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Media Release

SUPPORTING VET STUDENTS TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

8 May 2007

BUDR 02/07

The Federal Minister for Vocational and Further Education, the Hon Andrew Robb AO MP, announced a new measure which would assist students who are pursuing a VET Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a Registered Training Organisation such as a TAFE.

"This initiative will remove some barriers that exist for students who have chosen to pursue further higher level qualifications through the VET system rather than a university which may offer the same qualification. Under current arrangements they would not be eligible for FEE-HELP which would be available at a university," Mr Robb said.

"This will increase access to technical and vocational Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses and provide students with real choice. This measure recognises that many students pursue vocational level courses to prepare them for work and for university study."

FEE-HELP will be extended to full-fee-paying students in Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses that are accredited as VET qualifications, where agreed credit for a university degree is available to the student.

Registered Training Organisations will be encouraged to seek approval from the Australian Government to receive FEE-HELP for Diploma and Advanced Diploma students, if they have an agreement with a university that their students could move (with appropriate credit transfer) into a related degree qualification.

"This will ensure it’s easy for VET students to apply their skills in studies at university and get credit for what they’ve already done. It will also encourage those already with trade qualifications to build on them," Mr Robb said.

Subject to the passage of necessary legislation, the expansion will commence during the 2008 academic year.

"This is yet another example of the Australian Government providing equity and choice for individuals and ensuring Australia has an appropriately skilled workforce," Mr Robb said.

Media Contacts

Minister Robb’s Office: Andrew Coombe 0438 777 145

Dept of Education, Science & Training: Media Unit 02 6240 7300

Non-media queries:
13 38 73

Supporting information

Why is this important?

The Australian Government must ensure that Australia has the skilled workforce to meet our future needs.

This initiative will remove some barriers that exist for students who have chosen to pursue further higher qualifications through the VET system rather than a university which may offer the same qualification. Under current arrangements they would not be eligible for FEE-HELP which would be available at a university.

Who will benefit?

Students studying Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications through approved VET providers.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

It is expected that around $221 million in loans will be issued over four years.

What have we done in the past?

The Government introduced FEE-HELP in 2005 to assist students studying at university to defray the up-front costs associated with gaining a qualification.

There is no such scheme currently available to students studying in the VET sector, though some Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications delivered through universities and approved Higher Education providers are eligible for FEE-HELP.

When will the initiative conclude?

This initiative is an on going measure.