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 invited to or already be participating in the ACSQ ordination formation program, currently known as GROW, as confirmed by the Director of Clergy Development, Training and Wellbeing;
b. be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in University of Divinity courses through St Francis College which will facilitate completion of the academic requirements for ordination
3.2 Financial Hardship
Applicants are not required to demonstrate financial hardship.
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. notify St Francis College promptly of any change to enrolment, formation status, approved unit selection or capacity to complete the subsidised study;
d. 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
e. 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 courses undertaken through St Francis College.
5.2 Direct Payment
Approved subsidy amounts will be applied through the University of Divinity sponsorship process and are not payable as cash to students.
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. consent for St Francis College to confirm their formation status with the Director of Clergy Development, Training and Wellbeing;
c. current or proposed enrolment details;
d. confirmation of compliance with eligibility requirements; and
e. acceptance of these Guidelines and associated conditions.
6.3 Privacy and Use of Information
Information collected for the program will be used only to assess eligibility, confirm enrolment, administer the approved sponsorship and meet reporting requirements. Access will be limited to those with a legitimate role in administering the program, including the Principal, Business Manager, Registrar and Director of Clergy Development, Training and Wellbeing, as required.
The Registrar may access relevant enrolment information only as required to confirm enrolment details and administer the approved sponsorship through the University of Divinity process.
6.4 Publication of Dates
Current and incoming participants in the GROW program for Ordained Ministry Formation will be advised of the opportunity to apply in the October with applications due 30 November.
7. Assessment Process
7.1 Assessment Principles
Applications will be assessed against the two eligibility criteria only.
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.
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7.3 Notification
Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application by mid-December to facilitate the enrolment process.
8. Assessment Panel
8.1 Membership
The Assessment Panel will comprise:
a. the Principal of St Francis College
b. the Director of Clergy Development, Training and Well-being; and
c. one member nominated by St Francis College Council.
8.2 Functions
The Assessment Panel will:
a. confirm eligibility, including formation status advice from the Director of Clergy Development, Training and Wellbeing;
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 has been confirmed by the Director of Clergy Development, Training and Wellbeing and the approved sponsorship amount has been confirmed, the sponsorship will be applied through the University of Divinity sponsorship process at the point of enrolment:
a. the student's eligible University of Divinity enrolment will be sponsored at the time of enrolment;
b. approved sponsorship amounts will be applied from the restricted fund through the University of Divinity sponsorship process;
c. appropriate financial records will be maintained; and
d. reporting will be provided in accordance with approved governance arrangements.
9.3 Direct Student Payments
Sponsorship amounts will not be paid directly to a student.