UNIFORM to UNI – supporting veterans into higher education
There is no doubt the Australian Defence Force is an incredible training ground for young Australians to launch their careers.
The unique nature of service means that current and former serving personnel have skills like leadership, teamwork, agility and the ability to work under pressure; all assets that translate to the civilian workplace, no matter the industry.
While many former ADF members can leave the military with excellent skills and experience, they can lack formal civilian qualifications, which something the Albanese Government has been working to rectify in recent years.
Today I'm pleased to announce the opening of the 2025-26 round of the Veteran Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – Tertiary Support Grant Program.
The initiative aims to help higher education providers develop programs to recognise the extensive skills, experience and qualifications gained through military service, ensuring they are formally acknowledged and translated into academic pathways.
Defence personnel pick up a huge amount of skills in service, such as leadership, engineering, logistics, health, IT, communications and more; this grant program provides an opportunity for higher education providers to formally evaluate and convert these skills, knowledge and experience into nationally recognised credentials.
Formal qualifications will support veterans by improving access to employment, fast tracking their civilian career progression, improving job security and meeting industry standards without the need to repeat what they already know.
A total of $250,000 in funding is offered under this round and follows $1,392,000 delivered in prior rounds. Applications close 8 September 2025.
