More ECTs could come from the outer suburbs, with new Government push

The number of early childhood teachers (ECTs) from outer suburbs could soon grow, thanks to a new push from the Federal Government to establish up to 14 Suburban University Study Hubs, which will give more people from the outer suburbs of major cities access to tertiary education.

Applications are now open to establish the Hubs, backed by a $66.9 million investment which builds on the 34 existing Regional University Study Hubs located across the country. In 2023, these Hubs supported almost 4,000 students.

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

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

“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.

“I want more young people to get a crack at going to university and we know that postcodes are a massive barrier for young people getting that chance. The evidence is that where University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up.”

The announcement builds on the 10 new recently announced Regional University Study Hubs funded in response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report, plus funding to support two existing Country Universities Centres located in New South Wales. 

Applications are now open, and will close at 5pm AEST, 29 July 2024.

More information about the Suburban University Study Hubs program and how to apply can be found here.