Applications are now open for funding for initiatives that encourage students and
individuals in regional and remote areas of Australia to aspire to completing higher
education.
The Australian Government’s Regional Partnerships Project Pool Program provides $7.1
million over three years for the delivery of collaborative outreach programs that support the
higher education aspirations of students in regional communities.
Minister for Regional Education, Senator Bridget McKenzie said the program responds to
the Napthine Review, which found students from regional areas were often disincentivised
from pursuing university or other studies.
“There is no easy or quick fix to the barriers many students face in accessing higher
education, which is why we are funding innovative proposals that will directly involve
regional communities themselves,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The program will fund universities, Regional University Centres vocational education and
training providers, schools and community groups to collaborate on tailored approaches
that support the best possible outcomes for our students.
“The initial funding round offers eligible applicants seed funding totalling $1 million to
establish partnerships with regional communities in their state or territory, and co-design a
proposal for initiatives which offer students the same quality and diversity of higher
education outreach as metropolitan students.
“Phase 2 of the Program will then identify the proposed outreach initiatives with the
strongest regional buy-in to receive multi-year funding to deliver the outreach program.
“I encourage applicants to think outside the box and explore new ways to engage with
regional communities in order to meet the needs of their students, and to make the most of
any existing connections between community groups and education providers.”
Applications for Phase 1 will close on 14 March 2022.
More information is available at www.dese.gov.au/rpppp
Media Contact:
Senator McKenzie: Blair Arnold | 0448 901 016