Accessing higher education made easier for veterans
The Hon Matt Keogh MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
The Albanese Labor Government is making it easier for veterans to pursue higher education through the Veteran Recognition of Prior Learning – Tertiary Support Grant Program.
Veterans gain valuable skills and experience during their service in the Australian Defence Force however, these are not always readily recognised by education providers.
Through the Recognising Prior Learning Grant Program, universities can develop initiatives to better recognise these skills, adapt tertiary credit-mapping frameworks, and create entry pathways for veterans.
In this second round of the RPL Grant Program, six universities across the country will share in $700,000 funding, supporting veterans in metropolitan and regional areas.
Part of the Government’s $24 million Veteran Employment Program, the RPL Grant Program is providing a total of $1.65 million, over three grant rounds.
Applications for the third round of the RPL Grant Program will open in 2025.
For more information on the RPL Grant Program and other grant programs, or to receive notifications of future grant opportunities, visit GrantConnect.
Learn more about how the Australian Government is supporting veterans’ education and employment at the Veteran Employment Program website.
Recipients of the Veteran Recognition of Prior Learning Grant Program Round 2 (2024-25)
| Organisation name | Project name | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| University of Newcastle | Veteran Entry Pathway and Veteran Student Support Program | $110,323.55 |
| Flinders University | Transition to Teacher Package for Veterans – Accelerated Pathway | $120,588.89 |
| University of South Australia | Experience Matters - Recognising the prior learning skills and experience of Australian Defence Force personnel | $120,588.89 |
| Charles Sturt University | Veteran Pathway and Support Program | $107,320.89 |
| Queensland University of Technology | Veterans Academic Success Program QUT ADF-RPL Framework and Support Program | $120,588.89 |
| Western Sydney University | Student Veterans Program and Credit Mapping Pathway | $120,588.89 |
| TOTAL | $700,000.00 |
Media contact
Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh’s Office): 0407 034 485
DVA Media: media.team@dva.gov.au
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608