Th e provis ion of a new suite of 58 sho rt courses by higher education providers, made possible than ks to
an Australian Gov ernment initiative, has been welcomed by the Independent Tertiary Education Council
Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent providers in the higher education, vocational
education, training and skills sector s.
The new Undergraduate Certificate courses were crea ted as part of the Au stralian Government ‘s
response to the Covid -19 cri sis. The 1,015 heavily subsidise d places for t he new Undergraduate
Certificate courses will mostly be offered by independent higher education provi ders.
“ITECA welcomes t his announcement that funds independent higher education providers t o deliver short
courses in key areas. It ‘s tim ely support for the sector as they face challenges brough t about by the
Covid -19 crisis,” Mr Williams said.
The courses will be o ffered by 18 higher educatio n providers with a cost to students ranging from $1,250
to $2,500. The fi nanc ial contribution of the Australian Government is $7milli on.
“We ‘re pleas ed that the Australian Government ha s made this investment that allows independent
higher education providers to support students in key areas including healthcare, clinical psychology
teaching, science, engineering, languages and information technology,” Mr Williams said.
ITECA contin ues to work with the Australian Gove rnment on a suite of reforms that will assist
independent higher educ ation prov iders during the Covid -19 crisis.
“ITECA members en joy a reputatio n as world -class independent higher education providers, and we ‘re
pleased to be working al ongside the Australian Gove rnment to support them, ” Mr Willi ams said.
Independent providers support around 10% of the 1.5 million students in higher education.
Ends. Media C ontact.
