News

DVA grant a launchpad for veterans' success

A Department of Veterans’ Affairs grant will further empower Australian Catholic University’s commitment to prepare serving and ex-Defence personnel for future success.

Three higher education projects will share in $250,000 from the 2025-26 Veteran Recognition of Prior Learning– Tertiary Support (RPL) Grants Program.

ACU is the sector leader in Australian Defence Force career transition as the first Australian university to implement a comprehensive credit recognition framework for current and former ADF members.

The university has already welcomed more than 450 students and family members to ACU courses since 2020 and will use the funds to renew and expand its RPL framework to include disciplines facing critical workforce shortages.

“Transitioning out of the military poses significant challenges for many of the Defence community,” ACU Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Julie Cogin said.

“But we know veterans bring with them exceptional, transferable skills and attributes to the workforce.

“ACU welcomes this funding to support initiatives that help student veterans navigate the real challenges of transition from service to study.”

Since expanding its ground-breaking support framework by extending the Veteran Entry Program (VEP) to immediate family members of serving and ex-Australian Defence Force personnel, ACU has removed many barriers to higher education for the defence community.

The grant forms part of the Government’s response to recommendation 83 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide; to increase opportunities for members to gain civilian qualifications from Defence training and education. 

This initiative reflects the best of what universities and Government can achieve together — recognising service, valuing experience, and creating real opportunities.