On 18 April 2024, Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) in Western Australia held a special ceremony for 49 graduating students.
The students completed a range of courses in health, education, engineering and related technologies, management and commerce, society and culture through universities including CQUniversity and the University of Southern Queensland.
The centre receives funding from the Australian Government’s Regional University Study Hubs program.
Regional University Study Hubs help students in regional and remote areas access tertiary education without having to leave their community. They provide students with study spaces, IT, and internet access, as well as wrap-around support, including administrative, academic skills and wellbeing support.
In 2023, 276 students living in and around Geraldton in regional Western Australia were supported to study through Geraldton Universities Centre. The graduating class of 2024 join an alumnus of 564 students who have graduated through the support of Geraldton Universities Centre since its inception.
Nursing graduate Kylie Mutter values the support given to her to allow her to complete her nursing degree despite living 160 kilometres from Geraldton.
I did not think I would be able to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse, living rurally whilst still being able to spend quality time with my family. The GUC welcomed me, as a mature-aged student, with open arms, offering alternative options such as Zoom classes for tutorials allowing me to connect from home,” said Kylie.
Studying with the GUC has enabled us to continue to live in the Midwest and receive the best clinical experience in our region to develop our skills as newly qualified nurses."
Geraldton Universities Centre was part of the inspiration for the Regional University Study Hubs program and is now one of 34 hubs currently in operation. They will be joined by another 12 hubs across Australia this year.
In 2023, the network of Regional University Study Hubs supported nearly 4000 students studying more than 1000 different courses across more than 200 tertiary education providers.
Watch our student testimonial videos to find out about the benefits of studying at a Regional University Study Hub.
To find out if there is one near you, visit Regional University Study Hubs.