CHAPTER i INTRODUCTION

i.i Purpose

The purpose of these Guidelines is to provide for Other Grants under Part 2‑3 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (the Act).

i.ii Interpretation

The terms within the Other Grants Guidelines (Education) 2012 have the same meaning as in the Act.

The following terms are defined specifically for these Guidelines:

access In respect of the programs in Chapter 1, access means commencing domestic students in higher education. The access rate for a particular group of students is that group’s percentage share of all commencing domestic higher education students.

the Act means the Higher Education Support Act 2003

AMC Institute has the same meaning as in the Maritime Legislation Amendment Act 2007

campus means the physical location at which a provider delivers a unit of study. For on-line/distance education courses or where studies require attendance at locations such as a health centre, teaching hospital or agricultural farm, the campus is the location from which the course is administered.

Commonwealth means a person undertaking tertiary education and receiving any

assisted student of the following kinds of assistance from the Commonwealth:

(a) assistance under Chapter 3 of the Act;

(b) a VET student loan;

(c) a payment or loan (however described) under any of the following Acts, for which the person qualifies because he or she is undertaking study:

(i) Social Security Act 1991;

(ii) Student Assistance Act 1973;

(iii) Trade Support Loans Act 2014;

(d) a payment under the ABSTUDY Scheme (within the meaning of the Student Assistance Act 1973).

domestic student means a student with a permanent home address in Australia who is:

(a) an Australian citizen;

(b) a New Zealand citizen;

(c) a diplomatic or consular representative of New Zealand, a member of the staff of such a representative or the spouse or dependent relative of such a representative; or

(d) a student with an Australian permanent visa.

the Department means the Department responsible for administering Part 2-3 of the Act.

external means a mode of attendance for a unit of study whereby the provider delivers the course materials to the student and the student is not required to attend classes on campus on a regular basis.

Field of Education has the same meaning given in the

(FOE) Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED)

headquarters means a provider’s campus location where the sum of the internal and multi-modal EFTSL of Commonwealth supported students is the largest.

HEIMS means the Higher Education Information Management System.

HESDC means Higher Education Student Data Collection

internal means a mode of attendance for a unit of study whereby the student must attend classes at the provider’s facilities on a regular basis.

ISP means Indigenous Support Program

low SES refers to a student or person who has a home

background address in the lowest quartile, by Statistical Area 1, as referred to in the document published by the Australian Statistician entitled Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA).

Minister means the Minister responsible for Part 2-3 of the Act.

multi-modal means a mode of attendance for a unit of study that is undertaken partially in an internal mode of attendance and partially in an external mode.

participation In respect of Chapter 1, participation means total domestic undergraduate student enrolments. The indicator used to measure participation is the total number of domestic undergraduate students.

Permanent home refers to the address of the home where the student has

address come from, not a temporary semester or term address.

provider means a Table A provider

Remoteness means the Remoteness Structure described in the document titled

Structure “Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS): Volume 5—Remoteness Structure, July 2016”, published by the Australian Statistician.

retention In respect of Chapter 1, the indicator used to measure retention is the Apparent Retention Ratio (ARR).

The ARR is the ratio between the retention rate for a particular sub‑group of domestic undergraduate students and retention rate of all other domestic undergraduates.

Retention rate means the number of domestic undergraduate students who re‑enrol at a higher education provider in a given year, as a proportion of all domestic undergraduate students enrolled in the previous year, less those who completed their qualification. It does not count as retained those students who deferred study or transferred successfully to another institution.

STEM means science, technology, engineering and mathematics

STEM Fields of means any field of education in the document

Education published in 2001 by the Australian Statistician titled “Australian Standard Classification of Education” (ASCED) starting with 01 (natural and physical sciences), 02 (information and technology), 03 (engineering and related technologies), or 05 (agriculture, environment and related studies)

success In respect of Chapter 1, the indicator used to measure success is the Student Success Ratio (SSR).

The SSR is the ratio between the student success rate for a particular sub‑group of domestic undergraduate students and the student success rate of all other domestic undergraduate students.

The student success rate means the proportion of units passed within a year compared with the total units enrolled.

The success indicator refers to the ratio of the SSR for a particular sub‑group of students from low socio‑economic backgrounds to the SSR for all other students.

undergraduate In respect of Chapter 1, undergraduate students are those students who are enrolled and are studying for approved undergraduate qualifications at eligible higher education providers. Approved undergraduate qualifications include Bachelor Degree, Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma and Diploma courses of study. Enabling courses do not qualify.

CHAPTER 1 GRANTS TO PROMOTE EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION

PART 1—INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

1.1.1 The purpose of this chapter is to specify programs in accordance with subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act for the purpose of promoting equality of opportunity in higher education in accordance with item 1 of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act, to specify matters listed in subsection 41‑15(2) of the Act and to specify bodies corporate that are eligible for grants.

1.5 Description of programs in this chapter

1.5.1 Programs in this chapter aim to assist with overcoming barriers to access and participation by domestic undergraduate students in higher education, in particular:

(a) those students who are Indigenous, who come from a low‑SES background, or who have a disability; or (b) women undertaking study in STEM Fields of Education.

1.10 Eligible providers

1.10.1 In accordance with item 1 of the table in subsection 41-10(1) of the Act, Table A providers and bodies corporate that are specified in section 1.180 of these Guidelines are eligible to receive grants under the equity programs specified in this chapter subject to any extra conditions of eligibility specified under this chapter.

1.10.2 Table B providers that are bodies corporate are specified for the purposes of item 1 of the table in subsection 41-10(1) of the Act.

1.10.5 Applications from consortia will be considered. However, the Department may require that:

(a) the consortia appoint a lead member which is authorised to deal on behalf of all members of the consortia; and

(b) consortia members subsequently execute statutory declarations stating that the lead member has the authority to bind other members.

PART 2—INDIGENOUS SUPPORT PROGRAM

1.15 Program description and objectives

1.15.1 The Indigenous Support Program provides funding to eligible higher education providers and aims to assist eligible higher education providers to meet the special needs of Indigenous Australian students and to advance the goals of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy.

1.15.5 Grants under the Indigenous Support Program assist with Indigenous support activities.

1.20 Extra conditions of eligibility

1.20.1 To be eligible to receive Indigenous Support Program grants in any one year, Table A providers must satisfy the Department that they meet all of the following criteria:

(a) the provider has implemented strategies for improving access, participation, retention and success of Indigenous Australian students;

(b) the provider has demonstrated increased participation of Indigenous people in the provider’s decision‑making processes; and

(c) the provider has an Indigenous employment strategy.

1.25 Total program funds and indexation

1.25.1 The total amount to be allocated under the Indigenous Support Program in any calendar year will be calculated by indexing the previous calendar year’s Indigenous Support Program grants total using the method set out in Part 5‑6 of the Act.

1.25.5 Grants under the Indigenous Support Program are in respect of a calendar year.

1.30 Payment to higher education providers

1.30.1 In accordance with section 164‑5 of the Act, grant amounts will be paid in such a way as the Minister determines, and at such times as the Secretary determines.

1.35 Conditions of grant

1.35.1 In addition to compliance with the quality and accountability requirements stipulated under subparagraph 41‑25(a)(ii) of the Act, which includes compliance with the financial reporting obligations under section 19‑10 of the Act, the following conditions of grant apply.

1.35.5 Higher education providers who receive grants under the Indigenous Support Program in respect of a year are required to provide the Department in the following year with a report on initiatives funded under the Program. This report must include

(a) details of expenditure of ISP funds, including:

(i) the proportion of ISP funding provided to the Indigenous Education Support Centre;

(ii) the proportion of ISP funding provided to individual facilities within the university; and

(iii) the proportion of ISP funding allocated to staff salaries, on‑costs and operating costs; and

(b) providers must make a written request of the Department for carrying forward unspent ISP funds, specifying the project or program to which the funds will be applied, and demonstrate consistency with the provisions in section 1.15 of these Guidelines; and

(c) details of all additional funding provided to the recipient to support the recipient’s Indigenous activities (for example, in kind support; financial support); including funding provided by the higher education provider and all additional funding provided by sources other than the higher education provider. This report must exclude funding received under any other Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education Indigenous specific funding programs already reported on separately (for example the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme or the Away‑From‑Base Program).

1.35.10 Higher education providers who receive grants under the Indigenous Support Program in respect of a year must provide the Department, in the following year, with a report on the expenditure of the grant amount. The expenditure report must be included in the Indigenous Education Statement in the format prescribed in the Institutional Assessment Framework Information Collection Instructions and submitted to the Department by 31 May each year.

PART 3 – INDIGENOUS, REGIONAL AND LOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS ATTAINMENT FUND (IRLSAF)

1.40 Purpose

1.40.1 The Indigenous, Regional and Low Socio-Economic Status Attainment Fund (IRLSAF) is specified as a program for the purposes of subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act. This Part also specifies matters listed in subsection 41‑15(2) of the Act in relation to that program.

