Country Universities Centre (CUC) Isaac and CUC Hughenden have officially opened, thanks to funding provided under the Australian Government's Regional University Study Hubs program. Their launch brings the total number of hubs in regional Queensland to 12.
Facilities at the hubs include study spaces, computers and high-speed internet, as well as academic skills and administrative support.
CUC Isaac, already supporting over 50 students, is the product of a community-led partnership involving the Isaac Regional Council, Queensland State Government, industry partners and university representatives. The hub is staffed from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday, while students have extended access from 6am to midnight, 7 days a week. A second site in Clermont will open in coming months.
CUC Hughenden was established through the support of Flinders Shire Council, which will continue to oversee the hub's operations. Students have access to the hub's facilities until midnight, 7 days a week.
Bachelor of Engineering student at CUC Isaac, Elsie Munyorwi, explained how important it is for students like her to have access to the hub to support online study.
"Being able to be in an environment where I can meet other students who are also studying online has really made me feel more comfortable with my own online study. It is the same as being on campus, so I am very thankful for the CUC in Moranbah," Elsie said.
There are 56 Regional University Study Hubs located across the country, with 49 of them currently open and supporting students. The seven remaining hubs are due to open by the end of 2025.
The most popular fields of education among students supported by regional hubs are health (33%), education (17%) and society and culture (16%).
