Consultation on future arrangements for Commonwealth-supported postgraduate student places

Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, today released a consultation paper on future arrangements for the allocation and funding of non-research Commonwealth supported postgraduate student places.

In 2011, the Commonwealth will provide approximately $300 million under the Commonwealth Grants Scheme for Commonwealth supported places at the postgraduate level.

The number of Commonwealth supported postgraduate places has doubled over the last four years – from 16,500 in 2007 to 33,000 in 2011. The number of postgraduate places is anticipated to increase further to 35,000 next year and 36,000 in 2013.

“The Government will continue to allocate postgraduate student places,” Senator Evans said. “However, it is important that the higher education sector has a say in the processes for allocating those places.”

The Government is now seeking submissions from the sector to inform its longer term approach to supporting postgraduate study. 

In particular, the Government is keen to fully understand the impact of possible approaches on the way in which universities deliver postgraduate programs, on students and employers. 

It is anticipated that a report and recommendations on Commonwealth supported postgraduate places will be finalised for consideration by the Government in conjunction with its consideration of the Base Funding Review.

The consultation paper and details of the consultation process, including how to make a submission are available at: www.deewr.gov.au/HigherEducation/Policy/PostgraduatePlaces

Submissions on the consultation paper close on Friday 16 December 2011.