Funding flows for research at Australia’s universities

The Morrison Government will provide $1.92 billion in research funding to Australia’s universities in 2019. 

The research block grant funding supports the Research Support Program (RSP) and the Research Training Program (RTP). 

The RSP supports universities to conduct research, funding libraries, laboratories, computing centres and the salaries of support and technical staff. 

The RTP provides funding for scholarships to domestic and international students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees. 

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the research block grants are an important part of the Government’s record investment in universities, amounting to over $17 billion in 2019. 

“The Morrison Government continues to support world-class research and researchers, providing record funding to universities,” Mr Tehan said. 

“Only our Government can provide record funding for our universities because we’re keeping our economy strong and can pay for our commitments. 

“Over the next four years, the Government will invest around $12 billion in research through the Education and Training portfolio, including around $8 billion in research and research training and a further $3 billion through the Australian Research Council. 

“The decision to pause indexation of research block grant programs for 12 months, along with adjusting growth for RSP, will allow the Government to prioritise education spending, including on regional higher education. 

“The Morrison Government believes that every Australian, no matter where they live, should have access to our world-leading higher education system. We have invested over $350 million since the 2018-19 Budget to support students in regional and remote Australia. 

“We will continue to provide significant financial support to students and universities now and into the future.” 

For more information on the 2019 research block grants visit www.education.gov.au/research-block- grants