Schools Upgrade Fund
The Schools Upgrade Fund Open Round supports the Australian Government’s commitment to more equitable access to education.
It will provide $32 million in the 2023 school year to upgrade school infrastructure, helping schools and their students get back on track after disruptions caused by COVID-19.
What does the Open Round cover?
Schools can apply for small grants of up to $25,000 to support much needed improvements to education facilities. This may include purchasing air purifiers or air conditioning, building or maintaining outdoor learning spaces, purchasing ICT equipment (including laptops and tablets), or repairing and maintaining
school facilities.
Who is eligible to apply for the Open Round?
Any government or non-government school may apply for funding under the Open Round if it attracted Commonwealth recurrent funding 1 for 2022 under the Australian Education Act 2013 and anticipates continued operation in 2023.
Each school must also have at least one enrolled student at the time of application submission, and the school’s governing authority 2 must endorse the application.
Schools with the greatest need will be prioritised.
What projects are eligible to receive funding under the Open Round?
Project Category Eligible Projects
1. Improving air quality to support healthier learning environments a. purchasing and installing air purifiers
b. purchasing and installing air-conditioning
c. upgrading ventilation in school facilities
2. Improving student outcomes through outdoor learning a. building new outdoor learning spaces
b. upgrading or improving existing outdoor learning spaces
c. installing and/or upgrading shade structures
3. Supporting equitable access to flexible learning for students a. purchasing and / or upgrading ICT equipment (including laptops and tablets)
b. provision of flexible learning arrangements for students
4. Providing a safe learning environment a. fixing doors or windows where this aids in airflow
b. repairs or maintenance to school facilities
c. refurbishing classrooms
How do schools apply?
Schools must apply online at https://www.education.gov.au/schools-upgrade-fund
Online applications close at 11.59pm AEDT on Friday 24 February 2023
When will schools be notified if their application is successful?
Successful schools will be notified in May 2023, with funding to be provided in June 2023.
What are the other components of the Schools Upgrade Fund?
The Schools Upgrade Fund also includes an $18 million Targeted Round, providing funding for targeted capital projects announced as part of the Government’s 2022 election commitments.
A further $215 million will be provided in 2023 to help public schools meet the cost of important infrastructure projects such as new classrooms, buildings or other major refurbishments and upgrades. The Government will work with state and territory governments to distribute this funding based on need
Schools Upgrade Fund - Department of Education, Australian Government
