COVID-19 has brought some relief for you all through the newly announcedHigher Education Relief Package. 

Fees and charges relief

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said there would be significant regulatory and fee relief provided to the vocational education and training sector, as well as higher education.

“We’re listening to industry, which is why fees charged by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), and the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) will be refunded or waived,” Minister Cash said.

“These measures will put some $100 million back into the cash flow of Australian education and training businesses so this money can be used to retain employees, reshape education offerings and support domestic and international students.”

As part of these measures, the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) will:

• waive fees and charges that have been invoiced since 1 January 2020, through 30 June 2021
• reimburse any payments already made for invoices issued since 1 January 2020.

Excluded from these relief measures are ASQA fees related to:

• initial registration as a registered training organisation (RTO)
• initial registration on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) 
• initial accreditation of a VET course, for new course owners.*

New cost recovery arrangements for TEQSA, ASQA and for the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) will all be deferred by 12 months to 1 July 2021. 

For you NOW is the time to consider starting your RTO journey, or to pivot your existing RTO. If you need help in either, contact Merinda.  

See more from the media statement.