1.40.5 The purpose of the IRLSAF is to promote equality of opportunity in higher education, in accordance with item 1 of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act, by providing grants to higher education providers, to encourage the enrolment of Indigenous persons, people from a regional area or a remote area, and people from a low SES background.

1.41 Program objectives

1.41.1 For the years 2021, 2022 and 2023, the IRLSAF consists of five components:

(a) the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP);

(b) the National Priorities Pool Program;

(c) the Regional Partnerships Project Pool Program;

(d) the Regional Loading Program (RLP); and

(e) the Enabling Loading Program (ELP).

The specific objectives of each component are set out in Divisions 1 to 5 of this Part.

1.41.5 Each component listed at section 1.41.1 above is specified as a separate program for the purposes of subsection 41-15(1) of the Act.

1.42 Extra conditions of eligibility

1.42.1 Table A providers are eligible to receive grants under the HEPPP, the National Priorities Pool Program, and the Regional Partnerships Project Pool Program.

1.42.5 The following bodies corporate are also eligible to receive grants under the Regional Partnerships Project Pool Program:

(a) a body corporate that is in receipt of a grant under the Regional University Centres Program.

1.42.10 The following higher education providers are eligible to receive grants under the Regional Loading Program, if they meet the extra conditions of eligibility specified in section 1.57:

(a) Table A providers; and

(b) The University of Notre Dame Australia.

1.42.15 The following higher education providers are eligible to receive grants under the Enabling Loading Program:

(a) Table A providers; and

(b) The University of Notre Dame Australia.

1.43 Conditions of grant

1.43.1 In addition to any conditions imposed by these Guidelines, the recipient of a grant under the IRLSAF must also comply with any terms of the grant approval imposed by the Minister.

Division 1 – Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP)

1.44 Program objectives

1.44.1 The key objective of the HEPPP is to promote equality of opportunity in higher education by improving:

(a) outreach to widen aspiration and promote higher education to persons from a low SES background, persons from regional areas and remote areas, and Indigenous persons; and

(b) the extent to which persons from a low SES background, persons from regional areas and remote areas, and Indigenous persons access, participate, remain and succeed in higher education, and obtain higher education awards.

1.45 Total HEPPP (formula-based) funding

1.45.1 For the years specified below, the total amount of HEPPP funding available will be as follows:

2021: $138,797,515

2022: $140,146,842

2023: $140,146,842

1.45.3 The total amount of HEPPP funding for 2023 is to be adjusted using the method of indexation set out in Part 5-6, Division 198 of the Act.

1.45.5 The total amount of HEPPP funds available in 2024 and later years will be determined by the Minister.

1.46 Distribution of HEPPP funds

1.46.1 Grants will be made to eligible higher education providers each calendar year based on the provider’s respective share of domestic undergraduate students from a low SES background, students from regional areas and remote areas and Indigenous students.

1.47 Calculation of grant amounts

1.47.1 Subject to section 1.47A (which deals with a separate method for calculating an amount for the University of Notre Dame Australia for 2021), grant amounts for an eligible higher education provider, other than the University of Notre Dame Australia in 2021, for the below years will be calculated using the following formulae:

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Where:

A1 is $138,009,092;

A is the total amount available for the year under the HEPPP (see section 1.45.1);

B is the total number of domestic undergraduate students from low SES backgrounds enrolled at the relevant higher education provider in the most recent year for which HEIMS data is available;

C is the total number of domestic undergraduate students from low SES backgrounds enrolled at all Table A providers in the most recent year for which HEIMS data is available;

D is the total number of domestic undergraduate students with a permanent residential address in a regional area or a remote area at the time the person first enrols in a course of study with the relevant provider, in the most recent year for which HEIMS data is available;

E is the total number of domestic undergraduate students at all Table A providers that have a permanent residential address in a regional area or a remote area at the time the person first enrols in a course of study with their provider, in the most recent year for which HEIMS data is available;

F is the total number of domestic undergraduate Indigenous persons enrolled at the relevant higher education provider in the most recent year for which HEIMS data is available;

G is the total number of domestic undergraduate Indigenous persons enrolled at all Table A providers in the most recent year for which HEIMS data is available;

1.47.5 For the avoidance of doubt, when calculating the grant amount for a year under section 1.47.1, any grant amounts that were rolled over from the previous year under section 41-40 of the Act must not be taken into account.

1.47A Calculation of 2021 grant amount for the University of Notre Dame Australia

1.47A.1 For the year 2021, HEIMS data for the University of Notre Dame Australia is not to be included in the calculation of grant amounts for all other eligible providers under section 1.47.

1.47A.5 For the year 2021, the maximum grant amount for the University of Notre Dame Australia is to be the remainder of the total amount available for the year under HEPPP once the grant amounts for all other eligible providers have been calculated under section 1.47.

1.48 Eligible grant activities

1.48.1 Grants made under the HEPPP must be spent on equity activities that:

(a) target current and prospective domestic undergraduate students from low SES backgrounds, students from regional areas and remote areas and Indigenous students; and

(b) support tailored programs that address the specific disadvantages, as appropriate, faced by the provider’s students, and prospective students, from low SES backgrounds, regional areas and remote areas, and Indigenous populations.

1.49 Ineligible activities

1.49.1 Grants made under the HEPPP must not be spent on:

(a) infrastructure, which includes all buildings, fixtures, roads, pathways and modifications thereof; or

(b) general facilities and services and transport vehicles that are not principally for the benefit of students from low SES backgrounds, students from regional areas and remote areas, or Indigenous students.

1.50 Specific conditions on HEPPP grants – reporting

1.50.1 The provider must submit reports and financial acquittals to the Department in the form, and at the times, specified by the Department in writing and to the satisfaction of the Department.

1.50.5 The provider must report to the Department in accordance with any reporting requirements set out in the Evaluation Framework specified by the Department, once the Evaluation Framework is in place.

Division 2 – National Priorities Pool Program

1.51 Program objectives

1.51.1 The objective of the National Priorities Pool Program is to provide grants to higher education providers to conduct research projects and trial initiatives designed to:

(a) inform future equity policy development and equity practice nationally and at an institutional level;

(b) help increase the number of persons from a low SES background, persons from regional areas and remote areas, and Indigenous persons who aspire to, access, participate in, remain in, and succeed in higher education; and

(c) help increase the number of persons from a low SES background, persons from regional areas and remote areas, and Indigenous persons who obtain higher education awards.

1.52 Total amount of National Priorities Pool Program funding

1.52.1 The total amount of funding available each year for the National Priorities Pool Program is $6,500,000.

1.53 Grant activities in the National Priorities Pool Program

1.53.1 Grants made under the National Priorities Pool Program must address at least one of the following priority areas for funding:

(a) research that builds the evidence base that informs equity policy and practice;

(b) trials of innovative approaches to equity policy and practice;

(c) more effective and efficient implementation of equity policy and programs; and

(d) responses to emerging priorities that will maximise equity student outcomes.

Division 3 – Regional Partnerships Project Pool Program

1.54 Program objectives

1.54.1 The objectives of the Regional Partnerships Project Pool Program are to provide grants to higher education providers to:

(a) assist providers to link with other providers, schools, vocational education and training (VET) providers and community organisations to develop and implement outreach initiatives in regional areas and remote areas;

(b) support collaboration between Table A providers to ensure a coordinated approach to identifying and engaging with appropriate stakeholders;

(c) direct resources to most effectively target regional areas and remote areas where aspirations to enter higher education are low and where matriculation to higher education is poor; and

(d) facilitate research and collaboration in the higher education sector and support an ongoing nationally coherent response to issues and barriers faced by students from regional areas and remote areas.

1.55 Total amount of Regional Partnerships Project Pool Program funding

1.55.1 The total amount of funding available each year for the Regional Partnerships Project Pool Program is $1,784,000.

Note: this amount will be adjusted each year using the method of indexation set out in Part 5-6, Division 198 of the Act.

Division 4 – Regional Loading Program (RLP)

1.56 Program objectives

1.56.1 The key objective of the RLP is to promote equality of opportunity in higher education by providing additional funding to eligible higher education providers to assist those providers to offset the disparity in costs and revenue of regional campuses in comparison with major city campuses.

1.57 Extra conditions of eligibility

1.57.1 A provider will be eligible for an RLP grant in relation to a particular campus if the average student load for the campus is a minimum of 50 internal and multi-modal Commonwealth supported student EFTSL.

1.57.5 For the purposes of this Division, the average student load at Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education will be considered as Commonwealth supported student load at Charles Darwin University.

1.58 Total amount of RLP grants

1.58.1 RLP grants are made in respect of a calendar year.

1.58.5 The total amount of funding available to all eligible providers under the RLP in each year is fixed.

1.58.10 In the 2020 calendar year, the total amount of RLP funding was $75,089,678.

1.58.15 The total amount of RLP funding available in later years is the total amount of RLP funding in 2020 indexed in accordance with the method set out in Part 5-6 of the Act.

