Higher Education Research Data Collection

About the Higher Education Research Data Collection

The Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC) specifications are used by higher education providers (HEPs) to submit their annual research and development (R&D) income data. They control the collection of data and ensure that Australian Government research block grants (RBGs) are allocated through the Research Support Program (RSP) and the Research Training Program (RTP) in a fair and transparent way.

HERDC data is used to determine annual RSP allocations to HEPs in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2017. HERDC data, along with higher degree by research (HDR) student completions data, is used to determine annual RTP allocations to HEPs in accordance with the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017.

The Department of Education updates and releases new HERDC specifications each year in consultation with HEPs and other relevant stakeholders.

HEPs must submit their R&D income data via the System to Evaluate the Excellence of Research (SEER). A spreadsheet version of the HERDC template is available to assist HEPs in the initial preparation of HERDC data.

The HERDC – Frequently asked questions (FAQs) are designed to provide information to assist HEPs to complete their annual HERDC returns.

Recent HERDC specifications are provided below.

Older HERDC specifications can be located by searching the RBG resources webpage.

For more information, email RBGrants@education.gov.au.