Epping and Broadmeadows will each boast one of 10 new Suburban University Study Hubs (SUSHs), making higher education more accessible in Melbourne’s northern and north-western suburbs.
The Federal Government recently announced the locations of the first SUSHs, providing student support and campus-style facilities to locals studying a university or TAFE course, all without having to leave their community.
A recommendation of the Universities Accord, the SUSHs will help more people from the outer suburbs access tertiary education.
The new hubs are expected to be operational by mid-2025. The 10 locations were chosen following a competitive application process.
In total, the government is investing $66.9 million, and will establish 20 more Regional University Study Hubs, and 14 new Suburban University Study Hubs in the outer suburbs of major cities.
Another round for four additional SUSHs opened earlier this month, and will target low SES areas with low university attainment in the outer suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Minister for Education Jason Clare said the hubs would provide regional and outer suburbian residents better access to further education.
“Almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree today. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia,” he said.
“That’s why we are doubling the number of University Study Hubs, to bring university closer to people in our outer suburbs and regions.
“We know they work. The evidence is they increase the number of people going to university and finishing a university degree.”
Member for Scullin Andrew Giles said the SUSHs would make a real difference for the community.
“This new University Study Hub in Epping will make a real difference and open up opportunities, especially for first-in-family students,” he said.
For more information, visit www.education.gov.au/suburban-university-study-hubs.
