Third round of grants to support veterans into tertiary study
Three universities will share in $250,000 to continue their work supporting veterans into higher education through the third round of the Veteran Recognition of Prior Learning – Tertiary Support (RPL) Grant Program.
Launched in 2022, the RPL Grant Program helps universities develop or expand initiatives that recognise the skills and experience gained through military service. These programs provide veterans with faster, fairer access to tertiary education by translating Defence experience into academic credit and entry pathways.
Over 3 years, the Government has invested $1.65 million, supporting a range of university-led initiatives that assist veterans and families of veterans in transitioning to study and civilian careers. The latest grant recipients are the University of Canberra, the Australian Catholic University and the University of Western Australia.
The University of Western Australia will deliver the Veteran Academic Preparatory Program in 2026 to support ADF veterans transitioning into higher education; the University of Canberra will develop a Veteran Credit Calculator; and the Australian Catholic University (ACU) will renew and expand its RPL framework to include disciplines facing critical workforce shortages.
The ACU is the first Australian university to implement a comprehensive credit recognition framework for current and former ADF members. Since expanding its ground-breaking support framework by extending the Veteran Entry Program to immediate family members of serving and ex-ADF personnel, the ACU has removed many barriers to higher education for the Defence community.
‘Transitioning out of the military poses significant challenges for many of the Defence community,’ ACU Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Julie Cogin said. ‘But we know veterans bring with them exceptional, transferable skills and attributes to the workforce.
‘ACU welcomes this funding to support initiatives that help student veterans navigate the real challenges of transition from service to study. This initiative reflects the best of what universities and Government can achieve together – recognising service, valuing experience, and creating real opportunities.’
The university has already welcomed more than 450 serving and ex-serving personnel, and family members, as students to ACU courses since 2020 and will use the funds to renew and expand its RPL framework to include disciplines facing critical workforce shortages.
With support from a previous RPL grant, the Veteran Tertiary Support Program at the University of Canberra offers direct entry, automatic credit, and tailored wellbeing support for current and former ADF members and families of veterans. Veterans with 3 or more years of service can enter postgraduate study without an undergraduate degree, receiving credit for their Defence experience.
These grants increase opportunities for members to gain civilian qualifications from Defence training and education. These programs are helping unlock new opportunities for those who’ve served, recognising their contribution and supporting their future success.