Regional University Study Hubs Frequently Asked Questions

Read our Frequently Asked Questions to find out more about Regional University Study Hubs.

On this page:

For Students

  • There are 56 Regional University Study Hubs located across all states and the Northern Territory.  
  • A list of all Regional University Study Hubs can be found on the University Study Hubs webpage. Further information, including how to register, is available on each Hub’s individual website. 
  • Each Regional University Study Hubs is shaped by its community, with services tailored to the needs of local students.  
  • Typical facilities and support services include:
    • Quiet study spaces
    • High-speed internet and IT equipment
    • Academic skills, administration and wellbeing support
    • After-hours access

Regional University Study Hubs provide free support to all students in their local area, including students temporarily in the area for placement, who are undertaking tertiary studies at any Australian university or Vocational Education and Training provider.

Regional University Study Hubs are typically not education providers themselves. They provide a range of support to students who are studying at any tertiary education institution.

Regional University Study Hubs are not intended to replicate a traditional university campus, but to improve access to higher education for regional and remote students by providing facilities and flexible support for students that choose to remain in their local community while undertaking tertiary study.

For Communities and Hubs

  • Community-owned and/or community-based organisations are eligible to apply for Regional University Study Hubs Program funding.  
  • Hubs must be located in an Inner Regional (RA1), Outer Regional (RA2), Remote (RA3) or Very Remote (RA4) area as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) Remoteness Areas.
  • There are currently no future funding rounds planned to establish additional Regional University Study Hubs.  
  • If future funding opportunities become available, information will be published on the department’s website.  
  • Established in April 2021, the Network is led by the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) in collaboration with two Regional University Study Hub partners: Geraldton Universities Centre and Country Universities Centre.  
  • The Network aims to provide support to Regional University Study Hubs across Australia and foster collaboration through a community of practice. The activities of the Network are informed by program priorities and the needs of Regional University Study Hub staff, guided by the Network Advisory Committee, and funded by the Department of Education.  
  • Please visit the Regional University Study Hubs Network for further information.
  • Extenuating circumstances/hardship are circumstances outside of the hub’s control (such as natural disasters) that impact a hub’s ability to continue operations.  
  • Existing Regional University Study Hubs are able to apply for Special Circumstances Funding to support the continuation of hub operations during extenuating circumstances/hardship. The purpose of this funding is to provide one-off support to hubs severely impacted by extenuating circumstances/hardship to ensure continued operation of the hub and reduce any direct impacts on students.
  • Special Circumstances Funding cannot be used to supplement routine operational expenses and can only be used to address the specific short-term operational risks.  
  • If you believe extenuating circumstances/hardship apply to your situation, contact regional@education.gov.au as soon as possible to discuss what support can be provided and the application process.

Partnerships Funding is provided to Regional University Study Hubs to support them to form partnerships with a variety of organisations with the goal of improving educational outcomes for regional and remote students.  

Regional University Study Hubs from Cohort 3 onwards, can apply for up to $100,000 per year in Partnerships Funding. The hub must be established and supporting students before they apply for this funding.  

Regional University Study Hubs in Cohort 1 and 2 receive a number of Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) to allocate to partner universities, and are therefore ineligible to receive Partnerships Funding.