Alphacrucis College Recognised as Australia’s First Pentecostal University College

Another story in the IHEA Member Success Series

Alphacrucis College has been registered by the national tertiary accrediting body, TEQSA, as a University College. This decision makes Alphacrucis College only the fourth University College in Australia, the first Pentecostal higher education institution of this level in Australia’s history, and the only Pentecostal institution in the university-affiliated categories in the Asia-Pacific region.

The President of Alphacrucis College, Professor Stephen Fogarty, indicated that this was the fulfilment of a vision that began over 70 years ago.

“Alphacrucis started as a small Bible college in 1948 to serve the training of Pentecostal ministers. Since that time, it has developed into the largest Protestant tertiary provider in the country. We deeply appreciate TEQSA’s review of our application which determined that we met the required standards and were deserving of this honour. We are excited to be bringing new energy, ideas and leadership into the Australian higher education sector at this significant time.”

In announcing their decision (See article here), TEQSA congratulated Alphacrucis College on achieving registration as a University College and noted that this category was “granted only to institutions that deliver superior-quality higher education”.

Alphacrucis College currently has around 4000 students enrolled around Australia in VET certificates, Bachelor, Masters and doctoral degrees across Business, Education and Theology. The main campus is in Parramatta NSW, with additional campuses in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Auckland. It is closely connected to industry and community and hosts six research centres: the Australasian Pentecostal Studies Centre (APSC), the Centre for the Future of Schooling (CFS); the Centre for Learning and Scholarship Skills (CLASS); the Jagelman Institute (JI); the Centre for Intercultural Research and Engagement (CIRE); and the Korean Diaspora Studies Centre.

Professor Fogarty observed that “Greater diversity and competition in higher education is essential as we consider how it can practically benefit our communities. One area where Alphacrucis has already demonstrated the value of this is through its innovative Hub Model of clinical teacher training which aims to bring high-performing teachers and closer higher education and VET partnerships into regional school clusters.”

“This new recognition as a University College not only provides opportunities for domestic partnerships in schools, industry and vocational training, but also opens the door internationally. There are 125 million Pentecostal/Charismatic Christians in the Asia-Pacific alone, with no Pentecostal Universities. We hope this new category will help Australian faith-based higher education institutions engage with new educational markets within our regional environment.”

“Even with this significant achievement, Alphacrucis has no intention of slowing down. Our vision is to ultimately be a global Christian University, transforming neighbourhoods and nations. This decision takes us one step closer towards that goal.”

Original article: https://www.ac.edu.au/news-community/recent-news/australias-first-pentecostal-university-college/