1.58.20 For individual eligible providers, the RLP grant amount will be calculated in accordance with the formula set out in section 1.59 below.

1.59 Calculation of grant amounts

Average student load

1.59.1 A grant under the RLP for each eligible provider will be calculated using the most recent Commonwealth supported student load data for the reporting years as verified by the provider through the HESDC and accepted by the Department.

1.59.5 The average student load for the purposes of this Division is the EFTSL of the Commonwealth supported student load averaged over the most recent three years for which HESDC full year student load data is available.

1.59.10 The calculation of average student load will be updated annually as new HESDC full year student load data becomes available.

RLP Remoteness Categories

1.59.15 A grant under the RLP for a multi campus provider is calculated per campus and depends upon the remoteness classification of each of the provider’s eligible campuses.

1.59.20 The remoteness classification for a campus is determined using the Remoteness Structure to classify the remoteness of the physical location of the eligible campus.

1.59.25 The loading (L) for the remoteness categories is as follows:

1.59.30 For purposes of this Division, the Darwin region is defined as the area of the Northern Territory that is not remote or very remote.

1.59.35 For purposes of this Division, the Darwin region has been classified outside of the ABS Remoteness Structure as the additional costs of higher education provision in this region exceed its remoteness category which is outer regional.

New regional loading distribution formula

1.59.40 Grants for eligible providers will be calculated using the following formula:

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Where:

View image in the official source = the RLP grant for a provider (p);

View image in the official source = the loading for the location of a provider’s eligible campus(c) according to section 1.59.25;

View image in the official source = the average student load based on the EFTSL of the internal and multi-modal Commonwealth supported student load enrolled at the relevant eligible campus (c);

View image in the official source = the loading for the location of a provider’s headquarters (h) campus according to section 1.59.25;

View image in the official source = the average student load based on the EFTSL of a provider’s (p) external Commonwealth supported student load;

View image in the official source = the variation required to ensure the expenditure is within the RLP grant made for that calendar year.

Detailed explanation of the formula

1.59.45 The formula in section 1.59.40 has two components. The first is based on the EFTSL of the internal and multi-modal Commonwealth supported student load of each of a provider’s eligible campuses. The second is based on the provider’s external Commonwealth supported student load.

1.59.50 The RLP grant for the first component of the formula for a provider is calculated by multiplying the average student load of a provider’s internal and multi-modal Commonwealth supported student load for each eligible campus by the remoteness loading (L) for the physical location of that eligible campus. The totals for each of a provider’s eligible campuses are added together to calculate the grant amount for the provider for the first component of the formula.

1.59.55 The RLP grant for the second component of the formula for a provider is calculated by multiplying 50 per cent of the average student load of a provider’s external Commonwealth supported student load by the remoteness loading (L) for the provider’s headquarters campus. The headquarters campus is the campus that has the highest average student load based on the EFTSL of the average internal and multi-modal Commonwealth supported student load.

1.59.60 As stated in section 1.58 above, the amount of funding available for the RLP is capped for each calendar year. To ensure that the RLP funding distributed in a calendar year does not exceed the capped amount approved for that year, the following process is used to adjust the final amount of the grant to be paid to each eligible provider in a calendar year:

(a) initially the preliminary grant amount for each provider is calculated using the formula at section 1.58.40, above allowingView image in the official source);

(b) then the preliminary grant amount for each provider is added to determine the interim grant total (View image in the official source);

(c) to establish the value of the variation (View image in the official source) for determining the final grant amount, the grant amount available for the calendar year less any transitional support payment (View image in the official source) is divided by the interim grant total (View image in the official source);

(d) to calculate the final grant amount for each provider for the calendar year the formula in section 1.58.40 is reapplied using the value for View image in the official source as determined in (c) above.

Calculation of grants for recently established campuses

1.59.65 Where the available HESDC full year student load data for a recently established campus is less than three years, the average student load will be calculated based on the Commonwealth supported student load (EFTSL) over the number of years for which the data is available.

1.59.70 A provider will be eligible for an RLP grant in relation to a new campus if the average student load for the campus, calculated using the method in section 1.59.65, is at least 50 EFTSL (for internal and multi-modal attendance).

Division 5 – Enabling Loading Program (ELP)

1.60 Program objectives

1.60.1 The key objective of the ELP is to promote equality of opportunity in higher education by providing additional funding to assist providers to enrol students in enabling courses, with a focus on students with educational disadvantage, such as those from a low SES background, regional areas and remote areas, and Indigenous people.

1.61 Calculation of grant amounts

1.61.1 Grants under the ELP will be calculated for a year in accordance with the following formula:

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Where:

B is the lesser of:

(a) the number of Commonwealth supported places in enabling courses of study the provider actually provides in the grant year, and

(b) the number of places allocated in writing by the Department for the provider for the grant year for enabling courses;

C is the amount of enabling loading per Commonwealth supported place in enabling courses of study.

1.61.5 In 2020 the amount of enabling loading per Commonwealth supported place was $3,392.

1.61.10 For 2021 and later years, the amount is the 2020 amount indexed in accordance with Part 5-6 of the Act.

PART 4—HIGHER EDUCATION DISABILITY SUPPORT PROGRAM

1.90 Program objective and eligibility

1.90.1 The objective of the Higher Education Disability Support Program (DSP) is to promote equality of opportunity in higher education by providing support to students with disability to access, participate in and succeed in higher education.

1.90.5 The DSP consists of two components:

(1) Disability Support Fund (DSF); and

(2) Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET).

1.90.10 Only Table A providers are eligible to receive grants under the DSP.

1.95 Total program funds and indexation

1.95.1 The total amount available for the DSP in 2020 is $7,780,399 (the “2020 DSP Grants Total”). The total amount available for the DSP in any subsequent year will be calculated by indexing the 2020 DSP Grants Total in accordance with the method specified in Part 5-6 of the Act.

1.95.5 To avoid doubt, grants made under the DSP are grants in respect of a calendar year.

1.100 Objective of the DSF

1.100.1 The objective of the DSF is to promote equality of opportunity in higher education by providing supplementary funding to providers to assist them to attract domestic students with disability to participate in higher education, and to assist providers to deliver appropriate support for them to succeed.

1.105 How a provider’s DSF grant is determined

1.105.1 The DSF grant payable to a provider annually is calculated by adding:

(1) the enrolments-based grant amount; and

(2) the amount for students with disability with high cost needs.

1.105.5 The DSF grant payable to a provider will be calculated based on disability data available to the Commonwealth in the Higher Education Information Management System during the second half of each calendar year.

1.110 Amounts available for the DSF

1.110.1 The total annual amount available for the DSF is the total amount for the DSP specified in 1.95.1 less the amount allocated by the Minister to ADCET under 1.160.15.

1.110.5 The Minister may determine what proportion of the total annual amount available for the DSF in a calendar year will be available for each of the enrolments-based grant amount and the amount for students with disability with high cost needs.

1.110.10 If the Minister does not make a determination in accordance with 1.110.5, the total annual amount available for the DSF in a calendar year is to be allocated as follows:

(1) 55 per cent of the available amount will be used for annual enrolments-based grant amounts; and

(2) 45 per cent of the available amount will be used for grants for students with disability with high cost needs.

1.115 Enrolments–based grant amounts

1.115.1 The enrolments-based grant amount for a provider will be calculated using the following formula:

1.120 Amount for students with disability with high cost needs

1.120.1 A student with disability with high cost needs is a student enrolled with a provider, who has been assessed by the provider as having disability, and has received from the provider educational support and equipment related to that disability in a calendar year for an amount that exceeds the threshold specified in 1.120.5.

1.120.5 The student with disability with high cost needs threshold (“the threshold”) in 2020 is $10,000. The threshold in any subsequent year will be calculated by indexing the threshold for 2020 in accordance with the method specified in Part 5-6 of the Act.

1.120.10 The grant amount for students with disability with high cost needs payable to a provider will be calculated using the following formula:

1.120.15 If the sum total of all students with disability with high costs needs support claims by all providers (E) is less than total annual amount for students with disability with high costs needs (F) then the balance of available funds will be added to the enrolment-based grant amount for distribution to providers according to the formula specified in 1.115.1.

1.125 DSF grant amounts

1.125.1 Providers will receive their enrolments-based grant amount for each calendar year prior to the end of that calendar year.

1.125.5 Providers may claim for educational support and equipment provided to students with disability with high cost needs in the preceding calendar year. Claims for these grant amounts must be submitted using a form specified by the Department.

1.130 Interest

1.130.1 If a provider earns interest on DSF grant amounts, the provider must spend that interest on eligible DSF activities.

1.135 Eligible DSF activities

1.135.1 A provider must only spend DSF grant amounts on:

(1) activities aimed at attracting and supporting students with disability to participate in higher education;

(2) educational support and equipment for students with disability;

(3) modifications to course content, teaching materials and delivery methods to better meet the needs of students with disability; or

(4) training of provider staff to support students with disability.

