Universities Australia has welcomed the Federal Government's decision to put an extra $326 million in the Budget for new university places - the equivalent of 12,000 new students in 2021.
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The decision recognises a surge in applications to study as the pandemic hits the job market and drives up unemployment.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the additional money in the October Budget would help universities open their doors to thousands of extra students next year.
"2021 is shaping as the weakest job market in living memory," Ms Jackson said.
"More young people than usual are opting for vocational or higher education. Universities will be better placed to support them now."
The University Admissions Centre, which processes applications for admission to tertiary courses in NSW and ACT, has received an increase of more than 20 per cent in applications from year 12 students wanting to attend university in 2021 than at the same time a year ago.
Universities Australia is also pleased that changes were made to protect core funds for student places and transition funds,
"We will continue to argue for legislative protection for indexation and growth as important elements for certainty,"Ms Jackson said.
Universities Australia represents the nation's 39 comprehensive universities.
Its members educate almost one-and-a-half million students annually and conduct research in the nation's interest, contributing to Australia's prosperity and progress.
