Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund
On Thursday 24 April 2008 the Hon Julia Gillard MP, Minister for Education, invited universities to submit Expressions of Interest for the first round of funding under the new Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund (The Diversity Fund).
The Diversity Fund promotes structural reform by eligible higher education providers that supports greater specialisation among providers, more diversity in the higher education sector and better responsiveness to labour markets operating in the local or national interest.
One paper copy and an electronic copy of each Expression of Interest are required. In response to representations from the sector, the closing date has been extended from 5.00pm 19 May 2008 to no later than 5.00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time on Monday 26 May 2008. The electronic copy must be emailed to dsa@deewr.gov.au.
For further information, please contact the Program Coordinator on telephone 02 6219 3563 or 02 6219 3478 or email dsa@deewr.gov.au.
Report on Undergraduate Applications, Offers and Acceptances, 2008
The Hon Julia Gillard, Minister for Education, has released the inaugural publication of the series - ‘Undergraduate Applications, Offers and Acceptances’. It contains statistics relating to the number of applicants for undergraduate study at university, the number of offers received and the number of offers accepted.
Work-Like Integrated Learning: A Guide for Trainers and Assessors
Discussion Paper on Expansion of the Commonwealth Scholarship program
The Hon Julia Gillard, Minister for Education, has released a
discussion paper on the
Scholarships for a Competitive Future: Expansion of the Commonwealth Scholarships program.
Trade Training Centres in Schools Program
The
Trade Training Centres in Schools Program is an important element of the Australian Government’s Education Revolution. It will provide $2.5 billion over 10 years to enable all secondary schools to apply for funding of between $500,000 and $1.5 million for Trade Training Centres.
European Union (EU)/Australia Cooperation in Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Projects
Call for applications – Fifth Round projects
The call for applications for the fifth round of EU/Australia Cooperation in Higher Education and VET projects is now open.
This fifth round of EU/Australia Cooperation in Higher Education and (VET) projects seek applications from consortiums of both Australian higher education and VET institutions to undertake student mobility projects between the European Union and Australia.
These projects offer the opportunity for Australian students in higher education and VET to undertake a period of study at a partner institution in the European Union.
Further information is available. Applications close on 6 June 2008.
2008 National Awards for Excellence in School Music Education
Nominations are now open for the 2008 awards. Up to 13 awards, with a value of $5,000 each, will be awarded for excellence and leadership in school music education to teachers and school leaders. The awards will recognise the recipients' exceptional contribution to enhancing the status and quality of music education in their schools. Further information is available at http://www.musicawards.asme.edu.au/. 
Nominations close 8 April 2008.
OECD Improving School Leadership Activity: Australian Country Background Report
Productivity Places Program – invitation for Registered Training Organisations
Over the next four years, the Australian Government will be providing training opportunities for Australians. Registered Training Organisations are being invited to be part of this exciting initiative to build a stronger and more productive Australia.
The training starts in April, with 20,000 training places being funded for job seekers. Training for job seekers during this stage will be at the Certificate II and III levels of attainment.
RTOs should familiarise themselves with the list of eligible qualifications, Request to Participate, Draft Contract and Draft Guidelines as these become available. DEEWR will accept submissions via its online system from 7 March 2008 through to 30 June 2011.
University applications and offers: Information paper
The main annual university admissions process, administered by the state Tertiary Admissions Centres (TACs) is currently underway.
Data on university applications and offers can be confusing. This information paper explains applications and offers data and how to interpret it.
Reconciliation Action Plan
The Secretary, Lisa Paul, has launched the Department's Reconciliation Action Plan to mark the 40th anniversary of the national referendum that removed discriminatory clauses in the Australian Constitution. The Action Plan highlights key initiatives the department has committed to undertake to help improve the lives of Indigenous Australians. The Department is working to:
- make mainstream programs work better and harder for Indigenous Australians
- expand and improve programs specifically for Indigenous Australians
- build the capacity of our workforce to respond to the needs of our Indigenous clients
- ensure that the Department remains an employer of choice for Indigenous Australians.
Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER)
The Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) provides a subsidy for schools travelling more than 150 kilometres to visit the national capital as part of a civics and citizenship education excursion.