Established under the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Act 2026 (ATEC Act), which came into effect on 29 April 2026, the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) provides independent stewardship of the higher education system by working with universities, students, governments, and communities to ensure the system is delivering for the nation, now and into the future.
ATEC allocates Commonwealth-supported places to universities and higher education providers through the managed growth system to ensure fair distribution and meet Australia's skills needs.
The Australian Universities Accord found that barriers between vocational education and training (VET) and higher education need to be removed to create a more seamless and joined-up tertiary education system. A more joined-up tertiary system will strengthen connections between VET and higher education, create clearer pathways for students, and help to harness the strengths of each sector.
In response to the Australian Universities Accord, the Australian Government has set an ambitious target of 80 per cent of working age Australians having tertiary qualifications by 2050.
As the steward of the higher education system, ATEC works closely with stakeholders across the tertiary education landscape including state and territory governments, tertiary education providers, students, peak bodies, and industry.
The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) is the independent steward for Australia's higher education system.
Established in 2026, ATEC provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure the higher education sector delivers on the government's commitment to lift tertiary education attainment to 80 per cent of working-aged people by 2050 while raising equity participation and outcomes. We work collaboratively with universities, vocational education and training (VET) providers, governments, students and industry to drive reform across the sector.
ATEC's strategy is informed by data and evidence. We publish insights on sector performance, provide independent advice to government, and set clear strategic priorities that guide our work to steward Australia's tertiary education system.
As steward for Australia’s higher education system, ATEC works with universities, students, governments, and communities to ensure the system is delivering for the nation, now and into the future.