1.135.5 For the purposes of 1.135.1(2) above, to provide educational support and equipment to a student, a provider must:

(1) obtain evidence of the student’s disability and support needs;

(2) undertake a needs assessment of that student’s need for a reasonable adjustment in accordance with the Disability Standards for Education 2005, and the provider’s published procedure(s); and

(3) ensure any educational support service or equipment provided or adjusted using DSF funds reasonably meets the student’s needs for successfully engaging in a course or program.

1.135.10 Providers must maintain records of the evidence and assessment process, including details of the medical, specialist or other advice obtained in verifying disability and support needs, for a period of no less than 7 years.

1.135.15 Providers must publish their needs assessment procedure relevant to their institution on the university’s website in a format that is readily available and accessible to the public.

1.140 Ineligible DSF activities

1.140.1 A provider must not spend DSF grant amounts on:

(1) infrastructure - including but not limited to buildings, fixtures, roads, pathways and modifications thereof;

(2) salaries and other costs relating to the ongoing operation of general disability support services and facilities that are integral to the provision of education for all students;

(3) the provision of personal care for students with disability, including but not limited to:

a. assistance provided by a paid or unpaid carer to ensure that basic activities of daily living and self-care (such as eating, dressing, grooming and commuting) are accomplished; and

b. providing assistance with medications and medical treatments;

(4) any support service, equipment, or transport that is available under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS); or

(5) any activity not listed under 1.135.1 above.

1.145 Repayment of DSF grant funds

1.145.1 Where a provider fails to spend any part of the DSF funds at the end of the grant period, the provider must return the unspent amount to the Commonwealth in accordance with instructions received from the Department.

1.150 Reporting

1.150.1 A provider must report to the Department annually on the progress and outcomes of any DSF activities in a format specified by the Department.

1.155 Objective of the ADCET

1.155.1 The objective of the ADCET is to provide information, advice, and online resources (including downloadable material) through a website to disability practitioners, teachers and students to promote inclusive teaching and learning practices for students with disability.

1.160 ADCET grant

1.160.5 The ADCET will be hosted by a provider appointed by the Minister.

1.160.10 The Minister will determine the conditions of the grant to the provider hosting the ADCET under paragraph 41-25(b) of the Act.

1.160.15 The amount of funding to be granted to the provider appointed to host the ADCET will be determined by the Minister under paragraph 41-30(b) of the Act, and will not exceed the total funding available for the DSP.

PART 5 – WOMEN IN STEM CADETSHIPS AND ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIPS PROGRAM

1.170 Purpose

1.170.1 The Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program is specified as a program for the purposes of subsection 41-15-(1) of the Act. This Part also specifies matters listed in subsection 41 15(2) of the Act in relation to that program.

1.170.5 The purpose of the STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program is to promote equality of opportunity in higher education, in accordance with item 1 of the table in subsection 41-10(1) of the Act, by providing grants to higher education providers and employers, to improve the participation of women in STEM Fields of Education.

1.175 Program objective

1.175.1 The key objective of the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program is to promote equality of opportunity in higher education through cadetship and advanced apprenticeship models of course delivery that:

(a) increase the number of women with STEM qualifications in the labour force;

(b) help women to upskill in STEM or gain job relevant skills to help build a STEM career; and

(c) develop a pathway to produce graduates with practical workplace skills in STEM sectors vital to Australia’s future productivity.

1.180 Specified bodies corporate

1.180.1 The following employers are eligible to receive grants under the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program:

(a) higher education providers approved under the Act; and

(b) bodies corporate that employ women undertaking a STEM qualification and enter into a deed of agreement with the Commonwealth under subsection 1.195.1.

1.185 Grant allocation and distribution

1.185.1 The program has up to 500 employer reserved places to allocate to eligible providers over the 2021 to 2024 calendar years.

1.185.5 Each employer reserved place is equivalent to 0.5 EFTSL per annum.

1.185.10 Employer reserved places will be allocated based on the results of an application process conducted by the Commonwealth.

1.185.15 The maximum grant amount and grant period for a provider or eligible employer is the amount and period specified in their deed of agreement with the Commonwealth under subsections 1.190.5 and 1.195.1.

1.185.20 Grant funding for providers and eligible employers will be distributed twice per calendar year.

1.185.25 The total amount of tuition fees payable by a student enrolled in an employer reserved place under the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program is the amount of the grant provided by the Commonwealth to the provider, and any tuition fees payable by, or on behalf of, the student (up to a maximum amount agreed in a deed of agreement).

FEE-HELP

1.185.30 Where a student enrolled in an employer reserved place under the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program is paying some or all of their tuition fees for a unit of study using FEE-HELP, the provider must accept the grant provided by the Commonwealth as an up-front payment made on behalf of the student in relation to the unit for the purposes of section 107-1 of the Act.

Grant amount where FEE-HELP loan fee incurred

1.185.35 Where, but for this subsection, a student would have incurred a FEE-HELP loan fee in accordance with paragraph 137-10(2)(b) of the Act, in relation to a unit of study referred to in subsection 1.185.30, an additional grant amount is payable to the provider to be applied as an up-front payment made on behalf of the student, and is to be calculated as the amount that would result in the student’s FEE-HELP debt being increased by only so much as it would have if no loan fee applied.

1.190 Conditions of grant – providers

1.190.1 A grant to a provider under the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeship Program grants must be used to achieve the objectives listed in section 1.175.

1.190.5 In addition to any conditions imposed by these Guidelines, a provider recipient of a grant under the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program must also enter into a deed of agreement with the Commonwealth.

Additional equality of opportunity payment

1.190.6 A provider may be awarded an extra amount, as specified in the deed of agreement with the Commonwealth, for the purposes of promoting equality of opportunity in higher education.

Course requirements for all providers

1.190.10 A provider that receives a grant under the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program must deliver a course(s) of study that meets the following requirements:

(a) the course of study leads to at least one Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) qualification at levels 5 to 6;

(b) the course of study can articulate into a related course of study at the bachelor level or higher;

(c) the course of study leads to a qualification in one of the STEM Fields of Education; and

(d) the course of study can be undertaken part-time alongside employment.

Enrolment conditions for all students

1.190.15 For courses of study delivered for the purposes of section 1.175, a provider may only enrol persons that are the following:

(a) women;

(b) enrolling part-time; and

(c) employed by an employer that agrees with the provider or with the Commonwealth to release those persons for study purposes over the duration of the course.

1.190.20 Participating students can only be charged up to a maximum tuition fee for their course of study as agreed in writing with the Commonwealth in the deed of agreement under 1.190.5.

Reporting

1.190.25 Providers in receipt of a grant under the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program are required to report on performance twice annually in the format requested by the Department.

1.190.30 These reports must include, at a minimum, information on:

(a) number of students enrolled and the course in which they are enrolled for the purposes of the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program;

(aa) the provider’s compliance with the conditions applicable to its use of the additional equality of opportunity payment set out in the deed, if applicable;

(b) student attrition, progression and completion; and

(c) any additional criteria in the deed of agreement.

1.195 Conditions of grant – employers

1.195.1A A grant to an employer under the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program must be used to achieve the objective listed in subsection 1.175.1.

1.195.1 To receive the employer support grant participating eligible employers must:

(a) agree to release participating employees for study purposes over the duration of the course to be agreed with the student and provider;

(b) enter into a deed of agreement with the Commonwealth which will set, at a minimum, the maximum grant amount for an employer and the study conditions that the employer will provide for any employees undertaking study under the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program; and

(c) report on performance twice annually in the format requested by the Department.

Employer support grant amount and distribution

1.195.10 The maximum grant amount is $5,000 per student per year over the duration of the course of study within the program period.

1.195.20 Grants must be used to facilitate and support the provision of higher education, specifically one or more of the following:

(a) to provide flexible working arrangements to support the provision of higher education and enable employees to undertake study;

(b) to collaborate with higher education providers on the development or design of courses of study;

(c) work-based assessment;

(d) supervision;

(e) providing study equipment and resources;

(f) reimbursing employees for expenses relating to their study;

(g) work integrated learning; and

(h) associated program administration.

Reporting

1.195.25 Employers must provide a report, in the form requested by the Commonwealth, as set out in a deed of agreement. These reports must include, at a minimum, information on:

(a) employee(s) enrolled;

(b) hours released for study (paid/unpaid) and as a proportion of work time;

(c) and any additional criteria in the deed of agreement.

1.200 Conditions of grant – employers and providers

1.200.1 Before receiving a grant under the Women in STEM Cadetships and Advanced Apprenticeships Program, providers and employers must enter into a restricted access arrangement as defined in the Act.

CHAPTER 2 GRANTS TO SUPPORT NATIONAL INSTITUTES

2.1 Purpose

2.1.1 The purpose of this chapter is to specify the national institutes which may be supported by grants under item 4 of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act.

