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.
The Albanese Government is investing $66.9 million to double the number of University Study Hubs across the country and bring the Hubs to the outer suburbs of our major cities for the first time.
Applications are opening today for the second round of up to 10 additional Regional University Study Hubs.
This builds on the first 10 new Hubs which were announced earlier this year in regional and remote communities across Australia plus funding to support two existing Country Universities Centres in New South Wales.
There are now 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 Hubs provide study spaces and services to support students, including those from low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations students and people with disability. Hubs support students to study higher education or VET courses across a range of institutions.
Regional University Study Hubs are currently supporting close to 4,400 students, with many studying in-demand qualifications such as health and education, as well as pathway courses to higher education.
Eligibility has been extended to universities for this round. Organisations that can apply include community organisations, local councils, universities and body corporates in regional and remote Australia are able to apply. Applications will close 5:00pm AEDT, Friday 18 October 2024.
A panel will assess applications as part of a competitive process. These 10 Regional University Study Hubs are expected to start operating in 2025.
