The Australian Department of Education has opened applications for the first 10 new regional university study hubs across the country, which aims to extend visible local access to tertiary education even outside the major cities.
The department intends to open a second round of applications for another 10 new regional university hubs at a later date, in line with the Albanese government’s plan to establish up to 20 regional university hubs and up to 14 new suburban university student hubs.
The federal government committed to investing $66.9 million to double the number of regional university study hubs across the nation. Currently, Australia has 34 existing regional university study hubs that support more than 3,400 students enrolled in over 1,000 different courses through more than 200 tertiary education providers.
“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,” Minister for Education Jason Clare said.
“The Accord Panel makes it clear that we need more people from the regions and outer suburbs to get a university qualification,” Mr. Clare said.
“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.”
Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development, urged eligible community organisations to submit an application to put up study hubs in their regions to help their residents gain more access to tertiary education.
“This program removes barriers for students in regional and remote areas who want to pursue a tertiary education while keeping them in the communities they love,” Mr. Chisholm said. “These hubs are a great way for people to access and study a wide range of courses from educational institutions across Australia without having to leave their communities.”
Earlier in September, the education department announced the opening of the Pilbara Kimberley University Centre in Broome to serve students, including First Nations students, in northwest Western Australia.
“We believe that every student deserves to have access to a world-class tertiary education no matter who they are and where they live,” Mr. Chisholm said.
Universities Australia expressed its support for the opening of applications for regional study hubs, emphasising the need for more opportunities for Australians to attend university as more jobs require a tertiary education degree, regardless of where they live.
“A university education is one of the greatest opportunities you can have in life, opening up more opportunities and career options,” Universities Australia CEO Catriona Jackson said.
“University-educated workers earn higher wages and enjoy greater job security, and right now we need more of them to deliver national priorities while driving our economic growth and prosperity.”
