The Albanese Government has detailed reforms to the higher education system.

It says the changes aim to make university more accessible and equitable, based on recommendations from the Australian Universities Accord.

Central to the plan is the creation of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), which will oversee the rollout of reforms, provide independent advice, and drive progress towards ambitious national targets. 

ATEC is expected to start in a transitional capacity by July 2025 and fully operational by 2026, contingent on legislative approval.  

Education Minister Jason Clare called the changes “nation-changing”, with a national goal for 80 per cent of the workforce to hold a tertiary qualification by 2050. 

“To hit that target, we need to break down invisible barriers for disadvantaged Australians,” he said. 

“This is about big structural reform to build a better and fairer education system.”

Under the new Managed Growth Funding model, universities will receive funding tied to student numbers, prioritising those from underrepresented groups. 

From 2026, universities will receive tailored financial support for scholarships, mentoring, academic assistance and broader student needs, with universities empowered to decide how best to support their communities.  

Regional and suburban education access is set to expand with the number of university study hubs doubling, creating more opportunities for students to access higher education without relocating.  

Clare says there is an economic imperative behind the changes, with nine out of ten new jobs expected to require post-secondary qualifications in the coming years. 

He said the reforms could add $240 billion to the economy by 2050, with significant reductions in social security costs also anticipated.  

A summary of the Government’s MYEFO response to the Australian Universities Accord can be found here. 

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