Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series 2027–2028 (Australia)

The Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series (VCES) is inviting eligible education providers to partner with the Victorian Department of Education to deliver enrichment activities for high-ability students enrolled in Victorian government schools. Funding ranging from AUD 50,000 to AUD 250,000 is available for organisations that can provide engaging learning experiences during 2027–2028, with a possible extension into 2029.

About the Program

The Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series (VCES) is a Victorian Government initiative that provides high-quality enrichment opportunities for high-ability students attending government schools across Victoria.

The program is designed for students from Foundation to Year 10 who are performing, or have the potential to perform, at least one year above the expected curriculum level and require additional academic challenges beyond the standard classroom curriculum.

Through funded partnerships, the Department of Education aims to provide up to 50,000 enrichment places during 2027–2028. Activities will be delivered both face-to-face and virtually, ensuring students across metropolitan, regional, and rural Victoria have access to engaging learning experiences.

Funding Information

• Grant Amount: AUD 50,000 to AUD 250,000
• Funding Period: 2027–2028
• Potential Extension: Up to 2029 (at the Department’s discretion)
• Delivery Mode: Face-to-face and virtual
• Funding Purpose: Delivery of enrichment activities for high-ability students

Program Objectives

The Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series aims to:

• Support high-ability students through challenging learning opportunities.
• Extend learning beyond the Victorian Curriculum.
• Increase engagement among academically advanced students.
• Encourage excellence across a wide range of subject areas.
• Improve access to quality enrichment opportunities throughout Victoria.
• Partner with specialist education providers to deliver innovative programs.

Supported Activities

Funded organisations may deliver a variety of enrichment experiences, including:

• Incursions
• Excursions
• Masterclasses
• Workshops
• Tutorials
• Virtual learning sessions
• Face-to-face enrichment programs
• Specialist educational activities

Programs should be designed specifically to meet the learning needs of high-ability students.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Expert education organisations
• Not-for-profit organisations
• Universities
• Tech schools
• Science specialist centres
• Mathematics specialist centres
• Victorian government schools

Applicants should demonstrate experience in designing and delivering educational programs for high-ability learners.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be an eligible organisation under the program guidelines.
• Deliver enrichment programs for Foundation to Year 10 students.
• Be capable of supporting high-ability learners.
• Deliver activities during 2027 and 2028.
• Meet all applicable funding and contractual requirements.

Additional requirements include:

For Not-for-Profit Organisations and Universities

Applicants must:

• Comply with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.
• Enter into a Victorian Common Funding Agreement (VCFA).
• Meet all conditions outlined in the funding agreement.

For Government Schools

Government school providers must:

• Enter into an Initiative Agreement with the Department of Education.
• Manage operational funding responsibly.
• Submit reimbursement requests in accordance with the agreement.

Program Delivery

The Department of Education will partner with successful organisations to provide enrichment activities for students across Victoria.

Activities may be delivered through:

• Classroom-based sessions
• Online learning
• Specialist workshops
• Interactive tutorials
• Practical learning experiences
• School incursions
• Educational excursions

Programs are expected to reach students in diverse geographic locations through flexible delivery models.

Why This Program Matters

High-ability students often benefit from learning opportunities that extend beyond the standard curriculum. The Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series helps these students develop advanced knowledge, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills through specialised educational experiences.

By partnering with expert organisations, the program strengthens educational outcomes while ensuring gifted and advanced learners have equitable access to challenging and engaging learning opportunities across Victoria.

How to Apply

Eligible organisations should follow these steps:

1. Review the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series application guidelines.
2. Confirm organisational eligibility.
3. Design an enrichment program suitable for high-ability students.
4. Prepare the required application and supporting documentation.
5. Demonstrate organisational capability and educational expertise.
6. Submit the application before the closing date.
7. If selected, complete the required funding agreement with the Department of Education.

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly demonstrate experience working with high-ability learners.
• Design engaging and evidence-based enrichment activities.
• Include innovative teaching approaches.
• Show the ability to deliver programs across multiple locations or online.
• Explain expected student outcomes and evaluation methods.
• Ensure compliance with all funding and child safety requirements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing activities that do not specifically target high-ability students.
• Failing to demonstrate organisational capability.
• Submitting incomplete applications.
• Overlooking Victorian Child Safe Standards requirements.
• Providing unclear delivery or evaluation plans.
• Not addressing funding agreement obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series?

It is a Victorian Government initiative that funds organisations to deliver enrichment activities for high-ability students enrolled in Victorian government schools.

Who are the target participants?

Students from Foundation to Year 10 who are performing, or capable of performing, at least one year above the expected curriculum level.

How much funding is available?

Eligible organisations may apply for grants ranging from AUD 50,000 to AUD 250,000.

What types of organisations can apply?

Eligible applicants include expert education organisations, not-for-profit organisations, universities, tech schools, science and mathematics specialist centres, and Victorian government schools.

What activities can be funded?

Funding supports incursions, excursions, workshops, tutorials, masterclasses, virtual learning activities, and other enrichment programs designed for high-ability students.

How many students will benefit from the program?

The Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series aims to provide up to 50,000 funded student places during 2027–2028.

Are successful applicants required to sign an agreement?

Yes. Not-for-profit organisations and universities must enter into a Victorian Common Funding Agreement (VCFA), while government schools must sign an Initiative Agreement with the Department of Education.

Conclusion

The Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series (VCES) offers a valuable opportunity for experienced education providers to support high-ability students through innovative and engaging enrichment programs. By funding high-quality learning experiences across Victoria, the initiative helps nurture academic excellence, broaden educational opportunities, and ensure advanced learners receive the challenge and support they need to reach their full potential.