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, academic skills and wellbeing 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 first 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, please see Suburban University Study Hubs – 2024 Application Round.
2024/25 targeted application round
Applications were also accepted from 18 November 2024 to 17 January 2025 to establish a Suburban University Study Hub in key target areas which remained underrepresented based on the outcomes of the initial round.
On 14 February 2025, the locations of an additional five Suburban University Study Hubs across six locations were announced. These Hubs are expected to open by the end of 2025 in:
- Inala and Beenleigh, Qld
- Mt Druitt, Emerton, Fairfield and Liverpool, NSW
For more information on the 2024/2025 targeted application round, please see Suburban University Study Hubs - 2024/25 Targeted Round.
Map of Suburban University Study Hubs (to open in 2025)
Download a copy of the Suburban University Study Hubs Location Map with a list of locations across the country.
If you have any questions, please contact suburbanhubs@education.gov.au.
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 expand the concept to the outer suburbs of Australia’s major cities.
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