Calculating research block grants

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Research block grants (RBGs) are calculated using 2 years of the most recently available research and development income and higher degree by research (HDR) student completions data. This method rewards the relative performance of each higher education provider (HEP) in attracting research and development income and supporting students to completion of a HDR. 

Research Support Program

The Research Support Program (RSP) allocates funding to HEPs based on their share of competitive grant income (47%) and engagement income (53%) in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2017.

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A detailed guide to calculating the RSP is available.

Research Training Program

The Research Training Program (RTP) allocates funding to HEPs based on their share of competitive grant income (25%), engagement income (25%) and weighted HDR student completions (50%) in accordance with the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017.

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A detailed guide to calculating the RTP is available

Data used in 2025 RBG calculations

The data used to calculate 2025 RBGs includes:

  • 2022 research and development income
  • 2023 research and development income
  • 2022 HDR student completions
  • 2023 HDR student completions.

Historical data

Historical RBG allocations, research and development income, and HDR student completions data are available on the Consolidated time series datasets page.

Enquiries

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