2.5 National Institutes

2.5.1 The following national institutes are specified under item 4 of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act (the Other Grants):

(a) The Australian National University;

(b) the AMC institute at the University of Tasmania;

(c) Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education; and

(d) Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne.

CHAPTER 3 GRANTS TO SUPPORT THE CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROVIDERS

3.1 Purpose

3.1.1 The purpose of these guidelines is to specify the Capital Development Pool (CDP) program as a program for the purposes of Part 2‑3 of the Act.

3.5 Program objectives

3.5.1 Grants under the CDP program are to support capital development projects of eligible higher education providers, as specified in item 5 of the table in section 41‑10(1) of the Act. The focus of the program is to encourage:

(i) Development of, or on, new campuses in suburban growth corridors and regional centres. Priority will be given to projects which support greater collaboration:

 Between higher education providers;

 Between higher education providers and vocational and technical education providers; or

 Between higher education providers, other organisations and the private sector;

(ii) Capital developments that:

 Assist higher education providers to establish or expand provision of courses identified by the government as discipline areas of national importance;

(iii) Information and communications technology infrastructure projects which improve the cost‑effectiveness and quality of educational delivery, for example:

 By improving the efficiency of the higher education provider’s infrastructure, or

 By providing access to education and research networks;

(iv) The building or major refurbishment of capital infrastructure for student amenities;

(v) The rebuilding or restoration of campus facilities in circumstances which are, in the view of the Minister special and extraordinary; and

(vi) Capital developments which the Minister considers are priorities for particular higher education providers.

CHAPTER 4 GRANTS TO ASSIST WITH THE COST OF HIGHER EDUCATION PROVIDERS’ SUPERANNUATION LIABILITIES

4.1 Purpose

4.1.1 The purpose of these guidelines is to specify:

(a) in accordance with subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act the Higher Education Superannuation Program (the “Program”) as a program under which grants can be paid for the purpose of assisting with the cost of providers’ superannuation liabilities as specified in item 6 of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act; and

(b) under subsection 41‑15(2) of the Act, other matters relevant to the Program.

4.2 Program objectives

4.2.1 The objective of the Program is to provide Commonwealth financial assistance to eligible Higher Education Providers to cover certain superannuation expenses.

4.2.2 The Commonwealth contributes to expenses incurred by eligible providers that have former employees who are members of an eligible superannuation scheme or fund.

4.3 Conditions of eligibility

4.3.1 Only the Higher Education Providers listed below are eligible to receive grants under this program:

 Deakin University

 La Trobe University

 Monash University

 Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University

 Swinburne University of Technology

 The University of Melbourne

 Federation University (formerly University of Ballarat)

 Victoria University

 Curtin University of Technology

 Edith Cowan University

 The Flinders University of South Australia

 The University of Adelaide

 University of South Australia

 University of Tasmania

 Charles Darwin University

 University of Canberra

 Australian Catholic University

 The University of Sydney

 The University of New South Wales

 Macquarie University

 University of Newcastle

 Southern Cross University

 University of Technology, Sydney

 University of New England

 University of Western Sydney

 University of Wollongong

 Charles Sturt University

4.3.2 To receive a grant under the program, a provider must have former employees who are members of one of the following superannuation schemes or funds:

 New South Wales State Superannuation Scheme

 New South Wales State Authorities Superannuation Scheme

 New South Wales State Authorities Non‑Contributory Scheme

 Victorian State Superannuation Fund – Revised Scheme

 Victorian State Superannuation Fund – New Scheme

 Western Australian Government Employees Superannuation Scheme

 South Australian Superannuation Fund

 Tasmanian Retirement Benefits Fund

 Catholic Superannuation Fund

 Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme

 Public Sector Superannuation Scheme

4.4 Grants made under the Program may cover:

(a) ongoing superannuation expenses. This may include, but is not limited to administrative fees, management fees and applicable taxes; and/or

(b) paying out superannuation liabilities.

4.5 Grants made under the Program will not cover:

(a) superannuation employer contributions for current employees; and/or

(b) superannuation liabilities attributed to excess salary increases.

4.6 Grant approval

4.6.1 Grants will be approved by the Minister under section 41‑20 of the Act.

4.7 Grant amounts

4.7.1 The Program grant amounts will be determined in writing by the Minister under paragraph 41‑30(b) of the Act.

4.8 Conditions that apply to grants

4.8.1 The Minister may determine conditions that apply to grants under subparagraph 41‑25(b)(i) of the Act.

4.9 Reconciliation

4.9.1 Grants provided to eligible providers will be reconciled with actual member entitlements paid by eligible providers for the eligible funds or schemes.

4.9.2 Eligible providers must:

(a) obtain evidential supporting documentation and/or information from the relevant superannuation fund or scheme or actuary and provide the information to the Department upon request. This may include but is not limited to invoices from the fund or scheme; and

(b) provide authority for the Commonwealth to obtain further information in relation to the expenses and liabilities covered under the Grant from the relevant superannuation fund or scheme or actuary.

CHAPTER 4A GRANTS TO FOSTER COLLABORATION AND REFORM IN HIGHER EDUCATION

4A.1 Purpose

4A.1.1 The purpose of this Chapter is to specify:

(a) in accordance with subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act, programs under which grants are to be paid to foster collaboration and reform in higher education as specified in item 9 of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act; and

(b) other matters for the purposes of Part 2‑3 of the Act.

4A.5 Program and program objective

4A.5.1 The University and Industry Collaboration Program is a program under which grants for the purpose specified in item 9 of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act are to be paid.

4A.5.10 The objective of the University and Industry Collaboration Program is to foster collaboration and reform in higher education, in particular to enhance collaboration between universities and industry.

Note 1: Table A providers are eligible to receive grants to foster collaboration and reform in higher education: see item 9 of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act.

Note 2. A grant is made on such conditions (if any) as the Minister determines in writing: see paragraph 41‑25(b) of the Act.

CHAPTER 5 GRANTS TO SUPPORT DIVERSITY AND STRUCTURAL REFORM

5.1 Purpose

5.1.1 The purpose of this chapter is to specify the:

(a) Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund [the "Diversity Fund”] as a program, beginning in 2008, from which grants to support diversity and structural reform in higher education may be paid; and

(b) Clinical Outreach Program, beginning in 2009 and ending in 2013, from which grants to support clinical training for dentistry students at James Cook University may be paid;

in accordance with item 9A of the table in subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act, and to specify some of the matters listed in paragraphs 41‑15(2)(a) to (f) of the Act.

5.5 Program objective

5.5.1 The objective of the Diversity Fund is to promote structural reform by eligible higher education providers that supports greater specialisation among providers, more diversity in the higher education sector and better responsiveness to labour markets operating in the local or national interest.

5.10 Total program funds and allocation

5.10.1 In this chapter, the total amount of funds available for allocation under the Diversity Fund in any particular year is referred to as the “Allocation”, calculated in accordance with paragraph 5.10.5.

5.10.5 The Allocation will be $49,991,000 in each of the calendar years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, plus:

(a) some or all of the Allocation for the immediately preceding year that was not used in that year, subject to the Act and any relevant approvals of the Minister and the Prime Minister; and

(b) indexation calculated in accordance with the method set out in Part 5‑6 of the Act.

5.15 Allocation of grants

5.15.1 In each year the Allocation will be available for:

(a) meeting existing funding commitments made under the Diversity Fund for the year;

(b) meeting existing funding commitments made under the Collaboration and Structural Reform Fund;

(c) grants in response to proposals invited by the Department; and

(d) grants in response to proposals outside the submission‑based rounds referred to in subparagraph 5.15.1(c).

5.15.5 Grants will be made only in response to proposals that are consistent with the objectives of the program and address the program’s priorities.

5.15.10 Grants may be made in respect of a project or in respect of a year.

5.15.15 Grants will be subject to the Minister’s approval (under section 41‑20 of the Act), and the Minister’s determination in writing of:

(a) the amount of the grant (under paragraph 41‑30(b) of the Act); and

(b) any conditions on which the grant is made (under subparagraph 41‑25(b)(i) of the Act), in addition to the condition specified in subparagraph 41‑25(b)(ii) of the Act.

5.20 Organisations that are eligible for grants under the Diversity Fund

5.20.1 Table A providers, and Table B providers that are universities.

5.20.5 The following bodies corporate are eligible only for the purposes of meeting existing commitments made to them under the Collaboration and Structural Reform Fund:

(i) The General Sir John Monash Foundation;

(ii) Australian Power Institute Ltd;

(iii) International Water Centre Pty Ltd; and

(iv) the Australian Association of Graduate Employers Ltd.

5.25 Application process

5.25.1 Applications must be submitted on the specified application form.

5.30 Program objective

5.30.1 The objective of the Clinical Outreach Program is to provide infrastructure and resources for the clinical training of James Cook University’s dentistry students in remote localities, to be determined by James Cook University. This will assist James Cook University to offer diverse clinical training for students as part of its establishment of the first Dental School in tropical Australia.

