Higher Education Support Act 2003

The Higher Education Support Act (HESA) 2003 codifies the existing aims of universities, recognises the status Universities of Australia in law, and introduces measures to strengthen Australia’s knowledge base.

In order to participate in the National Competitive Grants program, providers must be approved. The Act defines three groups of institutions.

Self accrediting bodies, eligible for all funding under the Act:

Self accrediting bodies, not eligible for general Commonwealth funded places. They are eligible for Commonwealth research funding and can be allocated national priority student places in fields such as nursing and education.

Providers approved by the Minister. These can be a university, an institution established with the powers to approve its own courses, or a provider whose courses have been accredited by the relevant State or Territory authority. They can be allocated national priority student places in fields such as nursing and education.

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