Suburban University Study Hubs will improve access to tertiary education for 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 offers an innovative solution to improving access and boosting success in higher education for those living in outer metropolitan areas of Australia where people may face increased barriers to access tertiary study.
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.
Instead, 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.
Suburban University Study Hub Locations
On 16 November 2024, the Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, announced 10 new Suburban University Study Hubs following the application process open from 22 May to 29 July 2024.
The 10 Suburban University Study Hubs are expected to open by mid-2025 in the following locations:
- Broadmeadows, Epping and Melton, VIC
- Kurri Kurri and Macquarie Fields, NSW
- Armadale, Ellenbrook and Mandurah, WA
- Elizabeth, SA
- Strathpine, QLD
- Sorell, TAS
For more information on the 2024 application round, including a map of locations, please see Suburban University Study Hubs – 2024 Application Round.
2024 Targeted Application Round
Following the initial round of Suburban University Study Hubs, the Department of Education identified key target areas which remain underrepresented based on the outcomes of the initial round:
- Southern Brisbane and Western Brisbane
- Western Sydney and South-west Sydney
- Southeast Melbourne, Western Melbourne and Southwest of Melbourne (including Geelong)
Applications are now open for expressions of interest to establish one of 4 new hubs in these key target areas.
Applications close at 12pm (AEDT) on Friday 17 January 2025.
Please visit Suburban University Study Hubs - 2024 Targeted Round to apply, or for more information about the application process.
Program objectives:
The Suburban University Study Hubs program aims to support students from 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.
- 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.
The Australian 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.
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