5.35 Eligibility

5.35.1 James Cook University is eligible to receive a grant under the Clinical Outreach Program.

5.45 Total program funds and allocation

5.45.1 The total allocation available for approval will be $2,000,000 in 2009 and that amount will be indexed in accordance with the method set out in Part 5‑6 of the Act for each of the years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

5.50 Allocation of grant

5.50.1 Grants will be made in respect of a year.

5.50.5 Grants will be subject to the Minister’s:

(a) approval under section 41‑20 of the Act;

(b) determination in writing of the grant amount under section 41‑30 of the Act; and

(c) determination in writing of any conditions on which the grant is made (under subparagraph 41‑25(b)(i) of the Act), in addition to the condition specified in subparagraph 41‑25(b)(ii) of the Act.

CHAPTER 6 GRANTS TO SUPPORT STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT

6.1 Purpose

6.1.1 The purpose of this chapter is to specify the Structural Adjustment Fund as a program for the purposes of the Other Grants Guidelines in accordance with subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act under which grants to support structural adjustment may be paid in accordance with item 9B of the Table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act. The program will operate in accordance with Program Administrative Guidelines issued by the Minister.

6.1.2 The Structural Adjustment Fund comprises funding provided through the Act under this Chapter and funding provided through the Nation‑building Funds Act 2008 from the Education Investment Fund. Some projects may be funded under only this Chapter, some projects may be funded under both this Chapter and the Education Investment Fund and some projects may be funded from the Education Investment Fund only. See the Program Administrative Guidelines and below for more details.

6.5 Program objectives and outcomes

6.5.1 The objective of the Structural Adjustment Fund program is to improve the financial sustainability and teaching and learning quality of universities and thereby to improve their ability to provide strong higher education outcomes across the country, particularly in regional Australia and outer metropolitan areas.

Grants under the program will do this by assisting eligible higher education providers (eligibility criteria are specified in the Program Administrative Guidelines) to carry out projects for significant structural adjustments to prepare for the move to a demand driven funding system.

6.5.5 Funded projects will contribute significantly to achievement of both of the following outcomes:

(i) Improved financial sustainability: institutions and campuses having the size, market alignment and agility necessary to be sustainable in a demand driven funding environment; and

(ii) Improved quality of teaching and learning provision: quality higher education provision regardless of student location and the mode of delivery of courses.

6.5.10 For the purposes of the Structural Adjustment Fund, structural adjustment will mean:

(i) consolidation of higher education institutions or campuses; and/or

(ii) significant collaboration with TAFE institutes and/or other universities; and/or

(iii) significant changes in the focus, organisation or operation of institutions or campuses;

directed at achievement of the outcomes specified in 6.5.5.

6.10 Allocation of grants

6.10.1 Eligible higher education providers will be invited to submit applications for a funding round that will be conducted on a competitive basis in accordance with this Chapter and the Program Administrative Guidelines.

6.10.5 All applications received in a competitive funding round will be assessed by the Department against the evaluation criteria specified in the Program Administrative Guidelines. The Department will make recommendations for funding to the Minister.

6.10.10 In the event that the competitive funding round does not result in commitment of the entirety of the funds available for that round, the Minister may direct the Department to enter into negotiations with particular eligible higher education providers with a view to developing projects which are in accordance with this Chapter and the Program Administrative Guidelines.

6.10.15 Apart from the funds allocated under the processes specified in paragraphs 6.10.1 ‑ 6.10.10 an amount of funds not exceeding $20,000,000 in total may be allocated for structural adjustment projects which the Minister considers are priorities for particular eligible higher education providers. Grants made in this manner will be for projects that will contribute to the outcomes specified in paragraph 6.5.5.

6.10.20 Grants will be approved by the Minister in accordance with section 41‑20 of the Act. Grants will be subject to conditions determined by the Minister under section 41‑25 of the Act. Before approving a grant, the Minister will give consideration to the recommendations of the Department.

CHAPTER 7 GRANTS FOR ACTIVITIES THAT ASSURE AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF AUSTRALIA’S HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR

7.1 Purpose

7.1.1 The purpose of this chapter is to specify programs in accordance with subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act for the purpose of assuring and enhancing the quality of Australia’s higher education sector in accordance with item 11 of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act, and to specify matters listed in subsection 41‑15(2) of the Act.

7.5 Description of the programs in this chapter

7.5.1 Programs in this chapter aim to assure and enhance the quality of teaching and learning in Australia’s higher education sector, in particular to ensure that universities target their efforts to improve outcomes for students.

7.10 Program description and structure

7.10.1 The Reward Funding program provides funding to eligible higher education providers and bodies corporate to improve outcomes for students and achieve national quality, participation and attainment objectives.

7.10.5 The Reward Funding program components:

(a) Component A – Reward Funding for Table A providers meeting performance targets (see section 8.20)

(b) Component B – Unallocated Reward Funding from Component A (see section 8.45)

(c) Component C – Quality Initiatives (see section 8.60)

7.15 Total Reward Funding

7.15.1 The total amount of funding available for allocation under the Reward Funding program for 2012 is $32,449,462.

Reward Funding amounts will be indexed in accordance with the method set out in Part 5‑6, Division 198 of the Act.

7.15.5 The total funding available for components A, B and C for 2012 is outlined below:

2012: Component A: $27,590,462 (allocated as per section 8.20)

Component B: Any unallocated funds remaining from Component A

Component C: $4,859,000

Reward Funding amounts will be indexed in accordance with the method set out in Part 5‑6, Division 198 of the Act.

7.20 Purpose

7.20.1 Table A providers will be allocated Reward Funding on the basis of meeting university targets set out in the Compacts and eligibility requirements below at Clause 8.25 and set against a framework of performance indicators.

7.20.5 Mission‑based Compacts are three‑year agreements that show how each university’s mission contributes to the Government’s goals for higher education, and include details of major higher education and research funding and performance targets.

7.25 Eligibility requirements

7.25.1 A provider is eligible for Reward Funding if:

(a) the university is a Table A provider; and

(b) the Minister has allocated a number of Commonwealth Supported Places to the provider for that year under section 30‑10 of the Act; and

(c) the provider has entered into a funding agreement with the Commonwealth under section 30‑25 of the Act in respect of that year (the 2011‑2013 Compact period).

7.25.5 For a provider to receive Reward Funding for an indicator in 2012 it must:

(a) agree to the performance targets relating to specific Commonwealth goals contained in clause 4.14 of the university’s 2011‑2013 Compact; and

(b) supply performance data to the Commonwealth for all indicators as per the requirements set out in the Performance Funding Technical Guidelines; and

(c) perform one of the following:

(i) in respect of the low SES indicator, achieve the relevant excellence or improvement target for the low SES indicator;

(ii) in respect of the other underrepresented group indicator, achieve the improvement target for the other underrepresented group indicator.

7.25.10 For a provider to receive Reward Funding for an indicator in 2013 it must:

(a) agree to the performance targets relating to specific Commonwealth goals contained in clause 4.14 of the university’s 2011‑2013 Compact; and

(b) supply performance data to the Commonwealth for all indicators as per the requirements set out in the Performance Funding Technical Guidelines; and

(c) perform one of the following:

(i) in respect of the low SES indicator, achieve the relevant excellence or improvement target for the low SES indicator;

(ii) in respect of the other underrepresented group indicator, achieve the improvement target for the other underrepresented group indicator.

7.30 Payment dates and reporting

7.30.1 Reward Funding payments to a provider will be paid in accordance with clause 4.1 headed Category 1 Participation and Social inclusion as outlined in the Compact.

7.30.5 Universities will report against their performance targets for performance Categories 1, 2 and 3 through the insertion of performance results in section 4.14 of the Compact.

7.35 Calculation of Component A

7.35.1 Each provider’s maximum possible Reward Funding payment for Component A will be calculated based on their proportional share of the Basic Grant Amount distributed in the previous grant year, as at 31 December of that year (section 33‑5 of the Act).

7.40 Calculations by indicator

7.40.1 Performance Category 1: Participation and Social Inclusion

7.40.5 Performance indicator 1A: Proportion of domestic undergraduates who are from a low SES background (low SES target)

View image in the official source

The amount of funding payable to a Table A provider in 2012 and 2013 for achievement of the low SES excellence or improvement target agreed in the university’s 2011‑2013 Compact will be calculated in accordance with the following formula:

7.40.10 Performance indicator 1B: Proportion of domestic undergraduates who are from another underrepresented group (other underrepresented group target)

The amount of funding payable to a Table A provider in 2012 and 2013 for achievement of the other underrepresented group improvement target agreed in the university’s 2011‑2013 Compact will be calculated in accordance with the following formula:

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Where:

7.40.15 There is no Reward Funding for Performance Categories 2 and 3.

Division 2A—Component B—unallocated reward funding from Component A

7.45 Purpose

7.45.1 This section provides for the dispersal of any Reward Funding not allocated under Component A.

7.50 Organisations eligible for grants

7.50.1 Organisations eligible for grants under Component B include:

(a) Table A providers; and

(b) Other organisations as determined by the Minister.

