Data shows university centres and hubs in regional areas are working, particularly for first-in-family and First Nations students
This article has been republished from Campus Review. First published on May 7, 2025.
Maranoa Country University Centre. Picture: Jacklyn O’Brien
In the heart of Broken Hill, 22-year-old Hannah Maalste is pursuing a Bachelor of Health and Medical Science, a path that once seemed out of reach due to her remote location and lack of an ATAR.
Her story is emblematic of a broader transformation occurring across regional Australia, where Country University Centres (CUCs) and Regional University Study Hubs (RUSH) are redefining access to higher education.
Established in 2013 with the first centre in Cooma, NSW, the CUC model has expanded to over 28 centres nationwide. These hubs provide students with high-speed internet, quiet study spaces, academic support, and a sense of community – all within their local area.
The initiative is part of the Australian Government’s RUSH program, which aims to improve access to tertiary education for regional and remote students.
“CUCs are changing the game for regional students,” CUC director of student services Dan Keenan said.
“They’re not just study spaces; they’re vital community assets offering academic support, connection, and a genuine pathway to tertiary education for people who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity.”
Since the inception of the RUSH program in 2019, over 15,200 students have been supported through 56 funded hubs, with a 32 per cent increase in student support reported in 2024 alone. Notably, 42 per cent of these students are the first in their families to attend university, and 11 per cent identify as First Nations – figures that surpass national averages.
In towns like Cooktown in Far North Queensland, with fewer than 3,000 residents, there are currently 147 people studying at its hub, with up to 35 different universities represented among local students.
“It’s not about brand prestige – it’s about accessibility and fit,” CUC chief executive Chris Ronan said.
“Students choose what works for their lives, and the hub supports them every step of the way.”
The success of CUCs lies in their deep community roots and decentralised structure. Each centre is independently governed by a local board and staffed by individuals who understand the unique needs of their community. This approach ensures services are responsive and tailored to specific regional requirements.
“Universities often think they know what communities need,” Mr Ronan said.
“But until you ask – and listen – you won’t really understand. “These hubs succeed because they are built with communities, not for them.”
Despite their success, CUCs face challenges, including institutional rigidity and limited understanding of community needs. Ms Keenan also emphasised the importance of authentic collaboration between universities and study hubs.
“Some universities overlook hubs because they might only have a handful of students in each,” she said.
“But those students matter. And from small numbers come snowball effects.”
The Australian government has recognised the value of these hubs, investing $66.9m to double the centres and extend them to outer suburban areas of major cities. This expansion aligns with the Higher Education Accord’s goal of achieving 80 per cent tertiary attainment among Australians over 35-years-old by 2050.
“There are still too many people in this country for whom university is simply out of reach,” Ms Keenan said.
“CUCs are proof that place-based, people-first models work. The question is, will the sector step up and engage?”
As regional communities continue to embrace these hubs, the CUC and RUSH models offer a blueprint for a more inclusive and connected higher education landscape in Australia.
Cate Gilpin is coordinator of Welcoming Universities, a network that aims to build inclusion and belonging in the higher education sector.
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