A new system for the 21st century
Under a student focused system, universities will be able to offer a place to all eligible students.
This will result in an additional 50,000 new students by 2013 and help achieve the Government's ambition that 40 per cent of all 25 to 34 year olds attain a bachelor level qualification or above by 2025.
Students in, politicians out
While the reforms of previous Labor Governments expanded participation in tertiary education, current rigidities limit the capacity of universities to respond to student preferences, causing some students to miss out.
The Government is committed to ensuring all Australians have an opportunity to participate in tertiary education, especially in these tough economic times. As part of this commitment, the Government will invest $491 million over four years to uncap the number of public university places from 2012, allowing universities to offer a place to all eligible students.
Universities will be able to pursue diverse missions and better meet student choice, helping to create a higher skilled and more productive workforce.
To allow institutions time to adjust, the Government will implement transitional arrangements for two years. For 2010 and 2011, the cap on over‑enrolments will be relaxed from 5 per cent to 10 per cent, with the current funding floor maintained. Places will be fully uncapped from 2012.
The Government will also provide $402 million* over four years to assist with structural adjustment, including $200 million from the Education Investment Fund to support collaboration between universities and the vocational education and training sector.
Uncapping places will increase commencements
*Includes $64 million in offsetting savings from abolishing the Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund