IHEA Congratulates Australian College of Theology on Admission as a University College

Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) welcomes today’s announcement of Australian College of Theology (ACT) as Australia’s newest University College.

As noted today by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) - the national tertiary accrediting body – Australian College of Theology “now meets the standards for registration as a University College”.

The Australian College of Theology was founded in 1891 and was granted self-accrediting authority in 2010. It has approximately 3,000 students studying theology, ministry, and Christian studies across a network of 16 Australian affiliated colleges.

“Achieving University College status is an excellent outcome for the Australian College of Theology,” said IHEA CEO, Dr Peter Hendy.

“Recognition of the Australian College of Theology as a University College also highlights the growing respect and recognition of the independent higher education sector in the Australian community.”

“Australia’s independent higher education sector comprises a diverse range of high-quality providers who deliver and meet the educational goals of students, the skill demands of industry, and the community expectation of accessible high-quality teaching and learning for all Australians.”

Australian College of Theology is only the fifth higher education institution admitted to the category of University College in Australia.

The University College category was established in 2021 following reforms to the categorisation of Australian higher education providers.

The University College category recognises the quality and scholarship of self-accrediting independent providers, and provides enormous opportunity to grow diversity, innovation and teaching excellence in Australian higher education which is recognised domestically and internationally for its status and quality.

“University College status is welcome recognition for ACT and its affiliated colleges,” said Chair of the Australian College of Theology Board of Directors, Professor Roger Lewis.

“This endorsement acknowledges the outstanding teaching and scholarship of college lecturers and the maturity of our governance and management,” Professor Lewis added.

“We are pleased to see TEQSA recognise the superior quality of higher education offered by ACT,” said Australian College of Theology Dean and CEO, Professor James Dalziel.

“The ACT also conducts excellent research, and it looks forward to providing TEQSA with additional evidence about ACT’s research in the near future,” Professor Dalziel added.

IHEA Media Contact: Matthew Coote, IHEA Communications Manager (matthew.coote@ihea.edu.au / 0413 735 710)

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