The Albanese Government has announced that Epping and Broadmeadows will be home to one of 10 new Suburban University Study Hubs, bringing university closer to home for people in Melbourne’s north and north-western suburbs. 

A recommendation of the Universities Accord, Suburban University Study Hubs will help more people from the outer suburbs get the opportunity to get a tertiary education.

Almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree today, but in the Hume and Whittlesea LGAs it’s only around 36 per cent.

This new Study Hub can help change that.

Study Hubs provide student support and campus-style facilities for students who are studying a university or TAFE course without having to leave their community.

The evidence shows that where they are, university participation increases. 

The new Hubs are expected to be operational by mid-2025. The 10 locations were chosen following a competitive application process.

In total, the Government is investing $66.9 million to establish 20 more Regional University Study Hubs, and 14 new Suburban University Study Hubs in the outer suburbs of our major cities.

A further round for four additional Suburban University Study Hubs opens on Monday and will target low SES areas with low university attainment in the outer suburbs of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

For more details visit Suburban University Study Hubs - Department of Education, Australian Government

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

“Almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree today. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia. 

“That’s why we are doubling the number of University Study Hubs, to bring university closer to people in our outer suburbs and regions.

“We know they work. The evidence is they increase the number of people going to uni and finishing a uni degree.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou:

“Education has the power to change lives and I wholeheartedly welcome Broadmeadows having its own University Study Hub.”

“The Hub will make learning easier and more accessible for all our young people to reach their full potential.”

“Research shows where these hubs are, university and TAFE participation, go up. This Hub can only bring good to the community.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Scullin, Andrew Giles:

“This new University Study Hub in Epping will make a real difference and open up opportunities – especially for first in family students.”

“I am proud to be part of a Labor Government that is delivering a better and fairer higher education system and breaking down barriers to participation.”

Media Contacts:                

Maya Kypuros (Vamvakinou) (03) 936 75216

Monika Galovic (Giles) (03) 9497 9783