We are working through the details of the policy change and what it means for our current students and students joining us in 2021.
Critical elements for UNE include:
- Growth in the number of Commonwealth supported places for domestic students in regional Universities (3.5 per cent per annum).
- Expanded HEPP fund to provide $500 million a year to universities for programs that support Indigenous, regional and low SES students to get into university and to graduate.
- $48.8 million to drive research partnerships between regional universities and larger research focused institutions, or with industry.
There has been a lot of focus and debate on the fee reform elements of the package, but most importantly for UNE it includes a redistribution of Federal funding towards regional universities and more opportunity for regional students.
I am pleased that policy at the Federal level recognises the contribution that regional universities make to shape the regional and national workforce, and recognises the need to increase higher education attainment by rural, regional and Indigenous students. The Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) will also be expanded to include regional, remote and Indigenous students.
47 per cent of UNE’s students are drawn from regional Australia, 20 per cent are low SES, so our purpose is to make sure those in the greatest need have access to a quality education.
I welcome the financial support in the form of a one-off $5000 grant to assist regional students who relocate to university to commence their studies.
On fee reform, it is good news that some students will be paying less for their studies, however it is disappointing that others will be paying significantly more. Existing students will not face an increase in their fees for the next three years. UNE is reviewing our scholarship programmes in light of these announcements so that we can ensure equity of opportunity.
The package provides more support for disciplines that we know we have high enrolments and a strong track record, including agriculture, teaching, nursing, the sciences, psychology and languages. We also have a proud tradition of attracting students into the Humanities and this will continue.
Regional universities carry a civic responsibility to drive and stimulate regional economic activities and growth. The reforms support our innovative and flexible approach to working with industry to produce entrepreneurial and engaged graduates, which will in turn generate future regional sustainability.
