Marketing practices and regulatory requirements under ASQA

ASQA is the regulatory body for quality assurance in Australian vocational education and training (VET). ASQA is responsible for ensuring that all VET providers meet national quality standards. This includes marketing practices and regulatory requirements.

Marketing is an important part of any business, and VET providers are no exception. ASQA requires that all marketing materials be accurate and truthful, and not misleading or deceptive. Providers must also ensure that their marketing activities comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

For example, advertising must not contain false or misleading information about a course, the provider, or the student experience. Promotional activities such as competitions or scholarships must be conducted fairly and in accordance with the law. And pricing information must be accurate and up-to-date.

The marketing practices by an RTO may include:

• Advertising their courses and services
• Promoting their qualifications and skills
• Engaging in social media marketing
• Offering scholarships or discounts

However, RTOs must also be mindful of ASQA’s regulatory requirements when implementing these marketing practices. Some of these requirements include:

• Not making false or misleading statements about their courses or services
• Not exaggerating the benefits of their qualifications or skills
• Refraining from discriminatory marketing practices
• Abiding by the Australian Consumer Law when promoting their courses and services

ASQA can take compliance action against RTOs that do not meet these requirements. This may include issuing a warning, suspending or cancelling their registration, or imposing financial penalties.

ASQA takes compliance with marketing requirements seriously, and providers who don’t meet these standards can face sanctions, including fines or even the cancellation of their registration. So it’s important to ensure that your marketing practices are up to scratch.