University reforms remain on track

The 2011 Budget renews the Government's support for the reform program it outlined in 2009.  The major elements remain in place, notably:

• funding universities for all students they enroll from 2012;
• indexing funding by a more realistic measure to maintain the real value of funding;
• raising funding for the indirect costs of research to 50% of the competitive research grant pool; and
• a more effective Youth Allowance and scholarship program, targeting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.