A new report, entitled An Independent analysis of higher education funding approach, by Ernst & Young shows that funding for university student places will be 10.1 per cent or almost $2,000 higher in 2013 .

 

Findings of the report included:

 

  • Under the two scenarios examined (Scenario 1 - Pre Bradley Review and Scenario 2 - Post Bradley Review), there would be an increase in funding for teaching, learning and research both in aggregate and on a per student load basis over time. Scenario 2 (Post Bradley Review) indicates that there is generally more funding per student load from 2012 onwards.
  • There is more funding on aggregate in Scenario 2 for teaching and learning and this is associated with increased Commonwealth supported student load in current university estimates (approximately 90,000 more Estimated Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL) in 2013 under Scenario 2 than in 2013 under Scenario 1).
  • For teaching, learning and research in 2013, the per EFTSL funding is $19,524 for Scenario 1 and $21,488 for Scenario 2, the difference being an increase of 10.1% over Scenario 1.
  • For teaching and learning only in 2013, the per EFTSL funding is $18,074 for Scenario 1 and $19,600 for Scenario 2, the difference being an increase of 8.4% over Scenario 1.

 

Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans,  the report showed universities were receiving substantially more funding per student as a result of the Bradley reforms, and also address sector calls for the Bradley Review recommendation to increase in base funding for teaching and learning.

 

"It shows that through the Bradley reforms we've given our education sector the support it needs to produce more graduates and keep up with demand for skilled workers," Senator Evans said.

 

"For every student today, there are more university places and more money for each of those places. It's just one way we are making sure all Australians have the opportunity to participate in the high skill, high pay jobs in the economy."

 

The 10 per cent funding increase is comprised of improved indexation, additional equity funding for the Higher Education, Participation and Partnerships Program; Sustainable Research Excellence funding; Reward Funding and Structural Adjustment Fund funding.

 

The report can be accessed at http://www.deewr.gov.au/HigherEducation/Pages/TransformingAustraliasHESystem.aspx