IHEA Congratulates Sydney College of Divinity on Admission as a University College

Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) welcomes today’s announcement of Sydney College of Divinity as Australia’s newest University College.

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

The Sydney College of Divinity has been training theologians and equipping people for ministry for over thirty-five years.

The Sydney College of Divinity was approved by the Commonwealth Government as a Higher Education Provider in 2004 and granted Self-Accrediting Authority in 2016.

Higher education students at the Sydney College of Divinity study arts, intercultural ministry, leadership, ministry, professional supervision, and theology across a network of nine member institutions.

"I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Sydney College of Divinity on their registration as a University College by TEQSA,” said IHEA CEO, Dr Peter Hendy.

“Achieving University College status is a testament to the quality of education that they offer and their commitment to meeting the high standards set for higher education providers in Australia.”

“Independent higher education providers, such as Sydney College of Divinity, play a pivotal role in the Australian higher education landscape. They are renowned for their quality of student experience, including learner engagement, skill development, industry connections, and graduate employability, as evident in the most recent QILT survey results.”

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.

“Recognition of the Sydney College of Divinity as a University College highlights the growing respect and recognition of the independent higher education sector in the Australian community,” Dr Hendy added.

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