It’s not surprising that the 2023 Australian Government budget has taken a cautious approach to higher education spending, pending the finalisation of the Australian Universities Accord. That said, the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) believes that more could have been done to support students with independent higher education providers.
“The budget commitments reflect the fact that the Australian Universities Accord is yet to be fully settled, and as this will set out the long-term re-vision for higher education, there are few major announcements,” Mr Williams said.
ITECA noted the commitments to $127.3 million for 4,000 additional commencing Commonwealth supported places across the higher education sector for courses that support the skilling requirements of the nuclear submarine program.
“We’re encouraged by this commitment that will support students as Australia leverages our full tertiary education environment in collaboration with our partners, to deliver a nation-changing program,” said Mr Williams.
Welcome was expenditure on the extension and expansion of existing student support programs across higher education.
“ITECA members look forward to working with the Australian Government to deliver some of the key programs in this budget,” Mr Williams said.
To best support students, ITECA is looking for reform in future budgets so that more students from more diverse backgrounds can study with independent higher education providers, and do so with government support.
“We’re looking for a higher education system that puts students at the centre and is agnostic as to provider type when it comes to the funding of places for study. If a student wants to study with an independent higher education provider with a commitment to excellence, that’s a great thing and government should back it,” Mr Williams said.
Independent providers support around 10% of the 1.6 million students in higher education awards programs.
