The Albanese Labor Government will fund two new Regional University Study Hubs in Katanning and Ashburton Shire, Western Australia.
The two new Study Hubs are 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 regions.
The Study Hub in Ashburton will have sites located in Onslow and Tom Price.
There are currently 34 existing Regional University Study Hubs located across the country, including five in Western Australia, and the evidence shows that their location leads to an increase in university participation and completion.
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 Katanning Hub will be operated by Regional Development Australia Great Southern and will build on the success of the organisation's existing hub in Albany. It will provide support for all students in the community including those from multi-cultural, migrant and First Nations communities.
The new Regional University Study Hubs are expected be available to students over the next 12 months.
Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia Glenn Sterle:
"This is a terrific announcement for young people living in regional Western Australia who aspire to study at University but who can't because of where they live.
"I'm proud to be part of a Government that continues to provide opportunities for young people to further their education, especially in rural and regional Western Australia."
Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia Varun Ghosh:
"Regional University Study Hubs bring higher education opportunities closer to where regional students live, allowing them to pursue their educational ambitions while remaining close to their families and support networks.
"These Hubs play an important role in expanding access to higher education, fostering community development and supporting educational and economic advancement in regional areas.
"The Hubs in Katanning and Ashburton will provide regional students in those areas with the opportunity to remain in their communities while accessing tertiary education."
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."