7.55 Distribution of Component B

7.55.1 The Minister will determine the conditions of grants to eligible organisations by Ministerial determination under paragraph s41‑25(b) of the Act.

7.55.5 Grants made under this component may be paid on a one‑off basis or paid over a project period.

7.55.10 Eligible organisations will be required to report on performance as specified in the Conditions of Grant.

7.60 Purpose

7.60.1 Reward Funding is available in 2012 and 2013 for quality initiatives to ensure that the growth in university enrolments is underpinned by a focus on quality. The funding is provided to help assure and strengthen the quality of teaching and learning in higher education.

7.65 Organisations eligible for grants

7.65.1 Organisations eligible for grants under Component C include:

(a) Table A providers

(b) Graduate Careers Australia

(c) The Australian Council for Educational Research Limited

(d) The Council for Aid to Education

(e) Other organisations as determined by the Minister

7.70 Distribution of Component C – quality initiatives

7.70.1 The Minister will determine the conditions of grants to eligible organisations by Ministerial determination under s41‑25(b) of the Act.

7.70.5 Grants under this component may be paid on a one‑off basis or paid over a project period.

7.70.10 Eligible organisations will be required to report on performance as specified in the Conditions of Grant.

7.75 Purpose

7.75.1 The purpose of this section is to establish the PELTHE as a program for the purposes of subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act for the purpose of assuring and enhancing the quality of Australia’s higher education sector in accordance with item 11(a) of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act and to specify matters listed in subsection 41‑15(2) of the Act.

7.80 Program objectives

7.80.1 The objective of the PELTHE Program is to promote excellence in learning and teaching in higher education in Australia through a suite of grants. It aims to focus universities’ efforts in enhancing academics’ teaching skills to improve student learning outcomes.

7.85 Eligibility

7.85.1 Higher education providers eligible for funding under the PELTHE Program are those specified in the Act as Table A providers and Table B providers and higher education providers which receive a grant under the part 2.2 – Commonwealth Grants Scheme of the Act.

7.90 Amount spent on the program in a particular year

7.90.1 Funding for the PELTHE Program is provided under Part 2‑3 of the Act. Subject to Parliamentary disallowance under section 41‑50 of the Act, the level of funding provided is $14.3 million in 2012.

7.95 Allocation process

7.95.1 Each year, the Minister will determine priority areas for grants to be paid under the PELTHE Program. Higher Education Providers defined as eligible for funding in section 7.85.1 of these guidelines will be able to apply/nominate for grants via a process to be determined by the Minister.

7.100 Payment to higher education providers

7.100.1 In accordance with section 164‑5 of the Act, amounts will be paid in such a way as the Minister determines, and at such times as the Secretary determines.

7.101 Purpose

7.101.1 This section specifies bodies corporate eligible for grants, in accordance with item 11(a) of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act.

7.105 Bodies corporate eligible for grants

7.105.1 The following bodies corporate are eligible for grants under this Item:

(a) Graduate Careers Australia (GCA);

(b) The Australian Council for Educational Research Limited (ACER);

(c) Universities Australia (UA); and

(d) The Organisation for Economic, Co‑operation and Development (OECD).

7.105.5 The Minister will determine the conditions of grants to the GCA, ACER, UA and the OECD by Ministerial determination under s41‑25(b)(i) of the Act.

7.110 Purpose

7.110.1 The purpose of this section is to establish ETMST Program as a program for the purposes of subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act for the purpose of assuring and enhancing the quality of Australia’s higher education sector in accordance with item 11(a) of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act and to specify matters listed in subsection 41‑15(2) of the Act.

7.115 Program objectives

7.115.1 The objective of the ETMST Program is to drive a major improvement in the quality of mathematics and science teachers by supporting new teacher training programs in which faculties, schools or departments of science, mathematics and education:

(a) collaborate on course design and delivery; and

(b) focus on combining content and pedagogy so that mathematics and science are taught as dynamic, forward‑looking, and collaborative human endeavours.

7.120 Eligibility

7.120.1 Institutions listed in Table A and Table B of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and other approved higher education providers allocated places under the Commonwealth Grants Scheme, are eligible to apply for grants under this Program.

7.125 Total ETMST Program allocation

7.125.1 In this chapter, the total amount of funds available for allocation under the ETMST Program in any given year is referred to as the “ETMST Allocation”.

7.125.5 The ETMST Allocation available to eligible higher education providers will be $12,408,620 for the period 2014 – 2016.

7.125.10 Indexation of the ETMST Allocation shall be calculated in accordance with the method set out in Part 5‑6, Division 198 of the Act.

7.130 Allocation of ETMST Program Funding

7.130.1 Grants will be subject to the Minister’s approval (under section 41‑20 of the Act), and the Minister’s determination in writing of:

(a) the amount of the grant (under paragraph 41‑30(b) of the Act); and

(b) any conditions on which the grant is made (under subparagraph 41‑25(b)(i) of the Act), in addition to the condition specified in subparagraph 41‑25(b)(ii) of the Act.

7.135 Purpose

7.135.1 The Higher Education Relief Program (HERP) is specified as a program for the purposes of subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act. This Part also specifies matters listed in subsection 41‑15(2) of the Act in relation to that program.

7.135.5 The purpose of the HERP is to assure and enhance the quality of Australia’s higher education sector, in accordance with item 11(a) of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act, during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020.

7.140 Program objective

7.140.1 The HERP provides financial assistance to eligible higher education providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 for activities to ensure that these providers continue to operate during, and after, the pandemic, and for specific activities identified in the conditions of grant made under clause 7.155.1 of these Guidelines.

7.140.5 The objective of this program is to ensure that higher education providers are able to keep operating and employing staff during, and after, the COVID-19 pandemic, and to assure the ability of these providers to continue to provide quality education services.

7.145 Calculation of grant amounts

7.145.1 The HERP for a Table A provider for 2020 will be calculated as follows:

View image in the official source

Where:

Max = For 2020,

Maximum Basic Grant Amount for non-designated courses of study

Maximum Basic Grant Amount for designated courses of study

Amounts worked out under subsection 33-1(1)(b) of the Act;

CGS Payments for 2020 = the amount a provider is entitled to be paid under section 33-1 of the Act.

JobKeeper Payments = any payments made to the higher education provider in 2020 under Division 4 of Part 2 of the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Rules 2020, an instrument made under the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Act 2020.

7.145.5 The HERP for a non-Table A provider for 2020 will be calculated as follows:

View image in the official source

Where:

Max = For 2020,

The provider’s Maximum Basic Grant Amount

Amounts worked out under paragraph 33-1(1)(b) of the Act

–

Any funding allocated to the provider to support the delivery of ‘short courses’ in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as set out in the provider’s funding agreement;

CGS Payments for 2020 = the amount a provider is entitled to be paid under section 33-1 of the Act minus any funding allocated to the provider to support the delivery of ‘short courses’ in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as set out in the provider’s funding agreement.

JobKeeper Payments = any payments made to the higher education provider in 2020 under Division 4 of Part 2 of the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Rules 2020, an instrument made under the Coronavirus Economic Response Package (Payments and Benefits) Act 2020.

7.145.10 If an eligible higher education provider’s grant under the HERP is calculated to be less than $0, the grant amount for that higher education provider is determined to be $0.

7.150 Extra conditions of eligibility

7.150.1 A provider that has entered into a funding agreement under section 30-25 of Part 2-2 of the Act for 2020 is eligible for a grant under the HERP.

7.155 Conditions of grant

7.155.1 The recipient of a grant under the HERP must comply with any terms of the grant approval imposed by the Minister.

PART 6 – HIGHER EDUCATION CONTINUITY GUARANTEE (HECG)

7.160 Purpose

7.160.1 The Higher Education Continuity Guarantee (HECG) is specified as a program for the purposes of subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act. This Part also specifies matters listed in subsection 41‑15(2) of the Act in relation to that program.

7.160.5 The purpose of the HECG is to provide grants to higher education providers in 2021, 2022 and 2023 to assure and enhance the quality of Australia’s higher education sector, in accordance with item 11(a) of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

7.165 Program objectives

7.165.1 The HECG provides financial assistance to eligible higher education providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic for activities to assist these providers to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and for specific activities identified in the conditions of grant made under section 7.180.1 of these Guidelines.

7.165.5 The objective of this program is to ensure that higher education providers are able to keep operating and employing staff in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to assure the ability of these providers to continue to provide quality education services into the future.

