Next step in bringing university to the outer suburbs

The Albanese Government is doubling the number of University Study Hubs across the country and bringing the Hubs to the outer suburbs of our major cities for the first time.  

In response to the Universities Accord Interim Report, the Government will establish up to 20 additional Regional University Study Hubs, and up to 14 new Suburban University Study Hubs.

This builds on the 34 existing Regional University Study Hubs located across the country.

To support the delivery of the new Suburban University Study Hubs, a consultation paper has been released today seeking feedback on the design of the new Hubs. 

The Suburban University Study Hubs will be established in outer suburban areas without a significant physical university campus and where the percentage of the population with university qualifications is low. 

The Hubs will provide spaces to support students, including those from low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations students and people with disability.

The consultation paper seeks feedback from communities, students, state and territory governments, potential hub hosts including educational institutions and local governments, and other stakeholders.

The consultation paper and information on how to provide feedback is available here. Submissions will be open until 2 October 2023.

There will be further consultation and engagement leading to a competitive application process to establish Suburban University Study Hubs in areas with an identified need for additional higher education support.

Applications for the new Suburban University Study Hubs are expected to open early next year and applications for the additional Regional University Study Hubs are expected to open later this year.

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.

“The Accord Panel makes it clear that we need more people from the regions and outer suburbs to get a university qualification.

“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 will establish up to 14 Suburban University Study Hubs for the first time.  

“Bringing university closer to where you live will encourage more people who otherwise might decide not to go to university at all to give it a crack.

“I encourage universities, students and other interested groups to provide their feedback to ensure this program is a great success.”