Tertiary students in Shepparton might soon benefit from a study hub in the city.
Eligible organisations have until December 15 to apply for a Regional University Study Hub to be established in the city as the Federal Government provides funding for 10 more around the country.
The Albanese Government has committed $66.9 million to double the number of hubs across Australia.
The government said the hubs were facilities regional students could use to study tertiary courses, locally delivered by distance from any Australian institution.
They provide study spaces, video conferencing, computer facilities, high-speed internet access, administrative and academic support services and student support services.
Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart said the hubs made it easier for young people outside major cities to get a degree.
“The postcode you live in shouldn’t be a barrier to getting a degree, and this opportunity could be life-changing for regional Victorians in the Goulburn Valley area,” she said.
“The hubs will provide support close to home for students that would otherwise need to travel long distances to get to and from an inner-city campus.”
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the new study hubs would deliver on the first recommendation of the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report.
“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,” he said.
“The Accord Panel makes it clear that we need more people from the regions and outer suburbs to get a university qualification.”
Applications are now open for eligible organisations in regional and remote Australia to apply for one of 10 hubs to be funded in the first round, with another 10 to be funded in a second round at a later date.
Community-led organisations are eligible to apply, not universities.
Victorian regional study hubs are based in Swan Hill, Mansfield, Wangaratta, Corryong, Bairnsdale, Sale, Mallacoota and Wonthaggi.
La Trobe University has a campus in Shepparton and said a hub would be a welcome addition to the services it offered.
“La Trobe University welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to double the number of regional study hubs across Australia to enable more students of remote, rural and regional origin to access tertiary education,” a spokesperson said.
“These hubs will complement services already provided by La Trobe University in Shepparton.
“We understand this to be a valuable opportunity to remove participation barriers, particularly for those from low socio-economic backgrounds, First Nations students and people with disability.”
The University of Melbourne, which also has a presence in the city, said it supported regionally led activity to widen education participation.