The Federal Government has announced $38.8 billion in spending over the next four years to support the move to lift the cap on student places at universities.

 

The spending coincides with the Federal Government’s latest modelling that shows more than 770,000 students are expected to be enrolled at universities across the country.

 

“Australia needs a more highly educated workforce and we cannot afford not to tap into the talent of regional and disadvantaged students,” Minister for Tertiary Education Senator Chris Evans said.

 

“Our reforms mean more students are now aspiring to a tertiary education—one in six students attending university this year are from low socio-economic backgrounds and many are the first in their family to go to university.”

 

The Federal Budget will increase the amount of loading paid to universities for enabling courses. By 2014, this funding will have increased the value of the loading by 50 per cent to $3068 for each full-time enabling place. These courses are provided free to students who need additional help preparing for a university course.

 

The spending is broken down as follows:

  • $25.8 billion for the Commonwealth Grant Scheme
  • $8.4 billion for the Higher Education Loan Program
  • $1 billion for equity and access measures
  • $765 million for infrastructure
  • $217 million to promote and recognise quality teaching and learning
  • $2.6 billion in other targeted programs