Western Australian international education providers are being encouraged to build on their transition to online learning by applying for grants through the new Online Capability Fund.
The fund has been developed by the WA International Education Advisory Group, which was established earlier this year by the State Government to foster a more strategic and co-ordinated approach to international education.
The grants of up to $40,000 will help local international education providers to develop and expand their online courses and enable students to commence their studies offshore until such time as it is safe for WA to welcome the return of international students.
The pilot round of the Online Capability Fund will award grants for activities in the following three categories:
- Purchase and rollout of critical information and communication technologies infrastructure;
- Design and implementation of online curriculum in a way that maximises quality and the student learning experience; and
- Staff professional development to build capability in delivering education and training online.
The Online Capability Fund has been established to address the impacts of COVID-19 on international education providers and support the delivery of online learning to students who are unable to enter the country.
The grants aim to rebuild confidence in the sector, and enable providers to secure existing jobs and create new jobs to facilitate the development and delivery of high quality online courses.
It aligns with the broader work of the WA International Education Advisory Group to develop and implement initiatives for the recovery of the sector, and will contribute to the WA Recovery Plan.
For more information, please visit the WA Government website at
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The international border controls in response to COVID-19 have impacted the usual flow of international students into WA.
"As a result, many of our international education providers have moved to a predominantly online delivery model.
"The new Online Capability Fund will support these providers to improve and upgrade their offerings and capabilities while our international borders remain closed.
"Funding from the grants can be used to facilitate the delivery of online education, such as learning management software, training for teachers or recording equipment.
"This will deliver high quality outcomes for students that are studying remotely, and safeguard the sustainability of the sector by ensuring online delivery remains a long-term complementary education and training delivery model."
As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:
"In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need for different ways of learning. Our Government will support WA international education providers to offer alternative delivery methods, ensuring our international students stay connected and are supported during this time.
"With international borders still closed, we need to do what we can to maintain confidence in the sector, and we aim to do just that through the Online Capability Fund.
"I encourage international education providers to access these grants if it can support their efforts to include online learning in their offering."
Premier's office - 6552 5000
