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Objectives of Higher Education Support Act 2003

The objects of the Higher Education Support Act 2003, the current legislative basis for Australian Government funding of higher education, are:

  • To support a higher education system that:
    • Is characterised by quality, diversity and equity of access; and
    • Contributes to the development of cultural and intellectual life in Australia; and
    • Is appropriate to meet Australia's social and economic needs for a highly educated and skilled population; and
  • To support the distinctive purposes of universities, which are:
    • The education of persons, enabling them to take a leadership role in the intellectual, cultural, economic and social development of their communities; and
    • The creation and advancement of knowledge; and
    • The application of knowledge and discoveries to the betterment of communities in Australia and internationally;
  • Recognising that universities are established under laws of the Commonwealth, the States and the Territories that empower them to achieve their objectives as autonomous institutions through governing bodies that are responsible for both the university's overall performance and its ongoing independence; and
  • To strengthen Australia's knowledge base, and enhance the contribution of Australia's research capabilities to national economic development, international competitiveness and the attainment of social goals; and
  • To support students undertaking higher education.