If you’ve been wondering ‘What is accreditation?’ you’ve come to the right place. Accreditation in Australian higher education is a process that evaluates a university’s standards and quality. Organisations become accredited when they meet appropriate targets and industry requirements. University degree accreditation and certification include both professional and vocational courses.
Accreditation helps ensure that universities meet national standards, engage in continuous quality improvement and offer quality care to students.
Now, the accreditation process and standards aren’t just for universities. Service providers and organisations in many other industries use accreditation to improve quality and ensure policies and procedures are followed.
How does accreditation work?
Three main Australian-approved accrediting bodies ensure educational standards are high:
- TEQSA: The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is Australia’s independent statutory verification body and authority. It registers and assesses the performance of education providers in alignment with the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- ASQA: The Australian Skills Quality Authority is the national accreditation body for Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) accredited sector.
- AQF: The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is Australia’s national policy for regulating and standardising Australian education and training package qualifications.
Types of university accreditation
University accreditation falls into two categories:
- Institutional accreditation: This indicates that a university meets specific standards of quality and excellence. For instance, Charles Sturt University is a TEQSA-accredited institution. Now that ought to give you peace of mind!
- Professional accreditation: This necessary certification ensures graduates can work in their chosen profession upon qualification. The good news is that Charles Sturt has professional accreditation with more than 35 professional bodies.
Which Charles Sturt courses are professionally accredited?
We work with a growing number of accredited organisations and professional bodies. Here are just some of the accrediting bodies and related courses you’ll find at Charles Sturt.
| Professional body | Courses |
| Veterinary School Accreditation and Advisory Committee (VSAAC) | Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science1 |
| Australian Association of Social Workers | Bachelor of Social Work2 |
| Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) | Bachelor of Psychology |
| Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) | Bachelor of Nursing3 |
| Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand | Bachelor of Business4 |
| Exercise and Sports Science Australia | Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science |
| NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) | Primary and secondary teaching |
| World Customs Organization | Bachelor of Border Management |
Explore our full range of accredited courses.
What are the benefits of course accreditation?
Taking an accredited course at Charles Sturt means you’ll receive quality-assured education. So our courses are delivered to the relevant industry standards and are nationally recognised across Australia. And there are many benefits, including:
- Quality assurance: Experience high-quality standards, allowing you to learn and develop essential skills and knowledge for your career.
- Professional recognition: Enjoy peace of mind from knowing your education and training are recognised by your industry.
- Career opportunities: Being accredited can create pathways to explore new career options, whether through vocational routes or other avenues.
How can I verify that Charles Sturt is accredited?
There are some reliable sources and databases for accreditation information, such as the TEQSA website. On the top right-hand corner of TEQSA’s website, enter Charles Sturt, and then it will display Charles Sturt University as an accredited provider.
Additionally, if you click on the ‘Registration’ tab, it’ll also display:
- Australian Government Department of Education CRICOS details.
- Compared QILT details.
Study an accredited Charles Sturt course
So now you understand what accreditation is and why it’s important, explore our wide range of courses. From nursing to social work and business to teaching, read more to discover accredited courses that will give you the best start in your industry.
FAQs
Are all Australian universities accredited?
Yes, all Australian universities are accredited by the accrediting agency TEQSA. You can check an individual establishment’s registration on the TEQSA National Register.
What does it mean to be accredited?
As an accredited university, we have achieved the standards for general practices in our teaching. So you’re guaranteed a quality education, whether you’re taking short courses, pursuing a bachelor’s degree or studying online.
Are all online degrees accredited?
Yes, all online degrees in Australia are accredited. However, the university offering them must be accredited by TEQSA. You can easily check it out by visiting TESQA’s website.
Are there any additional accreditation standards for different fields of study?
There are degrees in some fields of study that have additional accreditation from the relevant professional bodies or associations. For example, more than 35 professional bodies are aligned with Charles Sturt courses. These organisations assess whether graduates have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice in their respective professions.
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