A methodology to assure the quality of non self-accrediting institutions within the Australian higher education regulatory framework

This research project was designed to obtain a greater understanding of the key factors that underpin the organisational and academic quality of non self-accrediting institutions (NSAis), and thus to assist them to navigate the Australian higher education regulatory framework. To support the project an ethnographic study was undertaken within the higher education community of practice. The findings of the study revealed significant issues that affect the academic, cultural, physical, financial and regulatory constructs of the Australian non self-accrediting higher education sector. From these findings a CD-ROM was developed detailing a method for guiding NSAis to prepare for, and maintain compliance with, regulatory requirements associated with gaining approval to deliver higher education courses in Australia. The CD-ROM fills a gap of advice and guidance available to NSAis when considering whether to enter the Australian higher education sector.