CFAs: AUKUS and Housing Equipment and Capital Grants (Australia)

The South Australian Government, through Skills SA, is offering AUKUS and Housing Equipment and Capital Grants to strengthen the capability and capacity of TAFE SA and eligible not-for-profit and industry-based vocational education and training (VET) providers. The program provides matched 1:1 co-investment support for state-of-the-art training facilities, infrastructure, technology, and industry-relevant equipment aligned to the defence and construction sectors. Applications must be submitted by Friday 16 October 2026, 5:00pm (ACDT). Opportunity at a Glance

- Funding/program name: AUKUS and Housing Equipment and Capital Grants

- Funding provider: South Australian Government (administered via Skills SA)

- Total investment: $3 million over three years

- Matched funding model: Matched 1:1 funding (shared investment with industry of up to $6 million)

- Eligible applicants: TAFE SA, eligible not-for-profit providers, and eligible industry associations (see eligibility section)

- Eligible sectors/areas: Defence and construction (including infrastructure-related VET)

- Deadline: Friday 16 October 2026, 5:00pm (ACDT)

- Project finalisation deadline: All grant activities must be finalised by 31 May 2027 (unless otherwise negotiated)

- Application method: Application link emailed to eligible organisations (see “How to Apply”)

About the Opportunity

Skills SA is investing in the capability and capacity of South Australia’s VET providers to skill the defence and construction workforce “for today and the future.” The grants are intended to increase provider capacity to deliver high-quality training by funding contemporary infrastructure, technology, and industry-relevant equipment. The opportunity specifically targets training aligned to the defence and construction sectors, including infrastructure-related vocational education and training. Funding and Benefits

- Grant investment scale: The program is described as a $3 million investment over three years by the South Australian Government.

- Co-investment requirement: Grants provide matched 1:1 funding, supporting a shared investment with industry of up to $6 million.

- Indicative grant value: Skills SA has set an indicative value of up to $250,000 per grant sector stream, with matched 1:1 applicant co-investment.

- What the grants support:

- State-of-the-art training facilities - Contemporary infrastructure and technology - Industry-relevant equipment and training products - Freight costs: Freight costs are in scope. Applicants should separate and itemise equipment and associated freight charges in the budget template and include quotes as required. - Cost-sharing / co-investment: Eligible applications must identify 1:1 matched co-investment for the goods and services to be purchased. In-kind contributions may also be identified and will be considered as part of assessment. Who Is Eligible? Skills SA invites applications from providers that meet all of the following eligibility criteria: - Have a current Funded Activities Agreement (FAA) with Skills SA, AND - Deliver defence and/or construction and infrastructure-related vocational education and training, AND - Are not-for-profit and/or are an industry association, OR are TAFE SA.

Additional eligibility notes:

- Eligible provider types:

- TAFE SA, or - Not-for-profit providers, or - Industry associations (with the industry association status determined by the training organisation type identifier published on training.gov.au).

- Application limit: Eligible providers can apply for one grant per sector stream.

- Not eligible: Local, state and Australian Government entities are not eligible to apply.

- Application link: Skills SA states that the application link is emailed to eligible organisations. If an eligible organisation has not received the link, applicants are directed to contact [contact details removed]. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The grants support infrastructure and capability improvements for training aligned to: - Defence sector training - Construction sector training - Infrastructure-related vocational education and training The opportunity description also indicates support for: - Training facilities, infrastructure, and technology - Industry-relevant equipment and training products - Activities that increase provider capacity to deliver high-quality training for skilled workers in the defence and construction sectors Why This Opportunity Matters This opportunity is designed for VET providers that already deliver defence and/or construction training and hold a current Funded Activities Agreement with Skills SA. By funding equipment, technology, and training infrastructure through a matched co-investment model, the program aims to help providers expand their capacity to deliver training that supports workforce needs in South Australia’s defence and construction sectors. How to Apply - Read the official guidelines first. Skills SA advises applicants to read the AUKUS and Housing Equipment and Capital Grants Guidelines before applying. - Confirm eligibility. Ensure your organisation has a current FAA with Skills SA and delivers defence and/or construction and infrastructure-related VET, and meets the not-for-profit/industry association/TAFE SA eligibility requirements. - Use the application link provided by Skills SA. Skills SA states it emailed the application form link to eligible organisations. If you did not receive the link and believe you are eligible, contact [contact details removed]. - Preview the form and prepare required attachments. Skills SA indicates the application page allows applicants to start a submission, preview the form, and download a preview form. - Complete the application and submit by the deadline.

- Deadline: Friday 16 October 2026, 5:00pm (ACDT)

- Skills SA notes that incomplete applications will be disadvantaged in assessment. - Attach only the approved documents. Skills SA states applicants should only attach the approved budget template