FAQs

How do I have a new program approved?
Please refer to the approval process website which outlines the steps required to propose the introduction of a new program.

Is approval needed to offer a program in other/additional teaching periods?
Yes, APEAC approval is required to offer a program in other/additional teaching periods. For example, if APEAC approved the delivery of a program in Semesters, approval must be sought to offer the program in Trimesters.

Is approval needed to add/remove program intakes?
Yes, APEAC approval is required if program intakes are to be added/removed. For example, if APEAC approved program intakes in Trimesters 1, 2 and 3, approval must be sought to change intakes to Trimesters 1 and 3.

How do I propose changes to a program currently offered?
Please refer to the approval process website which outlines the steps required to revise or inactivate (delete) a current program.

How do I suspend an existing program?
Please complete the Program Suspension Form and submit it to Admissions. The suspension of a program is presented to APEAC for noting only.

I am unsure if APEAC approval is needed for the changes I am proposing to an existing program?
The table of major revision categories provides an overview of the changes that constitute a major revision. Please note, the examples listed are representative only – other examples may exist. For advice on changes to a program not listed, please contact APEAC.

Is approval required for another party (whether in Australia or offshore) to deliver some or all of a program or a course within a program?
Please refer to the information on Third Party Arrangements and contact Educational Policy and Compliance if you have further questions.

How do I propose a new credit-bearing micro-credential?
Please refer to the University’s Credit-bearing Micro-credentials policy and its supporting procedure. For further details please contact the PACE Product Approval Committee Executive Officer for advice.

My proposal doesn’t fully align with the University’s policies and requirements – Will the proposal still be considered by APEAC?
Elements of a proposal that do not fully align with the University’s policies should be discussed prior to submitting a proposal to APEAC. Sound pedagogical rationale requesting an exemption to policy should also be provided in the proposal submitted for APEAC consideration. Please contact APEAC for further advice.

What are the submission dates for papers to be considered by APEAC?
The APEAC submission dates are published at the start of each year. Please note that proposals to introduce a new program or revise an existing program need to be presented first to the Growth and Diversification Steering Committee. Further details are available on the Approval Process page.

How do I update the Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS) for a program?
APEAC approval is not required to revise the AHEGS for a program. Requests to update the AHEGS should be sent to the Graduations Office.                                                 

Who has the authority to approve changes to program admission requirements (including the minimum GPA)?
Proposals pertaining to entry requirements must be submitted to the Admissions Committee. If endorsed by the Committee, they will be submitted to APEAC for consideration.

Program admission changes can then be approved by the DVC&VP(A) on recommendation of APEAC.

I have a proposal regarding entry requirements that is time sensitive. How do I approach this?
Before submitting any supporting documentation, please contact APEAC with details of why the proposal will need to bypass the Admissions Committee. APEAC will review the details provided and confirm whether the proposal can be considered without having been endorsed by the Admissions Committee.

Please note: Proponents may be advised they need to arrange an out of session meeting of the Admissions Committee with the Admissions Committee Executive Officer.

It is anticipated that proposals which bypass the Admissions Committee before reaching APEAC, and are approved, will be noted at the next Admissions Committee meeting.

I would like to change my program admission requirements, and I am making no other changes. Am I required to complete a full program proposal form?
Admission changes can be proposed via the Revision of entry requirements form. The form requests the information required to ensure the University meets its compliance obligations and also includes prompts for information that assures consistency across programs.

Please note: Offers to international students can be made several years before they are due to commence their study and, therefore, a proposed date of effect should take into consideration the international admissions timelines.

Is there a minimum GPA used by the University?
No, there is no minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) used by the University.

All minimum GPA entry requirements between 4.0 to 5.0 (out of 7.0), are submitted to APAEC for noting, and subsequently entered on the non-standard admission requirements table.

Any GPA outside the threshold range (4.0-5.0) as an entry requirement or as a minimum standard of achievement to progress within the program (e.g. GPA to be used to determine a quota or continue in the program) must have a pedagogical justification.

Where do I find the approved admissions requirements for a program?
Please refer to the program structure and entry requirements and non-standard admission requirements document for information on approved program admission requirements.

I understand that completion of certain qualifications has been assessed as equivalent to meeting the University’s minimum English language requirements. My program has external accrediting requirements which limit the types of qualifications considered for admission. How do I seek an exemption?
In the first instance contact the Director, Admissions to discuss your requirements. If changes to the alternative English language proficiency pathways are necessary then a memo will need to be submitted to APEAC for approval. It must include the following:

• a date of effect
• an outline of the changes and the rationale
• the impact on any pathway programs, e.g. those offered by the UoA College
• a summary of transition arrangements

Are all international students covered by ESOS legislation?
No, not all of the University’s international students are covered by the Education Services for Overseas Student (ESOS) legislation. The ESOS Framework applies to students who are enrolled in a CRICOS registered course and studying on an Australian student visa. International students who have study rights whilst holding alternative visas (such as partner or working visas) are not covered by ESOS.

Can a program that is only available on a part-time basis be offered to international students?
Programs must be available on a full-time basis to be eligible for CRICOS registration. If a program is not CRICOS registered the University cannot promote or offer it to any prospective international student who will require an Australian student visa. International students who have study rights whilst holding alternative visas (such as partner or working visas), may however be considered for an offer to the program. If you would like APEAC to approve a program for non-student visa holders, please contact Educational Policy and Compliance for further advice.

Can a program that is delivered 100% online be offered to international students who are living in Australia?
Only students in Australia on a temporary resident visa that permits study (non-student visa holders) can study a program that is delivered 100% online. Please note that non student visa holders are not covered by ESOS legislation. If you would like APEAC to approve a program for non-student visa holders, please contact Educational Policy and Compliance for further advice.

