The Albanese Labor Government will fund a new Regional University Study Hub in the East Gippsland region with five sites in Mallacoota, Orbost, Omeo, Heyfield and Yarram.
The new Study Hub is part of a $16m announcement today to open 10 new Regional University Study Hubs around Australia this year, bringing university closer to students living in the the regions.
There are currently 34 existing Regional University Study Hubs located across the country, including four in Victoria, and the evidence shows that where they are, university participation and completion goes up.
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.
Today's announcement is for the first new 10 Regional University Study Hubs.
Applications for the next 10 and for the 14 Suburban University Study Hubs (SUSHs) will open in coming months.
The current 34 Hubs support more than 3,400 students, studying more than 1,000 different courses, through more than 200 tertiary education providers.
They provide spaces to support students, including those from low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations students and people with disability.
The new Study Hub is expected be available to students over the next 12 months.
Quotes attributable to Federal Labor Senator for Victoria, Raff Ciccone:
"The new Regional University Study Hub is a fantastic outcome for the Gippsland towns of Mallacoota, Orbost, Omeo, Heyfield and Yarram.
"The announcement means students in East Gippsland will be able to access higher education and have the flexibility to complete their studies without having to leave their community.
"The Regional University Study Hub will provide infrastructure and support services for local students to study by distance, actively supporting them to get the skills they need for the jobs they want to pursue.
"The Albanese Government is committed to improving access to tertiary education for regional students in Gippsland and across Australia."
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 Universities Accord 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're announcing 10 new Regional University Study Hubs and there's more to come.
"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."
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."
