Warwick university study hub has found funding, expanding education access in regional QLD

A new initiative which will bridge the gap between rural and metro access to higher education will go ahead after funding was granted to the project. Opening, location revealed.

Students wanting to pursue tertiary education in the Southern Downs won’t have to leave the region following the confirmation of funding for a uni hub project.

At Warwick, local students will be able to pursue further education following Commonwealth funding being secured to fund a new satellite facility in the region.

The ‘uni hub’ as it is dubbed by locals will join a roster of more than 30 regional study hubs across the country, including several in Queensland which span from the state border to Cape York.

It can be revealed university study hub will be established in the SDIEA building located at 163 Palmerin St, Warwick, and will have significant outreach activities across the region. It is anticipated that the new centre will be open during 2024.

Following council’s collaboration with key educational and community organisations, Commonwealth Minister for Education Jason Clare MP, announced that the region’s bid was successful for a university study hub to provide students with administrative and academic support.

Council’s chief executive Dave Burges said that creating the right pathways for accessible education would greatly boost the region’s long-term sustainability.

“University study hubs deliver infrastructure that provides academic support so that students can live and study locally without relocating,” Mr Burges said.

“There are currently 34 hubs located across regional Australia which support locally-based students to complete studies remotely and they have proved remarkably successful in addressing the attrition rate of students.

A university study hub in the Balonne Region, which opened in 2021. One is expected to open in Warwick in the near future. (Photo: File)

“The funding announcement for a dedicated study hub on the Southern Downs is a major win for the region and addresses an important gap in supporting our students.”

Mr Burges said the university hub would make options available for students and provide quality learning spaces, meeting rooms, technology and, very importantly, an engaging learning environment with pastoral care for students making the transition from school or other activities to tertiary education.

“This Commonwealth funding is very competitive and it is a credit to all involved that the Development Committee secured this important investment into our region,” Mr Burges said.

“This initiative is based on the remarkable efforts of a range of organisations including Council, SDIEA, TAFE, our high schools, nearby universities and our Chambers of Commerce. The support and enthusiasm for the project from across the community has been commendable throughout the process.”

The hub will be linked to a range of others through affiliation with the Country Universities Centre network.

With the agreement of the Commonwealth government in place, a representative working group will continue to develop the project over the next few months and more announcements will follow.

Originally published as Warwick university study hub has found funding, expanding education access in regional QLD