Students in Mansfield, Victoria can now pursue a university degree within their local area, with the support of a new Regional University Centre.
Mansfield is one of three RUC sites in Victoria's Ovens Murray region funded by the Australian Government and administered by the Ovens Murray Country Universities Centre (CUC).
Assistant Minister for Education Senator Anthony Chisholm said RUCs allow regional students to have the support of their family and community while studying at any Australian tertiary education provider.
"The Albanese Government knows how valuable it is that local students can benefit from the world-class services and infrastructure as they access a high-quality Australian tertiary education," Assistant Minister Chisholm said.
"Regional students are half as likely to get a higher education degree, compared with their city-based peers, and should have the same opportunities when exploring options within higher education.
"This is why the Albanese Government is committed to ensuring that all Australians can access high quality education regardless of where they live."
"The centre also empowers school leavers and mature learners who are helping to address the skills shortage in regional Victoria through upskilling, which in turn will strengthen regional economies."
Local students are already experiencing CUC Ovens Murray has to offer, with all three sites in Wangaratta, Mansfield and Corryong now open to students.
"CUC Ovens Murray provides high-speed internet, computers and printing and video conferencing facilities, as well as academic, administrative and pastoral support for its students."
"The opening of the Mansfield site will mean more regional Victorians can obtain a university degree without moving away from their local area while receiving support from the centre."
Once CUC Ovens Murray is at full capacity, it is expected more than 100 local students will study across the three sites next year, with a goal of increasing that number.
The Australian Government has committed more than $2.5 million in funding to establish CUC Ovens Murray.
