Regional University Centres supporting students to succeed

Smiling female graduate

This story was first published on Wednesday 1 March 2023. If you wish to use this content, please contact media@education.gov.au to confirm that the information is still current.

Regional University Centres help students in regional and remote areas access higher education without having to leave their community. They provide student support and campus-style facilities for students who study online.

Regional University Centres (RUCs) help students in regional and remote areas access higher education without having to leave their community. They provide students with study spaces, IT and internet access, and administrative and support services. 

In November 2022, the Murray River Study Hub – funded under the department’s Regional University Centres program – celebrated a significant milestone with its first student graduation.

Student Emily DeMichelle graduated with a Bachelor of Professional Communication through CQUniversity. Emily was able to remain in her hometown to study and gained part-time employment in her field of study before graduating.

Murray River Study Hub Program Manager Vanessa Leigh said she was overjoyed for Emily to have completed her degree and for all the other graduating regional students.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see our project mission come to life. This student has received the rare opportunity to pursue tertiary education within her local region, and now she’s able to enter our workforce as a skilled professional,” Ms Leigh says.

There are currently 26 RUCs in operation, with an additional eight expected to open in 2023.

The new RUCs will be located in the following areas:

  1. Country Universities Centre Cape York, Cooktown, Queensland
  2. Country Universities Centre Mount Isa, Mount Isa, Queensland
  3. Tablelands University Centre, Atherton, Queensland
  4. Uni Hub Spencer Gulf - Port Lincoln Regional University Centre, Port Lincoln, South Australia
  5. Uni Hub Spencer Gulf – Roxby Downs Outreach, Roxby Downs, South Australia
  6. Country Universities Centre Mallee, Swan Hill, Victoria
  7. Lumen Wheatbelt Regional University Centre, Narrogin, Merredin, Wongan Hills and York, Western Australia
  8. Kimberley Universities Centre, Broome, Western Australia 

Watch our student testimonial videos to find out about the benefits of studying at a RUC.

For more information and to find out if there is a RUC is your area, visit the Regional University Centres page and resources page.


Correct at time of publication.