The Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) has opened consultation on a discussion paper outlining a proposed Costing and Pricing Framework for Commonwealth supported places in universities (Framework).
The proposed Framework will inform the provision of evidence-based costing and pricing advice from the ATEC to Government on options to establish a new way of funding CSPs in universities.
The ATEC is seeking feedback on the proposed objectives and principles, efficient-cost analysis, potential pricing adjustments, data and methodological approaches, and governance and review arrangements. The paper builds on engagement with the Working Group on Higher Education Costing and Pricing who provided in-principle endorsement of the Framework and approach taken by the ATEC. Working Group on Higher Education Costing and Pricing
Higher education providers, peak bodies, students, student representative organisations, First Nations stakeholders, government agencies and other interested parties are invited to respond to the consultation questions and provide relevant evidence and practical experience.
The discussion paper does not determine final funding amounts, student contribution settings, Commonwealth-student cost-sharing proportions or implementation timing. These policy and funding decisions remain matters for Government.
Feedback will inform refinement of the proposed Framework and the development of the ATEC’s costing and pricing advice.
Submissions close Monday 7 December 2026, 5:00 pm.
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, ATEC provides advice to government, undertakes system stewardship functions, allocates Commonwealth funding to higher education providers, and supports implementation of the Universities Accord reforms.