Bringing uni closer to home: Applications open for more Regional University Study Hubs

Applications are now open for 10 more Regional University Study Hubs to be established around Australia, giving more students from the regions and the bush access to tertiary education.

The Albanese Government is investing $66.9 million to double the number of University Study Hubs across the country and bring the Hubs to the outer suburbs of our major cities for the first time. 

Applications are opening today for the second round of up to 10 additional Regional University Study Hubs.

This builds on the first 10 new Hubs which were announced earlier this year in regional and remote communities across Australia plus funding to support two existing Country Universities Centres in New South Wales. 

There are now 46 Regional University Study Hubs located across the country. 36 of these Hubs are open with the other 10 Hubs expected to open by Semester 1, 2025. 

A recent NSW evaluation of ten Country Universities Centres, which are part of the Regional University Study Hubs program, found almost half of the students who go to a Hub are the first in their families to go to university and most now work in their own communities.

The Hubs provide study spaces and services to support students, including those from low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations students and people with disability. Hubs support students to study higher education or VET courses across a range of institutions.

Regional University Study Hubs are currently supporting close to 4,400 students, with many studying in-demand qualifications such as health and education, as well as pathway courses to higher education.

Eligibility has been extended to universities for this round. Organisations that can apply include community organisations, local councils, universities and body corporates in regional and remote Australia are able to apply. Applications will close 5:00pm AEDT, Friday 18 October 2024.

A panel will assess applications as part of a competitive process. These 10 Regional University Study Hubs are expected to start operating in 2025. 

For more information about the Regional University Study Hubs program and how to apply, please visit the Department of Education website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“Today, almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia. 

“In the years ahead more jobs will require more skills. 

“The Government has set a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification. 

“To hit that target we have to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of people from the bush getting a crack at going to university.

“The evidence is that where University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up that’s why we will establish up to 20 additional Regional University Study Hubs.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education, Regional Development, and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Anthony Chisholm:

“Where you live shouldn’t decide whether or not you can pursue a tertiary education. 

“That’s why we’re investing $66.9 million to expand the Regional University Study Hub network so more people in regional, rural and remote areas can study without having to leave their community.

“From the Kimberley to Cape York, we know these Hubs work with over 4,500 students using these spaces in their town to attain a degree.

“Around 42 per cent of students who have studied at an existing Hubs are the first in their family to attend university, and as someone who was the first in their family to attend university, this is fantastic to see.”