The Coalition Government is providing an additional $400 million to increase opportunities for regional, rural and remote students to get a world-class education and support regional university campuses.
As part of the Government's new package announced today, the Government will provide:
- $5,000 to students from outer regional and remote areas to help pay the relocation costs when they move to study a Certificate IV qualification or higher, as well as improvements to Fares Allowance, to make it easier for relocated students to travel home during their first year of study.
- $500 million to universities for programs that support Indigenous, regional and low SES students.
- $48.8 million to fund research collaboration between regional universities, industry and other higher education partners.
- $21 million to establish additional Regional University Centres throughout Australia.
- 3.5 per cent growth in additional Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding to regional and remote university campuses.
- Demand-driven funding to support more Indigenous students from regional and remote communities to go to university.
As part of this package, we will also appoint a Regional Education Commissioner to drive the Napthine reforms and support the implementation of the Government's Regional Education Strategy.
The regional, rural and remote education initiatives announced today represent a key part of the Coalition Government's delivery of the recommendations made in the National Regional, Rural and Remote Education Strategy.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said every Australian should have access to a world-class education, no matter where they live.
"Our package provides additional support for Australians in regional, rural and remote Australia to have access to a world-class education," Mr Tehan said.
"Halving the gap in attainment and participation rates in regional and remote areas by 2030 will increase GDP by 0.6 per cent by 2050, or around $25 billion a year.
"We are supporting more Australians from regional and remote areas to learn the skills they will need to succeed in the jobs of the future."
Mr Tehan said the Government's package would provide additional support to regional universities in recognition of the important role they play in local communities.
"Our Government is directing more research funding to help grow regional universities and unlock the potential of regional and rural Australia," Mr Tehan said.
"Establishing more Regional University Centres will strengthen investment in regional communities and create more opportunities for students to study without having to leave home.
"To improve participation and attainment rates of regional students, we are also providing additional Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding to regional campuses.
"The measures announced today will create new opportunities for regional and remote students to study closer to home, help students to meet the costs of studying away from home, and build the research capacity of regional universities."
