Compacts are a key mechanism through which the ATEC will steward Australia’s higher education sector. Compacts provide a clear framework for strategic engagement with higher education providers, supporting providers to deliver on their unique missions while establishing shared priorities that promote continuous improvement, strengthen system coordination, and drive long-term reform across the tertiary education system.
As part of the inaugural compacts, the ATEC has allocated Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) to Table A providers listed under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA). Non-Table A domestic student profiles will be published after the Minister for Education has updated the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines to provide the legal basis for allocating places to Non-Table A providers following the passage of the Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Act 2026.
Through compacts and DSP allocations, the ATEC will undertake its stewardship function, seeking to ensure each provider’s activities are aligned with national and regional priorities, while supporting the distinctive mission and strategic priorities of each provider.
The ATEC has also published the 2027 mission based compacts and allocations Outcomes Report, which draws together common themes from compact negotiations with the ATEC Commissioners across August and September, as well as emerging areas of priority for the ATEC.
The publication of the compacts and DSP allocations mark the beginning of a new annual cycle of strategic engagement between the ATEC and providers. Together, the compacts and DSP allocation establish a more strategic approach to system stewardship, supporting a tertiary education system that is responsive to Australia's future economic and social needs.
Building on the experience of the 2027 compact process, the ATEC will work with providers during 2027 to negotiate the next round of compacts, covering the 4-year period 2028–31.
Outcomes of the 2027 mission based compacts and allocations process, along with the Outcomes Report, are available on the ATEC website.
Communications | Australian Tertiary Education Commission
The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) is Australia's independent steward of the tertiary education system. Established under the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Act 2026, the ATEC provides advice to government, undertakes system stewardship functions, allocates Commonwealth funding to higher education providers, and supports implementation of the Universities Accord reforms.