The Australian Government-funded Regional Partnerships Project Pool Program is addressing these challenges by funding outreach projects across Australia that inspire students, including those experiencing disadvantage, to consider and pursue tertiary study.
One of these projects is Study Hubs in Place (SHIP), a partnership between Study Hubs Australia and the University of Technology Sydney. SHIP supports Regional University Study Hubs (RUSH) across Australia to design and deliver community-led outreach activities in partnership with tertiary education providers.
RUSH support students in regional and remote areas to access tertiary education closer to home. They provide study spaces, computers, internet and student support services.
SHIP brings RUSH, universities and communities together to design and deliver locally tailored outreach - connecting schools, TAFEs, universities and community organisations to create stronger pathways into tertiary education.
Danielle Keenan, co-CEO at Study Hubs Australia said the initiative recognises the importance of local communities driving participation efforts.
"Through SHIP, we're demonstrating what can be achieved when study hubs, universities, schools and communities work together to create opportunities that reflect local needs," Danielle said.
"Across 21 community-led, place-based outreach projects in 7 states and territories, young people are discovering careers they may never have considered, exploring different pathways into tertiary education and beginning to see those opportunities as realistic possibilities for their future."
In 2026, SHIP expanded to include 21 RUSH nationally.
From 2023 to 2026, SHIP programs reached 9,300 students in 149 schools to foster understanding of the value of education and explore a wide range of study and career paths both within and outside of their region.
