Turning experience into qualifications
Monday, 16 February 2026 The Hon Matt Keogh MP Minister for Veterans' Affairs Minister for Defence Personnel Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce, and the Albanese Government is supporting Australia’s tertiary institutions to turn that experience into civilian qualifications. Veterans bring extensive training, discipline, leadership and adaptability — exactly the qualities that set students up for success in higher education and beyond, but transitioning to university can be daunting, particularly for those who have been out of formal study for some time.
The 2025-26 Veteran Recognition of Prior Learning– Tertiary Support (RPL) Grants Program sees $250,000 provided to 3 universities to implement programs that recognise Australian Defence Force (ADF) veterans’ significant training and allow them to more easily achieve degrees. The University of Western Australia will deliver the Veteran Academic Preparatory Program (VAPP) in 2026 to support ADF veterans transitioning into higher education, the University of Canberra will develop a Veteran Credit Calculator, and the Australian Catholic University will renew and expand its RPL framework to include disciplines facing critical workforce shortages.
These grants form part of the Government’s response to recommendation 83 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide; to increase opportunities for members to gain civilian qualifications from Defence training and education. This initiative reflects the best of what universities and Government can achieve together — recognising service, valuing experience, and creating real opportunities.
Reducing barriers to training and ensuring veterans can access the qualifications they need to advance their careers is just one of the ways the Government is providing support to veterans to gain civilian employment and support their lifetime wellbeing. Media contact Stephanie Mathews - 0407 034 485 DVA Media Team: [email protected] Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 Open Arms website Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072 Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 Defence Health Portal Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608