Applications are open for up to eight regional areas to receive funding to establish a regional study hub. Regional or rural living shouldn’t restrict attendance at university or to get a qualification.

I know the substantial costs of moving to a capital city or other major centre to pursue education after high school. 

This program will help put a higher education qualification in reach for more students and ultimately, more regional kids across Australia. The community-owned study hubs will help provide support for video conferencing, computing facilities and internet access, and pastoral and academic support for distance studying at partner higher education institutions. 

The federal Coalition government’s Regional Study Hubs Program is another important initiative to help regional students achieve a better balance between study, work, family, and community responsibilities.

The recent Halsey review highlighted the number of people with a degree decreases as you get further from our capitals. That’s why we’re creating an extra 500 sub-bachelor places at regional higher education institutions, and an additional 500 Commonwealth supported bachelor places for students at the Regional Study Hubs. 

Ultimately these hubs will help improve educational attainment, skills development, and employment opportunities for regional and remote students.

Applicants for funding are expected to demonstrate cash or in-kind contributions from the community and/or government to support the study hubs. To be eligible for funding, a study hub must have a formal relationship with at least one Australian registered higher education provider. Applications close at 5pm, on July 27. 

For more information visit: education.gov.au/access-and-participation.