The Australian Government is providing funding to support the establishment of the Centre, including:

• 40 new commencing student places for Islamic studies at the Centre.  The first enrolment of students took place in 2008 with student numbers estimated to grow to 109 places by 2011.
  
• Infrastructure funding of $4 million.  Funding is expected to be used for a range of infrastructure development or renewal applications to help establish the Centre across the three locations and its Islamic studies courses.

Undergraduate Islamic studies programs at the Centre

The Centre’s Islamic studies programs will lead to recognised higher education awards.  The Islamic studies programs will be relevant to Australian culture and values.  The programs will also provide a knowledge and skill foundation for students aspiring to religious leadership and teaching roles in Australia (eg Imams) and support the ongoing professional development of existing Australian religious leaders and teachers.  The programs will also help prepare people for work with and in Australian Muslim communities as school teachers, social workers, health professionals, business managers, community leaders and other professionals.

Community partnership (the community and the Centre)

The Department has provided some financial assistance for the establishment and maintenance of a sustainable partnership with the community.  The Centre will engage, on a continuing basis, representatives of the Muslim community in Australia to provide advice on the curriculum of the Centre.

It is important to note that the Australian Muslim community will remain responsible for determining which of its members receives recognition as religious leaders.  This is not a role for government or universities.

Flexible delivery of Islamic studies programs by the Centre

The Centre will, through collaborative arrangements and flexible delivery, be able to teach the Islamic studies programs to Muslims and other Australians across the country.  Such arrangements will take into account specific regional differences, for example the diversity, numbers and concentrations of Muslims.

Australia’s National Centre of Excellence for Islamic studies

The University of Melbourne led consortium is expected to build upon the funding provided by the Government and establish, over time, a world class facility with a specialist focus on the study of Islam and associated subjects.

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