Australia Increases Funding to USP

8 April 2009

Australia is providing A$4.8 million in funding to the University of the South Pacific (USP) for this year, 2009. This represents a 32 percent increase on previous annual funding levels.

An Exchange of Letters (EOL) between the Government of Australia and the University of the South Pacific formalising the funding arrangement will be signed at the Laucala Campus today by the Australian High Commissioner, Mr James Batley, and the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rajesh Chandra.

Australia’s support, delivered through AusAID, includes a new incentive funding component of up to A$800,000 to the University. This is based on the University achieving agreed performance targets, centred around financial management, human resource and planning reforms, and implementation of measures to improve the quality of USP’s teaching and research services.

The incentive funding aims to encourage continued momentum on key reforms instituted by the University to improve its finances, governance and student achievement.

“The USP’s strategic importance to development in the region is the rationale for Australia’s continued support and deepening engagement with the University over the long-term,” Mr Batley said.

“This new approach to support is consistent with Australia’s commitment to the scaling up of assistance to education and will help USP to deliver quality, relevant services to member countries and strengthen its position as one of the major providers of tertiary education in the Pacific,” he said.

Professor Chandra welcomed the increase in core funding, especially the inclusion of incentive funding which the university views as a positive affirmation of the value of its ongoing reforms.

“This increase in funding by Australia is very timely. It will not only help the University during these difficult economic times, it will also send a powerful signal to everyone that the University plays a central role in the development of our member countries in this increasingly globalised and knowledge-oriented society. We thank Australia very much for this assistance and confidence-building gesture”, said Professor Chandra.

Future Australian funding to USP will be guided by the University’s new Strategic Plan to be presented to Council in June for consideration.
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