Calculating research block grants

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Research block grants (RBGs) are calculated using two years of the most recently available research income and higher degree by research (HDR) student completions data. This method rewards the relative performance of each higher education provider (HEP) in attracting research income and supporting students to completion of a HDR.  

Research Training Program

The Research Training Program (RTP) allocates funding to HEPs based on their share of competitive grant income (25%), engagement income (25%) and weighted HDR student completions (50%) in accordance with the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017.

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A detailed guide to calculating the RTP is available.

Research Support Program

The Research Support Program (RSP) allocates funding to HEPs based on their share of competitive grant income (47%) and engagement income (53%) in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2017.

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A detailed guide to calculating the RSP is available.

Data used in 2024 RBG calculations

The data used to calculate 2024 RBGs includes:

  • 2021 research income
  • 2022 research income
  • 2021 HDR student completions
  • 2022 HDR student completions.

Historical data

Historical RBG allocations, research income, and HDR student completions data are available on the Consolidated time series datasets page.

Enquiries

For more information, email RBGrants@education.gov.au.