Higher Education Research Data Collection

Draft HERDC specifications for the collection of 2025 data

Draft HERDC specifications for the collection of 2025 research and development (R&D) income data are now available for comment.

Higher education providers (HEPs) are invited to submit one consolidated response to provide any feedback on the draft specifications by email to RBGrants@education.gov.au by 5pm AEDT, Friday 30 January 2026.

About the Higher Education Research Data Collection

The HERDC specifications are used by HEPs to submit their annual R&D income data. They control the collection of data and ensure that Australian Government research block grants (RBGs) are allocated through the Research Support Program (RSP) and the Research Training Program (RTP) in a fair and transparent way.

HERDC data is used to determine annual RSP allocations to HEPs in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2017. HERDC data, along with higher degree by research (HDR) student completions data, is used to determine annual RTP allocations to HEPs in accordance with the Higher Education Support (Commonwealth Scholarships) Guidelines 2025.

The Department of Education updates and releases new HERDC specifications each year in consultation with HEPs and other relevant stakeholders.

A spreadsheet version of the HERDC template is available to assist HEPs in the initial preparation of HERDC data.

HERDC – Frequently asked questions

The HERDC – Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are designed to provide information to assist HEPs to complete their annual HERDC returns.

Historical HERDC information

Historical HERDC data is available in the research and development income time series.

Recent HERDC specifications are provided below.

Older HERDC specifications can be located by searching the RBG resources webpage.

Further enquiries

For more information, email RBGrants@education.gov.au.