The Albanese Government is expanding access to higher education through its Suburban University Study Hubs program, creating dedicated study spaces in outer metropolitan areas where university participation rates are traditionally low. The hubs don't deliver formal education themselves but provide crucial support for students studying with any Australian institution, including study facilities, high-speed internet, academic support, and student wellbeing services. Following a competitive application process, the government announced 10 hubs in November 2024, with an additional 5 hubs confirmed in February 2025.

Located in areas like Broadmeadows, Melton, Macquarie Fields, Elizabeth, and Mandurah, these hubs address a key barrier to higher education – geography. Similar regional hubs have already proven successful, supporting almost 4,000 students in 2023 and demonstrating increased university participation and completion rates. The suburban hubs aim to replicate this success in outer metropolitan areas where, despite proximity to cities, many residents still face significant barriers to accessing university education. All 15 hubs are expected to be operational by the end of 2025.

Key points:

• Establishing 15 hubs across outer metropolitan areas

• Free campus-style facilities providing study spaces, technology, and wrap-around support

• Targets areas with low tertiary education participation rates

• Builds on successful regional model that's already supporting thousands of students

• Opens pathways to higher education for disadvantaged communities

[1] https://www.education.gov.au/suburban-university-study-hubs

[2] https://www.melton.vic.gov.au/News-Media/University-Study-Hub-in-Melton-set-to-open-in-2025

[3] https://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2024/release/northern-suburbs-study-hub-welcomed9

[4] https://www.uts.edu.au/partners-and-community/initiatives/social-justice-uts/centre-social-justice-inclusion/transforming-access-role-regional-university-study-hubs-student-equity