Outreach Funding is aimed at increasing the number of people from underrepresented backgrounds considering and accessing higher education.
The Outreach Funding program commenced 1 January 2026 and will provide approximately $44 million annually to support initiatives that engage people from underrepresented backgrounds and build aspiration for tertiary education.
This funding focuses on the pre-access stage of the student life cycle and is designed to complement Needs-based Funding by targeting early engagement. Outreach activities will be collaborative, student-centric, and tailored to break down barriers to participation, particularly for individuals from low SES backgrounds, First Nations communities, and regional and remote areas. Outreach replaces the outreach component of the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).
These reforms are part of the Government’s broader strategy to achieve the Australian Universities Accord target of 80 per cent tertiary attainment among working-aged Australians by 2050, ensuring that more people from diverse backgrounds can access, participate in, and succeed in higher education.
Funding is provided to eligible providers in accordance with the Higher Education Support (Other Grants) Amendment Guidelines 2025.