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, including qualifications in early childhood education and care (ECEC). 

The second round of up to 10 additional Regional University Study Hubs is now open, inviting universities to join community organisations, local councils and body corporates in regional and remote Australia to apply for funding to establish study spaces and services to support students, including those from low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations students and people with disability to access tertiary education. 

Existing Study Hubs in operation in regional and remote communities across Australia are supporting students to study higher education or VET courses across a range of institutions, with many studying in-demand qualifications such as health and education, as well as pathway courses to higher education.

There are already 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 current Regional University Study Hubs are supporting close to 4,400 students, with Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare applauding the difference the Hubs make in terms of opening up access to education. 

“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,” he said. 

“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.”

A panel will assess applications for this round, which will close 5:00pm AEDT, Friday 18 October 2024, as part of a competitive process.

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