... and regional education services across Australia

Investing in regional education

The Government has committed to improving outcomes for regional Australians now and into the future.

In this Budget the Government is investing in skills and participation to keep our economy moving forward, including regional skills initiatives.

The Government is making significant investments in both our higher education institutions and in our schools to support regional students.

This Budget continues to build on the higher education reform package Universities, Innovation and Education Revolution announced in the 2009‑10 Budget.

Regional priorities round of the Education Investment Fund (EIF)

The Government is providing $500 million for a dedicated regional priorities funding round of the EIF for priority capital development projects in regional higher education and vocational institutions.

It is expected that the round will commence this year, and that funds will be fully committed by the end of 2012‑13.

The Government has already committed over $690 million to regional Australia from the EIF. Combined, these investments total over $1.1 billion.

Funding for regional universities

Funding for universities with regional campuses will be increased by $110 million over the next four years through an increase in regional loading payments.

Changes to the regional loading allocation formula will ensure that this funding is targeted to campuses that most need support.

These changes recognise the additional challenges of delivering higher education in regional areas by providing regional universities with additional funding support.