IHEA Welcomes the Admission of Avondale University College as Australia’s Newest University, and Moore Theological College as a University College

Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) welcomes today’s announcement of Australia’s newest University and University Colleges.

"IHEA is delighted with the admission of Avondale University College as Australia’s newest University, and Moore Theological College as one of the first providers admitted to the new University College category," said IHEA CEO, Simon Finn.

"Avondale University College becomes the first Australian University created in Australia since 2012. Avondale has been delivering high quality teaching and research in Australia for 124 years and today’s announcement is significant recognition of their value in the Australian tertiary sector. Avondale University College is a founding member of IHEA, and Provost Professor Kerri-Lee Krause currently serves on the IHEA Board.

Moore Theological College has been admitted to the category of University College in recognition of 150 years of delivering high quality teaching and research in Divinity and Theology. Achieving University College status is a great outcome for Moore as they become one of only three foundation entrants to the newly designed University College category.

The recognition of Avondale and Moore contributes significantly to the growing respect and recognition of independent higher education in the Australian community. Australia’s independent higher education sector comprises a diverse range of high-quality providers who deliver education that is ranked by students as Australia’s highest quality teaching and learning experience in the national Quality Indicators in Learning and Teaching (QILT) surveys.

The newly redesigned University College category recognises the quality and scholarship of self-accrediting independent providers. This category 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.

Australia’s independent higher education sector comprises providers with long-standing Self-Accrediting Authority (SAA) which recognises their excellence in scholarship and academic governance. IHEA expects growth in the newly designed University College category as these providers are recognised for their capacity to deliver higher education that meets the educational goals of students, the skill demands of industry and the community expectation of accessible high-quality teaching and learning for all Australians.”

All comment attributable to IHEA CEO, Simon Finn

Media Contact: Matthew Coote, IHEA Communications Manager (Acting) via matthew.coote@ihea.edu.au