The 2026 Research to Improve Vocational Education and Training (VET) Completions Grants Program is a new grant program administered by Skills Canberra and is now open for applications.
Applications close Friday 31 July 2026, 5pm.
The Program is a joint initiative with the Australian Government under the National Skills Agreement (NSA) and will provide up to $1.1 million over 2026-28 to support ACT-based, policy relevant research that strengthens the evidence base to improve VET completion and post-training outcomes in the Territory.
The Program focuses on building a stronger understanding of what drives VET completions and identifying effective, evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes for learners, employers and the broader ACT community.
Eligible applicants from Canberra universities and research institutes can apply for up to $400,000 (GST exclusive) to undertake rigorous research aligned with the Program objectives.
Projects are expected to commence from October 2026 and may run until December 2028.
For further information, refer to the Research to Improve VET Completions Grant Program 2026 - Guidelines (DOCX 2.4MB) or (PDF777KB) and register for the upcoming information session.
Information Session
- Date and time: Thursday 18 June 2026, 1:00pm-2:00pm.
- RSVP: Please register your attendance on Teams , by 5:00pm Wednesday 17 June 2026.
Who can apply
To be eligible, the applicant must be the lead researcher (Principal Investigator) and must:
- be a permanent research staff member of a university or research institute that is legally established and operating in the ACT
- demonstrate strong evidence of research capability and capacity in policy-oriented areas (preferably, Australian policies).
The funded research activity must be substantially conducted in and deliver demonstrable benefit to the ACT. Applications may include co-investigators, including from other universities or research institutions, provided the lead applicant and administering institution meet the eligibility requirements.
Refer to the Research to Improve VET Completions Grant Program 2026 - Guidelines (DOCX 2.4MB) or (PDF777KB) for further details.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted via the online SmartyGrants application form . Email or hardcopy applications will not be accepted.
Applicants must submit the following documents with their application:
All required information and supporting documentation must be submitted at the time of application. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
What can be funded
The Program supports original, policy-relevant research that contributes to improving VET completions and post-training outcomes in the ACT.
Research proposals may include:
- analysis of drivers of VET completions and non-completion, especially for priority learners
- evaluation of effective of Commonwealth and/or ACT VET policies and interventions
- assessment of impact of career or pathway advice on learner outcomes
- analysis of subsidy and funding settings to improve equity, fiscal sustainability and outcomes for learner and the broader economy.
Proposals that fall outside these areas but meaningfully advance the Program’s objectives are welcomed and will be given full consideration.
The Program funds research activities only and does not support:
- training delivery or pilots
- development of accredited courses or qualifications
- service delivery or operational activities.
More information
For program enquiries, contact Skills Canberra:
