Community organisations, local councils and universities across Australia are being given the opportunity apply for funding from the Country University Centres (CUC) to help establish a regional university study hub (uni hub) in their area. 

“The Government has set a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification," said the Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare.

“To hit that target we have to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of people from the bush getting a crack at going to university.

“The evidence is that where University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up."

There currently 36 uni hubs in regional Australia - with another ten expected to open by Semester 1, 2025 - supporting close to 4,400 students. 

This new round of applications is looking to choose the locations to add to that total opening the way for sites in communities across the Western Plains region to make university more accessible.

"The beauty of the regional university study hub model, in general, is that they service the students who study at any university or education facility," Jacob Cass, manager of the CUC Centre in Parkes said. 

The Parkes uni hub was established in 2020 and services over 160 students. There are also existing smaller hubs in Moree and Narrabri but so far none in the Orana or Far West regions. 

The hubs provide spaces and varying student support services, including for those from low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations students and students with disability.

Not all centres are the same but most offer internet access with computers for students to use. Some centres also offer free printing.  

Due to high demand, the Parkes centre is looking for space to expand. 

"We've outgrown the space but I think there's a beautiful story behind it," Mr Cass said.  

Over the past four years, the study hub has seen 35 graduations. 

"They have been supported right through to the end in their decision which is fantastic," Mr Cass said.  

He says the study hubs offer a place away from home with less distractions 

"A lot of people who come down here are parents. Here they get two or three hours where they can focus on their studies," Mr Cass said.  

The Parkes Centre also offers social activities for students such as a fortnightly coffee catch-up where students get free coffee and get to meet their peers. 

Applications for the new regional university study hubs are open until 18 October.