A new Katanning University Study Hub provides 24/7 education opportunities for regional students close to home

A new University Study Hub opened its doors in Katanning last Monday, promoting further education support and accessibility in the regions. Operated by Regional Development Australia Great Southern, 12 students have already registered with the University Study Hub in the CBD, which provides high-speed internet study spaces, video conferencing, academic support, administrative guidance and pastoral care. From March 24 it is open Monday to Friday 9am-4pm and will be 24/7 in the coming weeks. With only 12.9 per cent of Katanning young people having a degree, the facility enables those living in regional and remote areas to study at university, TAFE and VET courses without leaving their community. The Albanese Government’s $66.9 million investment is set to double the amount of University Study Hubs in Australia, with 56 regional hubs across the country expected to be open during 2025. Education Minister Jason Clare said the hubs increase education opportunities in remote areas. “Today, almost one in two young people in their 20s and their 30s have a university degree. But not everywhere. Not in the outer suburbs and not in regional Australia,” Mr Clare said. “In the years ahead, more jobs will require more skills. “The Government has set a target that by 2050, 80 per cent of workers will have a TAFE or university qualification. “To hit that target we have to break down that invisible barrier that stops a lot of people from the bush getting a crack at going to university. “The evidence is that where University Study Hubs are, university participation goes up that’s why we are doubling the number of Regional University Study Hubs.” Assistant Minister for Education Anthony Chisholm said the hub will change lives. “Each time we’ve opened a new study hub, just like this one in Katanning, we’ve removed educational barriers that can stop people from attaining a tertiary qualification,” Mr Chisholm said. “Around 44 per cent of students who are registered at the existing hubs across the country are the first in their family to attend university, which is fantastic to see.” “The hubs in Broome, Albany and Geraldton have changed the lives of hundreds of students. Now Katanning locals will get the same opportunity.”