However, the provider need not comply with such a condition during a particular year if the condition comes into force on or after the day on which the provider entered into a funding agreement under section 30‑25 in respect of a period that includes that year.

Part 2‑2AIndigenous student assistance grants

Division 38Indigenous student assistance grants

38‑1  What this Part is about

Grants for assisting Indigenous persons are payable under this Part to Table A providers and Table B providers.

Note:          This Part does not apply to Table C providers: see section 5‑1.

38‑5  Indigenous Student Assistance Grants Guidelines

                   Grants under this Part are also dealt with in the Indigenous Student Assistance Grants Guidelines. The provisions of this Part indicate when a particular matter is or may be dealt with in these Guidelines.

Note:          The Indigenous Student Assistance Grants Guidelines are made by the Minister under section 238‑10.

38‑10  Eligibility for grants under this Part

             (1)  A *Table A provider or *Table B provider is, subject to subsection (3), eligible for grants under this Part, in respect of the year 2017 or a later year, for the following purposes:

                     (a)  assisting *Indigenous persons (who may or may not be students) to undertake higher education;

                     (b)  increasing the number of:

                              (i)  *Indigenous persons enrolling in courses leading to *higher education awards; and

                             (ii)  students who are Indigenous persons progressing in and completing courses leading to higher education awards.

             (2)  Without limiting subsection (1), the purposes mentioned in that subsection may be achieved through the following means:

                     (a)  providing scholarships;