7.170 Calculation of grant amounts

7.170.1 The HECG for a Table A provider for the grant years 2021, 2022 and 2023 will be calculated as follows:

View image in the official source

Where:

Max = For the relevant year,

The provider’s Maximum Basic Grant Amount for higher education courses

The provider’s Maximum Basic Grant Amount for designated higher education courses

Amounts worked out under paragraph 33-1(1)(b)(ii) of the Act

View image in the official source

Any funding allocated to the provider to support the delivery of ‘short courses’ and ‘national priority places’, as set out in the provider’s funding agreement;

CGS Payments for relevant grant year = the amount a provider is entitled to be paid for higher education courses and designated higher education courses, plus the amount a provider is entitled to be paid under paragraph 33-1(1)(b)(ii) of the Act, minus any funding allocated to the provider to support the delivery of ‘short courses’ and ‘national priority places’, as set out in the provider’s funding agreement.

7.170.5 The HECG for a non-Table A provider for the grant years 2021, 2022 and 2023 will be calculated as follows:

View image in the official source

Where:

Max = For the relevant year,

The provider’s Maximum Basic Grant Amount

Amounts worked out under paragraph 33-1(1)(b)(ii) of the Act

View image in the official source

Any funding allocated to the provider to support the delivery of ‘short courses’ and ‘national priority places’, as set out in the provider’s funding agreement;

CGS Payments for relevant grant year = the amount a provider is entitled to be paid under subsection 33-5(7) and of Act, plus the amount a provider is entitled to be paid under paragraph 33-1(1)(b)(ii) of the Act; minus any funding allocated to the provider to support the delivery of ‘short courses’ and ‘national priority places’, as set out in the provider’s funding agreement.

7.175 Extra conditions of eligibility

7.175.1 A higher education provider that has entered into a funding agreement under
section 30-25 of Part 2-2 of the Act for the period 2021 to 2023 is eligible for a grant under the HECG.

7.180 Conditions of grant

7.180.1 In addition to any conditions imposed by these Guidelines, the recipient of a grant under the HECG must also comply with any terms of the grant approval imposed by the Minister.

CHAPTER 7B GRANTS TO FOSTER AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPORTANCE OF, OR PROMOTE RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP IN, SCIENCE, SOCIAL SCIENCE OR THE HUMANITIES IN AUSTRALIA

7B.1 Purpose

7B.1.1 The purpose of this section is to establish AMSPP as a program for the purposes of subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act for the purpose of fostering an understanding of the importance of, and promoting research and scholarship in, science, social science and the humanities in Australia, in accordance with item 11(b) of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act and to specify matters listed in subsection 41‑15(2) of the Act.

7B.5 Program objectives

7B.5.1 The AMSPP provides funding to support innovative partnerships between universities, schools and other organisations to:

(a) improve secondary students’ engagement in maths and science; and

(b) increase the number of students participating in mathematics and science undergraduate courses.

7B.10 Eligibility

7B.10.1 The higher education providers eligible to receive funding under the AMSPP are specified at item 11(b) of the table at Section 41‑10(1) of the Act, and Table B providers as listed at Section 16‑20 of the Act.

7B.15 Total Program allocation

7B.15.1 In this chapter, the total amount of funds available for allocation under the AMSPP in any given year is referred to as the “AMSPP Allocation”.

7B.15.5 The AMSPP Allocation available to eligible higher education providers will be $22.3m for the period 2013 – 2016.

7B.15.10 Indexation of the AMSPP Allocation shall be calculated in accordance with the method set out in Part 5‑6, Division 198 of the Act.

7B.20 Distribution of the Funds

7B.20.1 Grants will be subject to the Minister’s approval (under section 41‑20 of the Act), and the Minister’s determination in writing of:

(a) the amount of the grant (under paragraph 41‑30(b) of the Act); and

(b) any conditions on which the grant is made (under subparagraph 41‑25(b)(i) of the Act), in addition to the condition specified in subparagraph 41‑25(b)(ii) of the Act.

CHAPTER 7C GRANTS FOR ACTIVITIES THAT SUPPORT OPEN ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION ACROSS AUSTRALIA

7C.1 Purpose

7C.1.1 This Part establishes the Regional University Centres Program as a program for the purposes of subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act, and specifies matters listed in subsection 41‑15(2) of the Act in relation to that program.

7C.1.5 The purpose of the Program is to support open access to higher education across Australia, in accordance with item 11(c) of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act.

7C.5 Program objective

7C.5.1 The Program provides financial assistance to community based bodies corporate in regional and remote areas of Australia, to enable them to establish and maintain regional university centres in regional areas that support local Commonwealth assisted students who are undertaking an undergraduate course of study.

7C.10 Eligibility

7C.10.1 The following entities are eligible for a grant under the Program:

(a) a body corporate that the Minister is satisfied has, or will have, a physical operational presence in a Remoteness Area categorised under the Remoteness Structure as Inner Regional Australia, Outer Regional Australia, Remote Australia or Very Remote Australia;

(b) a body corporate that is a registered entity (within the meaning of the Australian Charities and Not‑for‑profits Commission Act 2012);

(c) a Table A provider;

(d) a Table B provider; and

(e) a higher education provider to which the Minister has allocated Commonwealth supported places under section 30‑10 of the Act.

7C.10.5 However, a body corporate mentioned in paragraph 7C.10.1(a) or (b) is not eligible to receive a grant under the Program unless the Minister is satisfied that:

(a) the body corporate, and each person who makes, or participates in making, decisions that affect the whole, or a substantial part, of the body’s affairs, is a fit and proper person within the meaning of the Act;

(b) the body corporate is financially viable.

7C.15 Conditions of grant

Grant to be used to establish and operate a Regional University Centre

7C.15.1 A grant under the Program must only be used to establish, operate and maintain a facility in, and to provide services from, a location in a Remoteness Area categorised under the Remoteness Structure as Inner Regional Australia, Outer Regional Australia, Remote Australia or Very Remote Australia.

Grant to be used to support students to undertake study

7C.15.5 The recipient of a grant under the Program must ensure that the facilities and services provided using the grant primarily support Commonwealth assisted students.

Note: Facilities and services described in this section may be provided to other students undertaking study, if there is spare capacity at the Regional University Centre to do so.

7C.15.10 A grant under the Program must only be used to support students to undertake study, through provision of some or all of the following:

(a) infrastructure and facilities, including:

(i) study spaces, including facility rental, furniture and furnishings; and

(ii) internet access, including the cost of connection to, and maintenance of, internet services, and telecommunications hardware necessary to connect the facility to internet; and

(iii) computing facilities including computers, local network hardware, operating software and software licences, applications software and software licence, and computing peripherals such as printers and workstations; and

(iv) video‑conferencing facilities, including video‑conferencing equipment and software; and

(b) academic support services, including:

(i) library services, including licences for research databases, books and periodicals, shelving and storage systems, photocopiers, and reader support services; and

(ii) academic skills training and tutoring;

(c) administrative support, including student administration activities, IT support services, facilities management, and facility security (human and security systems); and

(d) pastoral care consistent with the Higher Education Standards Framework 2015, including:

(i) student wellbeing and safety; and

(ii) information on student obligations and behavioural standards; and

(iii) personal support services, cultural support and ancillary services, hours of availability, and how to access services and emergency contact details where applicable.

Grant recipient to comply with additional terms determined by the Minister

7C.15.15 The recipient of a grant under the Program must comply with any terms of the grant approval imposed by the Minister.

CHAPTER 8 – GRANTS TO ENCOURAGE HIGHER EDUCATION PROVIDERS TO ENGAGE WITH INDUSTRY

8.1 Purpose

8.1.1 The National Priorities and Industry Linkage Fund (NPILF) is specified as a program for the purposes of subsection 41‑15(1) of the Act. This Part also specifies matters listed in subsection 41‑15(2) of the Act in relation to that program.

8.1.5 The purpose of the NPILF is to provide grants to eligible higher education providers to encourage those providers to engage with industry to produce job-ready graduates, in accordance with item 13 of the table in subsection 41‑10(1) of the Act.

8.5 Program objectives

8.5.1 The key objectives of the NPILF are to:

(a) increase the number of internships, practicums and other innovative approaches to work integrated learning across all disciplines;

(b) increase the number of STEM-skilled graduates and improve their employment outcomes; and

(c) reward universities for the development of partnerships and collaborations with industry.

8.10 Extra conditions of eligibility

8.10.1 Table A providers are eligible to receive a grant under the NPILF.

8.15 Total NPILF funding

8.15.1 The amount, being a part of the amount referred to in section 41‑45 of the Act for a year, that will be spent on the program in 2021 is $225,250,000.

8.15.5 The amount, being a part of the amount referred to in section 41‑45 of the Act for a year, that will be spent on the program for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024 is the total of all grant amounts calculated in accordance with clause 8.20.

8.20 Calculation of grant amounts

8.20.1 Eligible providers will receive the relevant grant amount specified in the table below, based on the number of Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) the provider has provided for a grant year (as calculated using the latest year of verified data) in the relevant enrolment band:

8.20.5 The amounts in the table at section 8.20.1 will be adjusted each year using the method of indexation set out in Part 5-6, Division 198 of the Act.