The Australian Government is providing the new engineering places as part of its Skills for the Future package. The majority will commence in 2008.

Engineers Australia chief executive Peter Taylor said that it would help make up for the increasing shortfall in professional engineers.

"As engineering is at the heart of modern economies and contemporary life, a focus on providing adequate places for engineering students in our tertiary institutions is at the core of meeting Australia's growing demand for professional engineers," he said.

While he welcomed the announcement, Taylor said Australia needed to address its education system.

"Australia's children are losing interest in maths and science midway through primary school and by the end of secondary school, fewer than 15 percent of all students are studying advanced maths and science that will lead to the opportunity to take up careers like engineering," he said.

"Strategies also are needed to ensure that all students gain a broad base in the enabling sciences and the primary school curriculum should be restructured to present science and engineering concepts in ways that will excite interest and motivate our children."