Regulatory advice 17: Variation and revocation of degree awarding powers
This regulatory advice sets out guidance about how and under what circumstances the Office for Students (OfS) might vary or revoke a provider’s degree awarding powers (DAPs) authorisation.
It applies to all higher education providers in England that hold a DAPs authorisation, irrespective of how that authorisation was originally granted.
- Ref:
- 2019.48
- Date:
- 9 December 2019
Reforms to degree awarding powers
From 22 October 2026, we will not accept new DAPs applications while we consult on and introduce changes to how providers apply, who can apply and how we decide whether they are suitable.
Changes
The operational guidance annexed to this regulatory advice was updated in August 2025 to streamline the DAPs evidence requirements and make the assessment process more efficient. Providers applying for DAPs (once we accept applications again after consulting on application requirements) will be able to decide whether to be assessed against the revised evidence requirements or those set out in Annex C of the regulatory framework.
21 August 2025 - We have updated Annex B.
28 July 2023 - We have made small corrections to paragraph referencing and some of the text in Annex B.
27 July 2023 - Annex B published: Operational guidance on assessment of DAPs variation and revocation.
01 May 2022 - Link added to list of consequential changes to conditions of registration, in effect from 1 May 2022.
17 June 2021 - Updated to reflect that we are accepting DAPs applications
16 December 2020 - Update to the alert message.
15 May 2020 - Notice added about the suspension of applications for degree awarding powers.
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