Can the University offer programs that are not CRICOS registered to international students (those on an Australian student visa)?
The ESOS Exempt Courses Instrument came into effect on 29 June 2021. This instrument permits international students (Australian student visa holders) to enrol in a variety of short programs that are not CRICOS registered. The intent of the instrument is to give Australian student visa holders access to a variety of short programs that will improve their employment opportunities, such as first aid and infection control courses, or hobby or recreational courses that will enrich student experience. If the proposed program does not satisfy the exemption instrument then it cannot be made available to international students who are Australian student visa holders.

Please refer to the DESE fact sheet for additional information.

When can I begin marketing an APEAC/Academic Board/Vice-Chancellor and President approved program to international students?
Programs that are offered to international students who require a student visa can only be marketed once the CRICOS application has been approved by TEQSA and a new CRICOS code generated.

How long does it take for a program to be CRICOS registered?
Applications for CRICOS registration are subject to TEQSA’s internal processing times but can take anywhere from 5-10 working days.

How will I know if the CRICOS registration has been approved?
All relevant stakeholders including faculty staff and Admissions Operations will be notified of the new CRICOS code by Educational Policy and Compliance.

What happens after APEAC has considered my proposal?
Please refer to the process flow chart available here.

Please note, upon recommendation for approval from APEAC, revisions to entry requirements can be approved by the DVC&VP(A). APEAC will notify the proponents once approval has been obtained.

For further information regarding operational steps following approval, please contact individual areas for advice, e.g., Student Administration, Marketing, Future Students.

What happens if APEAC does not recommend my proposal for approval?
In some circumstances, APEAC will agree to make ‘no recommendation’ and instead invite the Faculty to resubmit the proposal after addressing any concerns. Faculties will be informed of this decision by APEAC.

Once a program has been approved by the Vice-Chancellor and President, what action is required to have it appear on Degree Finder?
Following Vice-Chancellor and President approval, APEAC notifies all relevant faculty stakeholders. Following this, the coordinating Faculty is advised to contact Student Administration to begin the operational process of entering the new program into the PeopleSoft system and subsequently Degree Finder.

When will new programs be open for international students to apply?
Applications will be open by the effective date (e.g. Semester 1, Trimester 2) as approved by the Vice-Chancellor and President providing the CRICOS registration is complete. The operational processes involve multiple stakeholders including Educational Policy and Compliance, TEQSA, Student Administration, and Planning and Analytics, therefore submissions should allow adequate time for all administrative processes to be completed.

What steps are required to have a new University of Adelaide College (UoAC) program approved by the University?
Please refer to the approval process website which outlines the steps required to propose the introduction of a new program.

Please contact Michelle Campbell to discuss whether amendments to the Kaplan/University legal agreement are required.

How do I propose changes to a University of Adelaide College (UoAC) program currently offered?
Please refer to the approval process website which outlines the steps required to revise or inactivate (delete) a current program.

Does the addition of a new ‘stream’ to a pathway program require APEAC approval?
Yes, the addition of a ‘stream’ is considered a major revision and, therefore, requires APEAC approval. Please refer to the program development and approval workflows for the steps that must be completed.

What happens if the proposal is not endorsed for approval at any stage of the process?
In some circumstances, a Committee may choose to make ‘no recommendation’ regarding the proposal and invite the UoAC to provide additional information before reconsidering the proposal. Should this occur, the UoAC will be advised of the additional information required and the steps needed to recommence the approval process.

Who has the authority to approve changes to pathway programs admission requirements?
Program admission changes can be approved by the DVC&VP(A) on recommendation of APEAC.

I would like to change the admission requirements for a pathway program, and I am making no other changes. Will APEAC accept a memo?
Once endorsed by the Joint Academic Board, changes to entry requirements must be submitted to the Admissions Committee using the Revision of entry requirements form.

If endorsed by the Committee, they will be submitted to APEAC for consideration and recommendation of DVC&VP(A) approval.

What is an Alliance program?
In partnership with Pearson, the University of Adelaide offer a number of fully online postgraduate programs. The alliance with Pearson allows for the accelerated launch of online postgraduate programs, broadening the University’s reach and enhancing the in-house capability to deliver online postgraduate programs that align with the University's strategic objectives. These programs are referred to as alliance programs.

What steps are required to propose a new Alliance program be introduced by the University?
Please refer to the approval process website which outlines the steps required to propose the introduction of a new program.

What steps are required to propose changes to an existing Alliance program offered by the University?
Please refer to the approval process website which outlines the steps required to revise or inactivate (delete) a current program.

I am unsure if APEAC approval is needed for the changes I am proposing to an existing Alliance program?
The table of revision categories provides an overview of the changes that constitute a major revision. Please note, the examples listed are representative only – other examples may exist. For advice on changes to a program not listed, please contact APEAC.

I would like to change the program admission requirements, and I am making no other changes. Am I required to complete a full program proposal form?
Once endorsed by Joint Alliance Board, changes to entry requirements must be submitted to the Admissions Committee using the Revision of entry requirements form.

If endorsed by the Committee, they will be submitted to APEAC for consideration and recommendation of DVC&VP(A) approval.

What happens if the proposal is not endorsed for approval at any stage of the process?
In some circumstances, a Committee may choose to make ‘no recommendation’ regarding the proposal and invite the Alliance and/or Faculty to provide additional information before reconsidering the proposal. Should this occur, stakeholders will be advised of the additional information required and the steps needed to recommence the approval process.