Suburban University Study Hubs will improve access to tertiary education for underrepresented and disadvantaged students living in outer metropolitan and peri-urban areas of Australia. They will provide campus-style study spaces, as well as in-person administrative and academic skills support for students undertaking tertiary study through any Australian institution.
About the program
The Suburban University Study Hubs Program takes an innovative approach to improve access and success in tertiary education for underrepresented and disadvantaged students (including low socio-economic status, First Nations and people with disability) living in outer metropolitan and peri-urban areas of Australia.
Hubs are community-driven spaces that offer tailored support to their local community. They do not operate as education providers and do not deliver formal education.
They provide dedicated study facilities and wrap-around support services which may include:
- Infrastructure: study spaces, break out areas, video conferencing, computer facilities, internet access.
- Administrative and academic skills support services: developing writing and research skills, managing administrative processes.
- Student support services: general wellbeing support, study advice, help accessing student services, supporting students with paid placements and Work Integrated Learning, careers advice.
Program objectives:
The Suburban University Study Hubs program aims to support underrepresented and educationally disadvantaged students from outer suburban areas with low tertiary education participation, who face increased barriers to accessing tertiary study. Hubs will do this by:
- supporting any student studying at any Australian publicly funded tertiary education provider.
- providing dedicated wrap-around support services and study facilities to improve access and outcomes for underrepresented students.
- building readiness and aspiration for tertiary level study.
- complementing, rather than duplicating or replacing, existing and planned university investments and activities in metropolitan and peri‑urban areas.
- encouraging linkages between providers, employers and industry and local community to support improved outcomes for students, including Work Integrated Learning.
Funding commitments
On 18 July 2023, the Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, announced $66.9 million in funding to establish up to 20 new Regional University Study Hubs and up to 14 Suburban University Study Hubs. Government will provide $32.5 million over the first four years from 2023-24 to establish the Suburban University Study Hubs. This funding addresses Priority Actions listed in the Australian Universities Accord Panel’s Interim Report.
2024 Suburban University Study Hubs Application Round
Applications to establish up to 14 Suburban University Study Hub in outer metropolitan and peri-urban areas of Australia were accepted from 22 May to 29 July 2024.
Applications are now closed.
For more information on the 2024 application round, please see Suburban University Study Hubs – 2024 Application Round.
Development of the program
A Consultation Paper was open for submission between 3 September and 2 October 2023 to seek input on the design and implementation of the Suburban Hubs program. 44 submissions were received.
View the consultation paper and submissions received.
Related programs
Suburban University Study Hubs build on the established and successful Regional University Study Hubs program (formerly Regional University Centres), that improves access and provides dedicated support for regional and remote students.
Contact
For more information, please contact suburbanhubs@education.gov.au