Aust gives $12m for US-education body

Four federal Australian departments have contributed $12 million over four years to the United States Studies Centre and Perth USAsia Centre.

Australia is contributing $12 million to promote better understanding of the US, with a four year funding deal to the United States Studies Centre (USSC) and Perth USAsia Centre (USAC).

"In the Indo-Pacific, US engagement has underpinned security and prosperity. As strategic dynamics in the region change, our relationship with the United States takes on even greater salience," a federal government statement said on Sunday.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Defence, the Department of Education and Training, and the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science have contributed to the new funding equally.