Needs-based funding supports initiatives that engage people from underrepresented backgrounds to access and complete higher education.
Needs-based Funding commenced on 1 January 2026 and has been introduced as a core part of funding for teaching and learning in Australia, changing the way funding is provided to universities to support students from priority cohorts.
The new system provides universities with additional funding contributions above core Commonwealth supported place (CSP) funding, to better support students from underrepresented backgrounds including:
- Students from low SES backgrounds (undergraduate level)
- First Nations students (undergraduate and postgraduate levels)
- Students studying at regional and remote campuses
Delivering Needs-based Funding
Funding for 2026 is provided to eligible providers in accordance with the Higher Education Support (Other Grants) Amendment Guidelines 2025.