Two Regional University Study Hubs hosted special graduation events in November.
Country Universities Centre (CUC) Western Riverina in New South Wales honoured its 33 graduating students, while CUC Maranoa in Queensland celebrated 30 graduating students.
The hubs, funded through the Australian Government’s Regional University Study Hubs Program, support students from regional and remote areas across the country to access higher education without having to leave their community.
The hubs provide students with study spaces, computers and internet access, as well as wrap-around support, including administrative, academic skills and wellbeing support.
As of April 2024, CUC Western Riverina was supporting 251 students and has supported 759 students since its opening in 2019, while CUC Maranoa was supporting 140 students and has supported 594 students since its establishment in 2021.
Bachelor of Commerce graduate from CUC Western Riverina Mia Stockwell was grateful the study hub provided her with the tools she needed to study online full-time and manage full-time work.
“Studying online provided the opportunity to take my time management and organisation skills to the next level,” Mia said.
“Studying full-time and working full-time wasn’t a simple lifestyle. However, the experience was rewarding, and I would not change my journey.
“I became more accountable for my learning, intentional with my time, and had a clear direction with my goals as a student.”
Mia also offered her best piece of advice for students starting out in their higher education journey.
“University provides you with an opportunity to apply yourself and strive to be a better learner,” Mia said.
“View studying at university as a new chapter in your education story. Even if your prior education journey had its challenges, don’t let those experiences cloud your judgement to pursue higher education.”
There are currently 46 Regional University Study Hubs located across Australia, of which 41 are currently open and operating. The remaining hubs are expected to be operational by Semester 1, 2025.
In early 2024, almost 4,400 students were being supported by the 33 hubs that were operating, a 29 per cent increase since the same time last year. Since the program’s establishment, 12,836 students have been supported by a Regional University Study Hub.
Watch our student testimonial videos to learn about the advantages of studying at a Regional University Study Hub.
To find out more about the Regional University Study Hubs Program, visit: Regional University Study Hubs.