Aid to education
In Australia, foreign aid policy is led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, along with the Minister for International Development and the Pacific. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is in charge of development activities.
The 2017 Foreign Policy White Paper reinforces Australia’s priority of addressing inclusive growth through human development and education, including through its aid program.
Australia’s education investments are guided by DFAT’s Strategy for Australia’s aid investment in education 2015-2020.
These investments focus on four strategic priorities:
- Getting the foundations right: participating in early childhood development
- Learning for all: improving learning outcomes and improving the quality of education
- Universal participation: with a particular focus on including girls and children with disabilities
- Skills for prosperity: improving access to high-quality, post-secondary education and training
In 2017, the top recipients of basic education ODA disbursement were: Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Lao PDR, Bangladesh, Indonesia.
*Australia's pledge covers the period 2021-2025.
Australia and GPE
Australia is an active partner at country level through local education groups, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Australia’s 2015-2020 education strategy highlights investment in the Global Partnership for Education, noting the importance of GPE supporting children in countries affected by fragility and conflict.