A new Regional University Study Hub (RUSH) has officially opened in Tumut, giving local residents a supported pathway to higher education without uprooting their lives. Nearly half of young people in Australia have a degree but not in regional and remote Australia. In Tumut, less than one in four young people have a degree. The evidence shows that university participation goes up where there are Regional University Study Hubs. That gap is exactly what Regional University Study Hubs are designed to close.
The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Snowy Valleys is located at 79-81 Capper Street, Tumut. It offers study facilities and wraparound support services for students enrolled in any university or vocational education and training provider - so students can pursue their qualifications while staying connected to their community.
Minister for Education Jason Clare:
“Today, almost one in two young people have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia, or communities like Tumut. In the years ahead more jobs will require more skills. The Government has set a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification. To hit that target we have to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of people from the bush getting a crack at going to university. The evidence is that where Study Hubs are, university participation goes up. That’s why we are doubling the number.”
The Hon Kristy McBain MP:
“The opening of the CUC Snowy Valleys is a great opportunity for students in our region to pursue a tertiary education while remaining connected to family, friends and local businesses and employers. Study hubs provide student support and campus-style facilities for students who are studying a university or TAFE course without them having to leave their community.”
The Tumut hub is part of the Australian Government's $66.9 million investment to more than double the number of University Study Hubs across the country - expanding access to higher education for students in regional and remote communities who have historically been underserved.
Joint Media Release by The Hon Jason Clare MP, and the Hon Kirsty McBain MP
To read the full press release, please click this link
