Geraldton university graduates celebrate at regional university study hub

Forty-six regional students have celebrated their graduation at the Regional University Study Hub in Geraldton, bringing university closer to home.

The Geraldton Universities Centre held a special ceremony for the 46 students who graduated from a variety of courses from different of universities, including health, education, engineering and management and commerce. 

There are currently 34 existing Regional University Study Hubs located across the country, including one in Geraldton, and the evidence shows that where they are, university participation and completion goes up.

Geraldton Universities Centre was one of the first Regional University Study Hubs in Australia to support students to stay in their community while studying for a degree. 

In 2023, 276 students from the Geraldton region in Western Australia studied at the Geraldton Universities Centre. 

In response to the Universities Accord Interim Report, the Government will double the number of University Study Hubs across Australia. 

We will invest $66.9 million to establish 20 more Regional University Study Hubs, and up to 14 new Suburban University Study Hubs in the outer suburbs of our major cities.

Last month, the Albanese Labor Government announced the locations of the first 10 new Regional University Study Hubs across the country, including another two in Western Australia.

The new Regional University Study Hubs are expected be available to students over the next 12 months.

Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle:

“To the 46 students who recently celebrated their graduation at the Geraldton Regional University Hub, I’d like to offer my sincere congratulations.

“As a Senator who works extensively in regional Western Australia, I am so proud to be part of a Government that continues to support students who live in regional areas to compete their studies and university courses where they live and with the support of their personal networks.

“I wish all of the graduates the very best with their future endeavours.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia Varun Ghosh: 

“I would like to congratulate the 46 graduates of the Geraldton Regional University Study hub on their graduation and wish them all the best for their careers ahead.

“Regional Study Hubs play an important role in expanding access to higher education in regional areas. The Hubs allow regionally based students to access education closer to home.

“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring greater access to education for all Australians, regardless of where they live.”     

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“Congratulations to the 46 graduates today, who I’m sure have a bright career ahead of them.

“I want more young people to get a crack at going to university and we know that postcode is a massive barrier for young people getting that chance. 

“The evidence is that where University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up that’s why we’re announcing 10 new Regional University Study Hubs and there’s more to come.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development Senator Anthony Chisholm:

“People from regional, rural and remote Australia are almost half as likely to obtain a university degree compared to their peers living in our cities. 

“The expansion of the Regional University Study Hub network will remove barriers for more students so they can access a high-quality tertiary education.

“These hubs create a campus-like environment where students can access support, the latest technology and be part of an engaging learning environment to help them achieve their academic goals, without having to leave their community.

“Every student deserves to have access to a world-class education no matter who they are or where they live. The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring access to Australia’s universities is fairer and more equitable.”