Tertiary reforms to unleash potential of regional Australia

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.