The Microcredentials Pilot in Higher Education is assisting higher education providers to design and deliver microcredentials in fields of national priority, to meet industry skills needs and increase access to life-long learning.
About the Pilot
Microcredentials are small courses in a specific area of study, with a focus on upskilling and reskilling in short timeframes, to meet the needs of employers and industry.
Under the Pilot, the Australian Government is funding the design and delivery of microcredentials which meet specific criteria and are aligned with a higher education award as defined in the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency Act 2011.
The Government has committed $18.5 million for the Pilot: $2 million for designing new microcredentials and $16.5 million to support the delivery of the courses to up to 4,000 students. The Pilot will run from 2023-24 to 2025-26.
Microcredentials funded under the Pilot are required to be listed on the Government’s MicroCred Seeker website.
Who can apply?
Round 1 microcredential courses in a variety of fields are currently open for enrolment at a number of universities. Details of these courses and links for further information are available at Round 1 Microcredentials.
Round 2 is now open to Table A, Table B and non-university higher education providers approved under section 16-25 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003. Over $10.7 million is available from mid-2024 to mid-2026. Funding will support the delivery of microcredentials designed in Round 1 (through licensing arrangements with Round 1 providers) and microcredentials designed independently of the Pilot.
How to apply
Advise your intention to apply for a Round 2 grant by completing the form via Intention to Apply - Round 2. This form should be completed in advance of submitting an application (by 1 February 2024).
The Microcredentials Pilot in Higher Education Grant Guidelines Round 2 outlines the details of this grant opportunity including the criteria, how to apply, links to application forms, and draft Conditions of Grant.
Applications for Round 2 must be completed and submitted by 11:59pm (AEDT) 1 March 2024.
Further information
For further information on the Microcredentials Pilot in Higher Education, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions and Factsheet.
If you have a question that is not addressed in these resources, please contact HEMicrocredentials@education.gov.au.