Study hubs to give regional, rural students better access to higher education

South Australians in regional and remote communities will have greater access to higher education under a $134 million nationwide investment being announced today by the Federal Government.

South Australian students in regional and remote communities will have greater access to higher education under a $134 million nationwide investment announced today by the Federal Government.

Education Minister Dan Tehan said the funding would give students opportunities through more federally supported places at regional campuses, study hubs, and an additional 1955 scholarships.

“We need to support regional communities to retain and attract smart young people,” Mr Tehan said.

Three of 16 new regional study hubs will be established in Murray Bridge, Nuriootpa and the Upper Spencer Gulf over the next four years.

The hubs — including one which will be established in Port Pirie from 2019 — will provide study spaces, video conferencing, internet access, and pastoral and academic support for students studying via distance at partner universities.

Regional Universities Network chair Professor Greg Hill said 70 per cent of its graduates, including from CQ University’s Adelaide campus, now work in regional areas.

“Encouraging young people to stay, study and work in the regions helps address national cohesion and assists in alleviating congestion in major cities,” Mr Hill said.

A strategy will be developed to increase post-secondary education, with ABS figures revealing just 23 per cent of 25-34 year olds in regional areas had a bachelor degree or higher.