A new Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) research report reveals Regional University Study Hubs (RUSH) are transforming access to higher education for students in rural and remote communities - and could play a vital role in achieving the goals of the Australian Universities Accord.
Regional University Study Hubs are used by regional and remote students to support their tertiary studies regardless of the institution, providing everything from study spaces and computer facilities, to support services such as study advice and how to manage administrative processes.
Led by ACSES Equity Fellow at University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Danielle Keenan, the report highlights how these hubs are not only helping students enrol and succeed at university, but also strengthening local communities and economies.
"This research shows Regional University Study Hubs are not only widening participation in higher education - they're reshaping what access and success look like in and for regional, rural and remote Australia," Ms Keenan said.
The report's key findings include:
- Dedicated study spaces with proper infrastructure help students feel like they belong in higher education, boosting retention and confidence.
- Staff relationships matter - trusted, supportive staff build students' self-worth and academic belief.
- Partnerships are powerful - collaboration with universities, schools and community groups strengthens support and aspiration.
- Local impact is real - hubs help develop skilled local workforces and reduce the "brain drain" from regional areas.
The report recommends renewing and rethinking funding for the RUSH program, developing national standards of practice and strengthening partnerships across education and community sectors.
These recommendations align closely with the Australian Universities Accord, which calls for expanded access to tertiary education in regional areas, fairer funding and stronger support for underrepresented groups.
The Accord sets a bold target of 80 per cent of working-age Australians having a tertiary qualification by 2050.
"If the recommendations from this study are accepted and implemented, they would considerably strengthen the Regional University Study Hubs program and enable more communities to experience an increase in higher education participation," Ms Keenan said.
ACSES Research and Policy Program Director Professor Ian Li said the research would help broaden engagement and the effectiveness of Regional University Study Hubs.
"This will mark essential steps forward in the path to an inclusive and equitable Australian higher education environment," Professor Li said.
UTS Head of Equity Pathways Sonal Singh said the report showed hubs, universities and local partners each add something distinct.
"When those pieces come together, regional, rural and remote learners are more likely to start, persist and succeed."
For more information:
- "We want to build a culture of learning in our community": The widening participation functions of the Regional University Study Hubs Program (full report available on the ACSES website)
