The National Priorities Pool Program (NPPP)

The National Priorities Pool Program (NPPP) provides funding to Table A higher education providers and bodies corporate specified in the Higher Education Support (Other Grants) Guidelines 2022 to conduct research projects and trial initiatives to inform equity policy development and practice nationally and at an institutional level.

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Previously, the NPPP was a component of the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) and known as the National Priorities Pool (NPP).

Under the Indigenous, Regional and Low-SES Attainment Fund (IRLSAF), the NPPP is now a standalone program.

The objectives of the National Priorities Pool Program are to:

  • inform future equity policy development and equity practice nationally and at an institutional level;
  • help increase the number of persons from a low socio-economic status (SES) background, persons from regional areas and remote areas, and Indigenous persons who aspire to, access, participate in, remain in, and succeed in higher education;
  • help increase the number of persons from a low SES background, persons from regional areas and remote areas, and Indigenous persons who obtain higher education awards; and
  • address barriers to education including through embedding inclusive education, universal design for teaching and learning and improved cultural safety.

The legislative basis for the operation of the National Priorities Pool Program is the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and the Higher Education Support (Other Grants) Guidelines 2022.

Current funded projects

Currently, two NPPP projects are being funded:

Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training disability support activities, resources and sustainability

To support and expand the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training’s (ADCET) support services for disability and inclusive education, good practice resources, specialist advice, information and advocacy resources, capability support, training and skills development and disability governance tools. To support development and trial of a new sustainable funding model for ADCET as collaborative enabling infrastructure.

Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success

On July 7, 2022, the Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, announced the Government would fund Curtin University over four years to expand the work of the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE). In 2024, the centre’s name was changed to the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) and the end date for operations under the funding was extended to 30 June 2027.

Previous funded projects

National Priorities Pool Program projects – 2024

For projects funded through the National Priorities Pool in previous years see Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP).