The Albanese Labor Government will fund two Regional University Study Hubs in the Cowra and Mudgee, bringing university closer to students living in the Riverina and Calare electorates.
These two Study Hubs are part of a $66.9 million investment 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.
There are currently 34 existing Regional University Study Hubs located across the country, including ten in NSW, and the evidence shows that where they are, university participation and completion goes up.
In response to the Universities Accord Interim Report, the Albanese Labor Government will double the number of University Study Hubs across Australia.
Today's announcement is for the first suite of Regional University Study Hubs with funding being invested in the Riverina and Calare electorates.
The two Study Hubs in Cowra and Mudgee were established with support from the NSW Government and today's Federal funding announcement will ensure they can continue to operate long term.
The current 34 existing 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.
Applications for the next 10 and for the 14 Suburban University Study Hubs (SUSHs) will open in coming months.
The new Regional University Study Hubs are expected be available to students over the next 12 months.
Quotes attributable to Senator Deborah O'Neill, Duty Senator for Calare and Riverina:
"The opportunity to attend university can be transformational for individuals, families, and communities more broadly. People should not be denied that opportunity because of where they live.
"These study hubs have proven their value across the state. They are strengthening communities and providing the environment for regional students to thrive.
"I am so pleased to see our commitment to these centres in Mudgee and Cowra, and what that funding means for the future students of Calare and Riverina, and how it can support them to realise their potential."
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."
