(Last Reviewed :  17/08/2010 )

KEY POINTS

  • The objective of the Commercialisation Training Scheme (CTS) is to provide high quality research commercialisation training for the next generation of Australian researchers (research doctorate and research masters students) as a means of equipping them with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to bring research-based ideas, inventions and innovations to market.
  • CTS students receive training in three areas:
    • Commercialisation know-how (a strategic understanding of commercialisation processes);
    • Technical commercialisation skills (eg intellectual property management, financial management, project management and market research); and
    • Organisational behaviour skills (eg leadership, teamwork and presentation skills).
  • CTS students are exempt from payment of student contribution amounts and tuition fees for units undertaken as part of CTS training. Students are awarded a graduate certificate on successful completion of CTS training.
  • A review of the CTS will be undertaken in the second half of 2010.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Legislation: Higher Education Support Act 2003

Length of program and proposed annual budget over the program's life

Actual
2009-2010*
$’000

5,633

Estimate
2010-2011*
$’000

5,736

Estimate
2011-2012*
$’000

2,862

Estimate
2012-2013*
$’000

-

Estimate
2013-2014
$’000

-

Source: Portfolio Budget Statements 2010-11
*Paid on a calendar year basis.

Eligibility and target audience

To be eligible for funding, Australian higher education providers (HEPs) must be listed in sections 16-15 and 16-20 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and confirm their participation each year. Funding is provided through annual block grants to participating HEPs who are responsible for identifying and selecting high quality Australian higher degree by research students for support under the CTS.