Going for Growth Formation Futures Student Fee Subsidy Program
1. Background
1.1 The Anglican Church Southern Queensland has approved funding of $43,300 per annum for three years (2027–2029) to support the Formation Futures: Ordinand Financial Assistance Initiative.
1.2 Through this funding, St Francis College will establish the Going for Growth Formation Futures Student Fee Subsidy Program to assist eligible students enrolled in the ACSQ ordination formation program with University of Divinity tuition fees.
1.3 The program seeks to:
reduce financial barriers to theological study;
support appropriate study loads;
encourage timely progression towards ordination; and
demonstrate the Diocese's commitment to the formation of future clergy.
1.4 The program is a tuition fee subsidy program and is not a financial hardship bursary program.
2. Purpose
The purpose of the Going for Growth Formation Futures Student Fee Subsidy Program is to:
a. reduce the financial burden of University of Divinity tuition fees for eligible formation students;
b. support students to undertake an appropriate study load;
c. assist students to complete qualifications in a timely manner;
d. support the formation of future clergy within ACSQ; and
e. demonstrate the Diocese's commitment to those preparing for ordained ministry.
3. Eligibility
3.1 Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for assistance under the program, an applicant must:
a. be enrolled in the ACSQ ordination formation program;
b. meet the Archbishop's requirements for participation in formation;
c. have entered into any required ACSQ ministry service commitment arrangements;
d. be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in eligible University of Divinity units through St Francis College;
e. remain in good standing within the formation program; and
f. comply with any additional requirements contained in these Guidelines.
3.2 Financial Hardship
Applicants are not required to demonstrate financial hardship. Eligibility will be assessed against the published eligibility criteria only.
4. Conditions of Assistance
As a condition of receiving assistance under the program, recipients must:
a. remain actively engaged in the ACSQ ordination formation program for the period to which the subsidy applies;
b. maintain academic progress consistent with the requirements of St Francis College, the University of Divinity and the ACSQ ordination formation program;
c. use the subsidy only for approved University of Divinity tuition fees connected with their formation pathway;
d. notify St Francis College promptly of any change to enrolment, formation status, approved unit selection or capacity to complete the subsidised study;
e. repay any subsidy amount paid on their behalf where withdrawal from a subsidised unit results in St Francis College being unable to recover the relevant tuition costs from the University of Divinity. The Assessment Panel may waive all or part of this requirement in exceptional circumstances; and
f. acknowledge that assistance is subject to available funding and that subsidy amounts may be adjusted where total eligible demand exceeds available funding.
5. Nature of Assistance
5.1 Tuition Fee Subsidy
The program provides a tuition fee subsidy towards approved University of Divinity units undertaken through St Francis College.
5.2 Direct Payment
Assistance is not payable as cash to students.
Approved subsidy amounts will be paid directly from the restricted fund to the University of Divinity.
5.3 Maximum Assistance
Subject to available funding, eligible students may receive assistance towards the cost of up to two University of Divinity units per calendar year, having regard to:
a. available funding;
b. the number of eligible applicants; and
c. annual tuition costs.
5.4 Exclusions
The subsidy does not cover:
a. living expenses;
b. travel costs;
c. equipment purchases;
d. general personal expenses; or
e. financial hardship unrelated to tuition fees.
Students seeking assistance for these purposes may be considered under other bursary arrangements, including the Kempthorne Bequest, where applicable.
6. Application Process
6.1 Timing
Applications will be invited annually for the following academic year.
6.2 Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the approved application form and provide:
a. personal and contact details;
b. confirmation of participation in the ACSQ ordination formation program;
c. current or proposed enrolment details;
d. proposed University of Divinity units;
e. confirmation of compliance with eligibility requirements; and
f. acceptance of these Guidelines and associated conditions.
6.3 Publication of Dates
Application opening, closing and notification dates will be published on the St Francis College website.
7. Assessment Process
7.1 Assessment Principles
Applications will be assessed against eligibility criteria only.
The program is eligibility-based and is not a competitive or financial hardship bursary process.
7.2 Allocation of Funding
Where available funding is insufficient to provide the maximum subsidy to all eligible applicants, funding will ordinarily be allocated proportionally among eligible applicants.
The Assessment Panel may approve an alternative allocation methodology where justified by the objectives of the program.
7.3 Notification
Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application and the amount of assistance approved before any subsidy is processed.
8. Assessment Panel
8.1 Membership
The Assessment Panel will comprise:
a. the Principal of St Francis College (Chair);
b. the Director of Formation; and
c. one member nominated by St Francis College Council.
8.2 Functions
The Assessment Panel will:
a. verify eligibility;
b. recommend subsidy allocations;
c. monitor the operation of the program;
d. provide reports in accordance with approved governance arrangements;
e. request additional information from applicants where required;
f. determine any matter arising under these Guidelines that is not otherwise addressed; and
g. exercise any discretion specifically conferred under these Guidelines.
9. Payment Process
9.1 Restricted Funds
Program funds will be held in a restricted account and used only for approved program purposes.
9.2 Payment Procedure
Once eligibility, enrolment and the subsidy amount have been confirmed:
a. the student's eligible University of Divinity enrolment will be verified;
b. approved subsidy amounts will be paid directly from the restricted fund to the University of Divinity;
c. appropriate financial records will be maintained; and
d. reporting will be provided in accordance with approved governance arrangements.
9.3 Direct Student Payments
The subsidy will not normally be paid directly to a student.
10. Reporting
Program reporting may include:
a. the number of students supported;
b. the amount of funding distributed;
c. student progression information;
d. program outcomes;
e. evaluation against grant objectives; and
f. the balance and use of restricted grant funds.
Summary reports will be provided to relevant College and diocesan bodies in accordance with approved governance arrangements and grant reporting requirements.