Open new doors for students with strategic funding for online programs
At Open Universities Australia (OUA), we are committed to expanding access to higher education for all Australians.
The Strategic Development Fund provides Australian universities with grants ranging from $25,000 to $250,000 to create high-demand online degrees, microcredentials, and pathways. These grants cover the design, development, and preparation costs associated with launching new programs online, offering more choice to students nationwide.
Following the success of the 2017 Fund—which launched 75 programs and saw over 55,000 enrolments—this initiative continues to address gaps in the education landscape. Universities are encouraged to propose innovative offerings, from new pathways to full programs, ensuring that learners can study what they need, when they need it, online.
The only requirement is that funded programs are to be listed on the OUA marketplace via a non-exclusive agreement for at least the first five years.
Why apply for the Strategic Development Fund?
Transform your educational offerings with substantial financial backing
Programs developed gain exposure on OUA's marketplace for 5 years minimum
Join a network of forward-thinking institutions driving educational excellence
Benefit from shared insights, best practices, and collaborative opportunities
Stay ahead with resources dedicated to student engagement strategies
Empower non-traditional learners through pathways and flexible learning options
How to apply for funding
Step 1: Complete a Strategic Development Fund application form by the closing date
Your institution's application should include:
- Project details, including the types of program to be developed such as online degrees, microcredentials or pathways.
- How the project aligns with Strategic Development Fund's priorities.
Step 2: Review and funding outcomes
Our Strategic Development Fund Grants Committee will review and evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:
- Potential impact of the project.
- Feasibility and scalability.
- Alignment with educational priorities and industry demands.
Successful applicants will be notified approximately 4 weeks after the application period closes.
Step 3: Collaborative development plan
Institutions that successfully secure development funding will collaborate with Open Universities Australia to finalise a development plan, outlining:
- Key milestones for project implementation and review.
Key dates
We’re currently finalising application dates for 2025. We’ll announce them here shortly.
Funding outcomes will be communicated approximately 4 weeks following the application closing date of each phase.
| Strategic Development Fund phase | Applications open | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 funding | 1 July 2024 | 15 September 2024 |
| Phase 2 funding | 1 October 2024 | 15 November 2024 |
Strategic Development Fund FAQs
What institutions can apply for funding?
Applications for the Strategic Development Fund are open to all Australian universities.
What assessment criteria is used to review applications?
The key assessment criteria include how well the application:
- Directly supports a priority program area as listed by OUA annually.
- Delivers on strong and ideally unmet learner demand on the OUA Marketplace.
- Offers maximum flexibility with entry options and requirements.
- Provides a clear pathway for student progression.
- Includes funding options such as Commonwealth Supported Places.
- Will be ideally developed and made available on the marketplace within 3–6 months.
Does the Strategic Development Fund replace the Rapid Development Fund?
Yes, starting in July 2024 Open Universities Australia launched the Strategic Development Fund.
The newly launched fund represents an evolution in our approach to supporting universities in the development of new online programs, pathways, and initiatives.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian access thousands of university courses.
Over 523,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.
Courses from 25 of Australia's leading universities
In the media
Teenage computer coder Hamish Leahy proves age is no barrier as he studies at University of New England
Hamish is in Year 8. He used an Open Universities Australia pathway to enrol in computer science at UNE. Source: ABC News, 9 July 2024.
Open Universities Australia enrols Perth’s youngest university student
Maisy Grierson, aged 13 years old, has been accepted into psychology at Curtin University through Open Universities Australia. Source: WAtoday, 7 March 2024.
Online breakthrough for country students
The COVID-19 pandemic opened up online learning to remote and disadvantaged students across Australia. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin, 20 April 2021.
About Open Universities Australia
Open Universities Australia is the country's number one destination for online tertiary education. We help students explore, choose and enrol in thousands of online courses from leading universities.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we have our students’ best interests at heart. We’re here to champion everyone who wants to learn.
This approach has allowed us to become the most recognised online education brand in Australia.